The separate chamber where Zen and the other newly awakened nobles gathered began to fill with an air of excitement and nervous energy. As more young aristocrats filed in, their faces a mix of pride and uncertainty, Zen observed them with keen interest. The majority bore the mark of B-rank potential or lower, their auras flickering like candles in a gentle breeze. However, two others stood out, their presence more pronounced—undoubtedly A-rank potentials.
The room itself seemed to breathe with anticipation. Unlike the grand hall they had just left, this chamber was more intimate, designed for instruction rather than ceremony. Two rows of plush seats lined the sides, creating a central aisle that led to an ornate podium. The walls, adorned with tapestries depicting great heroes of the empire, seemed to watch over the gathered youth with silent approval.
As the last two nobles entered, the door closed with a soft thud that echoed through the room. Moments later, Cedric, his robes rustling with each hurried step, made his way to the podium. His eyes sparkled with an excitement he could barely contain.
"Congratulations, esteemed scions of nobility!" Cedric's voice rang out, filling the chamber. "You now stand among the elite citizens of our great empire. But make no mistake—this is not the end of your journey, but merely its true beginning." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "This year's awakening ceremony has yielded an unprecedented number of S-rank potentials. The eyes of the entire empire will be upon you, watching your every move, anticipating greatness."
Cedric's expression grew solemn as he continued, "Now, we move on to the next crucial step in your development." With a wave of his hand, the air in the room seemed to shift. The subtle change was quickly explained as four men entered, their presence commanding immediate attention.
The newcomers wore ornate uniforms of crimson and ivory, the colors of the imperial military. Three of them bore silver fringes on their epaulets, marking them as high-ranking officers. But it was the fourth man who truly captured the room's focus. His epaulets gleamed with golden fringes, and a scarlet coat hung regally from his shoulders, its sleeves dancing freely with each movement. Emblazoned on the back of the coat was a striking white cross, its significance lost on none present.
As the man approached the podium, his sheer physical presence seemed to dwarf Cedric. He moved with the fluid grace of a predator, each step calculated and powerful. Standing beside Cedric, the contrast was stark—the priest looked almost childlike next to the newcomer's towering, muscular frame.
Cedric's voice, tinged with reverence, cut through the awed silence. "Esteemed guests, I present to you Sir Gerald, Viscount of the realm and Commander of the Holy Knights. He also serves as the Vice President of the illustrious Darkus Knight Association."
A collective gasp rippled through the room. The name 'Gerald' was not unknown to these young nobles—tales of his exploits had been part of their bedtime stories for years.
Cedric and Gerald exchanged a respectful nod before the priest stepped back, yielding the podium to the imposing knight.
Gerald cleared his throat, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Good day, young lords and ladies—and of course, Prince Leonhardt." His eyes swept across the room, seeming to assess each individual in turn. "As Cedric mentioned, I am Gerald. My purpose here today is twofold."
He raised two fingers, lowering them in turn as he elaborated. "First, I will guide you through the full awakening of your traits. Second, I will instruct you on how to activate and begin harnessing your newfound abilities."
The room buzzed with excitement at his words. Gerald allowed a small smile to play across his lips before continuing. "Let us begin with the first task. It's simpler than you might expect. Focus your mind and either think or say the word 'status'. This will reveal information about yourself and your trait. Go ahead, try it now."
As one, the room erupted with a chorus of "Status!" Zen, caught up in the moment, found himself joining in.
Instantly, a translucent purple screen materialized before Zen's eyes, floating in mid-air. His eyes widened as he took in the wealth of information displayed:
[ Status ]
{Name: Zen Briar
Age: 15
Level: 1
Potential: EX
Attributes: [Strength: 10] [Mana: 20] [Agility: 10] [Stamina: 10] [Dexterity: 11]
Trait: Gluttony...(more)
Skill: [Analysis: Low-High]}
Intrigued by the '(more)' notation next to his trait, Zen focused his thoughts on it. Immediately, additional text appeared:
[ Trait — Gluttony ]
God: Eos
Bestowed: Zen Briar
Trait Info: One of the seven deadly sins. This skill grants the user unlimited consumption of a target's skill if all conditions have been met.
Skill cost: 4 mana per use, increasing by 6 for successive uses.
Activation conditions: Skill directed at the user, direct contact with the target, or consumption of a part of the target.
Zen's mind reeled at the implications of this information. He barely registered Gerald's continued instructions.
"This status window is exclusive to mana and skill users," Gerald explained, his voice cutting through Zen's thoughts. "Most of you now possess an innate understanding of your skills. The key is to draw out this power from your core, to feel it coursing through your very being."
As he spoke, Gerald activated his own skill. A palpable aura of power began to emanate from him, filling the room with an oppressive force. "I am an A-rank aura user," he stated matter-of-factly. "What you feel now is my weakest output. For those with sensory abilities, you'll find it difficult to distinguish between my skill and my mana—they are one and the same."
The room's atmosphere grew heavy, the very air seeming to thicken. Many of the young nobles visibly struggled under the pressure, their faces contorting with effort.
"Is he trying to kill us?" Tess's voice cut through the tension, a note of panic in her tone.
Zen, fighting to maintain his composure, suddenly noticed a new message appearing before him:
[ Warning! ]
Hostile energy detected. Countermeasures being prepared... Skill analysis: A-rank Aura. Absorption will increase potential as user grows. Absorb skill?
Yes/No
Confused but intrigued, Zen mentally selected 'Yes'. The screen flickered, replaced by a new message:
[ Warning! ]
Skill copy attempt failed due to user's low level. Searching for alternatives... Found!
User can access base ability: [Basic Aura: A-rank]. Absorb?
Yes/No
Again, Zen chose 'Yes'. In that instant, he felt the oppressive pressure from Gerald's aura lessen, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Simultaneously, a strange sensation washed over him, as if something foreign yet familiar was seeping into his very being.
Gerald, meanwhile, suddenly tensed. His eyes narrowed, scanning the room with newfound wariness. Without warning, he deactivated his skill, the overwhelming aura dissipating as quickly as it had appeared.
"And that," Gerald said, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion, "is how you use your skill." His gaze lingered on the assembled nobles, as if trying to identify the source of the disturbance he'd sensed. "Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. You are the elite of the Darkus Empire—act accordingly."
As Gerald and his retinue filed out of the room, Zen noticed one final message:
[ Note! ]
Congratulations! Skill acquired: [Basic Aura: A-rank... more]. Skill now available for use. Refer to status window for details.
Zen sat in stunned silence, the implications of what had just transpired slowly sinking in. He had not only witnessed the power of an A-rank skill firsthand but had somehow... absorbed it? The possibilities swirled in his mind, both exhilarating and terrifying.
As the other nobles began to stir, their excited chatter filling the room, Zen remained lost in thought. He knew that this was only the beginning—the true test of his newfound abilities, and the secrets they held, lay ahead.