LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 2: Talent test
Standing at the entrance of the sanctuary, Roy felt a solemn and sacred aura wash over him. He gently knocked on the massive doors. A deep voice called from inside, "Enter."
Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, Roy stepped into the hall. Sunlight streamed through towering windows, casting a majestic glow on the marble floor. A middle-aged man in a white robe stood in the center, exuding an air of authority and composure.
"Here for the talent assessment?" the man asked with a slight smile. "Follow me."
Roy nodded and followed. They soon arrived at a spacious chamber where a half-height stone radiating a faint halo stood, emanating an overwhelming sense of power.
"Can I begin the test now?" Roy inquired.
The middle-aged man smiled. "Wait a moment. Someone else is being tested."
Roy looked over and saw a burly man standing before the stone. His pale face was contorted with agitation. Clenching his fist, the man struck the stone and roared, "How is this possible? A white-grade talent? But I'm already Level 6! How can I not become a warrior?"
The elder sighed and stepped forward, calm yet stern. "I am the elder of this sanctuary branch. Your bone age has reached forty. While you've attained Level 6, your talent determines your limits. You likely won't surpass Level 20. Becoming a warrior requires confronting countless dangers for humanity, and your talent won't carry you far enough."
The man's eyes flickered with despair and unwillingness. "Is this it for me? Not even a one-star academy will accept me?"
The elder's voice softened but remained resolute. "You must understand that even if you aren't a warrior, the sanctuary will still protect you. Being a warrior isn't the only path—it's just the most dangerous and grueling one. You are not suited for it."
The man stood silent for a moment before slowly lowering his head and turning to leave.
Witnessing this, Roy felt a tremor in his heart. He now understood the weight and cost of becoming a warrior.
The elder turned to Roy, his gaze gentle. "Your turn. Are you ready?"
Taking a deep breath, Roy strode toward the assessment stone. This was the beginning of his destiny and the first step into an unknown world!
Roy stepped toward the massive stone pillar at the center of the hall, its surface etched with ancient runes glowing faintly. The elder stood beside him, nodding slightly. "Place your hand on the pillar. It will sense and assess your innate talent."
Nodding, Roy pressed his hand gently against the cold stone. A warm, soothing energy flowed into his body, like a refreshing spring cleansing his soul, bringing calm and clarity.
"Amazing…" Roy marveled inwardly. "It feels like my spiritual energy is becoming steadier."
Suddenly, the runes on the pillar lit up all at once. Waves of energy rippled outward, and a brilliant purple light shot skyward, filling the hall with a heavy, imposing aura.
The elder's expression shifted dramatically. He couldn't help but exclaim, "A purple talent!"
Roy, puzzled, asked, "Is purple talent good? What other talent levels are there?"
The elder chuckled and explained, "Talent levels range from lowest to highest as follows: white, gray, black, silver, green, blue, purple, red, gold, and the legendary rainbow. The minimum requirement to become a warrior is black."
Pausing, he added, "For most people, their talent level is fixed once determined. However, purple and above are exceptions—they represent potential for advancement. As long as you keep cultivating, there's a chance your talent could evolve to red, gold, or even the fabled rainbow level."
Roy's heart raced with excitement. "So my talent might improve over time?"
The elder nodded slightly. "Exactly. But remember, talent is only the foundation. How far you go depends on your dedication and perseverance."
Clenching his fists, Roy's gaze burned with determination. "I'll give it everything I've got!"
The elder nodded in satisfaction. "A purple talent is already rare. Your potential is truly exceptional."
Roy, still filled with questions after the talent test, turned to the elder and asked, "Elder, how is the spiritual power system ranked? And what about the various factions? I want to understand these things better, as they will help me adapt to this world in the future."
The elder smiled faintly and said, "I'll explain it to you in detail."
"First of all, the Orandia Continent is home to seven great empires, each controlling different regions and resources. These are: the Carlos Empire, the Moonshadow Empire, the Weslan Empire, the Ailson Empire, the Abyss Empire, the Starshine Empire, and the most mysterious of all, the Dragon Valley Empire."
Roy listened intently as the elder continued, "Most of the empires are primarily human, though they coexist peacefully with other races. For example, the Dragon Valley Empire is ruled by dragons, while the Ailson Empire is composed of giants and beastmen. The other empires are mostly a mix of humans, elves, dwarves, and other races."
