Chapter 218 Chapters 218- Ascenders Test (Part 4)
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However, Kai didn't really care much as that was the case for most normal Origin Users. Rare abilities are most of the time very strong but they can also be very useless. Those useless abilities end up determining the fate of their users and the results are mostly two probabilities. They either turn to become staff members in either Divinity or the Hitman guild... Or, they train hard to become Ascenders or hitmen but never reach a high level.
In both cases, they are bound to never claim the benefits more talented Origin Users get. Which was why the hierarchy in both Organizations was created in the first place.
So, Kai was now in a little bit of a dilemma. Should he simply use a weak talent and make it as if he trained hard and rose in the ranks slowly? Or, should he show a little bit of talent to quicken the process?
Both choices have their advantages and disadvantages. One increases the risk of his father's plan to finish before he could reach him and the other increases the chance of him getting discovered so Kai knew that he had to be careful.
As he was in deep thought, he looked up at Aria who was standing behind him on the line, and signaled for her to get closer so he could tell her something.
"Use an average talent in the test. Don't make it too eye-catching." He said.
"Ok, I understand."
Kai didn't need to specify what power she needed to use as he didn't know what powers she had after all these years.
A few minutes passed before the line finally reached Kai. He was guided inside the F section where he was told to stand on a metallic platform.
"Please show us your powers." The lead scientist asked him.
Kai nodded his head and took a deep breath before he extended his hand and used a little bit of Origin. Immediately, a small sparkle of electricity ignited in his hand.
He decided to use his lightning talent since that was the most basic power out there that wasn't too bad in fights.
The scientists didn't seem to look impressed which reassured Kai. After that, he was asked to move to the next section. Looking behind him as he walked, he saw Aria's turn and she surprisingly decided to use a power he didn't know she had... Her hand had turned into a shiny metallic object.
'She had a metal talent?' Kai thought to himself.
Metal talents were rather uncommon but not too shocking. They were basically defensive talents that toughened the skin of their users. It also could be used as a weapon with enough training. noVe.lB-1n
'Good choice.' He praised in his head as he continued to the next section which had multiple dumbles to be used for testing pure strength.
'They want to know how much temporary Origin affects new users?' He thought to himself as he was ordered to do multiple tests concerning weightlifting.
During that process, Kai decided to simply show the average power that a new user should have. He kept track of that by looking at the reactions of the staff. Then, he passed to the next section which had machines that measured stamina. The one after that was for speed, the fourth one was for aiming as he was handed a weapon in a shooting range and told to hit the targets and the fifth one was simply a small test for the knowledge of these newcomers about Origin and how it works.
It all went smoothly which made Kai's tenseness relax and he could finally heave a sigh of relief. He knew that he was basically guaranteed to join Divinity so he simply moved to the last section which was oddly enough a waiting lounge.
It was the biggest section of the place, with countless chairs and sofas to sit down, simplistic furniture, and a vending machine selling beverages and snacks for the candidates. Most newcomers were dead tired after the tests so they simply sat there and rested.
Time passed before Aria finally entered the room with her cane hitting the ground as if she was truly unable to see. Some people were about to stand up and help her -most of them were young men who thought it was an opportunity to help a beautiful girl-.
However, Kai was one step ahead as he approached her with a smile.
"How did you do, Cal?" He asked. Changing her name from Calia to Cal to show intimacy.
"Not bad. What about you?"
"Not bad either. We should be good to go, right?"
The two sat down as they chatted idly. Kai could hear the audible clicking of tongues coming from jealous candidates.
As time passed, more and more people walked into the lounge till it was filled to the brim. That's when the leading scientist finally entered the room and stood in front of everyone. Whispers echoed in the room as everyone spoke to one another.
"Can I have your attention, please?" The man was rather old and serious-looking. His voice was also deep and passively made people pay attention.
When he saw that everyone went silent, he finally spoke again. "Thank you for joining us today and welcome to Divinity. We're glad to accept everyone. Divinity's goal is to nurture and provide to people who recently got their hands on our newest invention, Temporary Origin. However, we sadly can't accept everyone yet. There are countless people who need guidance to truly use their new powers for the greater good. But, this is the first batch and most likely the first generation of Origin Users to ever exist! We know that the first generation is the most important so we decided to take our time looking after all of you."
Looking around, the man took a deep breath and continued. "After that, we shall increase the capacity of new Ascenders that shall join Divinity in the near future. Please keep that in mind."
His words sounded respectful and sad at the same time which immediately gained the sympathy of everyone present except for Kai and Aria who knew that he was simply twisting lies around.
'First generation of Origin Users? I'm intrigued to see their reaction if they realized that this first generation was actually 10 thousand years ago.' Kai thought with a snort.
However, he knew that Divinity wanted to keep the truth about Origin hidden for now to avoid any unnecessary complications. Perhaps when they discover a way to make a permanent Origin that they could inject into these people, they will reveal it to the public.
"So, with that being said, let's move on to the important matter. We are currently assessing the data we gathered from each candidate and see if it fits their choice of career working for Divinity. But, after that is over, each candidate is guaranteed a fixed salary with bonuses that depend on their performance. We in Divinity believe that hard workers are to be rewarded so don't worry about being given your rights. We shall also provide you with enough Temporary Origin injections to be able to use it at all times. Not to mention the houses given for those who are going to move in here." The man kept stating many benefits for the new Ascenders which almost made them drool.
It sounded too good to be true and yet that was what he was saying. Kai also knew that it was probably the truth as Divinity wanted to retain these people more than anything else. The benefits they will gain from that are astronomical so investing money into these people will only return with benefit on Divinity.
"This is amazing! I can finally leave my job!" One candidate said.
"Buying Temporary Origin is the best thing I've ever done!" Another added.
"Who fucking cares about people that protest against this? We're getting paid and even a house of our own!"
Granted, everyone cheered in happiness for this.
The man watched that scenery with a secret smile on his face. Then, he calmed them down again.
"However, don't take this for granted, ladies and gentlemen. You must work hard to become better Origin Users. Divinity will provide every means possible for that to happen and the rest is on you to do. Your talents are still juvenile and could easily evolve with time and proper work. That's why, please don't laze around or you might be at risk of losing your position."
The underlying threat of his words made everyone shudder in fear. This was perhaps the luckiest thing that happened to these people so if they lost this opportunity, who knows when they're going to get it again? They must not let it slip.
Just like that, with a few words, the man was able to instill determination in every new Ascender.
'Smart talker.' Kai thought to himself as he looked at Aria.
"Let's go."