"I will call out your name, and you will step into the center. Keep in mind, this assessment differs from combat evaluation." the instructor stated, retrieving a tablet.
"Max!"
"Here!" A man with a noticeable belly stepped forward.
"Demonstrate your ability, don't concern yourself with potential damage. This platform is equipped with a defense mechanism capable of withstanding an explosion." the instructor declared, his chest swelling with pride.
A puppet materialized before the candidate.
"Alright!"
Max took a step back, his body lowering into a stance reminiscent of a sprinter preparing to launch.
Suddenly, he sprinted forward for three steps, then in the next instant, he executed a dive. Just as he was about to make contact with the floor, he tucked his head closer to his chest and with a swift spin, Max transformed into a compact ball, rolling forward.
His velocity surged as he homed in on the puppet.
Bang!
The puppet exploded, eliciting exclamations of awe at Max's skill. However, the next moment, laughter filled the room as Max returned to the center, bloodied and with fragments of the puppet embedded in his skin.
"H-how did I do?" Max inquired, his voice trembling with pain radiating from all parts of his body.
The instructor was momentarily speechless. He had anticipated scenes like this; some Holders possessed peculiar and even absurd abilities. Despite Max's injuries, the instructor chose to pass him, recognizing the formidable destructive potential of his skill.
"You, pas-"
A heavy thud interrupted the instructor's sentence.
Max had fainted.
"Or maybe not. Alright, next applicant!" Medical personnel swiftly arrived on the platform and transported Max to the infirmary.
A slender man stepped forward and positioned himself in front of the newly materialized puppet. The instructor gave him a nod, and the slender man took a step back.
The slender man extended his hand towards the puppet, his expression growing serious, and an unusual aura enveloped him. Suddenly, a mist emanated from his body, a clear sign that Lance was harnessing his mana. All eyes were fixed on him, awaiting his next move.
The instructor focused on his tablet, displaying vital information about the puppet's status. It was equipped to track any damage, enhancements, or weaknesses inflicted. However, moments passed without any alterations in the data. Frustration flickered in the instructor's eyes as he looked up.
"What Skill do you possess?"
"S..Lo..w.. I… Ca….n Slo….w Do…..wn My…. Se…lf..." The slender man replied, his body and voice moving at such a sluggish pace that it seemed like a slow-motion effect from laggy internet.
Observing this, the instructor couldn't help but rub his temples.
'Why did I agree to this?! It's only the second contestant!' he lamented, regretting his choice to judge the second evaluation.
***
"Next! Describe your Skill first," the instructor stated, hoping to avoid spending time on seemingly absurd or outlandish abilities.
"Here! I have the ability to vanish!" the applicant announced confidently, demonstrating his Skill. Suddenly, his form began to slowly fade, until in the blink of an eye, he completely disappeared.
The instructor's eyes widened in fascination.
'I can't even sense his presence anymore; there's no sound or even a trace of scent.' The instructor approached the spot where the applicant had vanished.
'This Skill could be incredibly valuable for gathering information and spying.'
"You've passed!" the instructor declared, relieved that at last a Holder with a genuinely useful Skill had emerged.
Seconds ticked by, but the applicant didn't reappear.
"You can come out now." the instructor called out, scanning the area with a perplexed expression.
"Hey! I said you can deactivate your Skill!" The instructor's voice grew louder.
Minutes crawled by, yet the applicant remained elusive. A stunned silence fell over the room.
"He really vanished." one of the Holders remarked.
The instructor's face flushed with frustration.
***
"I can emit lasers from my eyes." the applicant declared, demonstrating their Skill.
"You passed."
***
"I can die."
"Is that even a f*cking Skill?! Failed!"
***
"My Skill is called Mana Breath." the applicant stated, requesting the instructor to deplete the mana inside the puppet. With a deep inhalation, the applicant exhaled forcefully towards the puppet.
Witnessing the mana within the puppet replenishing, the instructor approved the applicant's demonstration.
