Chapter - 8 [ Aura Grading ]

The grand staircase groaned slightly under Charles Phoenix's deliberate steps as he descended.

His sharp gaze swept across the eager young faces gathered in the hall below. The crowd was a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.

This was the moment they had been waiting for—the day they would learn their Aura grades, the revelation that could determine their futures.

Behind Charles, the grading machine (GMs) stood tall and imposing, fully operational and ready to be put to use for the first time.

Beside the device, handlers from Bright Day Corporation stood at attention, their crisp white lab coats gleaming under the chandelier's light.

Each carried a subtle aura of authority, signaling their expertise and the significance of their task. They awaited further instructions, their expressions calm yet focused.

Charles raised his hand slightly, and the hall grew silent. His voice, amplified by his Aura, resonated clearly throughout the vast space, reaching every corner of the room.

"Young ones," he began, his tone both commanding and encouraging, "today is the day you will learn of your Aura grades. For many of you, this will be a defining moment.

There are great expectations placed upon you, and it is now your time to show what you are capable of."

His eyes scanned the room, resting briefly on each young man and woman.

Some appeared confident, their postures straight and heads high, while others shifted nervously under his intense gaze.

"Some of you will smile today," Charles continued, "while others might feel disappointed. But all of you must understand this: your Aura grade is but one of the many challenges you will face in life.

It is not the sole measure of your potential. We, the observers, will be watching closely—not just your grades, but your character, your determination, and your ability to rise above."

He paused for a moment, letting the gravity of his words sink in before he continued.

"As you might already know," he said, his voice taking on a more formal tone, "we have a special guest with us today. Mr. Gill Truss, a scout from Heaven, the world's most prestigious Aura Manifestation Institution, is here to identify the best talents among you."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, the young men and women exchanging glances.

The mere mention of Heaven was enough to stoke their ambitions. It wasn't just an institution—it was a dream, a symbol of ultimate achievement.

Charles raised a hand to quiet the room once more. "Mr. Truss is not here merely as a spectator. Those he deems worthy will receive privileges that will give them an advantage in the entrance exams for Heaven.

And for the exceptionally fortunate among you—those who awaken a First-Tier Aura Grade—you won't even need to take the entrance exam. Admission will be granted automatically."

A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd, but Charles wasn't finished. "Now, enough words. Let us begin the grading. After this, we shall feast and celebrate your efforts."

Stepping aside, Charles gestured toward the GMs. The captain of the handlers, a senior researcher, stepped forward with his hands clasped together, his demeanor professional but approachable.

"Before we begin," the captain said, his voice clear and steady, "let me explain the grading chart. The machine assesses the purity percentage of your Aura.

"All those who awaken their Aura will fall under the Third-Tier by default, with a purity percentage ranging from 1% to 60%. Those with 61% to 90% purity are classified as Second-Tier.

Finally, the rarest category, the Legendary First-Tier, is reserved for purity levels between 91% and 99%."

He paused, allowing the information to sink in. "If I may remind you, Innertik City has only two individuals who have achieved First-Tier Aura grades: Mr. Charles Phoenix, whom you all know, and the Director General of Police, who is currently out of the city."

There was a collective intake of breath as the captain unfolded a small name list. "Now, let us begin. First on the list—Morgan Lee."

The room shifted as Morgan Lee, a striking blonde with an air of maturity, stepped forward. Her every movement carried confidence, though her expression betrayed a hint of nerves.

"Place your palms on the prints and release your Aura," the captain instructed, gesturing toward the machine. "Make sure to release enough for an accurate reading."

Morgan did as instructed. Placing her palms firmly on the prints, she closed her eyes and focused.

A soft blue glow emanated from her body, spreading toward her hands and into the machine.

The GMs hummed faintly as numbers flickered across its display, rapidly shifting before settling on a single line.

[45% purity. Third-Tier Aura Grade.]

The announcement echoed through the hall, and Morgan's confident expression shattered.

Her eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back. "What?! This can't be right! Run it again!" she demanded, her voice sharp with disbelief.

The captain, unperturbed, shook his head. "Young Miss, the machine is highly calibrated. The result is accurate."

Morgan's face flushed with frustration, but before she could protest further, Charles interjected. "Your Aura grade is no reason for despair," he said, his voice kind but firm. "Even a Third-Tier grade can lead to greatness if you work hard enough."

Morgan clenched her fists but ultimately stepped away, her pride bruised. "Fine," she muttered, retreating into the crowd.

"Next, Preeti Lali," the captain called. One by one, the young men and women stepped forward, their grades displayed for all to see. Most fell into the Third-Tier, their reactions ranging from quiet acceptance to visible disappointment.

When Peter Damentri's name was called, the atmosphere shifted. Peter, brimming with confidence, gestured at Victor Kal, smirking. "Watch closely. This is how it's done," he said, cracking his fingers as he approached the GMs.

Peter placed his hands on the prints and released his Aura. A dense purple mist enveloped him, filling the hall with an oppressive energy. The crowd murmured in awe, and even the handlers exchanged impressed glances.

[87% purity. Second-Tier Aura Grade.]

The room erupted in applause.

"As expected from the Damentri family!" someone exclaimed.

