Chapter 2: First Analysis
Sol stood still as the system interface flickered before his eyes.
A translucent blue screen appeared.
[Analyzing Host Body…]
Name: Sol Rathana
Level: Apprentice Lv1
Talent: Low
Spiritual Sea: Weak (Damaged)
Sol's face darkened.
"…So I really am trash."
[Solution Available]
[Optimizing Spiritual Sea…]
Suddenly—
A sharp pain exploded in his chest.
"Ghh—!"
His body trembled as energy surged through him.
Minutes later…
The pain stopped.
[Optimization Complete]
Talent: Low → High
Sol froze.
"…What?"
His breathing quickened.
"This system…"
"…it can improve talent?"
He clenched his fists tightly.
This wasn't just powerful—
It was terrifying.
He sat cross-legged on the bed.
"Let's test it."
[Absorbing Fire Element…]
Red particles began gathering around him.
[Analysis Complete]
Fire Element Compatibility: 98%
Sol opened his eyes slowly.
A faint flame flickered on his fingertip.
A smile appeared.
"For the first time…"
"I feel power."
But suddenly—
[Warning: Unknown Energy Detected]
Sol's expression changed.
"…Unknown?"
From deep within his body—
A dark, ancient aura stirred.
[Analyzing…]
[Error…]
[Error…]
(Passout)
The next morning—
Soft golden light filtered through the window.
Sol opened his eyes slowly.
For a moment, he didn't move.
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
"I'm still alive… in this world."
He raised his hand.
A tiny flame flickered above his finger.
Stable.
Controlled.
Far stronger than yesterday.
[System Notification]
Fire Element Mastery: Basic (12%)
Sol nodded slightly.
"Good… progress."
Suddenly—
A knock on the door.
Knock. Knock.
"Sol! Wake up already!"
A girl's voice.
Clear. Sharp. Slightly annoyed.
Sol stood up and opened the door.
A red-haired girl stood outside, arms crossed.
Sharp eyes. Confident posture.
"Finally awake?" she said.
This was—
Lina Veyra.
Age: 17
Apprentice Lv2
Fire Element User
She was also…
One of the few people who didn't completely ignore him.
"You're late," Lina said.
"Today is the Academy Selection Day."
Sol's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Selection?"
Lina frowned.
"Don't tell me you forgot."
Then she sighed.
"Typical."
She turned and started walking.
"Come on. If you miss this, you'll stay trash forever."
Sol followed silently.
But inside—
His thoughts were calm.
Academy…
Perfect.
Aetherion Mage Academy
The largest academy in this region.
A place where:
Geniuses were born
Weaklings were crushed
And only the strong survived
As they arrived—
The place was already crowded.
Hundreds of young apprentices stood in groups.
Some confident.
Some nervous.
Some arrogant.
At the center—
A massive stone platform.
Covered in glowing runes.
Sol's eyes sharpened.
[Analyzing…]
Object: Rune Testing Platform
Function: Measures talent & elemental affinity
"…Interesting."
A loud voice echoed.
"Silence!"
An old man stepped forward.
White robe.
Cold eyes.
Overwhelming presence.
Elder Kael.
A true Mage.
"The selection… begins now."
One by one—
Students stepped forward.
Hands placed on the stone.
"Fire affinity: Medium. Pass."
"Water affinity: Low. Fail."
"Wind affinity: High. Pass."
Murmurs spread across the crowd.
Then—
A tall boy stepped forward.
Blonde hair. Arrogant smile.
"Look, it's Aric."
Aric Drelon.
Top talent.
Apprentice Lv3.
He placed his hand on the stone.
BOOM—
The runes lit up violently.
"Fire affinity: EXTREME."
Gasps filled the area.
Aric smirked.
"As expected."
Lina clicked her tongue.
"Show-off."
Then—
Her turn.
She stepped forward confidently.
Hand on the stone—
Flare—
Bright red light.
"Fire affinity: HIGH."
She smiled slightly.
Then—
She looked back.
At Sol.
"Your turn, weakling."
Some students laughed.
"Isn't that the useless guy?"
"He'll probably fail."
Sol ignored them.
He stepped forward calmly.
His hand touched the stone.
Silence.
Nothing happened.
A few students started laughing.
"Told you—"
Suddenly—
[System Override Initiated]
The runes trembled.
A deep glow began forming—
Not red.
Not blue.
Not green.
But—
Pure white.
Elder Kael's expression changed instantly.
"…What is this?"
The entire platform began shaking.
[Analyzing All Elements…]
Compatibility: 100%
The light exploded—
BOOOOOOM—
Everyone stepped back.
Eyes wide.
"Impossible…"
"All elements?!"
Lina froze.
"…Sol?"
Aric's face darkened.
Elder Kael stared deeply at him.
For a long moment—
Silence.
Then—
He spoke.
"…Accepted."
The crowd erupted.
Sol slowly removed his hand.
His expression calm.
But inside—
"This is just the beginning."
As he turned—
His eyes met Aric's.
A silent clash.
Rivalry…