"As for the cultivation system, the continent has a very structured hierarchy. The main stages are as follows: Warrior, Battle General, Martial King, Battle God, Extraordinary, Peerless, Supreme, Legendary Title, Demigod, and Eternal."
Roy became more focused as the elder explained in further detail, "From Warrior to Peerless, each stage has initial, intermediate, advanced, and peak levels. For example, a beginner Warrior is at level 1 to 20, an intermediate Warrior is at 20 to 30, an advanced Warrior is at 30 to 40, and the peak is 40 to 50. Each stage after that follows a similar pattern, and as you progress, the differences in each stage become smaller. In the beginner stage, there's a difference of 20 levels, but from intermediate to peak, the difference is only 10 levels."
Roy's mind started to visualize these stages, and he asked, "So, what level are you at now?"
The elder chuckled, "I'm currently at level 153, in the initial stage of Battle God. As for the Supreme stage, there's only one level range: 300 to 400. It's an extraordinary existence. The Legendary Title is a special category, ranging from 1-star to 5-star. A 1-star Legendary Title has a minimum level of 50."
"What about Demigod?" Roy asked, curious.
A serious look crossed the elder's face. "A Demigod, also known as the Throne, is the guardian god of an empire. A person who reaches this realm has the ability to establish a Throne Hall, which becomes the source of their power. The Throne's duty is to protect the empire's legacy and future. The empire's fate is bound to the Throne."
"And what about Eternal? That sounds even more mysterious," Roy inquired.
The elder nodded, his voice lowered. "The Eternal stage is above Demigod and is known as the Divine Throne. A person who reaches this level achieves eternal, undying existence. The Divine Throne is not just a symbol of power, but of responsibility. As far as I know, there are only five Divine Thrones in this world. Their divinity and souls are destined to protect the empire, and their existence is inextricably linked to the empire's fate."
Roy was astounded, his mind reeling. "These stages… they're beyond imagination…"
The elder smiled at Roy's reaction. "Yes, these stages are indeed very difficult to reach. If you choose the path of cultivation, your future growth will be limitless. But remember, talent is only the foundation; effort is what matters most."
Roy took a deep breath, feeling a surge of motivation. "I'll definitely work hard and not waste this talent!"
The elder nodded in satisfaction. "I hope you remember that. Your future will be in your own hands."
Roy felt a mixture of excitement and calmness. He knew his journey had only just begun.
The elder smiled gently. "You should go back and rest for now. Tomorrow, I will prepare a recommendation letter for you. You can report to Radiant Academy."
Roy was a bit confused. "Radiant Academy? What kind of academy is that?"
The elder nodded and replied slowly, "Radiant Academy is an institution in Silver Crown City. Although it is only a 1-star academy, it is still a place worth attending. You will learn many foundational martial arts and magic techniques there, laying the foundation for your future growth."
Roy listened attentively, and the elder continued, "Academies are ranked from 1-star to 5-star. 1-star and 2-star academies are the easiest to get into, but 3-star academies are more difficult. To enter a 4-star academy, your talent and performance are considered. If you perform excellently in a 1-star or 2-star academy, you can receive a recommendation letter from the headmaster, which will give you the chance to enter a 3-star or 4-star academy. As for 5-star academies, they are the top institutions, with rigorous trials and tests, and they only accept true geniuses and powerful individuals."
Roy felt a surge of excitement. "How many 5-star academies are there in the Carlos Empire?"
The elder nodded. "There are only two 5-star academies in the Carlos Empire. Their entrance standards are extremely strict, and only a select few geniuses can enter. With your talent, you might be able to enter a 3-star or 4-star academy in the future, but if you want to go further, you must continue to improve yourself."
Roy, filled with longing and determination, said, "I will definitely work hard. Even if I seem ordinary now, I am never afraid of a challenge."
The elder smiled. "Your talent is already very outstanding, not ordinary at all. In the future, there may be a place for you in this world. As for the Demon Race and magical beasts, you will encounter them in time, and you will understand when the time comes. For now, go back, rest well, and prepare for the new challenges ahead."
Roy nodded, his gaze resolute. "Thank you, Elder! I will not disappoint you. I will walk this path of cultivation."
The elder nodded in approval, signaling for Roy to leave. "Go ahead, and good luck."
Roy took a deep breath, turned, and walked out of the temple. In his heart, the path to the future was becoming clearer. Starting with Radiant Academy, although it was just a 1-star academy, this would be the first step toward his higher goals.