Nymeria, Kael, and Sylveria nodded eagerly, anticipation lighting up their faces as they awaited the moment. They were excited to see what elements the Emperor's grandson would possess.
Ruston turned to Renan and asked, "Are you ready, Renan?"
"Yes, I'm ready, Grandpa. But what do I need to do?" Renan replied, curiosity evident in his childlike voice.
Ruston smiled calmly. "Well, Renan, do you see these stones with different colors?"
Renan nodded, his wide eyes fixed on the altar.
Ruston continued, "All you need to do is place your hand on one of the stones. If you possess the element represented by that stone, it will shine. Additionally, there are four smaller stones embedded beneath each large one. These smaller stones will determine your control or mastery over that element."
Renan tilted his head, intrigued. "How do they determine my control, Grandpa?"
Ruston patiently explained, "If one small stone shines alongside the big stone, it means you have low-level control. If two shine, it means mid-level control. Three stones shining mean high-level control, and if all four shine, it signifies perfect control over that element. Perfect control means no one can harm you using that element—except for those who are significantly stronger than you."
Renan nodded thoughtfully, processing the explanation. "I see," he murmured, his gaze shifting to the colorful stones, determination flickering in his eyes.
"Then go ahead and place your hand on it. Your Grandpa is quite curious to see what elements you possess," Ruston said warmly.
Renan nodded in response and began walking toward the altar, each step filled with anticipation.
As Renan made his way forward, Nymeria and the others remained quiet, lost in their own thoughts.
'So that's my grandson. What a pity he isn't a fox-kin,' Nymeria mused, a hint of disappointment tinging her thoughts.
'He's cute,' Sylveria thought, a soft smile spreading across her face as her gaze lingered on Renan.
Kael, on the other hand, was more focused. 'Hmm, I wonder what elements he'll possess as the Emperor's grandson. It should be something extraordinary.'
Finally, Renan reached the altar. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. 'Wow, they're practically burning a hole through me with their stares,' he thought, feeling the weight of their intense gazes on his back.
With resolve, he extended his hand toward the first stone, which was red color, representing fire.
As soon as Renan placed his hand on the first stone, it began to glow brightly, followed by the four smaller stones beneath it lighting up in unison, signifying perfect control over fire.
"As expected of someone with seventy percent of progenitor potential," Kael said, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Indeed, this much was anticipated," Ruston agreed with a small, satisfied smile.
The rest of the family nodded silently, their expressions calm but their eyes betraying a hint of awe.
'So they expected this…' Renan thought to himself, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity as he moved to the next stone representing water.
The same result occurred: the main stone and all four smaller stones illuminated, confirming his perfect control over water.
One by one, Renan touched each stone, and each time, the results were identical. Every element he tested revealed perfect control.
Kael, watching this unfold, muttered in disbelief, "Amazing... to think he has perfect control over almost every element."
"Well, of course," Namari said proudly, her voice brimming with maternal pride. "After all, he's my son."
Belinda and Gracen nodded in quiet agreement, while Ruston added with a warm smile, "There's still one last element left."
Renan, overhearing their comments, paid no attention to them and focused on the final stone. This one was a light gray, representing the rare space element.
'So this is the space element Grandma possesses. She has mid-level control over it, but I wonder what level of control I'll have,' Renan mused.
Placing his hand on the stone, it shone brilliantly. Just like before, all four smaller stones lit up, signifying perfect control over the space element.
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief as the light from the space element stone illuminated the room.
Kael's voice trembled as he muttered, "No way... he has perfect control over the space element…"
Namari, unable to contain her pride, burst into laughter. "Hahaha! As expected of my son!" she declared, her voice echoing through the hall.
Even Ruston, usually composed, allowed a small flicker of surprise to cross his face before it melted into a proud smile.