Chapter 2: The Ceremony
The grand hall of the Everhart estate was a masterpiece of opulence and grandeur. Towering marble columns adorned with intricate golden carvings lined the walls, each depicting legendary heroes and battles from the Astravell Empire's rich history. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the domed ceiling, casting a warm, ethereal glow that illuminated the hall like a sea of stars.
Rows of velvet-cushioned seats filled the room, occupied by nobles dressed in their finest silks and jewels. The air was thick with the scent of lavender and rose, mingling with the tension of anticipation as one by one, the young aristocrats stepped forward to awaken their mana and reveal their potential.
Aric stood among them, his expression unreadable. Around him, the crowd whispered and gossiped, eyes darting between the young nobles. In this world, a person's mana potential was ranked from F Level to SSS Level. Most people barely reached D or C Level, while A and S were considered exceptionally rare.
And then there was SS — the level that signified a prodigious talent capable of changing the course of history. The highest level ever recorded, except for one rumored existence of SSS Level, a power said to be beyond human comprehension. No one in history had awakened it. No one except the Demon Queen.
Aric clenched his fists, eyes fixed on the center of the hall. Leon Valcrest, the protagonist of this world and the one widely regarded as the most promising talent of his generation, a striking young man with tousled golden hair that gleamed under the chandelier lights and vivid emerald eyes that shone with warmth and charisma. His chiseled jawline and perfect smile gave him a princely appearance, a face made for heroism. and the one hailed as the future hero, stepped forward. The crowd fell silent.
A brilliant golden light surrounded Leon as he placed his hand on the crystal orb positioned atop a raised dais. The orb pulsed, and then a voice boomed throughout the hall: "SS Level!"
Gasps echoed around the room. An SS Level! A talent equal to that of the first hero! Leon grinned, his charming smile dazzling the crowd. The nobles erupted into applause, their faces alight with excitement and awe.
"A hero truly blessed by the heavens!" one noble exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically.
"An SS Level talent... the first since the founding hero!"
"With that kind of potential, the demons don't stand a chance!" another shouted, eyes shining with reverence.
Women in the crowd whispered among themselves, their cheeks flushed as they gazed at Leon with starry eyes. "A handsome face and a divine talent. Truly the Astravell Empire's shining star."
Leon basked in the attention, his emerald eyes glinting with pride as he raised a hand to acknowledge the crowd. The applause only grew louder, echoing throughout the grand hall like a triumphant fanfare. Aric's eyes narrowed.
"Next, Aric Everhart," the announcer called.
The room fell silent again as Aric stepped forward. His silver hair shimmered under the hall's grand chandeliers as he walked to the dais. The crystal orb glowed ominously, swirling with mana as he placed his hand on it. The orb pulsed with a brilliant light, matching the intensity of Leon's.
The crowd leaned forward, eyes wide as the voice echoed: "SS Level!"
The hall erupted into a storm of whispers and shocked gasps. Nobles exchanged glances, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Two SS Levels? Is that even possible?"
"First Leon, and now Aric? How can two prodigies appear in the same generation?"
"The Everhart and Valcrest houses will dominate the Empire!"
Some cast envious glares at Aric, their jealousy thinly veiled behind forced smiles. Others eyed Leon with newfound awe, murmuring about his destined greatness as the future hero. Meanwhile, Aric remained composed, his expression calm and unreadable as the nobles continued to gossip.
"Did you see that? Another SS Level... in the same generation," one woman whispered, her fan fluttering nervously.
"Two SS Levels... Could Aric be as powerful as Leon himself?"
Leon maintained his calm, noble demeanor, his emerald eyes meeting Aric's with genuine admiration. But Aric simply met his gaze with a faint, knowing smirk. The seeds of suspicion had been planted, just as he intended. Another SS Level? Two in one generation? Unheard of. Leon's gaze locked onto Aric, his emerald eyes filled with admiration and genuine warmth. Despite the shocking revelation of another SS Level talent, Leon's trust in Aric remained unshaken.
Aric met his gaze and smirked. This was only the beginning. He had to play the role of the loyal best friend for now, but the seeds of his plan had been planted.
Now, it was time to take the next step. Time to contact the one person who could help him truly alter the course of this world — the Demon Queen.