“All right, the last result from Class F is out!” one man near the device shouted with the loudspeaker on him.

The expression of the student who was tested was one of disappointment. He clearly did not expect that his test result would not be up to his expectations. Although the test results themselves were actually quite good, since the sphere was lit halfway.

“Although this is the lowest class in the Transcendent Academy, the test showed that the students have the potential to become Transcendent.” The man kept announcing things that the student did not feel disappointed about for long.

Discussion could be heard as the students murmured to themselves or to their nearby friends.

“The highest in our class is only three-fifths of the sphere lit up.”

“Don’t be unhappy, the average of our class is to light up half of the sphere in the center so cheer up!”

“This is good enough for us. Don’t compare us to those at Class A, they are in another world altogether.”

At this point, Tatsumi could hear the voices of the students of the academy. He did not expect that he could witness the test of the lowest class in the academy.

‘So the average score is half lit the sphere at the center of the device.’ Tatsumi took note of the fact before he followed Romanov to the adults who were near the device.

“Sir Romanov, are you bringing in some people for the test again?” the announcer turned to face Romanov and asked.

“Of course, everyone who comes here should get an opportunity to try,” Romanov replied with a smile, the corner of his eye moved slightly.

The announcer nodded before he announced to the Class F students that they were dismissed. But of course, they were standing there because they realized that Romanov had brought in some people.

“We might be dismissed but there is no class for today. How about watching Teacher Romanov test the people who just came in?”

“Sounds good. We have nothing else to do anyway.”

All the Class F students suddenly had the same thought and the announcer did not know what to do with that.

Romanov, however, did not mind such a thing. He felt that it made no difference whether someone watched the test or not.

After all, the test was about the compatibility of the new transcendent energy source with the individual. That kind of thing was likely to be innate, but some scientists of the academy disagree about that matter.

“Who wants to go first?” Romanov asked the group.

Tatsumi did not have an interest in going first unlike before. To him, this was just a test for the Transcendent Academy to determine the device's accuracy and to find the most suitable candidate for nurturing.

“How about him?” Long Wu pointed to one of the shadow guards.

“Me?” the person mentioned pointed to himself before he realized that the rest of the group stared at him.

“You know why I can’t participate in this test.” Long Wu added.

Of course, the person realized it too. He realized that Long Wu was a Transcendent at the Core Formation Realm, and his energy source was the undead element, so there was no need for him to be tested, since there could be complications that he did not know.

This person was actually someone that even Yamaguchi knew. That was why Yamaguchi smiled at him. The person nodded while gulping hard.

Then Hecates started to introduce the group with the method of the test.

“What we need from you is a drop of your blood. That’s right, a drop of blood is sufficient for the test. Of course, the tester will place the blood on the circular dish before being placed at the center of the sphere in the device.”

Hearing that made Tatsumi aware of how the device worked. He also felt that the device must have caught something from the blood which would be used as a mark for something that could at least resonate with the crystal behind it.

‘I am wondering…whether someone can achieve one hundred percent, meaning the sphere fully lights up.’ Tatsumi thought while seeing the process.

“Uncle, please try it.” Ame gently pushed the person forward. He had no choice since even Ame said it.

With that, he pricked himself on the thumb and a drop of blood could be seen forming at the center of the thumb. The tester collected the blood by letting it drop at the center of the dish.

Then the dish was placed at the center of the sphere. The sphere had a small window with which things could get in and out of it.

“Let the energy come in after that,” Romanov said while the tester nodded. Another person was responsible for this process, so without further ado, he opened the valve that connected the sphere at the center of the device to the crystal behind it.

The transcendent energy source slowly permeated the inside of the sphere. Then, a screeching sound could be heard from the device. The expressions of the testers were serious as they watched the sphere slowly light up from the center to the outer layer.

After some time, it stopped at half the sphere which meant that it was half lit.

“The result is out. You have a fifty percent affinity with the new transcendent energy source.” The announcer said.

The Class F students were surprised to see that. After all, the guests that Romanov accompanied were able to light the sphere halfway.

“Can you believe that the random person was able to light up the sphere halfway? What about the rest of that group, then? Would they be able to rival Class A?”

“I don’t know for sure. But they have something noteworthy for Sir Romanov to bring them here, that is what I am sure about.”

Murmur and discussion could be heard among the Class F students.

After that was Mikazuki Yamaguchi. He dropped his blood and tested it with the new transcendent energy source.

The result was quite amazing since the sphere lit up three-fourths of the entire sphere, meaning he had a seventy-five percent affinity with the new transcendent energy source.

