Chapter - 7 [ Heaven' Scout ]

Victor, as usual, was quiet, observing the guests around him with a calm and measured demeanor.

He knew the weight of being in a room like this—especially with the many influential figures mingling and exchanging pleasantries.

His sharp eyes darted from one conversation to another, but he didn't engage unless necessary.

As he stood there, Peter by his side, a new group of guests entered the hall. It was the Phoenix family. They had arrived, as expected, with the grandeur fitting their name.

At the head of the group was Charles Phoenix. His presence was commanding, and despite his age, there was an undeniable sharpness in his gaze.

His hair, like most of the Phoenix family, held a slight reddish hue among the dark strands. He moved with a grace that came from years of leadership and influence.

Following him were his grandchildren, each dressed with the same elegance befitting their status.

Ruth, the eldest grandson, stood tall with an imposing build. His outfit was a carefully tailored dark suit with crimson accents on the lapels, the faint reddish hue in his hair matching the tone of his formal attire.

Ariana, the second grandchild, wore a sleek black dress with silver embroidery that reflected the light with every movement she made.

The red undertones in her black hair made her appear almost ethereal in the dim lighting.

Martina, the youngest grandchild, was dressed in a more youthful yet still fashionable way—her outfit a simple but elegant gown, the lightness of the fabric contrasting against her dark, crimson-tinged hair.

Together, they made an impeccable trio of the Phoenix family.

As they made their way through the room, Charles noticed Victor and Peter standing nearby.

He paused and smiled warmly, his deep-set eyes scanning the pair with a knowing glint.

"Victor Kal, Peter Damentri," Charles greeted, his voice rich with authority but tinged with a kind edge.

"It is good to see the next generation of our city's leaders in the same room. You both are in for an interesting evening."

Victor inclined his head in acknowledgment, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. "Mr. Charles, it's always an honor to be in your presence," he replied politely.

Peter, ever the charismatic figure, grinned and offered his hand. "Grandfather Charles, a pleasure as always."

Charles gave a nod of approval, shaking Peter's hand firmly before turning to Victor. "I see you've grown even more confident since the last time we met. I'm sure your Aura will reflect that growth. I trust you'll make a good impression tonight."

Victor gave him a small, respectful smile. "I intend to, Mr. Charles."

After a brief exchange, Charles patted Victor on the shoulder, a rare gesture of camaraderie, before motioning to his grandchildren. "Let's head upstairs. Martina, Ruth, Ariana, come along."

The trio nodded, their expressions polite but neutral. Charles led the way, his dignified posture a symbol of his decades of influence.

As the Phoenix family ascended the stairs to join the other family heads, Ariana lingered behind for a moment, her eyes meeting Victor's with a quiet understanding. She didn't need to say much—her calm smile spoke volumes.

"I'll catch up with you later," she said softly before stepping toward the group of young people gathered around the grading machine.

Victor gave her a brief nod, watching her retreating figure as she made her way toward the others.

It wasn't lost on him that she, too, seemed interested in the grading process.

Peter turned to Victor, his voice low but full of interest. "Well, that's one way to start the evening. Seems like everyone's already aware of what's coming."

Victor met Peter's eyes. "Indeed. It's not often a gathering like this happens. The special guest they've been whispering about... they already know who it is, don't they?"

Peter shrugged, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. "They wouldn't be the Phoenix family if they didn't and aren't they the one to invite that guest? The real question is, how will the grading machine affect the rest of us?"

Victor's gaze shifted toward the center of the room, where the massive grading machine stood, draped in red cloth, its purpose still a mystery to the majority of those present.

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," Victor replied quietly, his voice laced with the quiet confidence he had built over the years.

As the two continued to talk, the buzz in the hall grew louder, the atmosphere becoming thicker with anticipation.

The machine, now uncovered, seemed to shimmer in the dim light. The GMs machine resembled a slot machine, its surface illuminated with a dazzling array of colorful lights, each one flashing in a seemingly random pattern.

A large screen at the center displayed a series of numbers and data that Victor couldn't make sense of, its digital readout constantly shifting.

Beneath the screen, a wide, flat metal panel stretched across the machine, with two palm-shaped prints etched into its surface. It seemed clear that users were meant to place their hands on these prints.

On the right side of the machine, an array of buttons, wires, and small control panels were neatly arranged. Their precise function was unclear, but it was evident that these components were integral to the operation of the machine.

Conversations around the room began to quiet, with eyes shifting toward it. The Phoenix family, now in their designated area with the other heads, looked on with knowing expressions.

Ariana, Ruth, and Martina stood by their grandfather, who had already begun talking with the other leaders of Gazzile's elite.

The sight of their interaction spoke volumes, even if few understood the full extent of the conversation taking place.

Victor, still observing, found himself curious about how the grading process would unfold.

Though the machine was certainly an impressive piece of technology, the true intrigue lay in the people who would be judged by it. Would the results change the balance of power in the city?

Beside him, Peter continued talking, but his words were less about pleasantries and more about speculation.

He seemed just as eager as Victor to see how the night would play out, though his excitement was tempered by the pragmatism of someone who had grown used to wealth and power.

"What do you think it'll reveal, Victor?" Peter asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

Victor glanced briefly at the grading machine before returning his gaze to the group forming around it.

