One by one, the participants were called to press their hands against the sphere.
For many, it didn't react at all.
For some, stars appeared, though the number of stars shown varied for each such person.
Some saw only a handful, while others saw dozens.
The appearance of stars indicated the presence of magic power in their bodies.
Magic power was essential to activate and harness the power of one's beast taming seal. It was the most crucial factor in determining if one had the makings of a beast tamer.
Furthermore, the stronger a person's magic power, the more powerful the beasts they could capture. So those with high magic power were prone to grow faster and also be stronger than those with low magic power.
Anyways, those who saw no reaction had no fate with the beast tamer profession, while those who saw stars did.
"Ray," Garrick called out.
'It's finally my turn to be tested,' Ray thought as he stepped forward and pressed his hand against the sphere's cold, smooth surface.
One star appeared.
Then another.
And another.
Stars kept emerging, one after the other, until a hundred stars glittered around his palm.
"Magic power of 100?!"
The crowd gasped, their mouths opening so wide it seemed like their jaw would detach.
Even Garrick's eyes widened slightly.
After all, that was the best result yet.
Even the most promising youths of the White Sparrow Town with beast tamers as parents didn't come anywhere close to it!
"Impressive!" Garrick patted Ray's shoulder. "With that amount of magic power, if you manage to awaken a beast taming seal in the second part of the trial, you stand a chance to even tame a peak Iron-ranked demonic beast. Don't be surprised. Not many begin with such high magic power. Even I only had three-quarters of the amount of magic power you have when I was first tested. If not for my clan's willingness to invest in me, it would have been impossible for me to get a peak Iron-ranked demonic beast as my first tamed beast. You are exceptionally blessed."
Beast Tamers couldn't tame an endless number of demonic beasts.
Typically, an Iron-ranked tamer could control only one, while an Overlord-level tamer might manage up to seven at most.
Moreover, the magic power of the tamed beasts could never exceed their master's. If a beast's magic power surpassed that of its tamer, there was a real risk it would break free from control and turn hostile. Since demonic beasts were inherently evil, betrayal was always a looming threat.
Now, because an Iron-ranked tamer could control only one Iron-ranked beast, the strength of that single beast determined their standing among peers.
If their one and only Iron beast was a peak Iron-ranked beast—the very top of that tier—they immediately stood above other Iron-ranked tamers whose beasts were weaker, even if only by a minor realm.
This superiority amongst the bottom rung of the beast tamer hierarchy wasn't just a matter of pride. It directly affected survival and influence. After all, in battles or trials where every ounce of power counted, having a peak Iron rank beast meant an iron-ranked tamer could outmatch rivals, intimidate enemies, and tackle challenges that others at their rank with weaker beasts simply couldn't.
For an Iron rank tamer, the strength of their one iron beast greatly defined their power level, making the ability to secure a peak Iron rank companion a rare blessing that could shape their entire career!
Thus, being able to tame a peak Iron-ranked demonic beast as an Iron-ranked tamer was a rare and significant advantage.
"You think too highly of me," Ray replied.
Garrick was pleased by his humble attitude.
"Alright, make way for the next person," Garrick said.
"Yes, sir!" Ray moved back to the crowd as Garrick pronounced the name of the next person to be tested.
"Don't get too cocky." A man with spiky green hair and a rat-like face, blocked Ray's path, looking down on him arrogantly. "Magic power doesn't determine that you can absolutely become a beast tamer. It's just the most basic requirement to participate in the Beast Taming Seal Awakening Ritual. Not everyone come out of that ritual with a smile. You might just be wasted potential."
Ray went over the memories he had inherited from the original owner of his current body.
But there was no mention of this weirdo.
It could only mean he was arrogant and jealous of him!
Ray smirked, saying words that any arrogant person would find offensive to irk him, "Do I know you?"
"Y-you don't know me? I am Kiana of House Gilmoren. How could you not know me? Are you messing with me?"
House Gilmoren was the seventh strongest family of the White Sparrow Town. It had a initial stage bronze rank beast master acting as its head, and it ran many businesses. Most of them were shady, related to drugs and prostitutions. There weren't a lot of people who hadn't heard of them. Kiana, in particular, was quite infamous. At least, a dozen women had been ruined at his hands before being killed. One time, he even abducted a woman in broad daylight. The next day, she was found dead and naked in some street. He was a rapist and a murderer, deserving of death!
However, because his victims were common people with no background and he belonged to House Gilmoren, a family of beast masters, he had always been able to use his father's influence to escape the consequences of his hideous crimes.
"Kiana?" Ray uttered.
Kiana's eyes lit up. "So you finally recognize this young master."
Ray shook his head. "You are not as important as you think you are."
The original owner was busy working to survive before his father died. After the unjust death of his father, he was struggling to get justice for him and get the mine owner punished. He had no time for gossip. So, naturally, he didn't know about the beast in human skin called Kiana.
Kiana's face fell upon hearing his words. He seemed offended. "In the upcoming days, you will realise how wrong you are."