Shadowheart (1)

Five years.

That's how many years he had already spent in this new world.

He had learned many things, but the two most important, were: how to use his nanobot, and his name. Ramos. Ramos Pentagen.

"There are 10 main talents, but due to mutations, there are hundreds of sub-talents," his father had explained to him, as they walked to the testing facility.

His mother was already waiting for him.

"Today, we are going to test your talent, and if you awaken, you can even become a cultivator."

"Alright, son, are you ready?"

"Yup!"

"This way, sir."

A man dressed in a doctor-like attire guided him towards the testing room. Anticipation surged through him as he stepped inside. The room emanated a pristine white glow, devoid of any distinct features, its immaculate whiteness enveloping everything. The seamless blend of walls, floor, and ceiling created an ethereal ambiance.

At the center of the room, upon a polished pedestal, rested a book. Its open pages beckoned him, as if they had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. The book's cover, like everything else in the room, was pure white, lacking any markings or titles. Yet, it exuded an enigmatic aura, inviting him to unlock its secrets.

The absence of distinguishing characteristics endowed the room with an otherworldly quality, as if he had ventured into a realm where time stood still, and the sole purpose was the journey of self-discovery that lay ahead.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he approached the pedestal. The book seemed to radiate a faint, alluring energy, capturing his attention. As his fingers grazed the book's pages, a tingling sensation surged through him, as though an invisible connection had been forged.

His father's words echoed in his mind: "Today, we are going to test your talent, and if you awaken, you can even become a cultivator." The weight of the moment settled upon him. This was his chance to unveil his innate abilities, to embark on a path of cultivation brimming with boundless potential.

With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, he carefully turned the pages, only to find them blank. No words adorned the surface, no symbols or diagrams to guide him. It seemed the book itself awaited the imprint of his talent, ready to be inscribed.

"Simply place your hand on the cover."

He had momentarily forgotten that he was not alone in the room. The examiner regarded him curiously.

"Are you ready?"

He nodded and placed his hand on the book's cover.

Suddenly, a searing pain coursed through his temple, as if his head were splitting open. It felt surreal, as if he were caught in a dream. Within his mind's eye, he witnessed two shining orbs, one as black as night and the other radiating like a star. They spun around each other, engaged in a captivating dance, until abruptly, the light vanished.

As the pain subsided, he regained awareness of his surroundings. He opened his eyes, realizing he had not even remembered closing them, and saw the book before him.

It was black, akin to the dark orb he had witnessed, with a slight glow.

"Ah..."

The examiner's slight disappointment resonated in his voice.

"You, my dear boy," he said, "have awakened."

"With Shadowheart."