As I willed the ability into existence, space began to distort around me.
It was like a pink whirlpool, enveloping the entire room in its presence and drawing everybody inside, myself included.
Before the ability could be completed, I caught a glimpse of the clan leader's face.
Lady Prelia was a powerful clan leader. Not only was she an S-Rank, but she was known for her mysterious nature.
Many of the world's clans feared her, despite not being the strongest. Rather, they feared what they did not know. The hidden potential that she might have.
Despite all of this, the face that I saw her make at that moment was priceless.
As the space distorted into a pink swirling chaos, Clan Leader Prelia wore an expression of grave fear.
It was then that she realised that I was telling the truth. I had truly been granted the SSS-Rank.
---
We reappeared in a realm unfamiliar to us all.
It was like an endless field of green grass. The sky was vibrat, and from it fell pink leaves, floating gracefully to the ground.
In front of me stood those that were in the dojo.
Clan leader Prelia, her four guards, and Sensei Aegi.
They all looked around frantically, frightened of the strange world they had been dragged into.
However, I simply felt at peace.
This place was silent. Tranquil.
And for some reason, I felt... Different.
Both physically and mentally. It was as though the restrictions that all humans lived with had been stripped from my body.
My senses felt even sharper than they were before. I could hear the heartbeats of the others. If I focused, I could even sense their temperatures.
My muscles felt as though they had become more efficient. Every movement felt more controlled and effective.
Is this the property of this place?
The Realm of the Forgotten Flower.
With a smile on my face, I finally decided to address those that stood before me.
"So, what do you think?" I asked with confidence in my voice.
Unlike back on earth, where titles and positions decided how much respect you deserved from others, here, none of those things mattered.
I was in charge.
This is my world.
Clan Leader Prelia swallowed hard, wiping a bead of sweat that began to form from her forehead. The others were faring worse, faces blushing red with due to unknown circumstances.
"I-it's definitely a powerful ability." She managed to speak. "Clearly you have been granted a high rank."
Judging from her choice of words, something became obvious to me.
She didn't want to admit out of her own mouth that I had been given the SSS rank.
And I could hardly blame her.
Despite the benefits that such a feat would provide to the Dojin clan, it would also have a negative effect on people like her.
Once upon a time, she would have been praised for being an S-Rank. One of the strongest members of the Dojin clan, and formidable even outside of it.
However, with my awakening, there was now a member of her clan two whole ranks above her.
And it was mere teenager.
Part of me wanted to test my abilities. The power that I felt in the Realm of Forgotten Flowers was incredible.
I could only imagine what it would do to my abilities.
Instead, I focused on closing the realm. I watched as it slowly faded from my vision, before returning me and the others back to the Dojin Dojos.
Instantly I felt the effects on my body. I felt heavier, weaker, and less intelligent.
The others, however, seemed to have had a great weight lifted off their shoulders. The guards and Sensei Aegi were drawing in deep breaths, trying to return themselves to normal.
Lady Prelia was less affected, though from the colour of her cheeks, I could tell she was still recovering as well.
"You're definitely power, Lotus, that cannot be denied." She said after a few moments.
That's an understatement... She knows it.
Was anybody capable of such an ability?
The fear in her eyes had seemed to fade away, as though she had gained a new understanding after witnessing my Unique Attribute.
Replacing it was a new look. One of calculation.
"However, power alone is not enough to make one a competent demon hunter. You still lack experience."
I stood there listening, waiting for the Clan Leader to finish.
"Regardless of rank, the Dojin clan does not recognise anybody until they have earned the right to call themselves a demon hunter. You earn that through battle."
A mission, then? Will this be my initiation trial?
Lady Prelia swiped a pink strand of hair away from her vibrant green eyes and glared at me. Despite being a much higher rank than her, her presence was still powerful.
After all, her Heart Level was still much higher than mine. She was right; I was still a rookie when it came to my system and true combat.
Prelia began to pace across the dojo floor. All in the room with her watched as her hips swayed side to side in her robes. An elegance to her every step.
"A village to the north of our base has sent us a report of a demon that nests in one of its buildings. So far it hasn't taken any hostile action, but it's only a matter of time, and the villagers are growing more and more unsettled with every passing day."
Instantly, my attention was caught. I had heard whispers about this demons in passing conversations.
"How strong is it?" I asked, trying my best to keep the eagerness from my voice, lest I sound maniacal.
"Unknown." Lady Prelia answered sternly. "The last demon hunter we sent, an A-Rank, never returned."
Her words carried weight. An A-Rank demon hunter would have had to have earned experience to be given the title. They most likely were equipped with many high-level abilities and had spent time levelling their heart.
That meant that the demon residing in the village was strong.
"Do you want me to go and handle the demon?" I asked with a confidence that I never had before.
My martial skills were weak. Everybody knew this, especially Sensei Aegi, who was listening to the entire conversation.
However, with my new abilities...
The Realm Of The Forgotten Flower.
Such a mission might be... Easy for me.
It felt strange to imagine.
"Yes, I would," Prelia answered. "If you succeed in slaying the beast, you will return to me with its core, confirming it as your first demon kill. You will then be awarded your Demon Hunter badge."
My Demon Hunter Badge.
Before today, it was an item that I thought I would never get the chance to wear.
After savouring the opportunity, I bowed my head to the clan leader.
"I will not let you down."