Ch 61 - Ascension Trials & Invitations

The next participant to step on the stage was Rina Bolina, who had a unique hairstyle with twin tails. Unlike Mathew, who was nervous and awkward, Rina seemed more confident and cheerful. She walked gracefully and took the dial card from the phantom mage. Even some of the noble retainers were impressed with Rina’s demeanor.

I vividly remembered Rina's remarkable display during the blessing ritual. With a seemingly effortless wave of her hand, she summoned 2-3 small knives that materialized out of thin air. These knives, resembling fragments of shattered glass, lacked a distinct shape but possessed a pointed end, perfect for piercing.

At first glance, Rina's power may not have appeared particularly impressive. However, with proper training and dedication, she had the potential to evolve into a formidable combatant mage. As she honed her skills, those knives would gradually grow in size, become sharper, and ultimately turn into deadly weapons. This unique ability ensured that she would never be caught unarmed when confronted by enemies.

Rina's ability classified her as a psychic mage, albeit one whose abilities initially seemed lackluster compared to those of other mages. Nonetheless, among the psychic mages in this world, her abilities leaned more toward the stronger end of the spectrum.

As the grandmasters delved into the stone tabloids, carefully studying the data acquired from the red cape mages, a sense of intrigue filled the air. Each of them appeared genuinely impressed by Rina's potential.

Rina confidently positioned herself within the red circle, signaling the commencement of the first trial.

Once again, two colossal slabs of walls emerged from the ground, encircling Rina in a rhythmic rotation. Blue beams of light cascaded upon her, illuminating the space around her. Undeterred by the intense display, Rina stood unwaveringly, a serene smile gracing her face throughout the arduous ordeal.

This went on for almost a minute before the slabs of the wall stopped and receded back into the earth.

Soon after the floating fountain screen lit up and the Rina’s meridians were displayed for everyone to see.

“It's good to see another young healthy mage here.” praised Grandmaster Biswaq.

“Her meridians are not as dense as the meridians of Mathew but it's well distributed overall.” pointed out Pierre.

"Summoning blades is a remarkably useful skill. With proper training, one can become a formidable assassin capable of eliminating unforeseen adversaries," Grandmaster Gunther remarked.

"Grandmaster Gunther, would you be so kind as to refrain from discussing your intentions of cultivating ruthless killers in the presence of these youngsters?" Casia interjected, her smile subtly playing across her lips.

Grandmaster Gunther fell into silence, folding his arms. He had no intention of rebutting Lady Casia's remark.

"Enough with the unnecessary commotion. At present, her blades hold little significance. However, with proper training and nurturing, she may gradually develop into a somewhat proficient mage," Grandmaster Hamanthra interjected.

It's a rarity to witness Hamanthra expressing praise toward a candidate.
I felt like she would start executing us candidates if we pissed her off anymore.

"You all seem to be foolishly overlooking a crucial aspect," Grandmaster Messindra interjected, her eyes twinkling with intrigue. "One cannot disregard the intricate pattern formed within her meridians. It is evident that she possesses dormant skills waiting to be awakened."

Even beneath the hood that concealed her face, I could perceive Lady Messindra's eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Lady Messindra's initial lack of interest in Mathew was noticeable. Rumors had circulated regarding the Mind's Eye Royal Academy's preference for accepting primarily Psychic mages, resulting in a significantly lower acceptance rate for Elemental and Transmutant mages. However, observing Messindra's unexpected enthusiasm towards Rina, it became evident that there was some truth to those rumors.

"Well, whatever you're implying, what truly matters is her ability to fight," Grandmaster Ajax chimed in, flexing his bulging muscles with a broad grin.

"Well, little floating blades don’t really seem that powerful to me though." Grandmaster Travis chimed in looking bored.

“Grandmaster Travis, you should try to look beyond brute strength,” added Biswaq.

The grandmasters continued their petty discussion.

For once I do agree with mad dog Travis, why they were making a fuss over something trivial.
I couldn't help but scoff, "The grandmasters are being way too dramatic."

