The entrance takers have been running in the swampy, well-lit underground straight path for over an hour. Not more than 5 people have failed the test.
Alfred has been leading the entire group, the entrance takers who had been running with their attributes stopped because it was too tiring. The scene of the people running was like a marathon.
Dorian had been running for quite some time. He wasn't at the front of the pack, and neither was he at the back. His body was already athletic enough, but after training for a month, he had also increased his overall endurance.
Dorian had thought of not using his attribute unless necessary.
The other entrance takers were also surprisingly catching up to Alfred. It seemed that they also didn't miss their training before coming to the test.
"It seems they are testing our endurance and stamina"
A voice spoke behind Dorian.
Dorian looked behind, and even though his face remained stoic, his heart dropped.
Blue eyes, with distinct blonde hair.
It was Wallace.
The Wallace.
The grandson of the current king, the eldest son of the crown prince. It was Wallace who could become the future king of the entire human continent.
Dorian was surprised. Was it because the person in front of him was one of the most important people in the entire human kingdom?
No.
Dorian was surprised because Wallace addressed him.
Why?
Dorian responded.
"No"
"No?"
"They are not testing our endurance and our stamina. If that was their objective, they wouldn't have us run for this long. There are way better tests to check our endurance and artefacts"
"Then what are they testing us?" Wallace asked Dorian
"Perseverance", Dorian replied.
"Perseverance. Haha, you're a funny guy"
Even though Dorian was himself new to this world, he was not oblivious. He knew about the artefacts and the system of the world. If the test were only about endurance and stamina, the people with body enhancement attributes would dominate the entire test; then what was the point?
Having a good attribute was not only about combat and fighting prowess. Yes, such attributes were often important to defend against the constant threat of the continent's demonic race or defend against the ogres.
A good attribute is versatile and adaptable. Meaning it can provide several benefits across all fields.
Obviously, the test could be testing the endurance and the stamina, but for an hour, anyone who has trained enough could run at a moderate pace like a marathon.
So Dorian's most obvious guess was perseverance. Even though they have been running in the same long, underground, swampy area for about an hour now, he knew that it was not a simple as it may seem.
Dorian asked Wallace, who was running beside him,
"Why did you come and talk with me?"
"Mostly, I got rid of the people following me, and you're interesting"
"Why am I interesting?"
"When we were at the gates, everyone looked with all sorts of faces. While you were the only one who didn't even bother. I guessed that you were either blind or you were deaf, but I guess not"
'He is telling me his attribute indirectly. It seems he has some attribute related to vision or perception.'
Dorian did not respond.
'I should put up a better acting performance infront of others, some attributes are truly dangerous'
Dorian and Wallace ran side by side. Though most stared at Wallace, none followed like before. It was mysterious, as if Wallace had some ritual to scare them away.
Wallace asked: "Where are you from?"
"I'm from the south. If you're trying to ask about my status, I'm the son of Flint Grey"
"You're the son of Flint Grey?" Wallace asked
"Why? Do you know my father or what?"
"In the upper circles of the kingdom, everyone knows your father. It's a tale of the man who rose as a merchant mega tycoon without being an Ascender himself. Your father was spoken of as an example for rising without being an Ascender."
Though Dorian read several books in the mansion, he was still oblivious. He certainly knew his father was popular among the military, business and the several solitary houses in the central region. He did not know that his father was well known among the royal family, too.
Just a while ago, in the higher end of the pack.
Clair.
Clair was chatting with Yuniko. Yuniko was from the west.
Yuniko's family was among the poorest families in the Western Desert. Yuniko's family only used to consume a single meal a day, comprising bread and spices. On her birthday, her family used to only have meat, which was once a year. Her Family's entire income was from Yuniko and Yuniko only.
Yuniko used to work in the desert mines where many people used to scavenge for dust of precious earth metals. It was just the dust, but not even the ore as a whole.
When she turned 18, her family, including her father and her mother, along with 2 children, could not even test her Ascender powers. It was only when she discovered her powers after two weeks, the family could see some hope.
Even though people may be poor or rich, all know the Canon Academy. After using her attribute and doing odd jobs, she was finally able to earn enough and get a somewhat of sponsor.
All it took was an Ascender to be born, and the entire family could get out of their predicament, but if no opportunity is provided, nothing can be done.
So she finally came here to Canon University by stuffing herself in a carriage with 6 other people.
Her attribute was that she could feel emotions when she was happy.
It may seem like the most useless ability of all time, but it was one of the best abilities out there. Using it in a courtroom or a diplomatic conversation, Yuniko would truly shine.
It was one of the best abilities ever, but it was given to perhaps the saddest girl in the entire exam.
Currently, Yuniko was indeed happy. She finally achieved the dream of many poor people and her friends' wishes and came here.
But something was off.
She has had this attribute for some months. Using it and experimenting with it, but something has never happened before.
She had felt the happiness of her parents, the jealousy of her friends and the malice of the old bastards in the carriage.
But-
Clair.
But here was Clair 'chatting' with Yuniko, but Yuniko could not feel any emotion from Clair.
Her attribute had failed. Clair had no emotions.