8 Talent Assessment

    ''----''

    ''The sound of the loud clapping echoed in their ears

    drawing the attention of the little children. As Danyul began to speak

    the kids quieted down.''

    ''"Alright

    that is enough. The Grand Elder has finished preparation

    so it is time to carry out the Talent Assessment. Follow after me."''

    ''With his arms clasped behind his back

    Danyul led the children through both the training area and then the courtyard.''

    ''Meanwhile

    trailing behind the others

    Apollo entered his own world. At first

    his eyes wandered aimlessly

    but then Apollo looked down at the floor

    kicking a stone with a broken rhythm.''

    ''While he was lost in his own world

    Aaron moved closer

    tapping his shoulder. Roused from his vacant state

    Apollo glanced at him. Now that he wasn''t training

    this additional strength seemed to mitigate some of the aches albeit barely.''

    ''"I wonder what we will get as a reward for our Talent Assessment. I''m excited to know! How about you Apollo?" Aaron asked

    but the lack of response made him feel unease. Thus

    he continued

    "Are you feeling ok?"''

    ''"...Tired

    " Apollo answered without much thought. Even though it didn''t hurt as bad

    his arms and legs still felt like lead. At this point

    all he wanted to do was close his eyes and sleep

    even the notion of food had escaped his mind.''

    ''"Yeah

    you did do an awful lot today. Why did you start training even though you have your weakened body?" Aaron questioned

    curious about this new change in Apollo.''

    ''If anyone else asked this question

    Apollo would have instantly associated it with ridicule. However

    from Aaron''s clear eyes and attentive expression

    Apollo could tell he was simply curious.''

    ''"It''s like I told you before...I want to acquire strength. I''m tired of all the looks of ridicule and being mistreated

    I don''t like it!" Apollo fervidly disclosed.''

    ''"I don''t like it either! It''s not right. I don''t understand why the older generation blames you...we are kids. What do we know

    " Aaron grumbled

    kicking his foot in frustration.''

    ''Apollo raised his hand

    patting his back to quell his displaced frustration. It was a funny sight

    however. In comparison

    Aaron was a full head taller than Apollo

    so his arm was elevated rather high.''

    ''"It''s okay

    I will find a way. Thank you

    Aaron."''

    ''A genuine smile appeared on his face as they walked through the courtyard. Soon enough

    they reached the family shrine. It was the most prominent building of the family ground.''

    ''The aura of energy was prevalent. When noticed this

    Apollo raised his head to look at the thick columns that supported the shrine. There were strange carvings along the sides of the pillars

    but Apollo removed his gaze and looked deeper.''

    ''Located inside were a large number of stairs leading up a platform. There was one extremely aged looking male standing at the top

    his true age unknown. Accompanying him were 8 additional family elders with four on each side of him.''

    ''"Welcome

    my young generation

    " spoke the old male as he opened his eyes

    observing the youths.''

    ''"You guys should understand what will take place today. We will be testing your physique or in other words

    your inner talent." spoke the elder.''

    ''Raising his hand

    the child named Klyde asked a question

    "Grand Elder Kayn

    how important is talent."''

    ''"Very important

    it is second only to hard work. You can think of talent as the slope of the hike. The higher your talent

    the more shallow the slope. Or put simply

    the better your talent

    the easier it is transverse that hike. However

    the distance of that journey is determined by your hard work and tenacity

    " replied Grand Elder Kayn.''

    ''"Before we begin

    let me explain to you what we will be testing for—physiques."''

    ''Clearing his throat

    Kayn began his speech.''

    ''"Simply put

    the inner physique is a loose indication of your talent. Specifically

    it indicates the quality of your meridians. The higher the quality

    the faster and easier one would be able to advance in the ranks of cultivation. For this

    there are 6 known talent levels; Mortal

    Earth

    Spirit

    Heaven

    Saint

    and Divine grade talents. Moreover

    each level is divided into the Low

    Middle

    Top

    and Peak Tier.''

    ''"This should be self-explanatory but each level has a better resonance with the Natural Essence located in this world. Of course

    this assessment we are doing is a basic one. Moreover

    one can''t be called a ''true'' talent in this world without possessing at least a Spirit-Grade physique. There are two awakenings of talent. One when you are 10 and one when you near or reach 15. When you reach 15

    you will be sent to a War Academy based on the test that happens every 5 years.''

