Amara glanced at Commander Celeste, who raised her wrist, revealing a sleek, modern device strapped around it. It was a watch, though calling it that seemed an understatement. The smooth interface shimmered faintly with embedded runes, a fusion of advanced technology and mana craftsmanship.
Thoughts of Kael:
That's the universal device everyone uses in this world—more than just a timepiece. It's essential for communication, purchases, accessing the Federation's internet, and even managing credits, the digital currency we all use. With it, you could transfer money, buy things online or at stores, and do much more. Of course, the more advanced the functions, the more expensive the device, making the high-end versions a luxury for most.
I never had one myself, not because they're rare—quite the opposite—but because of my punishment. In this fortress, there's no practical use for it anyway. No shops, no network access, and no need to communicate beyond its walls.
Celeste tapped the glowing surface of the device, and a few moments later, the door to the room opened. A man entered, carrying a black briefcase that practically radiated mana. I could see faint tendrils of energy swirling around it, as though the contents were alive.
Amara gestured toward the briefcase, and the man approached, setting it down gently on the table. His movements were precise, almost reverent, as though handling something invaluable. My pulse quickened as I recognized the device inside: a mana potential analyzer.
I knew this was coming, but my nerves spiked anyway. The analyzer was a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, capable of reading a person's mana potential, traits, and even their affinity. Normally, that wouldn't bother me—but the Darkness trait within me did. While Darkness wasn't outright despised in this world, it carried a stigma. It wasn't light, and anything opposed to light always raised eyebrows. The Church of Lumina, with its vast influence, discouraged the use of Darkness, labeling it an ill omen. While there were others who possessed a Darkness attribute, they were often ignored, left to struggle with their powers. No one wanted to help them, and no one strong enough to teach them.
That's where Noctharis comes in. According to him, he's the pinnacle of Darkness mastery, a being who embodies its essence. With him, I could rise above the stigma, but if my trait were exposed now, it could complicate things. My family wouldn't outright condemn me, but they might grow suspicious. The Church's whispers might influence even them, and I couldn't afford to draw attention just yet.
Amara's voice broke my thoughts. "This will only take a moment," she said, her tone casual, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced at the briefcase. Celeste remained silent, her posture steady, but her gaze was sharp, watching me as though trying to discern my reaction.
The man unlatched the case, and the room filled with a faint hum of mana. My fists clenched under the table. This was it—the moment of truth.
Liana hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting mine briefly before stepping toward the device. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out, placing them delicately over the smooth, glowing orb. The room grew silent, every pair of eyes focused intently on her.
At first, the orb only vibrated faintly, a soft hum filling the air. Then, without warning, a brilliant golden light burst forth, illuminating the entire room. The glow was warm, almost divine, radiating an aura that made everyone stop and stare in awe. The intensity grew rapidly, so much so that it became difficult to look directly at it.
Commander Celeste and Amara exchanged surprised glances. Even they hadn't expected such a spectacle.
"Healers," I thought, watching the display. They don't follow the same ranking systems as combatants like us. Their strength isn't determined by measurable attributes like ours, but by the sheer potency of their healing abilities. Some healers are nothing more than minor supports, while others are capable of standing against SSS-ranked warriors, using their powers to keep entire armies alive. This level of radiance, though... this wasn't normal.
Even I couldn't help but compare it to the story I knew. The hero's party included a healer of immense talent, one whose awakening had caused a similar golden brilliance. But this? This was brighter—much brighter. It was as if the orb itself struggled to contain the overwhelming power within Liana.
Amara was the first to speak, her tone filled with rare admiration. "Splendid," she said, standing from her seat and moving toward Liana. She gently took Liana's hands, her expression filled with something I hadn't seen before—genuine respect. "You are extraordinary, Liana. Your potential... it surpasses even the royal family's prodigy. If anyone were to find out about this, nations would clamor to earn your favor."
Liana didn't respond. Her gaze flickered toward me for a brief moment, then she bowed her head and quietly stepped back to her place beside me. Her movements were deliberate, but there was a storm of emotions in her eyes.
Amara's smile faltered briefly, her brows furrowing at Liana's gesture. She recovered quickly, however, and turned to Commander Celeste. "I trust no one outside this room will hear of this," she said firmly, though her voice still carried its noble arrogance.
Celeste nodded, her expression unchanging. "Of course. It will remain a secret."
Satisfied, Amara turned her attention back to me, her smile sharpening into something almost predatory. "Now, dear brother," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "It's your turn."
I stepped forward, my stomach tightening. My mind raced with possibilities, fears, and doubts. If the orb somehow revealed my trait—Darkness—it could bring nothing but trouble. Despite the world's tolerance for Darkness users, there was always an undercurrent of distrust, largely fueled by the Church. And worse, if anyone suspected Noctharis' involvement...
I placed my hand on the orb. It was cool to the touch, vibrating with restrained energy. Almost instantly, the orb began to tremble violently, far more than it had with Liana. The hum grew louder, deeper, resonating throughout the room like the growl of an awakened beast.
Then came the light.
But it wasn't golden.
A dark, shadowy aura seeped out from the orb, swallowing the golden glow that had once filled the room. The air grew cold, heavy, and oppressive. The soldiers standing by the walls shifted uncomfortably, their hands instinctively moving toward their weapons. Even Commander Celeste's stoic expression faltered slightly.
A gasp escaped from Liana, her hand covering her mouth as she took a step back. Amara and Celeste exchanged alarmed looks, and for once, Amara's mask of confidence cracked.
The orb itself began to fracture, thin cracks spiderwebbing across its surface as if it couldn't handle the energy pouring out of it. I heard a faint snort of amusement in the back of my mind—Noctharis, clearly finding the situation entertaining.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the trembling stopped. The orb dimmed, its glow fading completely as it fell silent. Unlike with Liana, a screen materialized in front of me, displaying my results for all to see.
Potential: S+
Current Rank: E+
The silence was deafening. Amara's gaze darted between the cracked orb and me, her expression unreadable. Celeste's eyes narrowed, her body tense as if preparing for something unexpected. Liana, on the other hand, simply stared at me, her face pale.
I stepped back, hiding the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. This is it, I thought. Let's see how they handle this.