Hendrickson chimed in, looking unimpressed, "I know, right? My ability is far superior to hers."

I rolled my eyes and took a step back from Hendrickson. While I agreed that Hendrickson's ability might be ranked higher than Rina's, there were other promising candidates with even more powerful abilities. And, of course, I could easily count myself among them.

The metallic tree reverted back to its original form, ready for Rina to undertake the second trial. Rina inserted her arms into the metal tree, and it sprang back to life. The branches of the tree spread out, covering smaller areas compared to Mathew's trial. The leaves that grew on the branches were smaller in size and fewer in quantity than Mathew's tree.

After a minute passed, flowers bloomed and withered, and small budding fruits appeared. This time, individual fruits began to pop up all over the tree. These fruits were larger than the cherries in Mathew's second trial. To be honest, these fruits resemble plums which are plumper and juicy compared to cherries.

As the second trial came to an end, Rina, too, appeared exhausted and noticeably pale. However, unlike Mathew, she didn't utter a single complaint, showcasing her resilience and determination.

The grandmasters and their retainers observed her performance with admiration, once again acknowledging her potential. After a brief discussion among themselves regarding the results, they exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, signaling that it was time for the third trial to commence.

After receiving healing from the potion, Rina quickly regained her cheerful demeanor.

The exoskeleton had reverted back to its original form after Mathew’s trial.
Stepping behind the exoskeleton, she placed both of her hands on its back.

As the rib cage of the exoskeleton twisted backward, ensnaring Rina's hands within its skeletal grasp, a sense of unease filled the air. The exoskeleton's transformation continued, sitting upright with a slight tilt of its head, directing its gaze upward toward the towering ceiling. Time seemed to slow as anticipation hung in the air.

Then, in a mesmerizing and slightly eerie display, a singular eye emerged on the skull of the exoskeleton. Positioned prominently on its forehead, between the two empty eye sockets, the eye took form. Its dark, piercing gaze, with vivid red slit-like pupils, surveyed its surroundings with unsettling curiosity.

A chill ran down our spines as we couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort in the presence of that uncanny eye. Its otherworldly nature held an aura of mystery and foreboding, captivating our attention while evoking an inexplicable sense of unease.

Rina maintained her composure, although her nervousness was evident from the profuse sweating. The eye stared directly at her, creating a sense of unease. However, she remained silent and composed.

After a tense few seconds, the rib cage of the exoskeleton abruptly swung open, liberating Rina's hands. Stepping back from the eerie contraption, she watched as the unsettling eyeball vanished, marking the conclusion of the third trial.

The room fell into a brief silence until Hendrickson couldn't contain his astonishment any longer. "Hold on a moment! Did you all see that? The skeleton actually sprouted an eyeball!" His voice quivered with a mix of shock and amazement.

Intrigued by the unexpected turn of events, I couldn't help but voice my thoughts. "Does that mean she's a Transmutant mage?"

Trisha, renowned for her vast knowledge and composed demeanor, interjected calmly to clarify the situation. "No, she isn't a Transmutant mage. The appearance of the eyeball on her forehead was, in fact, the manifestation of the third eye. It represents the core power and source of all psychic mages."

Everyone present nodded in understanding, mentally acknowledging this new insight.

After a thorough discussion among the grandmasters regarding the outcome of the third trial, they reached a unanimous conclusion regarding Rina's abilities. It was determined that Rina possessed a single ability and did not acquire an elemental favor, unlike Mathew, who showcased both transmutation and an affinity for the earth element.

The grandmasters nodded in agreement, acknowledging the distinction between the two candidates. Rina held her dial card tightly, anticipation and curiosity evident in her eyes. The time had come for her to receive the invitations that would shape her future as a mage.

Grandmaster Gunther took the initiative and extended an invitation to Rina with his proposal. "I would like to extend an invitation to the Sapphire Citadel," he announced, flicking his wrist with a confident gesture.