    ''"There

    you will be tested to see if there are any high talents for Spirit Cultivation. But

    back to the topic at hand; the talent you possess now isn''t set in stone. However

    a rough estimation of your largest potential increase can be determined by its initial state. One by one

    you will come up and place your hand on the stele behind me to determine such things."''

    ''After disclosing the information

    Kayn motioned to the large stele behind him. It was separated into 4 sections which carried their own inscriptions.''

    ''"By touching the stele

    your talent will be tested. The actual value will be determined by the block you light up as well as the intensity of the light. Now

    who will be first?"''

    ''For a moment

    the youths chatted amongst themselves. Unable to decide who would be the first victim

    clamor began. To be first was always accompanied by a nervous feeling. However

    Axel smacked Dylon''s back

    pushing him to the front.''

    ''"Go ahead

    test your talent so we can see

    " Axel chuckled lightheartedly.''

    ''"U-uh...why me? I don''t really want to go first

    " Dylon stammered with an involuntary nervous chuckle.''

    ''When he saw this Axel glanced around then leaned forward with a compelling reason

    "Don''t you want to look brave and cool before the girls?"''

    ''A light of realization flashed in Dylon''s eye

    causing him to nod foolishly. Without much thought

    Dylon rushed up in the stairs

    shooting Axel a thumbs up. In response

    Axel chuckled at his comical expression

    ''What a funny guy he thought he was.''''

    ''With haste

    Dylon placed his hand on the stele. A faint blue light began emanating from the stele. It rose to the first inscription until it illuminated completely with a vibrant glow. However

    it didn''t go beyond that.''

    ''Although there wasn''t much change in his expression

    Kayn nodded. "Peak Tier Mortal-Grade Physique

    not bad. You becoming a Zul Warrior shouldn''t be a problem at all. Cynthia

    give him 5 Foundation Strengthening pills."''

    ''"Yes Grand Elder

    " responded a middle-aged woman as she handed Dylon a small pouch as he walked down the stairs.''

    ''Next

    Aaron walked up as his gaze was clear. Behind Kayn

    Cynthia''s eyes lit up as she smiled at him.''

    ''"Hi Mom

    " Aaron smiled with a faint bashful expression.''

    ''In return

    she waved him off

    urging him to focus on the task at hand

    "Just take your assessment."''

    ''Obediently

    Aaron nodded and placed his hand on the stele. Almost immediately

    it vibrated as a vibrant pale blue light emitted from it. Unlike Dylon''s attempt

    the light passed the "Mortal" Inscription with ease.''

    ''In fact

    it only stopped after reaching the next inscription shining strongly but not to the fullest extent.''

    ''"Top Tier Earth-Grade Physique. Excellent

    reward him 18 Foundation Strengthening pills

    " Kayn uttered

    giving a more pleased nod this time.''

    ''"Wow

    Aaron is better than we thought...but why does he hang out with him?" Axel mumbled while glancing in the direction of Apollo''s lonely figure. Shaking his head

    a disgusted expression appeared. In his eyes

    talent should interact with talent.''

    ''One by one

    the kids went up. Until now there were only three people to take the test. Apollo

    Axel

    a petite girl. Taking initiative

    Axel began climbing the stairs. Reaching the top he bowed to the Elders.''

    ''"Hello

    Uncles

    Aunts

    and Grand Elder. Oh

    where''s Father? He isn''t here?" Axel greeted

    snaking his gaze around.''

    ''"No

    but place your hand on the stele. Your talent should do fairly well

    " Ashur responded

    spurring Axel to act quickly.''

    ''Similar to others

    Axel placed his hand on the stele. Different from them

    however

    Axel''s actions caused a strong pale blue wind. His clothes fluttered from the pressure

    causing the Elders on the platform to show some surprise. Just the initial presence of energy was strong.''

    ''"Hmm…? It seems you are right; a strong talent has appeared in the family lineage once again

    " Kayn exclaimed

    rubbing his chin with an interested gleam in his eyes.''