As soon as Link entered the academy, he was immediately captivated by the novel surroundings!
The Doran Continent was a realm of swords and magic, reminiscent of the medieval style of the Western world on Earth.
Within the Imperial Cultivation Academy, towering magic towers and majestic Western-style castles stood in close proximity, while vast expanses of neatly manicured lawns stretched out before him. The entire academy exuded a sense of grandeur and solemnity, yet it also showcased an old-fashioned charm unique to the nobility.
Before long, under Gabriel's guidance, the group of participating students arrived at a spacious open square.
Link instinctively focused his gaze ahead and saw three stone doors, each over two meters tall and covered in intricate magical runes, standing prominently in the center of the square, emanating a strong wave of magical energy!
"What is that?" Link raised an eyebrow.
"That is the 'Talent Testing Matrix,' a unique magical artifact. Participating students only need to step through the center of the matrix, and it will immediately detect the level of their talent," Erin explained, seemingly sensing Link's curiosity.
"Oh!"
Link nodded in realization, thinking that this device was indeed quite remarkable and far more convenient than the talent-testing stone he had used before.
"Son, I'll wait for you over there. I wish you great success in this assessment!" Bruno, who had been accompanying Link, said as he took his leave.
"Alright."
Link nodded and instructed Ron to stay with Bruno to ensure his safety.
After taking care of everything, Bruno turned and walked to the other side of the square with Ron.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the square, a number of parents who had come from all over the country to observe the assessment process had gathered, confirming Bruno's earlier statement that the Imperial Cultivation Academy indeed welcomed outsiders to witness the proceedings.
At the same time, the chief examiner, Gabriel, called out once more as he saw that everyone had arrived, "Now, please line up and prepare for the talent test!"
Upon hearing this, the participating students quickly moved their feet and formed an orderly line, without any chaos.
Standing behind Erin, Link inhaled the faint fragrance emanating from her and nervously asked, "Miss Erin, are there any requirements for talent in the assessment at the Imperial Cultivation Academy?"
"Requirements? What kind of requirements?" Erin asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I mean... for example, if someone has slightly lower talent, they won't be directly eliminated, right..." Link's face flushed as he recalled the embarrassment of his first talent test. He felt particularly uncertain about this upcoming assessment.
"Oh! So that's what you meant!" Erin's eyes lit up with understanding as she smiled and said, "Don't worry, this talent test is just a formality to gauge the students' abilities. It won't affect the assessment process. In other words, as long as you have some cultivation talent, you can participate in the subsequent evaluations!"
"Then I can relax!" Link sighed in relief upon hearing this.
"However, Link, why do you ask? With your strength, I believe your talent shouldn't be too bad, right?" Erin furrowed her brows and asked again.
"I..." Link's face turned red. He was well aware of his own talent!
But in front of a girl, he certainly wouldn't admit defeat. So he mustered his courage and declared, "I was just curious! Of course, you don't need to worry about my talent; it will definitely be fine!"
"Oh!" Erin replied, giving Link a curious glance.
At that moment, the talent testing finally began. The first participant stepped confidently into the "Talent Testing Matrix" in the center of the square.
In the next instant, accompanied by a faint surge of magical energy, a dark green light appeared at the center of the "Talent Testing Matrix"!
Gabriel quickly announced, "From Kaido City, Palsa, has a first-tier summoner cultivation talent!"
Following closely behind, the second participant stepped forward.
This time, the light from the "Talent Testing Matrix" shone a deep purple, and its brightness was slightly stronger than before, displaying two beams of light.
"From Doro City, Dietrich, has a second-tier magician cultivation talent!" Gabriel announced again.
Next, several more participants passed through the "Talent Testing Matrix," and as more and more students completed the test, Link finally understood!
It turned out that in the "Talent Testing Matrix," dark green represented summoner cultivation talent; deep purple represented magician cultivation talent; and fiery red represented warrior cultivation talent.
The level of talent was based on the number of beams of light displayed by the "Talent Testing Matrix," with the highest being seven tiers and the lowest being one tier.