The cruelty of being not talented

"Pang Ming, Entry Denied due to insufficient qualifications. Next is…"

"Do you know who I am?" Pang Ming snarled as he stepped forward. "I am the Pang Clan, young master!"

The examiner barely glanced at him, her expression cold and detached. "First, you come here dressed like a beggar so that people can look down on you. You're doing it on purpose, setting up a face-slapping moment just to stroke your own ego."

Pang Ming's face twisted with anger, but she continued unfazed, "Secondly, you think that the remnant soul of an old grandpa hiding in the ring on your left hand makes you some kind of protagonist, But...infact, for your insolence... Pang Ming, you are sentenced to the Abandoned Valley for colluding with the Entropy Order."

She reached out and wrenched the ring from his hand, crushing it between her fingers with a flicker of energy. A faint, wailing echo could be heard as the soul within dissipated, and then the examiner signaled to the guards, who quickly grabbed Pang Ming by the arms and dragged him away.

"Next, B-678."

'These people are ruthless', Aetheris thought as he watched ' They know the charges won't stick since they're accusations, but now Pang Ming will carry the stain of a 'Traitor.' His clan will likely exile him'

He lifted his gaze, taking in their surroundings. They were currently in a forest bathed in vibrant hues of green, the thick canopy above letting in shafts of dappled light that danced over the undergrowth.

In front of them stood a building that seemed to grow from the earth itself, its walls covered in vines and moss as though nature had claimed it long ago. It rose in steps, each level framed by ancient stone arches.

At the top of the stairs lay an open platform, and in its center was a large, mystical symbol etched into the ground. The symbol glowed with a faint, pulsing light, its intricate patterns shifting and shimmering as if alive. It was a conduit for testing, a focal point of energies where participants would have their attributes, bone age, and other abilities assessed.

"I SAID B-678, do you think that this is a game"

A young lady with Aqua Mirage eyes—a mesmerizing mix of deep ocean blue and misty silver—climbed the stairs. Her two ponytails swayed with each step, framing a face of striking beauty.

She had a well-toned physique, with defined muscles and a subtle six-pack, yet she still held onto her curves. Her balanced form showcased both strength and femininity, exuding a quiet confidence as she ascended, she approached the testing conduit and it began to glow

" B-678, Bone Age:16 Race:Jotanrim... KEEP QUITE!!!"Roared the examiner as she heard the murmurs

[A/N: Jotun means frost giant, but like how humans have high humans as a higher race, Giants have Titans as a higher race or, in this case. Jotanrim meaning Frost Titan a variant of the original like Normal Vampires and Day walkers]

"Attributes: Ice, Sound, Water, and... Dream and Space—two abstract attributes. Damn."

The examiner's expression shifted as she examined the results more closely. "True veins, an Origin core, and the Pathway are classified... Well, you're accepted. You may go to the testing area."

She handed her a small bead and called over the guards. "Escort her to the testing area," she directed, her tone laced with curiosity as they prepared to lead her away.

"Damn after only 4600 participants who were tested only 105 were accepted, is she implying that we are trash, I say this is nepotism if you ask me "As the woman finished speaking, lightning descended from the sky and turned her to ash thus keeping those who were planning to have opinions quite.

"Next, D-165"

'For some reason, that guy pisses me off; why is he trying to act indifferent... does he think he's the main character or something' thought Aetheris. He looked at the boy near the testing conduit,...The boy is none other than Cain Von Thanatos

" D-165 Bone Age:14 Race: High human

Attributes: Earth, Magnetism, Darkness, Wind, and Lightning the rest is classified.. accepted " said the examiner as she gave instructions to Cain

Hours passed as The examiner began to call more began to call for more people, some were accepted but many were eligible eliminated

"Next...C-137"

Aetheris slowly approached the stairs as he heard her call his ID, he felt countless predatory eyes staring at him which slightly made him uncomfortable... despite trying to blend in, he still stood .

'Hahhh, being handsome is a sin' thought Aetheris as he approached the testing conduit and it began to glow

"C-137, Bone Age: 9, Race: UNKNOWN???" The examiner's eyes lingered on the results, her voice taking on a slightly smoky tone as she continued,

"Attributes: Magma, Fire, Light, Sound, Wind, Nature, Illusion... Void and Holy, and two abstract attributes—DAMN!" She paused, a playful smile curling at the edge of her lips as she leaned a little closer, her gaze meeting his. "*Cough* The rest are classified," she added with a sly wink, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Young, handsome, and talented... if only I were your age."

She straightened up, giving him instructions in a slightly more businesslike manner but with a lingering glance that suggested she was more than intrigued. As she called the guards to escort him, there was an unmistakable spark of interest in her eyes.

"YEAH, I was just called trash in several ways so I quit"

"Yeah me too, only a fool who follows after that"

"Young, handsome, and talented...WHY CAN'T IT BE ME!!!"

As the examiner announced Aetheris's attributes, a ripple of discontent spread through the crowd. Several participants began to murmur amongst themselves, their faces twisted with frustration. Some shook their heads in disbelief, while others threw up their hands and left, their aspirations dashed by the sheer magnitude of Aetheris's potential.

"It's hopeless. We don't stand a chance," one muttered, casting a final glance at Aetheris before turning away.

"Yeah, what's the point? A frog like me can't aim for Mount Tai," another said with a defeated sigh, echoing a sentiment that resonated with more than a few.

The rest of the participants watched in stunned silence, a mixture of awe and envy in their eyes. They understood well that Aetheris was in a league of his own, an insurmountable peak that few could ever hope to reach.

"Next, C-666"

...

Thank you for reading 🙏 😊