Chapter4-A Worthless Nobody?!

Every year, during the 'mana core' awakening ceremony, Lorlt Academy students are dispatched to various places.

This arrangement allows Lorlt Academy students to reap substantial benefits.

In wealthier villages and towns, people often present these students with valuable gifts in hopes of securing a better future for their children.

Seeing this dilapidated village from afar, Beckett assumed these people couldn't offer anything worthwhile.

He just wanted to finish quickly and move on to the next awakening site, hoping to get a share of the spoils there.

Hearing Beckett's words, the village chief forced an awkward smile.

The remote village had little of value.

They could only hope a few promising talents might be chosen by Beckett and brought to Lorlt Academy.

Just as the village chief was about to announce the start of the evaluation, Valentine approached Beckett with a wooden box in hand.

"Master Beckett, you've traveled a long way. This is a special gift from House Valen."

He said, presenting the wooden box to Beckett.

Beckett took the box casually, thinking that a small, remote family couldn't possibly offer anything valuable.

However, when he opened it, he was stunned. Inside was a wind-element magic crystal, perfectly aligned with his own magic attribute!

"You're Nathaniel's father, correct?"

Beckett asked, closing the box with satisfaction.

"Nathaniel is indeed my son."

Valentine replied respectfully.

"Someone at the academy mentioned it. After this event, he will be admitted to Lorlt Academy."

Beckett nodded, and without another glance at Valentine, he turned away.

Hearing this, Valentine's face lit up with joy!

"Thank you, Master Beckett."

The other chiefs and heads of families followed suit, presenting the gifts they had prepared in advance.

Owen and Ella saw this scene unfold.

Ella began rummaging through her clothes.

"Ella, what are you doing?"

Owen asked, puzzled.

"Owen, take this!"

Finally, Ella produced a small crystal, no larger than a thumb, and said, "I took this from home without anyone knowing."

"Give it to him. Maybe he'll be so pleased he'll let you into Lorlt Academy."

Hearing this, Owen couldn't help but laugh.

"The old man treasures this crystal greatly."

"If he finds out you gave it to me, he'll probably scold you harshly when we get back."

Owen teased.

Ella's neck shrank at his words, clearly afraid of her grandfather.

But then her expression became resolute. "I don't care about that. Your future is more important, Owen."

She thrust the crystal into Owen's hand.

"Ella, do you trust me?"

Owen asked, his eyes shining like stars as he looked into Ella's eyes.

Ella's cheeks turned rosy at his gaze.

"I... I've always trusted you, Owen."

Ella whispered softly.

"Then put the crystal away."

"I'm going to astonish everyone!"

Owen's words were filled with confidence.

Ella's eyes sparkled for a moment.

When she snapped out of it and tried to persuade Owen again, the awakening ceremony had already begun.

Ella shifted her feet, cursing herself for getting distracted at such a crucial moment.

Owen affectionately ruffled her hair.

At that moment, a blue-haired, green-eyed boy nervously placed his hands on the stone monument.

He closed his eyes tightly, focusing his mind.

The monument emitted a faint yellow light.

Yellow corresponded to a D-level mana core.

"Ellis, D-level mana core!"

Upon hearing the village chief's announcement, Ellis's eyes filled with disappointment.

Not only Ellis but also his family looked crestfallen.

A D-level mana core meant Ellis would likely remain in the village forever.

"Taris, D-level mana core!"

"Stanley, E+ level mana core!"

...

One by one, children stepped up full of hope, only to leave in disappointment. The testing had already lasted over an hour.

The best aptitude so far was only a D+ level mana core; there hadn't been a single C-level mana core or higher.

Even Beckett, sitting in the main seat, was starting to get impatient.

If not for the piles of 'gifts' in front of him, Beckett would have left already.

Not just Beckett, but even the usually lively Ella was losing interest.

"Ryder, C+ level mana core."

Hearing the village chief's announcement, Ella looked intently.

The monument emitted a bright green light, with a hint of blue mixed in!

Clearly, Ryder had top-tier potential among C-level mana cores.

