"Potential value of seven? That is already within the range of a true genius."
"He will be able to master seven skills at each realm. That alone places him far above ordinary warriors."
"He could easily become one of the pillars of the clan in the future."
The discussions spread rapidly among both the younger members and the elders. Jake's father stood among them, his chest visibly rising as pride swelled within him. His expression revealed no attempt to conceal his satisfaction.
"Good. Very good," the presiding elder murmured, his tone reflecting genuine approval.
He shifted his gaze toward Jake and continued, "What is your mana point?"
Jake lifted his chin slightly before answering, his voice steady yet filled with restrained pride. "Nine."
A ripple of astonishment moved through the hall, quickly followed by laughter from several elders.
"A monster indeed," one of them said. "Such a foundation at the awakening stage is rare."
Mana represented the fundamental energy of the world. At the moment of awakening, the maximum value one could possess was ten. With each breakthrough into a higher realm, that value would multiply exponentially. Those who began with higher reserves possessed an undeniable advantage that would only widen over time.
Victor, who stood among the observers, could not hide his surprise. A mana value of nine was not merely impressive. It was extraordinary.
The elder nodded with satisfaction. "You may step down. Rest well. We will speak further later."
Jake inclined his head respectfully before turning away. As he walked past his cousins, his expression carried a quiet sense of triumph. They greeted him warmly, their admiration was sincere. Jake had always maintained strong bonds within the family, and his achievement only strengthened that standing.
The elder's voice rose once more. "Next, Amelia Walker."
A young girl approached the stage with noticeably slower steps. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out toward the crystal. Nervousness was evident in her eyes, yet she did not hesitate.
When her fingers touched the surface, a softer glow emerged, radiating a gentle brilliance.
[Affinity: Light
Class: Mage
Potential: 5]
A delicate tome appeared beside her, its presence accompanied by a faint shimmer.
For a brief second, silence lingered. Then the hall erupted once again, though the tone differed from before. The excitement carried a sense of wonder.
"Light affinity."
"That is far rarer than fire."
"Even with a potential of five, this is an exceptional awakening."
Amelia's father covered his face briefly, overcome with emotion. When he lowered his hands, his eyes were visibly moist.
Amelia herself seemed momentarily stunned, as though she had not fully grasped the magnitude of her result. Then a small, relieved smile appeared on her face.
"Next, Rudious Walker," the elder announced.
A young man stepped forward, his demeanor was calm and composed. He carried an air of quiet reliability, the kind that naturally drew trust from others. Among his peers, he was often seen as an elder brother figure.
Victor watched him closely. Rudious had always shown him kindness, often checking on his well-being and engaging him in conversation when others chose to keep their distance. There was a sincerity in his actions that Victor had never forgotten.
Rudious placed his hand upon the crystal.
The light that followed was faint. Almost imperceptible.
Then the words appeared.
[Affinity: None]
The silence that descended upon the hall was absolute.
Rudious's body stiffened. The color drained from his face instnatly, and his legs gave way beneath him. He collapsed onto the stage, his expression filled with disbelief and despair.
A murmur broke the silence, sharp and unkind.
"This is what happens when he keeps associating with that cursed boy."
"I warned him many times. He never listened."
"He will amount to nothing. At best, he will become expendable."
Victor's chest tightened. He wanted to step forward, to offer some form of comfort, but no words came to him. The weight of the moment rendered him still.
"Leave the stage," the elder said, his tone cold and devoid of sympathy. "We will proceed."
Rudious struggled to his feet before slowly walking away, his shoulders heavy with defeat.
"Next, Alex Walker."
A composed young man stepped forward. His expression remained neutral, his movements were precise. There was a maturity in him that set him apart from many of his peers.
He placed his hand on the crystal.
A deep, shadowy glow spread outward.
[Affinity: Darkness
Class: Assassin
Potential: 6]
A sleek skillbook formed beside him.
The reaction from the clan was immediate and intense.
"Dark affinity with assassin class."
"That combination is lethal."
"He will become a true predator."
The excitement surpassed even what had followed Jake's awakening. Alex simply inclined his head toward the elders before departing without lingering. His composure remained unbroken.
One by one, the remaining candidates completed their awakenings. Both of them were warriors with potential of 3. Not worth mentioning.
Finally, the elder spoke once more.
"Victor Walker."
Victor stepped forward.
His pace was steady, though his thoughts were anything but calm. He reached the crystal and placed his hand upon it.
What followed was unlike anything that had occurred before.
A blinding surge of light erupted from the crystal, forcing many in the hall to shield their eyes. The intensity was overwhelming.
When the light receded, the words became visible.
[Affinity: All Elements
Class: Mage
Potential: 10]
Victor blinked slowly. Then again.
For a brief moment, he expected the hall to erupt into celebration. These were, by any measure, unparalleled results.
Yet no applause came.
Instead, there was silence. He became angry to his core. Were they these petty? Won't even congratulate such a supreme genius like him?
Then he heard the murmurs behind him.
"All elements?"
"Potential ten?"
"That means he must comprehend every elemental foundation."
"Eighty spells before he can even advance."
"He will be trapped at the first realm forever."
"This is not a blessing. It is a curse."
The realization spread quickly, and the initial shock transformed into dismissal.
"Supreme trash," someone muttered.
Victor's gaze shifted instinctively toward his father. The man stood motionless, tears falling freely. However, they were not tears of pride.
A massive grimoire materialized beside Victor. Its thickness dwarfed all others, a physical representation of the burden placed upon him.
His heart pounded heavily within his chest.
If he could never advance, then none of this held value.
Then, in the midst of that turmoil, a panel appeared before his eyes. Only he could see it.
[Name: Victor Walker
Rank: Normal Human
Mana: Infinite
Combat Prowess: 1 Star
Talent: Unparalleled Comprehension]
For a brief second, everything stilled.
Then Victor began to laugh.
The sound was sharp and unrestrained, echoing through the silent hall as confusion and unease spread among those present.
"Has he gone crazy? What a creepy laughter.", someone muttered.
"Victor, from now on you will handle the shop of the south corner of the city. Though you can't level up, you have talents. Try to master as many spells as possible which will help you survive in the dungeons as long as you live. And take this pill. It will enhance your physical condition. But take this pill only after comprehending a spell and becoming an apprentice.", the eldere said before handing him a small bottle.
Victor took the botthe with a bow. He decided not to tell anyone about his status panel nor that anyone would even ask.
He left the hall with ridicule and sympathy.
But he didn't mind. He wanted to experiment with his talent.
Everyone gave him a way out lest he touched someone and they were plagued by his curse too.
"Jake , Amelia and Alex would attend the 3 top academy entrance exams 10 days later. And the two of you should enter in the family business. As for Rudious, you can help Victor in his shop management.", Victor heard this while leaving the hall.
The fate of the 7 were already decided.