The Awakening Ritual determines two things: an individual’s talent and their affinity to the elements.

For determining talent, a flow of mana enters the body when one places their hand on the white sphere. This mana analyses the mana circuits within the body, the efficiency with which mana can flow through these circuits, and the growth potential of the individual.

Just as veins and arteries are essential for blood flow, mana circuits are required for the flow of mana in and out of the body. These circuits are extremely delicate and are almost impossible to repair once broken. They can be strengthened as an individual grows more powerful, but the maximum strength attainable at a particular stage is fixed at birth.

Additionally, the number of circuits increases with age, reaching its peak at sixteen, which is why this age is designated for the Awakening Ritual.

By analysing these primary aspects, the sphere determines the individual’s growth potential, which is ranked from E, the lowest, to S+, the highest.

Furthermore, the mana circuits required for mages and knights differ from one another. An individual with a high potential for becoming a mage typically possesses a lower aptitude for knighthood, and vice versa.

As for elemental affinity, the sphere draws out the tester’s mana and radiates the element most compatible with it.

---

"Place your hand on the sphere, child," the priest said, his eyes closed, his voice calm and soothing.

Chloe nodded and placed her hand upon the sphere.

A small stream of mana entered Chloe’s meridians through her hand. Gradually, her body began to radiate a brilliant glow, her hair fluttering violently.

The awakening sphere, which had remained motionless since it was placed upon the altar, began to vibrate for the first time.

"Oh Lord..." the priest gasped, his eyes snapping open in shock.

The massive columns of the church trembled, utensils clattered to the floor, chairs quivered at their bases, and several cracks spread across the altar where Chloe stood.

At first faint, then rapidly intensifying into a blinding golden brilliance, the sphere shone like a miniature sun, washing every corner of the church in radiant light.

Waves of gasps and unrest rippled through the hundreds gathered inside.

"Hahaha! I knew it!" Vlad’s voice thundered from above, his grip tightening against the balustrade as excitement surged through him.

"Everyone, engrave the name Chloe into your minds. She is my friend, awakened with S+ ranked talent!"

"An S+ ranked talent," the crowd echoed in shock.

"This is the first time an S+ rank talent has awakened in the Holy Church of Barton."

"This is a historic moment for East Argentum."

The voices of the spectators, laden with awe and reverence, surged through the vast hall.

After several seconds, the sphere’s vibrations ceased, its brilliance gradually fading as it returned to its original white hue.

The glow surrounding Chloe’s body vanished, her dishevelled hair settling back under gravity.

Just as everyone believed the extraordinary phenomenon had ended, a powerful gust of wind burst outward from the sphere, hurling furniture and people in all directions. Before anyone could be critically injured upon impact, a warm, honey-like energy enveloped their bodies, cushioning the force of collision and shielding them from the debris that crashed into them simultaneously.

"So this is the holy magic of a priest... incredible," Vlad murmured, his widened eyes fixed upon the priest at the altar, who had cast such a wide-ranging defensive spell in an instant.

Vlad was the only teenager who managed to remain standing against the sudden storm that erupted within the church.

"Huh? Did an earthquake occur?" Chloe muttered in confusion as she opened her eyes. Cracks lined the church walls, people were pinned against them, and the furniture had shattered into splintered wood.

"You need not concern yourself," the priest replied, already having regained his composure.

"Congratulations, Miss Chloe. You have awakened with S+ ranked talent and possess a very strong affinity for the Anemo element."

"S+ ranked?" Chloe murmured, her face showing no expression.

As the priest’s words finally sank in, a faint, nearly imperceptible smile appeared on her face.

"We can enter the academy toge—"

Before she could finish her words, her body was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace.

"Congratulations, Chloe. I’m proud of you," Vlad exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her back.

Chloe was slightly taken aback by the sudden hug. Every time Vlad touched her, her heart would pound heavily and a strange feeling would surge within her, which was why she always tried to keep her distance from him.

Yet, she did not push him away this time. After awakening as an S+ ranked talent, it felt as if a huge weight that had burdened her for the past ten years had finally lifted from her shoulders.

She was truly happy when Vlad had said he would give up his chance to enroll in the Arcane Academy if her talent turned out to be low-ranked.

She definitely hadn’t planned to trick Vlad into taking an oath just to force him to enroll in the academy if she had truly awakened as low-ranked.

"Thank you," she whispered, slowly raising her arms and resting her palms on his broad back.

Just for this once, she did not care if Vlad could hear her pounding heart.

While they were still embracing, the priest kept his curious gaze fixed on Vlad.

’Even the acolytes who have formed one ring were momentarily taken aback by the burst of the sudden storm, yet this child did not even blink or move from his position,’ the priest murmured inwardly.

’Could he also be...’

The priest decided not to jump to any hasty conclusions. He turned to Vlad and asked in a calm voice,

"Child, are you also here for the Awakening Ritual?"

Vlad stepped away from Chloe, pivoted on his foot to face the priest, and replied with a slight bow,

"Yes, Father."

"Hmm, in that case, place your hand on the sphere, child," the priest instructed. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Vlad bowed even lower, his back arching to ninety degrees before replying in a firm tone,

"Forgive me for my insolence, Father. I refuse."