The Incoming Assessment

Johan's thoughts spun in his head, echoing like whispers in a vast hall. 'I can't let anyone know about my divine card,' he thought, the decision solidifying like concrete in his mind. 'This is my secret weapon, my ace. If I reveal it now... I'll lose that advantage.'

The thought of keeping such a formidable power a secret left a sour taste in his mouth. But he knew the stakes. He was in a world where power dictated survival. And he intended to survive.

Johan cast a sideways glance at Gabriel. The older man's gaze was sharp, piercing through the calm facade Johan put up. 'I need to be careful,' he thought, his heartbeat quickening. 'He's more experienced. He'll see through any obvious lies.'

"So," Gabriel's voice broke the silence. "How did you manage to survive the onslaught?"

'Here it comes...' Johan steeled himself. Taking a deep breath, he began, "I... I found a small cave to hide in during the chaos. It was just enough to shield me from the creatures."

The lie rolled off his tongue with surprising ease, each word carefully measured and delivered. He made sure to maintain eye contact, never letting his gaze falter. His heart pounded in his chest, every beat screaming out the falsehood of his words.

Gabriel listened intently, his gaze never wavering from Johan. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Gabriel's response.

And all the while, Johan's thoughts were racing. 'Did he believe me? Did I sound convincing enough? God, I hope he bought it...' His fingers clenched and unclenched nervously, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil.

But on the outside, he held steady, his gaze locked with Gabriel's, a mask of calm determination plastered on his face. 'I can't afford to let anyone know my secret. Not now.' And with that, he steeled himself for whatever came next.

Gabriel's eyes remained fixed on Johan, studying him with a subtle intensity. 'He's hiding something,' Gabriel thought. The thought wasn't accusatory; rather, it was a mere observation. He had dealt with enough individuals in his life to recognize when one was holding back.

A light sigh escaped him. 'But who am I to pry?' he mused. 'Everyone has secrets, things they want to protect.' He himself was no exception. 'As long as it's not harmful, it's none of my business.' With that thought, Gabriel let the matter slide. His attention shifted from Johan to the other survivors.

He cleared his throat, addressing the group. "Did anyone see how Johan fought? Anything you can tell me about his card, his abilities?"

The survivors exchanged glances, some more anxious than others. They began to speak, their voices hesitant but honest. They described Johan's actions, his decisive maneuvers and quick thinking.

"He was brave," one woman said. "Didn't hesitate to put himself in danger to save others."

'"I saw him taking down several of those creatures and commanding a ghoul like those Imperial Card Masters,' a man added. "He was... efficient, almost unnaturally so."

As they spoke, Gabriel's gaze drifted back to Johan. The praise didn't seem to affect the young man. He stood there, silent and stoic, his gaze distant. There was something intriguing about him, Gabriel mused, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

'He's different, that much is clear,' Gabriel thought, his eyes never leaving Johan. 'But just how different, that's the question.' And so, in the quiet aftermath of chaos, a new curiosity took root in Gabriel's mind. But he knew better than to push. Time would reveal what Johan was hiding, and until then, Gabriel would respect his silence.

Gabriel listened to the account of the survivors, his sharp eyes assessing and calculating. After a moment, he turned back to Johan, his gaze intense.

"Based on what they've told me," he began, "and what I saw of the aftermath of your battles... your card must be at least of bronze quality."

Johan's eyes widened slightly. 'Bronze quality? Good misunderstanding! What he didn't know was my card was far more than that.' he thought. He quickly composed himself, his expression betraying nothing. 'Does he know about my ghoul? No, he can't. He's guessing based on their accounts, not his own observations. Still...'

Before he could continue his thoughts, Gabriel was speaking again. "In fact," he said, "I would recommend you apply for the upcoming assessment for aspiring Card Masters in the iron-ranked city of San Fernando."

The sudden announcement caught Johan off guard. 'An assessment? In an iron-ranked city? Isn't it the same assessment I'm preparing for?' He tried to imagine himself there, among seasoned card masters, testing his abilities against theirs. 'Can I really do it? Can I measure up? Of course! I have divine card!'

He glanced at Gabriel, who was watching him with a serious expression. "Think about it, Johan," he said. "This is a chance for you to improve, to learn from those who've walked the path before you."

Johan nodded slowly, his mind already racing with possibilities. 'San Fernando... An iron-ranked city... It won't be easy, but...'

He looked up, meeting Gabriel's gaze with determination. "I'll think about it," he said, his voice firm.

As Gabriel strode away, his powerful aura still lingering in the air, Johan stood alone amidst the rubble of Jurica city, a certain emptiness washing over him. The remnants of the day's chaos lay scattered around him, a grim reminder of the battle that had unfolded.

'Is this my life now?' he pondered, his eyes closing in exhaustion. 'Am I destined to fight, to spill blood, to...?'

He shook his head, banishing the grim thoughts. 'No,' he decided firmly. 'I will not become a puppet of fate. I will shape my own destiny.'

Despite the weariness tugging at his body, a newfound determination sparked in his heart. 'For Miles. For my family. For myself,' he swore silently, the resolve steeling his spirit. 'I will become stronger.'

As he began to head towards the shelter, a nagging worry surfaced. 'Gabriel... his suspicions... How long can I keep my system a secret?' The question loomed in his mind.

His pace slowed as the gravity of the upcoming Card Master assessment in San Fernando hit him. He could feel the weight of the challenges he would face, the rigorous training he would need, and the secrets he would have to keep.

He stopped, his gaze trailing back to the ruined city. 'No,' he resolved. 'I cannot falter. Not now.' With a deep breath, he looked ahead, his eyes holding a spark of fighting spirit.

'Bring it on, San Fernando.'