Amidst his daydreams, a nagging thought crept into his mind, shattering his euphoria. What exactly had Alicia said? That he'd find his accommodations and resources outside the estate, unrestricted?
Incredulous, he refocused on Alicia. "I beg your pardon," he said, his voice laced with skepticism. "Could you clarify your previous statement?"
Alicia's smile remained unwavering. "Of course," she replied, her tone measured. "As someone we deem exceptional, you'll have unrestricted access to your own resources and networks. You'll be free to pursue your adventures, unencumbered."
The young man's expression turned disbelieving. "And... no one will stop me from leaving the estate?" he pressed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alicia's laughter was melodious. "You're a heaven-grade talent, a one-of-the-quintillion geniuses," she said. "Why would we restrain you? Your freedom is part of my promise to you."
He searched Alicia's face for deception but found only sincerity in her eyes.
"Are you certain?" he asked, caution lacing his voice.
Alicia nodded emphatically. "Absolutely. We want you out of the Haslberg Estate, not in the clan. Please, don't let our presence limit your genius."
Each word from Alicia's mouth was like pure gold, but the young man detected a hint of subtle mockery beneath her sweetness.
As he pondered, Alicia's smile grew wider. "Now, shall you proceed by making yourself scarce from the Estate?" she asked, her tone dripping with polite dismissal.
The young man hesitated, unsure if he'd stepped into a dream or a nightmare. Was this genuine freedom or a clever ruse?
With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he rose from his seat. "I'll take my leave," he said, his voice measured.
Alicia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Excellent choice," she said. "Remember, your genius is one of the uncountable. Don't let anyone restrain you."
Her words hung in the air, imbued with depth, making his heart swell.
"We saw your worth," she continued. "I assure you, we wouldn't dream of shackling your brilliance. You're free to soar, to explore, to revolutionize."
Alicia rose from her seat, her movements fluid. "You have our full support," she said, her hand extending. "Should you need anything, don't reach out; no one should know our connection."
The young man took her hand, feeling a jolt of electricity.
"I won't forget," he promised.
Alicia's smile widened. "I know you won't. You have a fire within you, a flame that will illuminate the world."
As he departed the estate, the young man couldn't shake off the feeling that Alicia's words concealed a hidden agenda.
Yet, he was willing to take the risk, to trust in her sincerity.
The world outside beckoned, full of mysteries and challenges.
With Alicia's blessing, he was ready to face them head-on.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow.
The young man's heart swelled with anticipation.
What lay ahead? Success or failure?
Only time would tell.
But one thing was certain: Alicia's words had ignited a fire within him.
That flame would burn bright, guiding him through trials.
His journey had begun.
And Alicia's words echoed in his mind: "Your genius is one of the uncountable."
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Back at the estate, Alicia von Haslberg sank into the plush chair, releasing a deep sigh as exhaustion washed over her. The encounter with the young man had left her drained.
Her maid, Named Elara, hastened to her side. "Milady, would you like some refreshment?"
Alicia nodded, her raven-black hair rustling against the chair's velvet upholstery. "Ice-cold water, please."
Elara bowed and disappeared, returning with a crystal glass filled with icy liquid. Alicia accepted it gratefully, her slender fingers wrapping around the glass as she raised it to her lips.
The first sip was like a balm to her parched throat, quenching her thirst and revitalizing her spirits. She closed her eyes, letting the coolness spread through her, calming her racing thoughts.
As she sat there, Alicia's mind wandered back to the young man. His rugged good looks and effortless charisma had stirred something within her, but all that was extinguished the moment she discovered his delusional mind.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity. "He really thinks the lowest talent, one even commoners possess, is that of a genius," she mused aloud.
Elara's expression remained neutral, but a hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Your thoughts, milady?"
Alicia's amusement deepened. "He's... entertaining, to say the least, he's thoughts were written all over his face he would have made a great jester. But his arrogance is staggering. Does he truly believe he's exceptional?"
Elara's voice was measured. "Perhaps, milady, he's simply unaware of the world's standards."
Alicia's laughter was like music. "Unaware? Or blissfully ignorant? No, Elara, this young man is convinced of his own superiority of his own success."
As she spoke, Alicia's gaze drifted to the window, where the setting sun painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold.
Elara hesitated before asking, "Do you think he'll succeed, milady?"
Alicia's smile was enigmatic. "Only time will tell, Elara. But one thing is certain: his journey will be... fascinating to watch."
Curious about the young man's fate, about the trajectory of his life. She had saved him once, plucking him from the brink of despair, and that was enough for her.
Yet, she couldn't deny the thrill of anticipation that coursed through her veins. She wanted to be among the first to know should something happen to him, should his life take a dramatic turn.
All of it would be at the tip of her fingers, a mere whisper away. Her vast network of informants and spies would keep her informed, would feed her every detail.
Alicia's eyes sparkled with amusement. She had always been drawn to power, to the intricate dance of intrigue and manipulation. And the young man, with his unbridled arrogance, was a fascinating pawn in her game.
As she sat there, surrounded by the opulent trappings of her estate, Alicia felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. She had saved him, and now she would watch him soar – or plummet.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine, a thrill of excitement that left her breathless.
"Elara," she said, her voice low and husky, "ensure that our... arrangements are in place. I want to be informed of any developments regarding the young man."
Elara nodded, her expression impassive. "Already done, milady. You'll be the first to know."
Alicia's smile was enigmatic. "Good. I wouldn't want to miss a single moment."
As the silence enveloped her, Alicia's thoughts drifted back to the young man. What lay ahead for him? Would he rise to greatness, or would he succumb to the pressures of his own ambition?
Only time would tell.