“How about you try it out?” Tatsumi said to Ame.

Ame looked at him before she rolled her eyes. She understood that Tatsumi wanted to be the last to try since he had almost no interest in this test.

“Is there something that makes you not interested in the test?” Ame asked back.

“This is just a test to see the affinity with the crystal, which I suppose generates a transcendent energy source. This test does not determine your future growth or success either. That is why I am not interested in the test. No matter the result, I will walk my own path.” Tatsumi replied calmly.

Ame finally understood slightly Tatsumi’s train of thought. He was more pragmatic and also resolute in his mind.

‘Those kinds of people have a firm mind. Let’s just hope that his accomplishment will be as grand as his aspiration.’ Ame silently thought this while walking to the tester.

Ame was no different than the people being tested. She pricked her finger so that a drop of blood could get out. She placed the drop of blood on the dish before the two tester synchronized their action, one inserted the dish to the sphere at the center while the other opened the valve that connected the sphere to the crystal.

Tatsumi noticed that the light the sphere produced was more resplendent and also brilliant.

‘Wait, Ame would not be the one who achieves full affinity to the new transcendent energy source, right?’ he thought as he watched.

The rest of Class F noticed the light the sphere had produced was different.

“What was that? That light is so bright.”

“I think I know what this is. This is what happens when someone has almost full affinity for the crystal there!”

“Don’t be kidding me! Are you saying that the girl there achieved almost full affinity for this test?”

Discussions and murmurs could be heard as the students commented about the test. Then the sphere was almost lit up fully, but short of just a bit from being fully lit up the sphere.

The testers were surprised as well. They did not expect that someone from outside the academy would achieve such a result. But they were also sure that the device was not broken so there was only one conclusion…

“Congratulations to you, then.” Tatsumi opened his mouth when he made up his mind. He knew that Ame would likely become the person chosen to be the new kind of transcendent.

Ame was surprised as well but all she could do was blink her eyes. She did not know how to face this fact.

Hecates and Romanov were also surprised to see the result. From their perspective, the test result showed that Mikazuki Ame’s result was among the top even in the Transcendent Academy.

The sphere brilliantly lit up to the end of the entire hall, but they could discern that it was not full affinity.

“She can be one of the candidates. In fact, she is the best so far.” Romanov commented while Hecates smiled slightly.

Then another one of Ame’s shadow guard was being tested. The result was that he lit up four-fifths of the sphere. The result was quite good.

Tatsumi was thinking about something important with Kudungga when he was interrupted by Ame.

She shook her hand in front of Tatsumi’s face but he did not respond. So she moved her hand in a motion which was to poke him in the forehead.

Tatsumi reflexively grabbed her hand when he sensed something was coming to his forehead. He grabbed her hand quite hard so he knew the exact features of her hand.

He snapped out of the trance and let go of the hand.

“I am fine. What was that for?” Tatsumi protested.

“You are dazing off like that when it is finally your turn. I am concerned so I am trying to get you back to attention.” Ame replied with a serious expression and tone.

Tatsumi sighed as he was a bit busy with something that involved with the Afterlife but he could not say it to the other people because it would not be able to be replicated and to prove it was a bit hard in a short time so he could only let go of the excuse.

“Alright. I am the last to be tested, right? Let’s get this over with.”

Tatsumi did what the others had to go through. Soon, his blood was placed on the sphere and the valve to the crystal was opened.

At this time, a reaction like no other occurred. A light thumping voice could be heard from within the sphere.

Hecates and Romanov’s expressions were one of sheer shock as realization dawned upon them.

‘Isn’t this reaction the theoretical reaction when a drop of blood is fully compatible with the new transcendent energy source?’ Their thoughts were the same.

As a researcher of transcendent energy sources, there was a lot of discussion regarding the test method. One of the researchers calculated that when there was a person who could perfectly absorb the energy source, there would be a great reaction from the blood.

Since this was only a theory and no one had ever encountered someone with full compatibility and affinity with the new energy source, they could not see it.

Now, however, they saw the theory come true as the blood inside the sphere was reacting strongly to the jade-colored mist which tried to seep into the blood completely.

The Class F students were surprised to hear the loud noise as well as seeing the expression of Hecates and Romanov was all they needed for confirmation.

“Is this reaction…the one where the compatibility with the crystal reaches the fullest?”

“Are you saying that such a person exists? No way!”

“But it is theoretically possible. The teachers say so, remember.”

Disbelief and astonishment were the common expressions of those who were present at the moment.

As for Tatsumi though, the corner of his eyes was twitching.

