Chapter 304 - So Many Unique Talents in a Small Territory

Jonon then descended the steps and threw an arm around Leon. "Hey, there's no need to be hard on yourself. It's not something we can control."

"True, but it's something I must overcome…" Leon claimed, reaffirming his desire for strength.

A few more people went up before someone in the crowd shouted, "Come on, Shadur, let's see it!"

Shadur's face crinkled as he sighed and found his uncle in the crowd. Accepting the assessment as unavoidable, Shadur took the next opening on the platform. With Nixt and Jonon smiling over his shoulder, Shadur gingerly placed his hand on the magicite ore. 

Green energy suddenly rushed and flowed into the crystal with startling speed. Each of the instructors was amazed at the sight, almost struggling to believe their eyes. The magicite ore had become a solid emerald, at least for a moment, emanating vibrant energy that was brimming with vitality.

"Um… What are the results?" Shadur shyly asked, not wanting to be in front of an audience.

"It's…" Jonon was shocked, struggling to accept the result.

But Nixt quickly shook off the shock and boasted, "Perfect nature essence! You're with me, and I'll be sure to teach you properly!"

"Great… Thank you, Masters Jonon and Nixt."

Shadur's humble bow startled the crowd further, which was in a sudden uproar. 

"That's my nephew! Atta boy, Shadur!"

Ignoring his ecstatic uncle, Shadur walked past the instructor with a bow and joined Leon and Johan below. He was already trying to come up with an explanation that would somehow quell their excitement and surprise. 

A ways back, Vloz stood in a dark hallway while overlooking the assessment, now speechless.

"I want to fight him." 

"Calm down, Burt. That's something we'll discuss later," Vloz stated. "However… you may be lucky. Coming from Trighton, he already saw your true affinities, so I'll consider speaking with Shadur about it."

"Yes!" Glad to have a more open-minded instructor, Burt rubbed his hand along Vloz's fur. "Would you mind if I hop on?"

"Don't even think of it," Vloz immediately retorted.

"Yeah, he's my mount!" 

"Who would be a mount for your heavy hide?" Remarked Vloz, glancing back into the hall.

Rathe strolled up and threw an arm around Burt, who smiled back at him. "So, you're the special one? Well, one of the special ones. We've got three now!"

"Two students with perfect affinity… Dark and nature… Those could be very rare," claimed Vloz, returning to his usual, analytical self.

"Too bad, though. Are you sure he won't--" 

"We were lucky to convince him to join, and that was only possible by making him exempt from the warrior portion of the lessons," added Vloz. "And he made it clear that formations and medicine are his focus. Actually… I think that makes him an even more unique asset to the territory. And I'll have to apologize to Keldon for not believing him without a proven test result…"

"Hey, mind if we spar?"

"Right now?" Turning his attention away from Vloz, Rathe grinned as he looked to Burt and replied, "Why not?"

"Be careful in the new arena. We don't want to alarm everyone here," Vloz quickly stated.

Laughing, Rathe charged down the hall, reaching a freshly made staircase. "Come on, kid, come and get some tough love!"

Burt zipped away, chasing Rather down the unlit stairs.

Vloz sighed before chuckling, "He'll get along just nicely… As for him…" Glancing at Shadur, Vloz's mind went into overtime, "I'll need to find you a proper instructor… We can't have such talent go to waste."

But Vloz laughed again, harder than he had all day. "You can come out now."

Two figures appeared, not even two-krin from Vloz, one human and one beast. 

"As expected of Rhyner's daughter, but you're continuing to amaze me, Netra."

"Thank you, Master." Bowing her head, Netra walked beside the leopard. "So, I'm not the only rare talent anymore?"

"That's right. But that won't change how you're treated or alter your teachings. It just means I need to recruit another instructor or two, that's all," reasoned Vloz. "Congratulations, by the way."

"It was nothing."

"No, it's definitely something." Chiming in, Lizbeth stood on the other side of Netra as they looked into the crowding students from the shadows. "You're an elder and at such a young age. That kind of progress--"

"That's what it means to have perfect affinity." Not blinking, Vloz took a calming breath and looked down at the twin-tailed fox. "But I will admit, you're able to take a break every now and again."

"I'll keep that in mind," replied Netra, glancing back at the stares. "Do you think he sensed me?"

"No. Neither of them had a clue you were here, which is terrifying, considering Rathe is the territory leader… Then again, if Rathe were on guard, that would never have happened. Either way, thank you for helping me test Burt."

"Did he pass?" asked Netra.

Sighing, Vloz shook his head, "No… But it's likely a blend of his carelessness, having more affinities than he knows what to do with, and your unique talents. Also, your technique and arts play a part in that as well, Netra."

The fox nodded. "You would know, they're the same ones you use."

"That's what terrifies me… For you to be an even better assassin than I…"

"Either way, she'll be ready for the qualifier. There's no doubt about it," Liz mentioned. "But are you sure that's what you want, Netra?"

"That's all I want." 

"Alright… but you'll need to be wary of deadly situations."

"I'm not too proud to forfeit, Master Lizbeth."

"I told you, call me Liz. It's only a matter of time that you pass me," sighed Liz, shaking her head playfully at the fox.

"Thank you… Liz. Sorry, I'm just used to formalities," Netra stated, as blunt as ever.

Raising one eyebrow, Vloz asked, "Liz, do you have any suggestions for a nature essence instructor, preferably with a focus on medicine?"

She nodded, answering right away, "You can always try and get his old teacher, the former leader of Trighton's medical guild."

"Hmmm… Then I'll be paying Trighton a visit. For now, you two should get back to training. And thank you, Liz."

"No problem. Convincing people to join the academy was easy thanks to your efforts to maintain equality."

Without a word, Netra wiped away her existence and began to leave. That was Liz's cue to do the same, being Netra's second private instructor. And Vloz was left viewing the assessments alone. But sometimes he preferred it that way.