Ascension: Demon Monarch System

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.'