Having completed the first stage of the test, John advances to the next. Despite the mounting pressure, his resolve to excel remains firm. Grod the Half-Orc is the first to face the challenge. With a resolute gaze, he marches to the orb and places his hand upon it. The results flash: 35% in Earth and 5% in Dark. A nod of contentment betrays his approval. Alara the Drow follows, her dark allure and silver tresses exuding confidence. The audience gasps as she makes contact with the orb, revealing her scores: 45% in Dark and 10% in Fire. A fleeting look of astonishment crosses her features. Then comes Kael the Human, his light brown locks and earnest eyes filled with a blend of hope and resolve. His results show 30% in Water, and his expression briefly reveals his dismay. Lastly, Anya the High Elf steps forward. As she enters the spotlight, her ethereal beauty captivates John. Her luminous silver hair and the poised assurance she radiates suggest she''s already certain of her superiority.


    As she nears the orb, John is caught between admiration and annoyance. He''s aware that judging her solely on her appearance is unfair, yet he can''t shake off a sense of defensiveness. Her results flash before the crowd – 55% in Air, 55% in Water, and a remarkable 65% in Light – prompting a wave of shock and excitement. Murmurs ripple through the onlookers; some speculate about the Church''s interest, others about an invitation from the Royal Academy. Her potential seems limitless. Then it''s John''s moment. Approaching the orb, he feels the weight of countless stares. He strives to block out the scrutiny, concentrating on the immediate challenge. As his hand moves towards the orb, an unforeseen event occurs – two crows descend from the heavens, alighting on his shoulders, unseen by all. One settles on his left, the other on his right. John eyes the left crow and quips, "Came with reinforcements?" It nods, as if in affirmation. Turning to the right crow, he greets, "Pleasure to meet you." Taking a deep breath, he touches the orb. Instantly, it splits, unleashing a dazzling light. As it dims, the audience is left in stunned silence.


    Chaos reigned in the square as crows suddenly adorned the city walls, statues, and trees, seemingly appearing from thin air. The crowd fell silent, trying to comprehend the bizarre event. Anya lost her composure, Grod was a mix of curiosity and unease, and Kael''s confusion was evident. Even the usually unflappable Grod was taken aback. The crowd was dumbstruck, but John''s laughter broke the silence. "Lucky for me, I''ve snagged a spot at the royal academy," he announced. Facing the talent tester, he quipped, "Sorry for the commotion, but maybe this''ll get me out of paying for the testing orb." A crow''s caw cut through the stillness. John glanced at the crow perched on his shoulder. "I know, you''re hungry," he ribbed. The crow retorted with indignant caws. "Remember when you thought worms were haute cuisine?" John teased. "Then you tried my cooked fish. Talk about an upgrade!" His chuckles filled the air again. "I''ll mingle with these fine ladies, then we''ll regroup. I''m cooking up a celebration feast. Thanks for the support and vigilance. And honestly, with you two as my wingmen, what if an elf fancies a dance?" He gave a playful wink to the elves. Anya''s cheeks turned scarlet. Alara piped up, "I might just take that dance," making John''s face match Anya''s blush.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    As if on cue, thousands of crows took to the sky, circling above the city as the crowd gasped at the astonishing sight. "So, what''s next?" John inquired. The man from the Royal Academy replied, "We''ll head to the academy to get you situated. By the way, my name is Will. What''s yours?" "I''m John. Nice to meet you, Will," John responded, shaking his hand. "First, we need to reach the academy, then your classes will start next week. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the area and your class locations. Normally, a student takes classes in one or two talents they possess. Not you, John; you''ll be taking them all." "All of them? I''d better still have time for fishing, or the deal is off," John declared firmly. "That''s up to you and how much training you do daily. In the dungeons, you either live or die." "Dungeon? What dungeon?" John questioned. Will was taken aback. How did this kid not know about the city''s dungeon? That''s the main reason guilds recruit, to obtain better beast cores. Will asked, "Why did you test your talent if you had no idea why the others were testing?" "Simple, I had nothing to lose by taking a test. Plus, I''d know where to focus my training, even if I didn''t get into the Royal Academy." "Well said. In that case, let''s head to the academy," Will announced to the group of five, leading them off the stage. John and the others trailed behind Will toward the academy.