Rina's dial card began to emit a radiant glow, signaling that she received his insignia.

Grandmaster Gunther proceeded to elaborate on the benefits of joining the Sapphire Citadel. "We can provide you with comprehensive training to harness the full potential of your remarkable ability. Within our ranks, we have mage instructors who possess similar abilities, and they will be instrumental in guiding you to unlock the true depths of your power."

Rina looked at the dial card and a smile appeared on her face.
"As a Grandmaster of Radiant Sanctum," Biswaq began, his voice exuding a calm and welcoming tone, "I would also like to extend an invitation to you. Our sanctum boasts a diverse community of students, each possessing unique and varied abilities. Within our hallowed halls, you will find a nurturing environment guided by experienced instructors who will not only help you explore the depths of your potential but also provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie among your fellow students."

Rina’s dial card glows up once again receiving the insignia of Radiant Sanctum.

"Well," Grandmaster Pierre interjected, his voice carrying a resolute tone, "Iron, too, extends a heartfelt invitation. We understand the importance of nurturing your unique ability, and we are committed to providing you with the very best instructors who will guide you along your path. Rest assured, we will take care of all the expenses and resources necessary to ensure your growth and development."

As Rina's dial card continued to emit a radiant glow, it became evident that she had received three invitations, surpassing even Mathew's invitation count. The atmosphere grew even more charged with anticipation as we candidates listened to the grandmaster's invitation.

Just as we were processing the previous invitations, Grandmaster Ajax's voice resonated with a sense of authority and confidence, cutting through the air.

"I believe you should consider joining Ivory Tower," he declared, his tone unwavering. "While your current knives may seem diminutive, we at Ivory Tower specialize not only in honing your ability but also strengthening your physical prowess to endure any challenge. We possess a distinguished battalion of battle maidens, known as the strongest female warriors in the entire kingdom. Training alongside them will ensure that you become a fearsome warrior in your own right."

With a flick of his arm, Ajax sealed the invitation, and Rina's dial card now bore the insignia of Ivory Tower.

"In my visions, I perceive a vast untapped potential within you, one that can only be fully realized after joining the Mind's Eye," Messindra said, her voice resonating with a captivating allure.

"Your current ability may merely scratch the surface of your true power. What lies dormant within you is another skill, one that holds the key to unlocking your extraordinary capabilities. While it may take time to fully manifest, I believe that by joining the Mind's Eye, you can accelerate its awakening." saying so, Messindra flicked her wrist.

Immediately another insignia popped up on Rina’s dial card.

The remaining grandmasters maintained their composed demeanor, their lack of interest evident as they remained seated at the back. They observed the proceedings in silence, showing no intention of extending an invitation to Rina.

Respecting the grandmasters' decisions, Rina humbly bowed her head, acknowledging their presence and the trials she had undergone. With a sense of determination and purpose, she gracefully made her way toward the other side of the chamber where Mathew was seated.

Another candidate was called forward, this time an elemental mage with a strong affinity for fire. Like Rina and Mathew before them, the candidate embarked on the trials with determination, facing each one head-on. Throughout the trials, they displayed remarkable diligence and composure, leaving an impression on the observing grandmasters.

However, it became apparent that the majority of the second-tier candidates fell short in comparison to Rina and Mathew. Particularly in the first and second trials, their performance was weaker. Their mana meridians were not as well-distributed, and their mana trees lacked density, resembling sparse leaves and small fruits like berries or apricots at best. It was clear that they were average candidates, lacking the exceptional potential of Rina and Mathew.

Despite their limitations, each candidate managed to secure at least one or two invitations consistently, a testament to their efforts and the recognition of their abilities.

The phantom mage called out the name "Hendrickson Bale," and with a proud exclamation, Hendrickson stepped forward, “It's show time.”

There was a hint of concern among the other candidates.

“Oi, don’t do anything stupid out there,” I reminded him.