Peter grinned, his eyes meeting his father's upstairs. Thomas Damentri nodded approvingly, his pride evident.

"Very good, son!" Thomas called out, laughing. Turning to Gill Truss, he added, "Mr. Truss, surely my boy has caught your attention?"

Gill smiled politely. "Let us finish the assessments before I make any decisions," he replied, his tone measured.

Then came Queer Fush.

"Who's that? The Mayor doesn't seem to be married." Victor asked Ariana as Queer approached the machine with steady, confident steps.

"That's Queer Fush, the mayor's nephew. He's made quite a name for himself in martial arts," Ariana said, her tone neutral but alert.

Victor's expression turned contemplative. As Queer placed his hands on the prints and released his Aura, Victor observed the black energy that spiraled outward.

The energy was both controlled and overwhelming, as if it had been carefully honed over years of training.

[78% purity. Second-Tier Aura Grade.]

Applause filled the hall once again, but Victor's eyes remained fixed on Queer.

'A real talent—but who exactly is he? Is he really from the Mayor's family? Why do I feel that he is also part of that evil organization? '

---

Claps and praises echoed through the hall as Queer Fush's results were displayed on the screen.

On the upper floor, where the family heads were seated, subtle murmurs of approval could be heard.

Pablo, the Mayor, received nods of acknowledgment from those around him.

The attention had shifted toward him as Queer's name continued to stir discussion.

"Not bad at all. 78% is exceptionally high for a Second-Tier," one of the officials commented. "He'll definitely be someone worth watching in the future."

Peter Damentri, who had been basking in his own high grade moments earlier, nodded in approval as he sipped casually from a glass of water.

"A decent result, I'll give him that," he said with a faint smirk, clearly pleased that Queer's percentage was still lower than his own.

"But it's not enough to steal the spotlight."

Ariana, standing beside Victor, gave a small nod of acknowledgment as well.

"He's disciplined. That result reflects years of dedication."

Victor, however, remained silent, his eyes still focused on Queer. Unlike the others, he didn't clap or speak.

As Queer stepped back into the crowd, his expression calm and composed, the captain glanced at his list and called out the next name.

"Ariana Phoenix."

The room immediately stilled, and every pair of eyes turned toward the trio at the very back. The anticipation was palpable.

The Phoenix name carried a certain weight, and it was clear that everyone was expecting something remarkable.

"Your turn," Peter said, grinning as he gestured for Ariana to step forward. "Don't be pressured by my excellence." He chuckled, clearly relishing his moment in the spotlight.

Ariana simply smiled in response, her confidence unshaken. She walked forward gracefully, her high heels clicking against the marble tiles with an air of elegance that made heads turn.

Victor watched her closely, his sharp eyes noting the poise in her every step.

"She doesn't seem fazed at all," he murmured under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

As Ariana reached the grading machine, she paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her calmness wasn't arrogance—it was certainty.

Charles Phoenix, watched from the side. His expression was unreadable, but the glint in his eyes spoke volumes.

He wasn't worried; he was expectant. He knew his granddaughter's capabilities and was confident she wouldn't disappoint.

Ariana placed her hands on the prints, her movements deliberate and measured. Closing her eyes, she exhaled slowly, releasing her Aura.

The moment her Aura emerged, the hall seemed to brighten. A fiery crimson glow enveloped her, radiating a warmth that was both fierce and captivating.

It wasn't just the color that drew attention—it was the intensity. Her Aura had a vibrancy that seemed almost alive, pulsating with a fiery energy that commanded respect.

Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd as everyone watched in awe. "That's… amazing," someone whispered.

The grading machine hummed as it processed the energy, the numbers on its screen flickering rapidly before coming to a halt.

[82% purity. Second-Tier Aura Grade.]

The result flashed on the screen, and the hall erupted in applause. The crowd's reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, with many cheering and congratulating her.

"82%! That's incredible!"

"She's only 5% behind Peter, but her Aura… it feels different. Stronger somehow."

Peter, who had been standing with a smug expression, blinked in surprise at the result.

"Not bad, Phoenix," he said with a begrudging nod. "But it's still not enough to beat me." His grin returned quickly, though it lacked the same confidence it had earlier.

Ariana turned back to face the crowd, her expression calm but proud. She walked back to Victor and Peter with the same grace she had displayed before, her fiery Aura still lingering faintly around her like a protective cloak.

"Impressive," Victor said quietly as she approached. His tone was genuine, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"Thank you," Ariana replied with a small smile. She seemed unbothered by Peter's earlier remarks, her focus already shifting toward what lay ahead.

On the upper floor, Charles had returned, and he allowed a small smile to touch his lips.

He glanced toward Gill Truss, who had been observing the grading silently. "What do you think, Mr. Truss?" Charles asked, his voice low but carrying a note of pride.

Gill, seated beside him, nodded appreciatively. "She's remarkable," he said simply. "That fiery Aura of hers… it's unique. She'll make an excellent candidate."

Charles didn't respond immediately, his gaze returning to the floor below where the grading continued.

The proud Phoenix family was clearly pleased, though they kept their emotions in check.

Meanwhile, the captain of the handlers called out the next name. As the line of young men and women dwindled, the tension in the hall grew.

Only a handful of names remained, and the anticipation for Victor's turn was steadily building.