Although it was only one grade above the mortal level, the difference was vast. Anyone who possessed a Spirit-grade Inner Sun had the potential to become a cultivator.
But what exactly is a cultivator?
That question goes back to the earliest days of the world. It is said that in ancient times, beings known as Half-Gods walked the earth. They ruled all living creatures, and everyone was forced to obey their will.
Yet mortals were not satisfied. The Half-Gods were powerful, yes—but they were not true gods. Why should mortals bow forever?
Thus, the path of cultivation was born. It was a method that allowed ordinary humans to use Ka, a force the Half-Gods could command naturally from birth.
Through cultivation, mortals gained the ability to harness the world spiritual energy and eventually stand as rivals to those ancient beings.
Thia stepped aside confidently, shooting Athena a teasing grin. "Your turn—don't disappoint me."
"Please. It's just Spirit grade," Athena scoffed. "Don't get ahead of yourself." She flicked a glance at Atem. "Even he can see that."
Atem nodded lightly, not bothering to argue. Instead, he glanced toward the front. "Looks like it's your turn."
Everyone turned their attention toward Athena, who acted like she didn't notice, though she lifted her chin a bit higher and placed her hand on the mirror casually.
The mirror lit up instantly and light gathered rapidly at the center, converging into a sharp, star-shaped glow. It flared so brightly that several children squinted and stepped back.
"Star grade."
"No way!"
"A Star grade? Really?"
"I've never seen one before!"
The adults in the back exchanged stunned looks. For most of them, this was the first time they had ever witnessed a Star-grade talent.
Athena stepped back, trying to look indifferent but failing to hide the faint smile on her lips.
Atem looked at her with a faint smile. "Congratulations."
She shrugged, though her shoulders sat just a little higher. "It's just a grade. You don't have to look at me like I saved the village."
Atem shook his head lightly
Elder Kiros lifted the mirror and addressed the children. "For those who are new to this, there are five grades we commonly see in this region."
"Barren, Mortal, and Spirit are the most common grades," Elder Kiros explained. "Star comes next, and above that is Wheel. The higher the grade, the stronger your ability to sense Ka—and the faster your cultivation will be."
A boy in the crowd raised his hand timidly. "Has anyone ever gotten anything above Wheel?"
"Not in this region, at least," Kiros replied with a shake of his head. "There are four ranks beyond Wheel, but I've never seen them myself."
Athena puffed her cheeks a little, clearly pleased with her accomplishment.
The remaining children took their turns—four Spirits and three Mortals.
Then Elder Kiros glanced down at his wooden list, paused longer than usual, and lifted his eyes toward Atem.
Several children exchanged uncertain looks. Most of them knew of Atem, but only a few had ever spoken to him. He didn't have many friends.
Atem exhaled inwardly and stepped forward quietly. But before he could lift his hand—
"Atem, are you sure you wish to try today?" Elder Kiros lowered the mirror a little, studying him with a strange look in his eyes.
Athena turned sharply. "Why wouldn't he try?"
Kiros didn't look at her. "His body is fragile. The mirror won't harm him, but it may cause dizziness or discomfort… that's all I'll say."
Atem blinked, caught off guard by the explanation. He glanced at the mirror, then at his own hand, then back at the elder.
"I want to try."
Kiros's expression softened, as though he had expected this outcome yet hoped otherwise. Even so, he lifted the mirror again and held it steady for Atem.
"When you're ready."
Atem nodded and moved his hand toward the mirror.
But before he could touch it—
"Wait! It's my turn, not him!"
The voice shot through the courtyard like an irritated rooster call.
A boy pushed his way out from the back of the crowd, stumbling a little as he rushed toward the front. His cheeks were red from running, and his hair stuck in odd directions as if he'd woken up late and sprinted all the way here.
Athena clicked her tongue. "Seriously? Now?"
"Ah. It's Thia's brother. Figures he'd show up late."
The boy—slightly taller than Thia, with the same sharp eyes—stopped in front of Elder Kiros, panting.
"I'm sorry, Elder,I was helping my mother– "
His voice carried a mix of embarrassment and stubborn pride, the kind of tone someone uses when they hate seeming irresponsible but refuse to make excuses.
Elder Kiros glanced down at his list. The delay clearly annoyed him, but he also understood why the boy had been late.
He sighed softly, then nodded. "Yes, you're next. Step forward—and don't waste my time."
Atem quietly lowered his hand and stepped aside without protest, he was not in hurry.
Thia's brother shot him a quick, apologetic look before taking atem's place.
The courtyard leaned in again because many people know him and quite a few priests have high expectations for him.
Thia's brother stepped up to the mirror and pressed his palm against its back. For a moment, the polished surface stayed dull. Then light slowly gathered, forming a steady blue glow.
Before anyone could comment, a second light rose beneath the first—warm and orange, equal in strength yet clearly separate. The two colors overlapped but never blended, each holding its own boundary.
The nearby children traded uneasy glances. Even several adults frowned in confusion.
"You… have two?"
Athena narrowed her eyes. "Dual lights… that doesn't happen often."
Elder Kiros's expression grew solemn. He studied the mirror for several breaths before finally speaking.
"Spirit grade."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Both lights are Spirit grade."
A wave of quiet murmuring rippled through the courtyard.
Dual Inner Suns were rare—something most people only heard about in old temple stories. For both to show the same grade made it even stranger.
Some parents exchanged stunned looks. A few children stared at Thia's brother with open envy.
Thia let out a relieved breath and gave her brother's shoulder a reassuring pat. He still looked unsure what to feel, but he bowed to Elder Kiros before stepping back beside her.
Athena folded her arms. "Shows up late and ends up with two Spirit grades. Some people are just born lucky."
With the boy tested, the line was finally empty.
Elder Kiros adjusted his grip on the mirror, then turned toward Atem.
"Atem… you are the last one. Step forward."