Just after Radek announced the top five, the sound of firm, resonant footsteps caught everyone's attention. Sir Aldric and Princess Selene approached the training grounds, followed by a small group of elite knights. The presence of the two leaders was imposing, each step seeming to convey undeniable authority.
The summoned fell silent, watching the leaders who had brought them into this world, aware of the importance of the occasion. Sir Aldric, with a satisfied smile on his face, stopped beside Radek and turned his gaze to the five top performers.
"Today, you have demonstrated your physical strength and your ability to withstand the harsh trials of our kingdom," Sir Aldric began, his voice deep and resonant. "This is no small feat. Naomi, Luther, Ithan, Borik, and Elise," he said, pronouncing each name with a respectful tone, "you have stood out among a group of summoned ones from various worlds. It is not just your effort that brought you here, but your will to adapt to the unknown."
Princess Selene, standing beside him, added in a soft yet firm voice, "We appreciate each of your courage, but know that this is only the beginning. In Aether, physical ability is just one part of the power this world offers. Mana also exists here, the very essence that enables our abilities to flourish. And in some, this connection can be even stronger."
Sir Aldric nodded at Selene's words and then turned to Radek, who was waiting for orders. "Captain Radek, proceed with the mana test."
The next test involved mana control. The summoned lined up, and Radek explained what they had to do.
"It's simple," he said, raising a crystal sphere. "All you need to do is place the palm of your hand on this sphere, infuse your mana into it, and it will determine your affinity with the type of mana."
Radek began to explain the types of mana:
Arcane Mana (white): The most common, used for basic elemental magic and conventional spells.
Vital Mana (orange): Used for healing and increasing vitality. Controls wound regeneration.
Elemental Mana: Divided into Fire (red), Water (dark blue), Earth (green), Air (light blue), and Lightning (yellow). This type of mana allows for the skilled manipulation of natural elements.
Dark Mana and Divine Mana: Extremely rare and normally linked to specific races. Affinity for these is nearly nonexistent in humans.
"The brighter the color, the higher your mana affinity," he explained. "If the color is dim... well, let's just say you shouldn't expect to use magic very effectively in your lifetime."
One by one, the summoned began to approach the crystal sphere, placing their trembling hands on its surface while holding their breath. Radek observed each reaction with a cold expression, evaluating the intensity and color of each summoned person's glow.
Naomi was the first of the top five to approach. With a confident expression, she placed her palm on the sphere, and within seconds, an intense red glow filled the crystal, illuminating her face with a fiery light. The color's intensity was so great that even Radek raised his eyebrows with an approving smirk.
"Fire," Radek said, in a tone that suggested respect. "And with high affinity. You have potential, girl."
Naomi removed her hand, a spark of excitement in her eyes as she stepped back.
Ithan was next. His eyes analyzed the sphere cautiously as he extended his hand. Upon touching it, two brilliant colors appeared almost instantly: a deep blue and a radiant white, lighting up the sphere with an intensity that clearly showed his inner power.
"Water and Arcane," Radek announced, regarding Ithan with a slight smile of recognition. "A powerful and rare combination. Useful if you learn to control them."
Ithan nodded, barely showing a smile before stepping back, his eyes gleaming with pride at his success.
Next was Borik's turn. With his usual confident smile, he placed his hand on the sphere. Instantly, three colors shone in unison: white, red, and green. The glow was intense, though it did not match Naomi's or Ithan's purity.
"Earth, Fire, and Arcane," murmured Radek, squinting. "Versatile. You'll need to work hard to make use of that multiple affinity."
Radek paused briefly, laughing as he commented, "Well, it seems you're not as useless as I thought. Haha…"
Borik nodded with a mix of pride and determination, giving Luther a quick glance before stepping away, as if silently wishing him luck.
Elise was next. She placed her hand on the sphere with a calmness that hid her nerves well. Instantly, four different colors filled the crystal: a soft orange, the white of Arcane mana, a vibrant green, and a clear light blue.
"Vital, Arcane, Earth, and Air," Radek said, impressed. "I rarely see such a diverse affinity."
Elise removed her hand, a mix of relief and satisfaction on her face, aware of the possibilities her results offered.
Then, just when everyone thought the round was over, an unknown young man stepped forward. No one in the group recognized him, but the nervousness and anticipation grew as he placed his hand on the sphere. Upon touching it, the light began to vibrate and shine in a display of multiple colors: red, blue, green, light blue, yellow, and white. The sphere displayed the hues of all the elements and Arcane mana, with an overwhelming intensity that left everyone stunned.
Even Radek was silent for a moment before regaining his composure. "A complete elemental affinity… and Arcane as well," he said gravely. "This result is rare, very rare."
The young man withdrew his hand, and a murmur of awe spread through the group. Some looked on in disbelief, others with envy. Princess Selene exchanged a meaningful look with Sir Aldric, who gave a slight nod, as if sharing a silent thought.
Finally, it was Luther's turn. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding. The results of the others had impressed him but also sparked his competitiveness. This could be his chance to secure a place in Princess Selene's training.
Swallowing hard, he approached the crystal ball, his gaze fixed on the soft glow emanating from within. For a moment, he hesitated, feeling the pressure in his chest. Still, he didn't allow his nerves to stop him.
Slowly, he lifted his trembling hand and placed it on the sphere…