Gathering of The Next Generation II

Noir was deliberately trying to undermine himself so he wouldn't stand out, aiming for a reasonable place in the rankings so he could still choose the Virgo Academy if that place turned out to be the stage where the potential protagonist resided.

But somehow, the result was…

[Written Test - Ranking]

1 Noir Teundre - 80 points

2 Argent Silverstar - 78 points

3 Bayon Walker - 71 points

4 Kyle Grandfall - 66 points

5 Maggie Noble - 64 points

It turned out the question in the written test was supposed to be hard to answer even by the might-be-smartest student, who was ranked second after Noir. And that person was someone he knew.

"Noir Teundre? That good-for-nothing? He's ranked first?"

"Bah, he's lucky he read a lot! I can do it too if I..."

"Right? But when it comes to physical tests..."

Suddenly, Noir was bombarded by the gazes. Although it didn't bother him physically, a minor assault to his mind stung like a needle. But it was not like Noir would be pressured by that.

Not paying them attention, Noir's eyes wandered around the stadium as he half-listened to the MC talking about the next test that would determine a student's physical prowess.

"The test will be divided into two categories: showcase without Resonance and with Resonance. However, those with a non-combat Resonance will be tested through a different method."

'What about me who has both, then?' As he said that inwardly, his gaze met with the second-year student who, apparently, watched the event in secret.

As soon as their eyes met, the second-year student broke the contact and retreated from their position.

'Hmm? That symbol...' Noir noticed the crest imprinted on the back of the student's uniform. 'What is a Virgo student doing here?'

Screech!

The microphone went wild, garnering attention from the students.

"Ah, sorry," The MC apologized and cleared his throat.

He continued his speech about the test. When he noticed the student's spirits had been uplifted, he started the physical test immediately.

Noir was finally excited again. But that feeling quickly disappeared when the MC called his name.

"We will start from the first place of the previous test! Noir Teundre, come and display your prowess!"

Noir coughed violently. It was as if he was near the end of his life. How could he not be when his plan of going unnoticed failed?

'Fvck. It can't be helped... If it's like this, I must display a middle-ground result, not too low or too high. If I can do that, the attention I would garner would be lesser than failing miserably or passing perfectly... though, I don't think that will be any help when I'm already this famous...'

In a bad way, of course.

***

"So that's Noelle's brother?"

The League vice-head asked his attendant as she watched Noir walking onto the stage clumsily.

"Yes, ma'am. He is indeed Noelle's younger brother, Noir Teundre."

"What about his stats?"

Adjusting his glasses, the attendant read the report about Noir Teundre.

"According to the scanner, he's average. But..."

The vice-head glanced at her attendant but didn't say anything, expecting a surprise from his sudden pause.

"His intelligence is..." The attendant gulped. "Measured as Unparalleled level."

Concealing her emotions, she asked her attendant the next question.

"What is his Resonance?"

"It's Truth Seeker. Apparently, it's a non-combat Resonance."

The vice-head put her hand under her chin.

"Truth Seeker?"

Her attendant nodded.

"Yes. Guessing from its name, I think it's a Resonance related to gathering information."

"Gathering information... that is quite useful. Put him into the potential category."

Simply nodding, the attendant put Noir's name on the list of a potential Resonant that the League might recruit once he graduated.

***

Noir struck the dummy as hard as he could. He subtly reinforced his punch with Azure Lightning, increasing the force of his hit.

There was no physical trace of him using the Azure Lightning because he used it from within his muscles through his veins.

BAM!

After that, the measurement sphere that floated on top of it displayed a number indicating his physical capability.

"65 points! What a terrifying raw strength!"

'This should be enough, right?'

Noticing how the reaction was not mocking or overly praising him, it was indeed an appropriate result everyone would expect from a new Resonant.

Although a few were bewildered because of the thought that Noir was a good-for-nothing.

"The physical measurement is done! Now, as you are a possessor of a non-combat Resonance, we have prepared a test fitting for you. However, it will be held in private. You can return to your seat for now."

'Non-combat... how did they- ah? The scanner from earlier. But, is it only detected my Truth Seeker? So does it mean that my Stormbringer is still a secret?'

Noir nodded and walked out from the stage.

"Let's proceed to the next one. Argent Silverstar, come and display your prowess!"

On his way to his seat, Noir passed by Argent.

"Hey, Noir..." Argent greeted Noir. Her face looked confused.

"Hey. Good luck out there."

Noir knew why she made that expression, but he wouldn't say it unless she asked first.

As though expecting Argent wouldn't ask him about his revelation and the matter of his Resonances, Noir waved his hand nonchalantly.

Argent, who missed the chance to ask, could only grit her teeth.

'I will just ask him later...'

***

By the time the test was concluded, Noir already had a few names in his notes about those who might be this world's protagonist.

Among them, four individuals stood as the most eligible protagonists. They were Kyle, Joshua, Felix, and Astor. Including the masked person, it would be five.

The four students did well during the prowess test. Not to mention their unique Resonances and personalities had a characteristic of being the Main Character's power.

'Kyle was a typical hero-type protagonist, coming from an ordinary family and parents. He looks kind and caring. He also has a face that will attract the female's attention. Not to mention his Resonance that relates to light and holy power.'

'Next is Joshua. I would say he's the protagonist of the youngest son of a noble family stories. His Resonance allows him to wield magic, but he comes from a swordsman clan.'

'Felix is an interesting fellow. He's very cunning. I can tell that he hides his real power in the test earlier. I'm not sure what his Resonance is, but I can feel his surrounding aura is darker.'

'Last but not least, Astor. He's similar to Felix but more enigmatic and mysterious. Not much is known about his Resonance. Even the test had to be paused for a moment to confirm it because the scanner couldn't detect his Resonance.'

Noir smiled.

'That thing about can't be detected... he's similar to my Stormbringer. I guess he's someone who received a revelation. Does that mean he has two Resonances too?'

Suddenly, Noir recalled his encounter with Argent after his test.

'Argent could become the protagonist. Since I'm looking for a male-led story, I didn't put her on the list. She would be fine to become the heroine, though.'

Closing the notes on his FT Phone, Noir accessed the Academy City forum. He checked where the valuable, potential protagonist enrolled.

Unsurprisingly, they were all enrolling in the Virgo Academy. Without giving it a second thought, Noir joined them.

'Okay, the first phase is done. It's to move on to the second phase, background and daily life checking!'

Abruptly chuckling, Noir said,

"I feel like a stalker..."