What is that?
I focused all my mana on this unknown presence, determined to draw it out.
And then—
BOOM!
A sharp explosion resounded, a force erupting from within my body. Pain lanced through my head as if it had been split open. For a moment, I thought I might lose consciousness.
Just kidding, Cardiff saved me, right in the time.
The circle beneath me glowed brighter than ever, its blue light intensifying as symbols began to etch themselves into the air around me.
Smoke dispersed rapidly around me, revealing the scene for all to see.
Cardiff Arion was holding me by my sleeves as if he had saved me from some perilous situation. Before me, floated a golden-yellow grimoire, adorned with a brilliant sun emblem. The book wasn't excessively large nor small—it was an average size, resembling any ordinary tome.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"By the heavens, he got a grimoire!"
"Rolan's hier has awakened a grimoire!"
"What fortune for the Loclover Kingdom…"
"The 1 amuong the 10,000!!"
The nobles from Loclover, however, seemed less surprised, as if this was within their expectations.
"Considering the hereditary nature of grimoires, his awakening isn't all that surprising," Trik remarked, fanning himself while masking his envy behind his elaborate manners.
But the glint of jealousy in his eyes, mirrored by others around, was unmistakable.
'I'm lucky…!' or at least that's what I should say.
Doesn't matter. I scratched my cheek, keeping my expression neutral.
Bah, losers! What can you do other than envy me now? Nothing but flatter me and try to curry favor.
Now with this, this world become more interesting.
A strange connection tied me to the grimoire, as though it was a part of my very being. I waved my hand, and the book moved in tandem, responding effortlessly to my thoughts.
Golden hue and a sun emblem… This must be related to the light element, right? Or maybe it's sun magic? Thoughts of Verdi crossed my mind—how smug he would be upon learning about this.
Wasn't he also a mage aligned with the light element? He used to boast about it often.
ِAnd yes, so it truly awakened during the rite after all…my ability from my original world! I felt something stir in my mind, like a small computer embedded within my consciousness.
I decided not to delve into the grimoire or the mysterious sensation immediately. That would be for later, once I returned to the estate.
How do I hide this? I glanced at the book, then at Cardiff. "Mr. Cardiff, how can I conceal it?"
"It's simple," he replied, glancing at the grimoire without emotion. "Though I don't possess a grimoire myself, friends of mine have explained the process."
"Channel your mana within, and then imagine it disappearing."
Just imagine. I hesitated for a moment before directing my mana and focusing on the thought of hiding the grimoire.
Woosh!
Contrary to my expectations, the book didn't vanish into my forehead. Instead, it merged with my right arm.
A burning sensation spread through my arm, and when I examined it, I found a large sun emblem imprinted on my palm, big enough to cover it entirely.
"Well done." Cardiff nodded approvingly. "Heir of Rolan, wait for the elemental affinity test."
"Understood."
Descending from the platform, I noticed how the crowd instinctively parted, giving me ample space.
Ah, standing out like this is always a hassle… Leaning against the wall, I waited for the next phase, indifferent to the gazes scrutinizing me.
After some time, I was guided into another room.
Inside, a large device took center stage. Its surface resembled a flat compass inscribed with magical runes and elemental symbols. At its top sat a hollowed-out glass sphere.
Engraved beneath it, in Zadaka language, were the words: [Elemental Affinity Compass].
The official overseeing this test was different from Cardiff, who was busy handling the others.
This test was conducted privately to ensure confidentiality regarding the number of affinities detected and to avoid drawing undue attention. Verdi had explained this to me beforehand.
Even if it weren't standard procedure, I would have requested it. After all, secrecy has its perks…
"Place your hand here," the examiner instructed, pointing to a large hand-shaped imprint beneath the glass sphere.
I feel like I only have light and fire affinities, but it doesn't hurt to try… Shaking my head, I placed my hand over the imprint.
"Now, channel your mana into the device."
Following his instruction, I directed my mana into the compass.
Using mana stung slightly, a lingering effect of the earlier amplification during the rite.
Clink!
The compass trembled, and specks of light began gathering within the glass sphere. Simultaneously, the needle of the compass started moving.
This is draining… I frowned but continued pouring mana into the device.
Over the years, my mana reserves had increased slowly yet steadily. This was something I had realized during my secretive use of fireball spells. Of course, the increase wasn't substantial—I could manage five fireballs now, compared to fewer before.
Without this growth, I might have fainted while operating the compass.
Whoosh!
Within the glass sphere, a small blazing orb materialized, radiating a fiery orange glow. Its heat was palpable, even through the barrier of the glass.
The needle pointed somewhere between the 'Fire' and 'Light' symbols.
A sun element? Does such a thing exist? I was taken aback, though it aligned with my earlier assumptions about the sun emblem on my grimoire.
The examiner seemed momentarily startled but quickly regained his composure.
Peering closer into the sphere, I squinted. 'Wait… Is that…?'
Beyond the blazing sun orb, I spotted a faint, purple cloud.
"Sun, correct? You may stop channeling mana now," the examiner stated.
Stopping the flow, I glanced at him curiously. "Excuse me, but what is the sun element? Also, what's that faint purple cloud I noticed?"
Rather than answer directly, the examiner asked, "If I'm not mistaken, you're from Rolan family?"
'Is that even a question? Just answer already!' I kept my impatience in check, waiting for him to continue.
"I don't know much, but I've read this phenomenon happened with your great-grandfather two generations ago. It's why your family is renowned for sun magic, as it doesn't belong to any primary element."
"There are many non-primary elements, but the sun isn't part of those categories either."
"Of course, I'm restricted from sharing detailed information."
"What you need to know now is that sun magic grants you affinities with two primary elements." He gestured toward the compass symbols. "Fire and Light."
'Sun magic, huh?' Is this what the royal family is after? Still… it doesn't seem that overwhelming…' I decided to leave further questions for Verdi.
But deep down, I felt thrilled. My starting point was extraordinary!
"As for the purple cloud…" The examiner glanced at the glass sphere again, his expression shifting.
"Excuse me…?"
"Oh, no need to worry." He leaned in, inspecting the cloud. "I just wanted to confirm something."
Finally, he exhaled, turning back toward me with a faint trace of envy. "That purple cloud signifies an affinity with the space element."
Space? Space!
"Excuse me? Are you sure?"
"Yes. However, it's a faint affinity. I recommend not focusing on it much—it'll drain your efforts."
"You likely won't find any space-element mages in nearby regions."
I was stunned.
Did I hit the jackpot? Wait a second—am I still the chosen one? A grimoire and a space affinity?
Tsk, I shook my head, dismissing my thoughts.
"Are you alright, boy?" the examiner asked, puzzled by my silence.
I blinked, shaking off my shock. "I'm fine! Why do you ask?"
Patting my shoulder, he offered a reassuring smile. "No need to worry. Your future is secure now."
"Excuse me, but… what's the matter?"
"Ah, seems you don't know." Chuckling, he pulled out a small mirror and handed it to me.
Peering into my reflection, I saw the same golden-haired, gray-eyed boy with a small, charming face.
But there was something different.
White strands…? Faint streaks of white hair now ran through my golden locks.