Chereads / Symbiogen: The Resonance Nexus / Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

It was a thick, lumpy atmosphere at the heart of town where the peoples were gathering in mass. The head of the village, an older man with his eyes set deep and skin long, rose up onto the podium. He carried himself in such a way as to command respect, and the crowd died down quickly once he started talking.

"Everyone, welcome," the chief said, his voice low and laced with gravity. "Today we must take a test.

The village chief rose before all that had gathered, and his voice rumbled deep and commanding. "By now, you all know that the world is populated by Naxsons."

There was a murmur of people in confusion as they started speaking with one another. "Naxsons? "Naxons??" crowd went crazy.

The chief raised his hand again to quiet the murmurs. "Yes, Naxsons. They are dangerous creatures, and only those who are gifted can outmatch them. Ordinary people mean nothing against them." His eyes scanned across the crowd-cold, stern. "So, everyone, get in line. It is about time we see where each of you stand.

The villagers shuffled into a line, each tense with anticipation. Luca found himself near the back, his eyes fixed on the chief trying to suppress the growing knot of nerves in his stomach. Just ahead of him was Lefn-a girl whose Symbiote was said to be as beautiful as it was powerful. And behind him stood Aiko, her usual playful energy muted by the weight of the moment.

The head of the tribe moved forward, holding onto some sort of antique-looking orb. Some kind of shrouded light was swirling over its surface. "Many years ago, one of the Symbiotes gave this orb to us," he said. "When you channel your power into it, the orb will expose how much of your Symbiote's strength you can harness. Understood?

The silent crowd nodded, their eyes fixed on the orb. He gestured to the first in line, and one by one, they stepped forward to test their power.

As the line went further and further forward, Luca felt his nervousness mount higher and higher. He could see what the result was of each person. Most were considered average and could use only 4-5% of their Symbiote's power. When it came to Lefn's turn, the orb began to glow more fiercely than before and cast a light of radiance over the crowd.

The chief's eyes opened in surprise. "We have a talented one!" he said, almost screaming with excitement. "Come forward, little one. What is your name?"

The girl came forward with a soft smile. "My name is Lefn."

The chief nodded his head in approval. "Lefn here can use up to 9% of her Symbiote's power. Everyone, applaud for her!

The people erupted in a deafening clapping, tittering with murmurs of amazement. Lefn colored somewhat but held her head high.

Then, it was Luca's turn. He stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. As he placed his hand on the orb, it began to glow-but not quite as radiant as with Lefn. The light dimmed, and the orb coughed up his result: 4%.

The village head nodded but said nothing. "Next, he called .

Luca stepped aside with mixed feelings of disappointment and frustration. Aiko came on, and the orb glowed once again. Her result: 5%.

Aiko grinned as she came to Luca's side, hitting him lightly on his back. "I can't believe I'm stronger than you!" she jabbed with a giggle.

Luca rolled his eyes, even though a slight tugging of a smile was forming on his lips. "Just you wait, I'll surpass you in a day."

Aiko only raised an eyebrow, her grin spreading across her face. "Surpass me? Impossible! You can get as strong as me, but surpass? Not in this lifetime."

Luca burst out laughing. "Oh, yeah. How could I forget?

Aiko leaned towards Lefn, who was still receiving congratulatory pats on his back. "That girl, though…9%. She has a real chance of reaching 20%. That's both impressive and kind of scary."

Luca nodded, his eyes contemplative. "I know. I wish I could use that much power…"

Aiko exhaled, and the normal frolicking intonation made its way to softening. "Same here. But who knows? Maybe in next life."