‘After all of that, it turns out that I am the biggest beneficiary of this test.’ Tatsumi rubbed his nose bridge as he contemplated about the situation.

To him, it was an unexpected surprise. But the issue was that his test result was going to cause undercurrents at Transcendent Academy.

Furthermore, he had to consider Hecates and Romanov’s feelings since the test device came from the academy and he had gone along with them to see the test.

“What are you going to do now?” Ame smirked. Tatsumi could not answer that question since he knew what kind of reaction everyone had.

“Can I just not participate further in this? I am here just for sightseeing, nothing more.” Tatsumi tried to make his way out of this trouble but everyone’s sight was on him.

“Young man, you have a great future.” Hecates commented while Romanov patted Tatsumi on the shoulder.

“As expected from you. You are the most suitable to become a Transcendent with the new energy source.” Romanov said that while he kept patting Tatsumi.

“But I don’t want to!” Tatsumi screamed his heart out but nobody cared about that.

All they cared about was the appearance of someone with full compatibility with the new energy source and everyone there became the witness of that.

Tatsumi could only see that the people were giving him a certain kind of stare which was familiar to him.

Of course, he would find it familiar. It was the same gaze as the senior in the kendo club. When they stared at him, they were looking at someone who had become the envy of others.

‘It feels unpleasant to be stared at like that, you know.’ Tatsumi thought as he tried to shield himself from the majority of the people.

“Alright, all the tests are done for today. Please disperse the crowd so that we can have time to discuss something.” Hecates said to the announcer.

He knew that the announcer was also the head teacher for Class F. That was why he requested that from the announcer.

“All Class F students, please disperse. The test is done. You all have to self-study!” the announcer said through the loudspeaker in his hand.

The Class F students grumbled but obediently followed the instructions. It was because there was nothing for them to do at the hall that they could move so decisively. Besides, they had a piece of shocking news to be shared with other students from different classes.

Tatsumi was sandwiched between Hecates and Romanov as they started to ask him about his everyday life.

He answered all of that politely. While Tatsumi was busy handling the matter of his test result, Ame was looking at him with a thoughtful look.

‘As expected from the one who has been designated as a Star Child.’

 

-

 

After the test, Hecates brought the group to the hotel the kingdom had designated for the respected guest to live in. It was located near the academy just a few steps away from the entrance.

They had to do this as soon as possible because Romanov sensed that the academy students were looking at the group with a peculiar look. That was why they quickly ended the tour around the academy and escorted the guest to their dwelling.

“What should I do?” Tatsumi did not know what to do in this situation, so he asked Hecates.

“This is the first time such a test result has shown up. I can only say that your future is definitely in the way of Transcendent. I even want to ask you to join the Transcendent Academy.” Hecates said honestly what was on his mind.

“But I cannot do that. At least I cannot join Transcendent Academy since I come from Hinon Federation.”

“How about going to exchange pointers with fellow students? I think you will find that the academy’s students are capable of not only becoming a Transcendent but also excelling in combat.” Hecates suggested.

Tatsumi’s eyes gleamed with light. He did not expect that the academy was gathering people capable of combat. Hearing what Hecates said made him eager to test his skill against them.

After confirming that the luggage was in the right place, Hecates bade his farewell.

“Remember that tomorrow is an important day for not only the kingdom but also probably the rest of mankind itself. Please attend, you two.” Hecates left that word specifically for Tatsumi and Ame.

Tatsumi nodded because he came here for that exact reason. With Ame’s resourcefulness and help, he could go farther in life. This was something that he noticed.

‘But I also have to admit that coming to the Thebes Independent Kingdom was the right decision. I experienced new things or experienced something personally. That is something that even Memory Assimilation cannot do.’

Tatsumi spent most of the time assimilating the memories of the deceased in the Afterlife. That process was called Memory Assimilation and did not harm anyone involved.

It was just Tatsumi became able to experience things from the perspective of the deceased. But he also had a bit of realization that the experience ultimately came from others and not his own experience.

He returned to his own designated room and tidied up a bit of his belongings before he lay down on the bed, thinking about the experience he had just had. Tatsumi only stared at the ceiling of the room for a long time, unable to go to sleep.

‘Are you thinking about the new things you personally experience?’ Kudungga asked.

‘Yes. Somehow, I cannot forget that sensation. The moment when the test result showed that I have full compatibility with the new transcendent energy source, or seeing the devices and gadgets that were displayed in the Transcendent Academy, all of them are something I experienced personally, and they belong to me.’

‘You are still a teenager according to the newest psychological knowledge I have, so you can take your time to enjoy this trip. It is going to help you in your life.’