But one thing was certain: Alicia von Haslberg would be watching, always ready to see the broken Visage of the young man, to guide him toward his destiny – or to hasten his downfall.
The ice-cold water in her glass seemed to have lost its chill, but Alicia didn't notice. Her mind was aflame, consumed by visions of the young man's future, and her own place within it. as the god behind the scenes.
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The true talent and aptitude levels were shrouded in mystery, known only to a select few in these lower cities as clans, guilds, Kingdoms and empires hold monopoly over techniques. These talents individuals have were classified into three grades: Heaven, Void, and Primal. Each grade was further divided into six minor levels, and within those levels, nine lights of the spectrum revealed the depth of their abilities.
*Heaven Grade*
Minor Levels:
1. Ethereal
2. Celestial
3. Auroral
4. Luminous
5. Radiant
6. Transcendent
Within each minor level, the nine lights of the spectrum revealed the effectiveness of their abilities:
Ethereal (Level 1)
- Violet (9th): Illusory shields (80% effectiveness)
- Indigo (8th): Energy manipulation (75% effectiveness)
- Blue (7th): Elemental resistance (70% effectiveness)
- Green (6th): Healing acceleration (65% effectiveness)
- Yellow (5th): Enhanced senses (60% effectiveness)
- Orange (4th): Telekinesis (55% effectiveness)
- Red (3rd): Pyrokinesis (50% effectiveness)
- Infrared (2nd): Thermal regulation (45% effectiveness)
- Ultraviolet (1st): Empathic connection (40% effectiveness)
*Void Grade*
Minor Levels:
1. Abyssal
2. Darkmatter
3. Shadow
4. Eclipse
5. Umbra
6. Oblivion
Within each minor level, the nine lights of the spectrum revealed the effectiveness of their abilities:
Abyssal (Level 1)
- Violet (9th): Gravity manipulation (90% effectiveness)
- Indigo (8th): Spatial awareness (85% effectiveness)
- Blue (7th): Time dilation (80% effectiveness)
- Green (6th): Energy absorption (75% effectiveness)
- Yellow (5th): Enhanced strength (70% effectiveness)
- Orange (4th): Illusory projections (65% effectiveness)
- Red (3rd): Teleportation (60% effectiveness)
- Infrared (2nd): Environmental adaptation (55% effectiveness)
- Ultraviolet (1st): Cosmic awareness (50% effectiveness)
*Primal Grade*
Minor Levels:
1. Elemental
2. Organic
3. Crystal
4. Magnetic
5. Electric
6. Quantum
Within each minor level, the nine lights of the spectrum revealed the effectiveness of their abilities:
Elemental (Level 1)
- Violet (9th): Elemental fusion (85% effectiveness)
- Indigo (8th): Nature empathy (80% effectiveness)
- Blue (7th): Weather control (75% effectiveness)
- Green (6th): Plant manipulation (70% effectiveness)
- Yellow (5th): Animal communication (65% effectiveness)
- Orange (4th): Geomancy (60% effectiveness)
- Red (3rd): Fire manipulation (55% effectiveness)
- Infrared (2nd): Earth manipulation (50% effectiveness)
- Ultraviolet (1st): Air manipulation (45% effectiveness)
The young man's talent, though impressively named, was surprisingly common. He possessed a Heaven Grade aptitude, specifically within the Ethereal minor level, resonating at the Ultraviolet frequency.
At this level, his powers were nascent yet potent, granting access to a single ability: Empathic Connection. This fragile thread of energy allowed him to sense emotions and feel the vibrations of those around him.
His cultivation direction was inextricably linked to Empathic Connection, tied to the ancient pathways of the Six Emotions and Seven Desires. These channels harnessed raw human sentiment, fueling growth.
However, this power came with conditions:
1. He could only cultivate one emotion or desire, lest his focus be diluted.
1. Corruption from emotions and desires loomed, threatening to consume him.
1. Unchecked power risked catastrophic consequences: brainwashing weaker individuals through his aura.
The Empathic Connection ability was a double-edged sword, predisposing him to psychotic disorders and the Demon Path cultivation.
In the realm of cultivation, talent grades dictated the scope of one's abilities. The higher the grade, the more potent the powers.
Heaven Grade talents, like the young man, resonated at ultraviolet frequencies, unlocking a single ability.
A fascinating aspect of this system was the hierarchical structure:
Higher Grade talents could access lower Grade talents' minor level abilities.
Void Grade talents could harness Heaven Grade abilities with ease.
Primal Grade talents could tap into Void Grade and Heaven Grade powers.
Heaven Grade talents, however, had no access to lower Grade abilities, as none existed.
The key to this access lay in the First Cultivation Realm, at minor levels 3, 6, and 9.
At these thresholds, cultivators made pivotal choices:
Selecting an ability from a lower Grade talent(same minor level), three spectrums beneath their own resonance.
Some would abandon other abilities to choose one within their talent's grade, three spectrums beneath their own.
Cultivators faced unique limitations:
A maximum of four abilities:
1. One Main Ability (inherent talent)
1. Three Sub-Abilities (chosen at minor levels 3, 6, and 9)
Exceptions existed:
Void Grade talents could sacrifice two Sub-Abilities for a Void Grade Minor Ability:
1. One Main Ability
1. One Void Grade Minor Ability
1. One remaining Sub-Ability
Primal Grade talents required an even greater sacrifice:
Forgoing all three Sub-Abilities for a single Primal Grade Ability:
1. One Main Ability
1. One Primal Grade Ability
A lifelong commitment.
The young miss called him delusional, but perhaps his talent had awakened.
Was his unwavering confidence a sign of true potential?
Or did the darkness within his Empathic Connection already whisper temptations?
Only time would reveal the truth.
The young man's journey had just begun.
And the cultivation realm's mysteries awaited.