"It has been 150 years since our ancestors created this Meris Clan, and for many years our bloodline has grown stronger and purer. We have also worked hard to maintain our prestige and fame as well as amass strength." He continued as he looked over the people gathered.
When my father allowed me to be head of the clan, I thought I could not handle it, but my inner Meris allowed me to keep order and surpass him as a leader. Now, fast forward to today, the new generation, all of you are ten years of age.
After today, you will join your older siblings in the prestigious Star Mancer Academy. I hope you will all work hard, and one day achieve your own status as Shift Battle celebrities, as well as help carry this clan to greatness."
As he spoke those words, the man being Tessa, Lucas, and Nian's father, gazed at Lucas as if those last words were spoken to him. Lucas gave a sharp look and a faint smile as he nodded slightly.
The man soon spoke,
"My name is Ailred Meris, and I hope and pray that like my name is known, one day your names shall be known as well". As Ailred finished speaking, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
Soon the floor seemed to split and melt as a large pedestal rose with a glowing metallic surface. An orb seemed to grow out from the metal surface with a transparent look. Ailred then stood up and made his way over to the orb.
"Listen well new generation. As you know, this is a Hope Gene orb, created to help show if one has a Hyper ability or not." as Ailred spoke, he placed his hand on the orb which began to shine a deep crimson red. He then spoke.
"Our family has a Fate Hyper Ability known as Red Flame. We can manipulate this flame using the energy around us or the energy of our Mancer. This flame is hotter than a blue flame, and can be manipulated into many shapes. Futhermore, it will increase one's strength."
Ailred released his hand from the orb before he raised the very same hand opening his palm before a rod like energy shot up from the center of his hand then reshaped as if it were alive. it formed into a large longsword that emitted a deep red fiery glow.
"My Red Flame is considered A rank in level. I hope you will one day match or surpass me." he said as he wore a proud smile on his face.
The children began to whisper to each other. Ailred dispersed the red flame blade before walking over and taking his seat. Mr. Flays then walked over and spoke out.
"When your name is called out, please approach the orb and place either hand on it."
After several seconds, he called out the first name.
"Lynal!"
The young boy from the opposite end of Nian made his way over and looked around nervously.
Seeing his parents nod with pride, he forced a smile before touching the hope gene orb. A second later, a soft reddish color began to form before claps echoed . Mr Flays then spoke out as he took out a tablet like device and spoke.
"F Rank, Red Flame. Good, now then, Fretton!"
As the next individual went up with a bit of pride, the same situation appeared as he got the same result. From then on, one by one names were called up until it had reached Tessa.
"Tessa Meris, your turn."
At the mention of her name everyone remained quiet. Tessa grinned before stepping up; she laughed.
"I don't need some stupid orb to tell me I'm gifted."
Extending her left hand out, a Red Flame began to surge faintly forming a twisted looking short sword. Immediately people began to clap with excitement and speak to each other from surprise regarding Tessa.
Mr. Flays chuckled.
"Very good. Truly a prodigy, but please touch the orb so we may measure your Red Flame."
Shrugging, Tessa did as he asked before a fairly well lit red color appeared.
"Very good, E rank Red Flame." Mr. Flays announced.
With the smile and look of satisfaction Tessa got from her father Ailred, she went back and lined up.
"Lucas!.." Mr. Flays called out.
Everyone remained silent wondering how well the boy everyone called a prodigy would do. Lucas had shown intelligence, strength, and calmness, as well as diligence in many situations that his seniors and others approved of.
Lucas quietly made his way to the Hope Gene orb. He extended his left hand onto the orb while his right opened up. At the same time the orb began to glow a light white and crimson color, a surge of living white and red flame danced around his right arm before forming a longsword. Although not close to his father's, it was still enough to stun everyone.
Ailred immediately stood up with opened eyes.
"T….two Hyper abilities?"
Lucas's mother on the sidelines couldn't help but show a proud expression as the white color was thanks to her hyper ability known as Light Flow.
Not only did it allow one to bend and manipulate light, it could also be used to heal wounds. Mr. Flays gazed at Lucas, shocked as Lucas shared the surprise and quiet expression on everyone's face. Tessa's eyes widened as she clenched her fists before pouting quietly and folding her arms.
Nian's mouth opened up from surprise as well, as happiness for Lucas. Ailred gulped as he turned to Mr. Flays.
