The crystal hovered in the array, glowing faintly as Ardyn raised his staff.
"Place your hand here, Jiang. Let us test your innate soul power."
I pressed my palm against it. At once, the crystal shuddered violently. Instead of filling with light, its glow began to dim. Thin cracks of shadow spread across its surface, as though the very energy within was being devoured. Gasps broke out around the hall.
"What's happening?"
"The crystal is dying!"
Ardyn leaned forward sharply, his voice strained.
"Innate soul power… full? At birth?!"
Murmurs filled the crowd. A child with full innate power was almost unheard of — but one with such an unknown martial spirit? Impossible.
I withdrew my hand quickly. The Pure Darkness Ball above me pulsed, pulling faint wisps of light from the broken crystal. My chest burned as another surge rose inside me — something I had carried since I was three years old. Something I had never told anyone.
The technique.
Shadows rippled faintly across my fingertips, coiling like smoke. I clenched my fist tight, hiding it from sight before anyone could notice. The word burned at the edge of my tongue: Devouring Veil.
Ardyn's mask tilted as though he had sensed something — but not enough. His tone returned to its practiced calm.
"A rare spirit indeed… and full innate soul power. Jiang, you must tread carefully. Spirit Hall will be watching your growth with… interest."
He turned away, recording my results.