Gauge: Nerve-wracking

With a deep breath, Libert steeled his nerves and took a resolute step forward, despite the burden of doubt that weighed heavily on his heart.

Being a mere mundane and a serf in a world that revered power and privilege, he keenly felt the scornful glares from those around him, acutely aware of the expectations looming overhead.

Approaching the mystical orb, the air crackled with tension, and he sensed the silent ridicule from some of the testers. The pressure was immense, but this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to pass up.

In that pivotal moment, Libert caught a glimpse of Ethan, who offered an encouraging nod and a reassuring smile. It was a small gesture, yet it infused Libert's wavering resolve with newfound strength.

'Feel the power and ease into it,' Libert reminded himself as he sensed otherworldly energy responding to his command, coursing through his fingertips like a gentle current.

Placing his hand above the orb, Libert hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of trepidation and determination. This test could define his future. He recalled the instructor's guidance to envision creating a portal.

For a brief instant, he closed his eyes, striving to find that elusive connection with the orb. Summoning the image of a portal in his mind's eye, he battled against the fear of failure that threatened to cloud his thoughts.

With a soft hum, the orb reacted to his touch, though the color change was subtle, nearly imperceptible. As he opened his eyes, a single number materialized above his head—a meager 2.

A collective gasp of disappointment and judgment rippled through the crowd. The ensuing silence felt like an eternity, pregnant with the weight of unspoken expectations.

Libert's heart sank, the weight of perceived inadequacy settling upon him like a heavy shroud. In a world where affinity held immense significance, a score of 2 was considered woefully deficient.

The stares from the other testers bore into him, their expressions ranging from pity to condescension. Libert's worst fears materialized—he was a disappointment in their eyes, just another mundane devoid of any exceptional abilities.

A hushed murmur swept through the crowd, and Libert felt the intensity of their judgment. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and an instinctual urge to retreat from their scrutinizing eyes surged within him.

In the distance, stifled laughter and smug glances exchanged between a couple of students compounded his distress, reveling in Libert's perceived failure.

Yet, amidst the sea of judgment and disdain, he could still discern Ethan's voice, tenderly offering words of encouragement. "It's okay, Libert. The score doesn't define you," Ethan whispered, his eyes reflecting genuine empathy.

Libert tried to find solace in those words, attempting to shake off the sense of failure that threatened to consume him. He felt like an outsider in a world that prized talent and prowess above all else.

Returning to his original position, he couldn't help but question his place in this society. Would his modest score forever limit his opportunities and potential?

Before long, the heart-wrenching, anxiety-inducing, and nerve-wracking phase of the exam came to an end, leaving the participants with pounding hearts and minds racing with anticipation.

Each had sought to prove their mettle, and now, the moment of reckoning had arrived.

Most had scored a respectable level of affinity, their scores representing hours of preparation and dedication, while a select few bore the weight of exceptional brilliance, standing apart like shining stars in the night sky.

Portal-warping ability was undoubtedly widespread throughout the world, but only those who demonstrated unrivaled skill and potential could dare to dream of gaining admission to a renowned Gate Institute.

"The affinity testing has come to an end," declared a voice imbued with authority, slicing through the charged air of the vast arena. "May all participants now move away from the center and gather near the walls."

Concern etched on his face, Ethan turned to Libert, his eyes reflecting genuine care, "You okay?"

Libert offered a weak smile, concealing his inner turmoil with a half-hearted lie, "Yeah..."

The next phase was to be a series of mock battles, where students would be randomly paired and pitted against one another to showcase their potential through combat.

For Libert, who knew his affinity wasn't among the highest, this presented both a challenge and an opportunity.

He had honed his mind to be a master of prediction, and though his scores might not soar like the others, he knew he could anticipate the precise locations of portals, turning their seemingly apparent openings into vulnerabilities.

As the participants gradually dispersed towards the towering walls of the magnificent arena, an anticipatory hush descended over the crowd, like a collective breath being held.

The very ground seemed to resonate with the charged energy as if echoing the exhilaration pulsating through their veins.

Then, as if summoned by a sorcerer's incantation, an awe-inspiring sight materialized before their eyes.

From beneath the ground, a grand silver platform emerged, adorned with exquisite gilded patterns that seemed to whisper ancient secrets.

It hovered gracefully, defying gravity with an otherworldly luster that cast shimmering reflections on the faces of those below. Four colossal chains, intricately worked with celestial motifs, suspended the platform mid-air, holding it in a mesmerizing embrace.

It was a sight of pure wonder, and the gasps and wide-eyed expressions of the crowd confirmed its enchanting allure.

Ethan couldn't help but express his astonishment, awe, and utter disbelief, "What the fu—"

The suspended silver arena swayed gently, as though performing a celestial dance, further enthralling the hearts and imaginations of all who bore witness to this awe-inspiring marvel.

The instructor's voice, previously authoritative, now carried the tone of a storyteller spinning a tale of epic events.

"This will be where the fights take place," he proclaimed as if unveiling the secret location of a hidden treasure. "Any volunteers?"

Without hesitation, Ethan raised his hand high, his voice bubbling with eagerness, "I will volunteer!"

Libert shot him a bewildered look, his voice laced with a mix of irritation and concern, "Wh-what are y-you doing?"

But Ethan's reply was swift and resolute, his intense blue eyes burning with the fire of a daredevil, "Living for the rush!"

Though baffled by Ethan's audacious spirit, Libert knew this was not the moment to dwell on such ponderings.

Instead, he drew his focus inward, summoning his analytical prowess to prepare for the impending challenge.

And just as the instructor began to inquire about more volunteers, a hand suddenly shot up from the crowd of anxious testers, signaling yet another brave soul willing to step into the electrifying dance of mock battles.

The stage was set, and destiny awaited those who dared to seize it.