"What does it say?!" speaking with eagerness.
Mr. Flays nervously looked at the tablet as his eyes nearly bulged out from the device he wore.
"D..rank….Red Flame...and Light Flow."
At that very moment, everyone erupted as they spoke to each other trying to wonder how this had happened.
Ailred gave a shout like laugh that quieted everyone down.
"Family members, look at young Lucas, he will surely lead the new generation to greatness. I hope you seniors will teach him well."
The individuals lined up beside ailred all nodded trying to recover from the shock.
Lucas walked back and took his position as Nian replied quietly in a whisper. "W… what, you were hiding how good you were." Lucas gave a soft chuckle and Tessa soon spoke. "Hmph, just watch I'll overtake you in the Red Flame don't be too big headed." she spoke in a hypocritical manner.
Soon as everyone calmed down Mr. Flays spoke. "Nian!" everyone remained quiet as they all knew who Nian was although he had some talent in art, it didn't matter for their family. Nian who was nearly sweating bullets made his way forward.
Lucas whispered quietly. "Don't worry, in the end you're still blood and you will get the Red Flame." Nian turned and looked at Lucas before building up the courage to nod and smile. Nian than proudly walked over and placed his right hand onto the orb.
One second, two seconds, three seconds, and soon a whole minute of no change as well as quiet remained. It wasn't that anyone wanted to interrupt him or wait, it was that after the five second mark everyone was just too shocked to say anything this was simply unheard of.
Nian who had lost his courage and was nearly on the verge of tears looked up at Ailred whose expression remained straight. "F...father I..." before he finished Ailred called out. "Bring a White Key!"
Immediately an individual came and gave Mr. Flays a box with the Meris emblem on it. Mr. Flays then went over and placed the box on the surface near the orb. He spoke quietly, "Nian open the box and eat the White Key then touch the orb after ten seconds."
Nian did as he asked without issue. He picked up the mass of energy that made his fingers tingle before placing it in his mouth. As soon as it entered the energy seemed to liquefy, causing Nians mouth to tingle as it slid down his throat fusing into his body on it's way down.
Nians heart began to beat faster as he desperately hoped this would work. He couldn't even bare to face Lucas or even Tessa who was most likely enjoying this. He didn't even dare to look at his father unless he had a positive result.
"Touch it." Ailred spoke out with no worry in his voice. Nian without looking him in the eye did so, placing his hand again on the orb. One second, two seconds, three seconds until 20 seconds passed people began to chatter in shock at Nian having no Hyper ability whatsoever.
"Silence!" Ailred called out which immediately silenced everyone. "Go back in line" Ailred spoke to Nian in a tone that showed disappointment. Nian shakily made his way as he stood beside Lucas who also didn't know how to react.
Even Tessa was trying her best not to grin as she was over the moon that something good had come of this.
"Tomorrow you will all leave to Star Mancer Academy. Every month you will be given a Devourer core based on your improvement. Lucas will receive a D rank Devourer core per month, Tessa an E rank Devourer core per month, and everyone else a F rank devourer core per month. I wish you all luck." with that said Ailred no longer wanting to stay immediately stood up and left in a disappointed manner.
Soon chatter began to continue before everyone spoke about the three who caused a stir today. "N... Nian don't worry… even without a Hyper ability you can become great." Lucas tried to console Nian who silently cried as tears streamed down his cheek.
Tessa gave a soft laugh before speaking as she and their cousins walked off. "Don't waste your time on useless trash." she spoke before disappearing into the group of adults to speak to her mother.
"I...I can't believe it… no… Red Flame… nothing… I… I failed." he mumbled to himself. Lucas remained silent and was about to speak before his mother walked over, "Lucas dear let's go." she gave Nian a disgusted look before placing her hand on Lucas shoulder and escorting him away.
Lucas only glanced sadly at Nian who was left alone. Mr. Flays walked over and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Young master don't worry. This only means you need to work twice as hard, I'm sure you will do well."
Nian wiped his tears and clenched his fist as he nodded. "Twice as hard… I'll do it… I won't draw anymore I'll focus on training… I'll prove I can still be valuable to the clan..." Mr. Flays laughed softly and nodded. "Very good, let me help you prepare for tomorrow there's quite a bit you probably don't know about the academy."