Leonhardt felt himself drifting in the void, his senses dulled. Panic rose in his chest as he tried to speak, but his body refused to respond.
"Calm yourself," a deep voice resonated through the emptiness. "The mana concentration here is overwhelming for mortals. Relax and let it flow through you."
Heeding the advice, Leonhardt ceased his struggle, allowing the ethereal current to envelop him.
"Good," the voice approved. "Now, let's begin by unlocking your mana."
A tiny point of light descended, barely visible in the vast darkness. As it made contact with Leonhardt, it vanished, and suddenly his world exploded into sensation.
"Interesting reaction," the voice mused, as Leonhardt felt his very being tear apart. His bones crackled, every fiber of his body screaming in agony.
Another voice, calmer but no less authoritative, cut through his pain. "You've experienced this before. Your body is reacting to pure mana for the first time. Calm your mind, and the pain will subside."
Focusing on the voice, Leonhardt centered himself. Gradually, the agony receded, leaving behind a tingling warmth throughout his body.
The first voice spoke again. "Now for the selection. I will bestow upon him a rare trait, with the potential to reach S-rank."
The void shimmered, and Leonhardt sensed rather than heard a heated debate among unseen entities.
"In the absence of any objections," the voice finally declared, "I, Pallas, grant you the S-rank potential trait of Aura Manipulation."
Leonhardt's form began to glow, and suddenly his mind was flooded. The god's voice continued:
"While Aura is a common trait, yours is unique. You are only the second mortal to receive it with S-rank potential. Use it wisely, and you may surpass normal human limitations."
As the energy faded, Leonhardt found himself back in the physical chamber. Nine imposing statues surrounded him, but one drew his attention. A stone tablet at its base bore the name 'Pallas'.
Exhausted, Leonhardt stumbled towards the exit. As he opened the door, he was met with a sea of expectant faces. The priest approached, barely containing his excitement.
"What gift did you receive, Prince Leonhardt?"
Leonhardt's eyes found Zen in the crowd, and a smirk played across his lips. "I was bestowed with the Aura trait," he announced, his voice carrying through the hall. "And its potential is S-rank."
The chamber erupted into chaos. Whispers and shouts filled the air.
"This means the prince could become a Sovereign!"
"Aura at that level... he might even master the legendary 'Lord's Aura'!"
As Leonhardt was escorted to a side chamber, the ceremony continued. One by one, young nobles entered and emerged changed.
Sir Derrick received Fire Manipulation with A-rank potential. Theo, son of Marquis Alexis, emerged with S-rank Shadow Manipulation, sending another wave of excitement through the crowd. Mia, the blue-eyed was stated to be a guest of Marquis Alexis, she was then allowed in before the scions of nobility present, she was granted Ice Manipulation, also at S-rank potential.
When it was Tess's turn, she entered the chamber with grace that turned heads. After a time, she emerged, her face serene but her eyes sparkling with newfound power.
"I received Precognition, rank S," she announced. The priest's eyes widened in amazement.
"You will be of great help to the temple, my lady," he said, ushering her to join the others.
Finally, it was Zen's turn. As he stepped into the room, his rune began to glow uncontrollably. The door shut behind him with a resounding thud, and Zen felt a shift in the air around him.
"Welcome," a thunderous voice greeted him, the sound threatening to burst his eardrums. "We shall begin now. Try to remain calm."
Zen steadied himself, and for a moment, the chamber was silent. Then, a voice that had been quiet until now spoke up.
"I will take this one."
The declaration seemed to shock the other entities present. "He's claiming a mortal? This hasn't happened in centuries!"
Another voice cut in, "That's not how we do this. I will grant this child the S-rank trait of Wind Manipulation."
As the debate raged on, Zen felt his consciousness slipping away, the pressure of the mana and the divine presence becoming too much to bear.
Suddenly, a powerful voice silenced the others. "I will gift this child a trait ranked EX!"
The chamber erupted into chaos once more. "Are you trying to bring about the end times?" one voice demanded.
"What trait could possibly reach that level?" another asked, curiosity evident in its tone. "No mortal skill has ever approached EX-rank. Such power is a hair's breadth from godhood!"
As the commotion died down, the god spoke again. "I will bestow the trait of Gluttony."
Before Zen could process what was happening, he felt his body being torn apart. With great effort, he managed to stay conscious.
"In the name of Eos," the god intoned, "I grant you Gluttony."
As the room gradually returned to normal, Zen heard the god's final words: "The trait I have given you is unknown to mortals. Its potential is beyond their understanding. Be cautious in its use..."
Zen staggered to his feet, his mind reeling. "I can't reveal this unknown trait," he muttered to himself. "But I can't pretend to be weak either. What should I do?"
As he approached the door, an image of Leonhardt's smug face flashed in his mind. In that moment, Zen made his decision.
He pushed open the door and stepped out to face the expectant crowd. The priest smiled at him encouragingly.
Taking a deep breath, Zen declared, "I was gifted the Aura trait, with S-rank potential."
The chamber exploded with excitement once more. Whispers grew throughout the crowd.
"Two S-rank Aura users in one generation!"
"As expected of the hero's son!"
The priest, barely containing his excitement, called for the next candidate. But Zen's mind was elsewhere, grappling with the weight of his newfound power and the secret he now carried.