Fruity looked up at the figure descending from the sky, his eyes wide with wonder. "Immortal," he murmured.
Aurelia, however, remained calm and composed. "That is actually a Saint," she said. Unlike Fruity, who spent most of his days eating and playing pranks on the monks, Aurelia seemed to know more about such matters.
Fruity turned to her with curiosity. "What is a Saint?" he asked softly. He had read about immortals in the monastery's texts. The writings spoke of their ability to fly and move through the air, but he had never heard of a Saint before.
"A Saint is a cultivator with control over certain elements," Aurelia explained. "They have the ability to influence these elements in ways that let them defy some natural laws. For example, they can walk on air, fly, or travel long distances in mere seconds."
Fruity's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, which is more awesome, Saints or Immortals?" he asked with a grin.
Aurelia looked puzzled by the term "awesome" but quickly understood the gist of the question. She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Immortals are generally stronger than Saints. Their abilities are more extensive and their endurance is unmatched. However, both are remarkable in their own ways."
Fruity nodded, still smiling. "So, Immortals are awesome, but Saints are also awesome."
Aurelia nodded in agreement. "In a way, yes. Both have their own special qualities that make them remarkable. It's not just about who is stronger, but also about what they can do and how they use their abilities."
"It's decided, I want to be a Saint," Fruity said looking at the figure whose legs finally touched the ground. Aurelia looks at him curiously and smiles. They focus their attention back to the Saint that just appeared.
"I know you are all here to awaken and become cultivators, so I won't waste anyone's time," the Saint said, forming a hand seal. From behind him, a giant pillar, about 30 meters tall, rose from the ground.
The pillar had ten segments, each marked with intricate symbols. As soon as the pillar appeared, everyone's faces lit up with excitement. It was the Awakening Pillar. They said that if you touch it, strange energy would enter your body, linking your soul with your consciousness and opening the path to the spiritual sea, opening a way for you to cultivate.
"This is the Awakening Pillar," the Saint continued. "As you can see, there are ten segments, which can be viewed as levels, ranging from one to ten. When you touch it, it will connect your consciousness with your soul, awakening your latent talents and class. After that, it will measure your level based on your talent and class."
"Tsk, show off," Fruity muttered under his breath, feeling an inexplicable urge to slap Matin. However, recalling his teachings, he took a deep breath and whispered, "Inner Peace."
Aurelia watched Fruity with a soft smile. She found his reactions endearing and couldn't help but think that Fruity was too charming to be just a monk. In her mind, he seemed more like a prince from a grand kingdom.
If only Aurelia knew that Fruity was actually a prince. But who's asking?
Matin gently placed his hand on the pillar. At first, nothing happened. Then, after a few seconds, the pillar began to hum and light up. The first segment glowed blue, brightening steadily. The second segment followed, lighting up green. The third segment shone yellow, and then the fourth segment illuminated in violet.
But after the fourth segment, the pillar's light stopped.
"Impressive," some of the parents and guardians remarked. "Matin Gent awakened with Level 4 talent. This is impressive; his future looks bright."
Matin Gent, who had just achieved Level 4, was pleased but not as elated as he had hoped. He had not reached the fifth level, so he wouldn't receive special recognition from the King. The realization slightly dimmed his happiness.
"Stacy Hendrik," the elder called out. A slender young lady with attractive features stepped forward. Unlike Matin, she placed her hand on the pillar immediately, and it lit up in response. Just like Matin, she too stopped at Level Four.
With a smile, she walked down the stairs, satisfied with her result. As more names were called, Fruity watched with increasing curiosity. To his surprise, none of the other candidates reached Level Five. Most fell between Levels Three and Four, with only a few managing Level Two, a rare occurrence.
"Aurelia Jenkis," the elder announced.
Fruity's attention snapped to the young lady beside him. Aurelia, with her long silver hair, hourglass figure, and graceful legs, walked confidently toward the pillar. She gave Fruity a warm smile before she approached the Pillar.
"I'll cheer for you, Aurelia!" Fruity shouted.
Aurelia glanced back at him, her smile widening as she appreciated his support. She reached the pillar and placed her hand on it. The pillar responded immediately, beginning to light up in a dazzling display.