Strings Of Domination

"A test?" the tree standing before the desk looked at Elfred, confusion and even small worry flashing deep inside their eyes.

"Yes, it is a must, unfortunately." Elfred nodded with an awkward smile and began to explain why it was important.

The three listened carefully to everything he said and the more they listened the more relaxed they became. It turned out that their worry just now was completely meaningless and they pointlessly overthought things.

According to Elfred, the test will measure three traits of theirs such as their fate, luck, and talent. Although they were skeptical about it as they could hardly believe how a little cube was able to determine one's luck much less one's fate, they had no other choice but to believe his words and do it.

Also, they had no other choice as they won't be able to enter any of the gates on the sides much less obtain a Domination Art!

Elfred told them that each gate led to a specific level inside the building and each level contained higher Class, Grade, and Rank items.

However, not every level was accessible to everyone. For instance, if one wanted to gain entry to all 10 gates, one had to get at least 27 points out of 30 from the three tests!

On the other hand, if one somehow failed miserably and only was able to receive 3 points, 1 point from each test, then one could only enter the first gate without having the chance to enter the remaining 9!

"And how does this test works? What do I need to do?" after listening to the brief but detailed explanation, Nash asked.

"Just simply put your hand on this cube. You will feel a small tingling sensation in your palm, but that is all. The rest will happen on its own." Elfred said and did a short demonstration by placing his palm on the cube, immediately causing three numbers to be lit upon the small cube's surface.

"3 for Fate, 7 for Luck, and 9 for Talent. That is a total of 19 which means I can enter the first seven gates without a problem." Elfred said and quickly added with a smile, "But because I run this place, it is only natural that I can enter whichever gate I wish whenever I want."

Upon hearing Elfred's words Nash glanced at the small cube which was not bigger than a palm and nodded. Without saying a single word he extended his hand and placed his palm atop it in the same manner as Elfred did just now.

Instantly, a tingling sensation akin to someone tickling him with a feather appeared on his skin before three numbers appeared on the cube.

"Woah, kid! Calm down, calm down now! You don't need to show off this much, my heart will stop working in the end!" Elfred laughed bluntly but from his widened eyes it was apparent he was deeply shocked!

"9 for Fate, 9 for Luck, and 9 for Talent... It has been quite a long time since I have seen someone with such an outstanding score! Haha! What was your name again?" Elfred stroked his beard while his slightly narrowed eyes looked Nash up and down this time in greater detail.

"Emerald," Nash replied after a few seconds, coming up with a name that just came up to his mind.

"Emerald? But your voice... Well, whatever..." Elfred shook his head and took out a yellow medal from his pocket before handing it over to Nash, alas Emerald.

"Here, this token will allow you to enter each gate. Furthermore, because of your exceptional potential, everything you wish to buy will be discounted by 50%!"

"Thank you." Nash nodded and glanced at the two behind him to do the test too.

Amy was the first to place her palm atop the cube and soon enough three digits appeared on its surface.

"Hmm... Not bad indeed. 8 for Fate, 9 for Luck, and 8 for Talent. With such a score you can enter all the gates except the last one and also get a 45% discount!" Elfred nodded as he gave a quick glance at Amy, who now wore a white mask on her face, and handed her a white medal.

Amy obviously was not happy that her score was lower than Nash's by a whole gate, but alas, she could only accept it and feel happy her's was still above average by a huge margin!

Of course, she did not know this but almost 80% of those that come to this place first and do the test only get around 15 points on average!

Those that were able to get more than 15 and get around 20 were even less, much less those that had tha ability to surpass that number and get more such as Amy! As for Nash's 27 points... it was pointless to say, but his results were heaven-defying!

His was one out of a thousand that so far only less than a hundred were capable of imitating!

"It's your turn now, little guy. Let me see your score." Elfred then looked at Miles who also wore a mask but with the sole difference that his was completely black.

Miles nodded and walked before the desk and after a slight hesitation extended his hand forward and placed it atop the cube.

Whoosh!

"T-This..."

"..."

"..."

Elfred, Nash, and Amy stared with widened eyes at the numbers on the cube, feeling like they have just eaten something funny and now they were hallucinating all of a sudden.

"9 for Fate... 10 for Luck, and... 10 for Talent?!" Elfred mumbled in a low voice before he slammed both his hands atop the desk and yelled, "Wait what?!? That is impossible! I have never seen someone with 10 points of Luck much less Talent! Are you a monster or what?!"

Miles took a step back subconsciously when he saw how close Elfred leaned to him and didn't know what he should do.

Nash, on the other hand, despite feeling just as much shock as Elfred did took a large step forward and stood before Miles, preventing Elfred from doing anything!

Upon seeing the sudden change in the air Elfred leaned back slowly and cleared his throat with a rather awkward smile on his face.

"I am sorry... It seems I have overreacted things even though I shouldn't have. Please forgive me." Elfred quickly bowed, his voice holding sincere apology.

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A/N: Hope you liked it! Make sure to vote for more!

Stay safe! <3