Varen was led into another testing machine. At its center stood a large device, half chair, half frame, wrapped in cables and thin metallic bands. Screens containing specific data could be seen at the side of the machine likely recording the test results.
The guide gestured to it.
"The Mystic Energy Reactor. " he said. "It measures your mystic energy capacity, the focus of enhancement in your body, and other energy waves could be detected for special abilities."
Varen sat. The bands adjusted automatically, resting lightly against his temples, spine, wrists.
"Relax," a female staff said. "it will be over in a flash."
The machine powered up.
"When did you first notice your ability?"
"Yesterday, at my fighting club," Varen said. "During a fight with my coach, I suddenly felt space around me—his movements, objects, everything. It all came rushing in, but strangely, I wasn't overwhelmed."
"Range?"
"About five meters."
Screens flickered, recording his words.
"What else ?"
"I sensed Energy," he said after a pause. "Two kinds in fact."
"can you Explain in detail."
"One type of energy rushed into my body the moment I awakened, strengthening my body, that must be the mystic energy you mentioned. The other… feels different. I can't do anything about it , but I feel it nonetheless"
The guide and staff around exchanged looks.
"That aligns," one of them said. "Mystic energy is universal among awakened. It enhances the body and fuels abilities."
"And the second?" Varen asked.
"Likely an auxiliary perception source," another replied. "Some abilities tap into secondary energies. Elemental users do this often."
"So mine isn't strange?"
"No," the guide said. "your situation is normal, people with secondary energy sources are plenty, but they mostly convert mystic energy to that second energy for usage."
"But mine is already there. I can feel it more clearly than mystic energy."
"That just means it's a natural world energy," the guide said. "Like how a water ability user doesn't need mystic energy to manipulate water near a lake."
Varen understood instantly, he must discover what this world energy is if he wants to unlock the full potential of his ability.
The guide checked his tablet.
"Ability classification complete," he said. "Support type. Sensory and mental. Spatial and environmental perception."
Varen leaned back. "Support…"
"Upper Tier One," the guide continued. "your ability is good in combat, but even more exceptional for research."
"Tier One," Varen repeated quietly.
"Yes."
His excitement faded.
Tier Two. That was the threshold for an elite, a Tier one ability is good, but not for the place Varen wanted to go to.
Still, the guide smiled. "Congratulations, Regardless of where you go, your life just changed, Mr. Varen."
"You are eligible for multiple research positions," the guide added, looking at certain guide that come back just in time.
the guide was a little shifty, but nothing strange, he approached the guide and whispered something.
"Oh? Mr. Varen," the guide said, "several facilities are interested in including you in their projects. Your ability is valuable for research. You could become a top researcher in the country."
Varen shook his head. "Thank you for the offer, let me sit on it, I will give you a response as soon as possible."
"Understood," the man said. "We can revisit later."
Outside the building, Varen checked the certificate in his hand.
Varen Locke — Tier One Ability User
One thousand silver coins had already been transferred to his account.
"I can't believe I get this much just announcing I am an Awakener," he murmured. "this is enough for a normal human to spend in half a year comfortably."
The imbalance of the world felt clearer than ever.
"But, its for a good reason they give these many incentives for registering" Varen imagined if people awaken but do not announce it , you will never know what the world will become, perhaps the person next door could just blow you up in a fit of anger.
" This is smart, encouraging people to announce their awakening with benefits, for more control and keeping the peace is a great idea" Varen though of many things in the way to his home, re-enacting his encounter in the council Branch.
Later that day, Varen sat in his room, reflecting. His goal was achieved, but not as he had imagined.
" even though it's a little disappointing, I can't do anything about my ability Tier, right now, I need to control the second energy source I'm sensing, maybe that will show my true ability to not be just a mere tier one."
Varen spent most hours that remained of the day in his house, analyzing and searching for the best route to take that will quickly help him reach his ability's full potential.
'Hm. that guide is a little suspicious..' Varen remembered the interactions earlier today, as he was undergoing the test, he did not pay full attention , but his space perception allowed him to clearly notice the hidden glances from the guide and that staff member.
'They likely intend to use me for their benefit'
"What could they be after?"
" At worst, I'll just reject them."
In the end, his choice was clear, he wanted to enroll in an academy.
In this world, aside from official organizations, Every nation had academies specialized in teaching the gifted, these academies are specially built for those who awakened their powers, hence the entry threshold is already high, there, ability users learn to master their powers, after graduation they take important positions in the future.
As long as someone can successfully graduate from an academy, they will be the focus of many influential parties, basically these students are set for life, unless they died midway , they are the top of the top in each country.
" My ability tier will affect which academy I can enter, Forget that one. LUMENHARBOR Academy is still good enough."
"As long as I gain real strength, it doesn't matter where I start."
With that, Varen prepared his documents and packed for the next day. The guide's offer was already forgotten. Suspicious people were best avoided.