"It will reveal what it's meant to reveal," he said cryptically. "Nothing more, nothing less."

Ariana, noticing the conversation shifting in the direction of the machine, approached Victor and Peter, her expression composed yet carrying an air of quiet intensity.

"I'd wager it will be an interesting night. I hope you're both prepared for what comes next."

Victor met her gaze, unbothered by the slight tension in her words. "Prepared? It's just a grading machine. What more is there to prepare for?"

Ariana's lips curled into a faint smile, but she didn't respond immediately. Instead, she glanced toward her grandfather and siblings, who were now engaged in quiet conversation with other influential families.

Victor sensed that there was more at play here than just the grading process.

He had always trusted his instincts, and they were telling him that tonight, something far bigger was unfolding than what anyone had expected.

As the evening wore on, the group around the grading machine continued to grow.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on it, their faces reflecting both curiosity and apprehension.

The air in the hall seemed to thicken, as if the very walls could feel the weight of what was about to transpire.

Victor remained still, his thoughts racing. No matter what happened, he would walk away from this night stronger, more aware of his place in this complex world.

The Hall fell into a hushed silence as Gill Truss, the special guest, made his entrance, his presence commanding attention in an almost effortless way.

The middle-aged man, dressed in formal attire, moved with the smooth grace of someone accustomed to the weight of high expectations.

His aura, a faint but unmistakable energy, pulsed quietly around him—clear evidence of his rank as a second-grade Aura user.

But what truly set him apart wasn't his personal power, though impressive; it was his title as a student scout from Heaven—the greatest Aura institution in the world.

The families in the room, most of them seasoned leaders with years of experience, stood at attention as Truss ascended the grand staircase, heading toward the upper level where the family heads waited.

His arrival was more than just a formality—it was the beginning of a new chapter, one where the futures of their children, the next generation of Aura users, were about to be shaped by his discerning gaze.

Behind him, several handlers from Bright Day Corporation moved quickly and efficiently, setting up equipment, adjusting the grading machines, and ensuring everything was ready for the assessment. These researchers were specialists in the management of the GMs.

They were the heart of the evaluation process, and their presence only added to the significance of the event.

As the handlers got to work, Truss continued his steady climb to the family heads' meeting place.

His steps were deliberate, never rushed, as though he had all the time in the world.

The heads of the families, standing at the top of the stairs, exchanged silent glances, each wondering if their child would be the one chosen. None of them spoke, allowing the moment to linger, as the weight of the situation settled in.

Charles Phoenix, the host of today's grand gathering, was the first to speak as Truss approached.

His voice was warm but serious, carrying the weight of a man who had led his family for many years.

"Mr. Truss, it's a privilege to welcome you," he said, extending a hand in greeting. "We are honored by your presence."

Gill Truss nodded respectfully, his eyes scanning the faces of the family heads.

"Thank you, sir," he replied, his voice steady and measured. "I've heard much about your families and the strength of the Aura users here in Gazzile. It's a pleasure to finally see it for myself."

The other family heads exchanged looks, some more skeptical than others.

They had all heard rumors of the harsh standards Heaven set for its recruits—only the strongest, the most exceptional, were selected.

The pressure was immense, and the families knew their children would be judged not just for their power, but for their potential.

"I trust the journey was pleasant?" Melonny Phoenix, Ariana's mother, asked, her voice polite but laced with curiosity.

"It was," Truss responded, his gaze briefly flicking toward the handlers below.

"Though I must admit, I'm eager to begin the process. I'm here to see what Gazzile has to offer, and more specifically, to meet the young men and women who may one day be a part of Heaven's legacy."

Rusto Kal, standing nearby with his wife Rosha, raised an eyebrow at this. "You're looking for more than just raw power, I assume?" he asked, his tone neutral but edged with interest.

Truss smiled slightly, as though amused by the question. "Power is a part of it, yes," he said, his gaze settling on Rusto for a brief moment.

"But there's more to it than that. I'm looking for individuals who show potential not just in their Aura, but in their character. We need those who can think critically, who have the determination to push past their limits. Strength in all aspects, not just physical."

Rosha, ever the supportive presence beside her husband, nodded. "And you'll find that here, no doubt," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "Our children have been raised with that in mind."

The conversation shifted, growing more casual as the family heads exchanged stories and experiences.

Each spoke of their hopes for the next generation, and the sacrifices they had made to ensure that their children would have every opportunity to succeed.

But despite the calm surface, there was an underlying tension in the air. Each family head knew what was at stake—this assessment could change everything for their children.

Gill Truss, ever the observer, listened intently. He nodded in agreement with their words but never revealed too much of his own thoughts.

He had learned to read people quickly, to see beyond the surface, and he was already starting to make his assessments.

The handlers below continued their work, adjusting the grading machines and preparing for the next phase of the evaluation.

The families, for the moment, remained absorbed in their conversation, but their minds were focused on the same thing: the future of their children.

Soon, it would be time for the young men and women to show their worth, to demonstrate the potential they had been nurturing all their lives.

But for now, in the quiet of the Hall, only the adults spoke. The young generation waited downstairs, unaware of the critical moment that was unfolding above them.