Successive Steps

While John was ascending the talent testing steps, Iris and the Grand Elder were watching him intently, curious as to see just how far he could ascend.

"It appears he's reached his limit," Iris sighed as she looked at John on the trial. Both her and the Grand Elder had been completely shocked at his quick ascension rate to start, but lost confidence as John stood on the sixth step for several minutes without moving.

The Grand Elder stared at John for a moment as well but remained silent as his eyes shifted slightly in color.

"I'm not so sure about that," the Grand Elder replied, causing slight surprise to appear on Iris's face. "He stopped, but doesn't appear to be struggling as the others usually show when they reach their limit. He must be trying to become accustomed to the testing protocols. He's quite levelheaded."