Ch 02. Corruption Affinity

"Creatures tied to this affinity are volatile and unpredictable. They can turn on their tamer without warning, especially if the tamer isn't strong enough to maintain dominance."

The instructor sighed. "It's such a waste, I know, but I highly suggest you stay away from the Corruption Affinity. Just stick to your Ice Affinity. It's stable, reliable, and has clear growth paths."

"There's no shame in focusing on an affinity with a proven track record instead of risking everything on something so unpredictable."

Xian listened closely to the instructor's words. He had heard of Corruption affinity before. Stories of it being linked to dangerous creatures like the undead, or cursed beings.

But he hadn't realized just how dangerous it truly was until now.

The idea of wielding such power had always intrigued him, but now that he was facing it head-on, the warnings weighed heavily on his mind.

Still, the temptation to explore the unknown, to see what the second affinity might offer, lingered in the back of his thoughts.

Xian adjusted his shirt and looked back at the instructor, who was still waiting for his response.

"Thank you, sir. I'll consider your advice carefully."

"I won't rush into anything."

The instructor nodded, his expression softening slightly.

"Good. That's the right attitude to have."

"Now, as for your creature... Would you prefer to receive the free one from the academy, or would you rather purchase your own?"

"I'll purchase my own, sir."

Cassius, one of his older brothers, had already promised to take him to the marketplace after this to check out possible creatures. Xian was excited, as he knew the marketplace had a much wider variety to choose from.

He was also aware of the free creature's downsides. The academy's free creatures were usually basic, common ones.

They were perfect for tamers who couldn't afford to buy one, but for someone like Xian, who had the chance to pick something with more potential for growth, it was better to make the investment.

The instructor nodded and then brought out a small tablet.

"Place your hand on this to confirm your identity, and you'll be free to go."

Xian placed his hand on the tablet. It was a quick and simple confirmation.

"All done."

"The Trial Exam will be held next week, at the same time." the instructor added.

"Yes, sir. Thank you." Xian replied before turning and walking out.

Xian stepped outside the academy grounds, the cool air greeting him as he scanned the area.

His eyes immediately locked onto his brother's car parked by the entrance. Cassius stood casually beside it, arms crossed, waiting.

Cassius had the same build as Xian, but with a little more muscle. His cold, composed vibe matched Xian's own, and his chiseled face could make anyone stop and stare.

They both shared the same strong family genes, making them look like they belonged in a magazine shoot for "handsome but intimidating brothers."

As Xian approached, Cassius gave him a nod and then spoke.

"Yo, how did the assessment go? Did you awaken an affinity similar to mine, or is it Fire Affinity?"

Xian smirked, recognizing the excitement in his brother's voice. He already knew what this was about. Cassius, along with their sister, had placed bets on what affinity he'd awaken.

"So, how much did you bet?" Xian asked, his voice teasing.

Cassius gave a casual shrug, not missing a beat.

"Oh, just a little something. Enough to make the stakes interesting. What's it to you?"

Xian raised an eyebrow.

"I'm guessing you bet on the Ice Affinity, huh? Looks like you hit the jackpot."

A grin suddenly broke out on Cassius's face. It looked out of place, given his usual cold demeanor, but it was definitely welcome.

"Haha. Looks like I won the bet. Reinah's gonna be mad as heck. She was betting on fire."

At that, Xian slid into the passenger seat of the car. Cassius followed, closing the door with a quiet click before starting the engine.

Xian chuckled, knowing how competitive their sister could get.

"Well, I guess she'll have to take the loss like a pro then."

Cassius leaned back in his seat, clearly satisfied with his victory.

"You know, I might just rub it in her face a little extra. It's not every day I get to win a bet against her."

Xian smiled as he shakes his head.

"Go ahead, just don't get her too mad. You know she can be scary when she loses."

Cassius smiled, clearly enjoying the thought of teasing their sister. But Xian decided to change the subject.

"But, brother."

"I also awakened another affinity, aside from Ice."

Cassius raised an eyebrow, glancing at him curiously.

"Hmm, dual affinity? Like our older brother Baron? What's the other one?"

"Yeah, I'm dual."

Xian hesitated for just a second before he dropped the bomb. "It's... Corruption Affinity."

Cassius's face shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the information. He didn't say anything, focusing on driving for a moment longer, lost in thought.

"What do you think about it?" Xian asked, breaking the silence.

"My honest opinion, right?"

"Well, Corruption Affinity... it's known to be dangerous. Anyone who awakens it doesn't live long. It's a curse for most. People who get it die early, that's the truth."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing.

"But for me? I think it's powerful, as long as you can control it. Honestly, if you can handle it, it's stupid not to use it. You'd be crazy to just throw away something that strong."

"It's like finding a gold mine and deciding to leave it buried because it's 'too dangerous.'"

Cassius gave a smug smile, as if the very idea of passing up such an affinity was laughable to him.

"Whoever does that is a fool. Don't waste it."

Xian raised an eyebrow, a little surprised by his brother's intensity. "But... don't you think it's risky?"

Cassius shrugged, his confident grin never fading.

"Haha. Who decided that?"

"That's just doubting your own potential. If you can control it, then you can make it your own. And that's where the real power is. But..."

"If you want to keep going with the Corruption Affinity, though, you'll need to talk to mom."