Half-Step Talent！

Link had been watching for a long time and noticed that most of the participants only had first or second-tier cultivation talents. Those who could reach the third tier were exceedingly rare, and when one did appear, it was enough to cause a stir among the crowd.

Just as Link was intently focused on the testing process ahead, a familiar figure strode confidently to the front of the "Talent Assessment Matrix"—it was Barton!

In the next moment, Barton stepped into the matrix, and the entire "Talent Assessment Matrix" erupted in a brilliant display of four fiery red lights!

"From Sunset City, Barton, Warrior Tier 4 cultivation talent!"

Gabriel, witnessing this result, couldn't help but give Barton a thumbs up, exclaiming, "Good! Very good! Your name is Barton, right? With your talent, as long as you train diligently after entering the academy, a bright future awaits you!"

"Thank you, Lord Gabriel!" Barton raised his head proudly, not forgetting to cast a provocative glance at Link, who was standing at the back of the crowd.

"Wow? Tier 4 Warrior talent? I didn't expect Barton to have such strong talent!"

Eileen couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing Barton's talent.

"Unfortunately, no matter how good the talent, it can't change the fact that he's a fool!"

Link chuckled lightly, not taking Barton seriously at all. After all, no matter how good his talent was, his actual strength was still there—just a mere apprentice-level warrior. Why should he be worried?

"Oh no!"

Meanwhile, at the very edge of the square, Bruno's heart sank to his throat upon seeing Barton's talent.

"Heh, Bruno, what do you think? Didn't expect my son to have such high cultivation talent, did you?"

Suddenly, a sarcastic voice reached his ears. Bruno turned to see Holt had somehow reappeared beside him, his smug expression impossible to hide.

"Hmph! What does that matter? My son's talent is definitely not inferior to yours!" Bruno refused to back down in front of his old rival, almost forcing the words out.

But just as he finished speaking...

"From Twilight City, Link, Summoner... Half-Step Talent!"

Gabriel stared at the brilliance of the "Talent Assessment Matrix," stunned for a long moment before regaining his composure.

"Wait, I protest!"

Upon hearing this result, Link nearly exploded, unable to contain himself as he shouted, "This examiner, what on earth is a Half-Step? At the very least, give me a first-tier talent!"

"Protests are invalid!"

Gabriel replied expressionlessly, "I've already given you a lot of face. Otherwise, according to the rules, your talent should be one-tenth of a tier, or 0.1 tier. Which one do you prefer?"

"I... I can't believe this!"

At this point, Link finally couldn't hold back his expletives!

"Damn it, this is unbelievable! After all these years, this is the first time I've seen such a pathetic cultivation talent!"

Gabriel rolled his eyes; Link's talent was simply too bizarre. Others displayed a complete glow for even the lowest first-tier talent, but this guy's light only showed a tiny sliver!

It was only thanks to Gabriel's keen eyesight that he could see this almost negligible glow. Otherwise, he might have thought Link had no cultivation talent at all!

"Hahahahahaha! 0.1 tier cultivation talent?"

The crowd erupted in laughter, and Holt nearly fell over, tears of laughter almost streaming down his face!

"Bruno, I advise you to lose some weight; you look more pitiful this way. When you go begging on the streets in a few days, people might even throw you a scrap of food!"

"Holt, don't get too cocky too soon. My son's talent may not be great, but I believe in his strength!" Bruno's mouth twitched; despite refusing to admit defeat, he would have gladly crawled into a hole if one had appeared beneath him at that moment.

"Hmph, still talking tough when you're on the brink! With your son's pathetic talent, I really don't know where you get the courage to send him to the Imperial Academy for assessment. Did a donkey kick your head?" Holt sneered disdainfully.

"Holt, I warn you to watch your words. Our bet hasn't even started yet. Who will have the last laugh is still up for debate. You might be a bit too early to celebrate!" Bruno narrowed his eyes, coldly retorting.

"Heh, since you're so stubborn, let's wait and see!"

With that, Holt turned and walked away, not even bothering to look at Bruno, for he believed this bet was already in the bag, with no chance of any surprises!

Half-Step talent?

Was there a more useless cultivator than this?

Seeing Holt's arrogance, Bruno trembled with rage!

Fortunately, Ron quickly advised, "My lord, there's no need to waste your breath on such a fool. I know very well what kind of strength our young master possesses. That waste of a Barton doesn't even qualify to carry our young master's shoes!"

"Let's hope so!" Bruno replied, his expression slightly improving, but the worry in his heart remained, clearly having prepared for the worst.