After the announcement, the guards began dividing the survivors into groups. It was a methodical process, each individual was called forward and directed to their designated area based on their potential.
Low-potential individuals were grouped together, their faces a mix of resignation and frustration. The average-potential group was larger, filled with quiet murmurs of mediocrity. The high-potential group stood with quiet pride, their heads held higher as if their potential was already setting them apart.
When Zack's turn came, he wasn't directed to any of the larger groups. Instead, one of the guards led him to a smaller area where only a single figure stood waiting—the man with the deadly aura.
Zack approached cautiously, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. The man turned to face him, his sharp eyes as unreadable as ever.
"Zack," the man said smoothly, his tone steady.
Zack hesitated for a moment before replying. "Yeah… that's me."
The man's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "I already know."
Zack frowned. "How?"
"The band," the man explained, gesturing to the one on Zack's wrist. "Whatever name you think of yourself as the band registers it automatically. I knew your name before you even stepped off that stage."
Zack blinked, caught off guard by the revelation. "That's… creepy."
The man chuckled. "Efficient."
Without further preamble, the man motioned for Zack to sit. "Let's get to it. I'm going to show you what your ability is."
Zack sat cross-legged on the ground, watching as the man crouched in front of him. The man raised his hand, and Zack's Ithra band emitted a faint glow.
"Focus on the band," the man instructed. "Think about the energy inside you. The Ithra."
Zack did as he was told, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the faint warmth radiating from the band. Slowly, the text began to appear on the glowing surface.
Ability: Night's Death.
Zack tilted his head. "What does that mean?"
The man leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "It's the name of your ability. Abilities like this are usually multi-faceted. You likely have more than one, but they're locked for now."
Zack glanced at the band again. Beneath the ability name, a list of smaller entries appeared. Only one was visible: Night Vision. The rest were marked as question marks.
"Why can't I see these?" Zack asked, gesturing toward the question marks.
The man's expression turned serious. "Because you can't control the Ithra in your body well enough yet. Your potential is peak, but potential is just that—potential. You'll have to work to unlock the rest."
The man stood, gesturing for Zack to follow. "Let me show you something."
He led Zack to a clear space and turned to face him. "Ithra isn't just a passive energy—it's something you can direct, and control. Start with your hand. Focus on channeling Ithra into it. You'll feel a warmth, maybe a tingling sensation. Try it."
Zack nodded, holding his hand out. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the faint energy inside him. Slowly, his hand began to glow faintly, a soft blue light tracing his veins.
"Good," the man said, his tone approving. "Now try your arm. Then your legs, your feet. The goal is to spread Ithra through your entire body, to feel its presence everywhere."
It took several tries, but Zack managed to channel the energy into his limbs. When he finally spread it through his entire body, he felt a surge of power, as if he were lighter, stronger, faster.
"You're probably noticing it now," the man said, his voice calm. "You're stronger than you remember, faster. That's the Ithra saturating your body."
Zack flexed his hand, marveling at the feeling. "What's next?"
The man's expression turned serious again. "This is just the beginning. Once you can do this consistently, come back to me. Then I'll teach you how to create your Ithra core. It will be the foundation of your power, but you're not ready yet."
Zack nodded, determination flaring in his eyes.
"As you get better at channeling Ithra, some of your abilities will manifest on their own," the man continued. "For now, focus on control. Everything else will follow."