"Finally, something that resembles an awakening ceremony."

Beckett remarked indifferently.

Ryder's face was filled with pride upon hearing this.

He looked like a peacock strutting about after a victory.

Ryder cast a disdainful glance at Owen.

He didn't believe Owen could achieve better results than him.

Seeing this, Ella was filled with worry.

Owen, however, remained calm and completely ignored Ryder.

Seeing Owen's indifferent expression, Ryder's face turned sour.

He silently vowed to teach Owen a lesson after the awakening ceremony.

After Ryder left, the ceremony continued.

None of the next participants managed to surpass Ryder.

"Is this the best potential your town has to offer?"

"If no one with a B-level mana core or higher appears today,"

"I will recommend to the academy that your village's direct entry to Lorlt Academy be revoked."

Beckett said in a cold tone.

Hearing this, the village chief's face changed dramatically. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin.

He could only look pleadingly at Valentine.

However, since Valentine's son was already guaranteed entry to Lorlt Academy, he had no reason to risk offending Beckett.

The village chief sighed helplessly, praying that the remaining participants would show exceptional potential.

"Nathaniel!"

When the village chief called out Nathaniel's name, the entire crowd perked up.

Everyone was extremely curious about what was so special about the prodigy of House Valen, who had been noticed by city dwellers since birth.

Even Beckett straightened up a bit.

Nathaniel placed his hands on the stone monument, which instantly erupted with a dazzling red glow, with hints of purple light.

"Na-Nathaniel, A+ level mana core!"

The village chief's voice trembled.

The villagers watching were in an uproar.

Since the establishment of the village, there had never been an A+ level mana core!

"Good! Good! Very good!"

Beckett stood up excitedly from his chair.

An A-level mana core was rare even in Lorlt Academy.

And Nathaniel had the top-tier potential within the A-level category.

Bringing Nathaniel to Lorlt Academy would surely earn Beckett substantial rewards from the academy!

Nathaniel was undoubtedly Beckett's greatest gain from this trip!

"As expected from the promising child of House Valen."

"His potential is truly extraordinary!"

Ares remarked.

"Indeed, with a child like Nathaniel, House Valen is secure for a century!"

Lord Gale added.

"Congratulations to House Valen!"

Beckett said to Valentine.

Beckett's attitude was no longer as stiff as before.

After all, even Beckett couldn't dismiss an A+ level talent.

"Hahaha."

"Thank you, thank you."

Valentine couldn't stop smiling.

Unlike the joyful expressions of those at the table, Ella's face was filled with worry.

Ryder was about to join House Valen.

What would happen if Ryder caused trouble for Owen then?

Even though Ella believed in Owen, she couldn't imagine that Owen's potential would be greater than Nathaniel's!

"Owen!"

At that moment, the village chief called out loudly, looking at the list in his hand.

Hearing his name, Owen walked calmly toward the stone monument under everyone's gaze.

His composed demeanor made everyone present take notice.

After all, most of the boys and girls who came for the test showed some degree of nervousness under the scrutiny of the monument and the crowd.

Some were so nervous they could barely walk.

No one had ever been as calm as Owen.

Even Nathaniel had felt uncertain when he took the stage.

Beckett, seeing Owen's composure, felt a flash of surprise in his eyes.

He also felt a sense of anticipation.

Could it be that he had found another gem besides Nathaniel?

If he discovered two geniuses, Beckett could secure a position at Lorlt Academy upon graduation!

"Owen, good luck!"

Ella shouted.

Hearing her, Owen gave her a slight smile.

"Hmph!"

"Just putting on a show!"

Ryder's eyes flashed with jealousy.

Ignoring everyone else, Owen placed his hand on the stone monument with practiced ease.

He concentrated his mind, drawing the mysterious power from the monument into his body.

However, unlike his previous awakening, the mysterious power from the monument circled around the spot where his mana core used to be and then returned to the monument!!!

To the onlookers, Owen was just standing there motionless, with the monument showing no reaction at all!

"Damn, after all this, he's just a worthless nobody???"