***
One after another, Holders stepped up to showcase their Skills. Some were unconventional, others provided support, and a few demonstrated combat-ready abilities.
"Next! Noah!"
"C-coming!" A young man stepped forward, instantly grabbing everyone's attention. He was known for possessing an A-rated Skill. With brown hair and eyes, he sported a school uniform. If Manny were present, he would have instantly recognized the attire.
"Being a student in one of the prestigious Holder Schools in the country signifies remarkable talent." remarked one of the Holders who recognized the uniform, his voice tinged with awe.
"M-My Skill is called Nebula." Noah said, his voice carrying a hint of shyness as he stood at the center.
The instructor nodded, signaling for him to demonstrate.
"Here I go." Noah raised his hand and directed it towards the puppet. A mixture of deep blue and dark hues enveloped him.
Suddenly, without a sound, a peculiar cloud materialized, encircling the puppet. It displayed a myriad of colors, captivating their attention. Amidst this display, a light emerged at the cloud's core, followed by another and another, until every section of the cloud was illuminated.
The instructor's hair prickled as he sensed the intense energy emanating from the strange clouds. His eyes narrowed and his heart raced.
"Everyone, step back!" The instructor's sudden shout reverberated throughout the area, reaching even the distant platforms.
Dante had already leaped from the platform the moment he glimpsed those lights. He activated his Skill, Concentration, its effects bolstered by the 50% boost from the Support Mask. Dante calculated that the ensuing destruction would likely impact the entire platform.
Those with swift reflexes wasted no time and jumped clear of the platform. The instructor swiftly repositioned himself, his back now to the Holders. He placed his hands on the ground, a shimmering haze enveloping him.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three towering walls shot up before him.
In the center of the platform, Noah's hand trembled, droplets of sweat forming on his forehead. This Assessment was crucial, and Noah opted to exert his utmost effort, fearful of falling short.
'Argh! I can't maintain this any longer!' Noah's mind raced, and he let out a resounding shout.
The clouds and lights coalesced into a singular entity.
Boom!!
An explosion rocked the puppet at the center.
The entire platform trembled, the reverberations felt even by those at a distance and translucent dome materialized, containing the explosion within.
Vivid lights danced wildly inside the transparent dome.
The instructor, still maintaining command over the three walls, sensed them weakening gradually.
Observing this awe-inspiring display, Dante couldn't help but marvel at the immense potential of a Rated A skill.
Even on the neighboring platforms, onlookers were captivated by the explosion.
***
Whoosh!
A strong gust of wind cleared the dust within the dome, unveiling the aftermath. The ground was now upturned, and a man stood at its center.
Noah remained, enveloped in swirling clouds that shielded him. He breathed heavily, his body drenched in sweat.
The transparent dome disengaged, and the instructor cautiously approached. His form was covered in dust and debris.
"D-did I pass?" Noah asked, hope coursing through his voice.
The instructor was momentarily at a loss for words.
'You could have killed me! Of course you pass!' The instructor railed in his mind. He'd prefer dealing with absurd Skills over ones that could potentially kill him.
"Yes."
"Seriously?! Yay!" Noah exclaimed with joy, making his way back, stumbling slightly due to his nearly depleted mana.
Dante watched him for a moment, but chose to stay silent. He anticipated seeing similar scenes in the days to come.
They had to halt the second assessment in order to address the aftermath of Noah's powerful display. The repairs were swift, considering this wasn't the first time a Holder with such destructive potential had emerged, just looking at the transparent dome's defense mechanism as it merely rippled for a moment before returning to its original state.
After a brief pause, the assessment resumed. Holders with altered physical features due to their Skills emerged, some with reptilian legs, cat-like ears, wings, and even one Holder who was completely transparent.
"Eka!" Before long, it was Dante's turn.
Dante moved forward. He possessed the ability to demonstrate two Skills, Concentration and Invigorate. However, he understood that showcasing both wouldn't necessarily secure him a two-star medal. Therefore, Dante opted to display this particular "Skill."
