On their way to the test site, Aldrian marveled at the surroundings, admiring the magnificence of the nature-based imperial palace under the world tree of Evergreen. He was truly amazed by the elves who had created this palace, as it looked so natural and did not disturb the aesthetic of the world tree.
"The elves can control the energy of the forest, they can manipulate the roots of trees and shape the forest as they wish. The spirit of the world tree must have truly blessed this place for the elves to let them build such a structure under her." he thought.
"Young master, are you really alright?" Eleine's voice suddenly came through a voice transmission.
"Why wouldn't I be? I don't care about their blabbering, so you don't have to worry." Aldrian smiled and assured her.
Eleine felt relieved when she heard that. Earlier, when Marquess Andra spoke as if Aldrian was a fraud and suggested the test in the Forest of Despair, she felt rage but couldn't express it for obvious reasons—they were in the Ivory Empire and on their turf. It still irritated her even now, even after her young master had resolved the issue himself. However, she was still worried about the Forest of Despair, knowing its fame and history. But seeing his nonchalant expression, she could only sigh and support Aldrian's decision, hoping for his safe return as they continued to walk in silence.
Inside the imperial palace complex, there was a large room with a high platform and a circular formation 50 meters in diameter, surrounded by eight stone pillars. This place was primarily used by the imperial family to assess the talent of its members, but it could also serve as a testing platform. Aldrian stood in front of the formation, examining it and its intricate designs. The platform, with stone pillars arranged in a circle like Stonehenge, created a formation resembling an altar.
"We named this place The Hall of Origin because it is used to check our origin, the soul itself, this place was built by my predecessor who comprehend karma laws and formation. The formation here is one of the most complex, as it can scan one's soul, innate talent, and potential for future cultivation simultaneously. It also provides an assessment based on all those factors combined. Do you see the stone pillars? Later, letters will appear to show your result." Elthar explained to Aldrian, who was standing beside him.
"We then created a downgraded version, altered it slightly, and made it smaller for portability. That device has helped us catch criminals and devils for years, it's called the Orb of Origin that you knew. For now, you can stand in the middle of the formation to start." Aldrian nodded in understanding before walking into the formation.
The noble elves who had followed them to watch were intensely focused on Aldrian, as this was a moment of truth. Was it possible that someone at his supposed initial years of cultivation could reach such a high stage? Did he really possess a talent so tremendous that he could battle enemies many realms above him? Aldrian stood at the center of the formation and closed his eyes.
"Insert your energy into the formation and relax. Don't resist the energy that tries to enter you." Elthar instructed. Aldrian did as he was told, beginning to channel his energy into the formation. As he did so, the formation reacted with a green light, and a kind of energy slipped into Aldrian. He stood there with a calm expression but thought to himself,
"This feeling is similar to when I touched the Orb of Origin, but it's more intense." The tingling sensation from his soul and body provided him with a new experience, stronger than the Orb of Origin.
"This is also an opportunity to further comprehend my soul. Maybe this energy will give me new insights and opportunities." As always, Aldrian began to cultivate his comprehension in every possible situation and opportunity. He continued pouring his energy into the formation without hesitation, causing the light to grow more intense.
The green light became blinding before changing to a golden hue. The elves, some of whom had to cover their eyes, were shocked by this change. Before they could understand what was happening, the light returned to green and then dimmed. The stone pillars trembled for a moment before letters appeared on their surfaces. The elves focused on the writing and were astonished by the result.
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Age : 12 years old.
Cultivation : High Viscount.
Talent : Unmeasurable.
Potential : Unmeasurable.
Conclusion : Can't Conclude.
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"He... he's really 12 years old and at the Viscount stage, it's truly unbelievable."
"Unmeasurable? What does that mean?"
"I don't know, that kind of result has never been shown before."
The elves were bewildered and began asking each other questions.
"Your Majesty? Your Excellency?" one of them looked at Emperor Ladwin and Imperial Teacher Elthar, seeking answers. But the two of them were also in shock, exchanging stunned glances.
"Even the Hall of Origin can't measure him! The formation that can assess up to peak Emperor talent can't measure him. What does that mean, teacher?" Emperor Ladwin sent a voice transmission to Elthar.
"His talent and potential are beyond peak Emperor according to the Hall of Origin! It's unprecedented, so I don't know his limit." Elthar answered.
"Does that mean he can become beyond the Emperor stage?"
Elthar was silent, not answering, because he also wasn't certain. The stage beyond Emperor? Even the majority of the continent's population had forgotten about it. It had been a long time since a cultivator of that stage had appeared. They knew there was a stage beyond Emperor because, millions of years ago, such individuals existed, according to records from the distant past. However, due to certain reasons, the Emperor stage had become the limit on this continent.
Aldrian opened his eyes and looked at the engraved letters on the stone pillars. "Unmeasurable, huh?" he then walked back to Elthar, noticing the different gazes from the elves—now filled with awe, shock, and fear.
"I knew you were different, but to be assessed as unmeasurable is beyond my expectations. I don't know how to describe you anymore, little Aldrian. It's a pity that Grand Duke Sylvaris had to stay in Balin and couldn't see this." Elthar said.
"You are amazing, Aldrian, as expected from the one the teacher picked himself," Emperor Ladwin said.
"I just followed the procedure, Your Majesty," Aldrian then looked at the other elves. "I hope with the result from here, there is no doubt between the esteemed yourselves and me regarding my talent and potential."
"The next test is in the Forest of Despair, which is located close to the border of the Doria Empire. Let me know when you're ready," Emperor Ladwin said.
"I choose to continue, Your Majesty. Let's go to the Forest of Despair." Aldrian replied.
"Alright, we will depart shortly after preparations are complete."
Crack
Suddenly, they all heard a crackling sound from the stone pillars. They were horrified to see cracks spreading across one pillar, soon followed by others.
Crack crack
"Shi—" Emperor Ladwin almost cursed as the pillars began crumbling into piles of stones. All they could do was watch as one of their important places was destroyed.
Aldrian, seeing this, could only manage a bitter smile and said to the elves,
"Uhmm, I can help fix this."