The Demon Monarch System

Chapter 8 - Talent Assessment

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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.