Fearing Hendrickson's enthusiasm which might lead to reckless behavior that could upset the grandmasters. However, the results of Hendrickson's performance left the grandmasters dumbfounded, utterly shocked by what they witnessed.

Hendrickson's meridians displayed remarkable health, particularly evident in his arms where the mana meridians fully covered them. During the second trial, his mana tree flourished, extending its branches and adorning itself with lush leaves that almost concealed it entirely. The most astounding aspect was the fruit that sprouted from the tree—a collection of large, ripe mana mangoes, each nearly the size of our heads.

The significance of this development couldn't be ignored. Not only did Hendrickson possess an abundance of mana, but his mana also possessed great potency. The growth of such high-quality mana mangoes was a testament to his exceptional talent.

In the third trial, the transformation of the exoskeleton unveiled even more astonishing revelations. One of the exoskeleton arms morphed into the grotesque limb of a Blazecrawler Salamander. It became evident that Hendrickson had not only gained tremendous power but also secured the favor of the fire element, granting him the ability to transform into a monstrous creature.

Hendrickson achieved a remarkable feat by receiving invitations from seven out of the nine royal academies. Even Grandmaster Hamanthra and Grandmaster Travis, renowned for their discerning tastes, extended invitations to him with enticing offers.

The only grandmasters who did not invite Hendrickson were Grandmaster Messindra and Grandmaster Casia. Messindra was only looking for psychic mages and Grandmaster Casia seemed to only extend invites to girls who had an affinity to using healing magic.

The sheer number of invites that Buffon Hendrickson received from the prestigious royal academies was undoubtedly impressive. Almost all the grandmasters were eager to claim him for their academy, which added to his allure and status.

However, just when we thought that Hendrickson's trial was the pinnacle of astonishment, Trisha Valencia's trial surpassed it by a mile.

Trisha's meridians were an absolute marvel, densely distributed throughout her entire body, making her the epitome of a healthy mage. During the second trial, the branches of her mana tree stretched beyond the confines of the arena, adorned with large, lush leaves measuring an impressive 15 centimeters in width. Furthermore, the branches bore massive mana fruits, each measuring a foot in diameter, scattered abundantly.

The grandmasters were left astounded by the spectacle that unfolded before their eyes.

During the third trial, the exoskeleton became enveloped in a barrage of thunder, crackling and sparking with electrifying energy. The thunderous display even struck fear into some of the noble retainers, causing them to back away, wary of the lightning's reach. Meanwhile, Trisha remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the electrifying storm.

To our surprise, Grandmaster Biswaq addressed Trisha with a friendly smile, acknowledging the unexpected nature of her presence.

"Trisha Valencia, it is quite surprising to see you here. This trial was tailored to showcase the abilities of commoners, and a noble like yourself was not something we were anticipating. I'm certain it has also left the other candidates a bit surprised," Biswaq remarked.

"I am no longer a noble. Please treat me like the rest of them. I do not require any special treatment," Trisha responded humbly, bowing her head.

The disparity between commoners and nobles was starkly apparent. While we were aware of Trisha's noble background, witnessing the stark difference firsthand was truly eye-opening. It became clear that our trials were indeed adjusted to cater to the abilities of commoner candidates. It was no wonder that the nobles did not undergo the same ascension trials as us.

Trisha's exceptional talent was further affirmed as she received invitations from an astonishing eight out of the nine royal academies. The only academy that refrained from extending an invitation was Celestia's Mercy, led by Grandmaster Casia.

At this stage, all the 2nd tier candidates had successfully completed their trials. The remaining candidates now consisted of the last three of us: Jason, Marcia, and myself. We were the 1st tier candidates who had made it onto the exemplary candidate list.

Finally, my name was announced, "Benjamin Almond."

"About time they called my name," I whispered to myself, cracking my knuckles in anticipation.

"Good luck," Jason said, offering me words of encouragement. Marcia nervously peeked from behind Jason's shoulder, her eyes filled with a timid curiosity as she glanced at me.

"Well, see you on the other side," I muttered, making my way toward the stage.