Free Web NovelChapter 2: Lisan Al-Gaia
"Sit down. We’ll begin in a minute."
Silas entered the meeting hall and found something closer to an academic lecture hall. Rows of semi-circular seats rose in tiers around a circular stage below. Around a hundred youngsters his age filled the hall, their faces carrying a mixture of awe, excitement, confusion, and nervousness.
He disliked sitting in the front or hiding in the back, so he chose a seat in the middle and waited. A few minutes later, a group of Enhancers gathered on the stage around a strange device resembling an ancient computer, a bulky metal structure with a small screen mounted on top.
An elderly Enhancer stepped forward to address the crowd. His frame was thin, his hair mostly white, and his appearance alone made him a rarity in a world where few Enhancers lived to old age.
"My name is Ramus," he began. "I was once quite famous, though that was many years ago. Today, I stand before you to guide the next generation. We have much to discuss, but first, let us determine your grades."
The device hummed to life. Its screen flickered green as strange symbols flashed across it before fading into a blank emerald glow.
"This is Theta," Ramus said. "One of the mysterious devices found in every Safe Haven. Using a sample of your blood, it measures the mana circulating through your enhanced body."
He paused before continuing.
"You’ve only recently awakened after ingesting your cores, so your abilities have not fully manifested yet. However, your grade has already been determined by the core you absorbed."
Silas felt relieved hearing that. He was worried because he hadn’t experienced any dramatic changes yet, but apparently that wasn’t uncommon. Ramus then explained another important detail.
"Theta will not only determine your grade," Ramus continued, "but also identify the monster core you absorbed. That information will help you understand your newly gained abilities."
Humanity still didn’t know which monsters the most harvested cores came from. Since cores had no practical use beyond enhancement, they were collected throughout the year and distributed during Enhancement Day. Then Ramus gestured toward the seats.
"Place a finger on the panel built into your right armrest. A needle will collect a drop of blood. Before doing so, memorise your seat number. The results will be announced by seat number."
The hall immediately filled with movement as everyone checked the numbers behind their seats.
"Sixty-nine," Silas whispered to himself.
"Now then," Ramus said. "As you know, powers in Eldrune are ranked from E to SSS. Humans, however, have a ceiling of A-rank. Like myself."
The declaration startled the audience. Ramus looked old and frail, yet an A-Enhancer stood among humanity’s strongest.
"I know what you’re thinking," he said with a faint smile. "Age has taken its toll. I’m not the Enhancer I once was."
For a brief moment, a shadow crossed his face.
"But enough about me. Most of you will be E-Enhancers. Some will be D-grade. A rare few may even be C-grade. Whatever your starting point, remember that this is only the beginning. Once you return to your rooms, consult your AI assistant. It will guide you in identifying your abilities and advancing your powers."
Amidst his talk, the machine vibrated. The analysis was complete. As if they got a hidden signal, several Enhancers spread throughout the hall carrying tablets while Ramus focused on the screen.
"Now for the results," he announced. "My colleagues will record your names as they appear. Later, your profiles will be sent to various academies, which will decide whom to invite."
A number appeared.
"Seat ninety-three. D-Enhancer. Core of the Flame Finch. Excellent. If memory serves me right, it grants the ability to create fire sparks."
The hall immediately grew quieter. One by one, Ramus announced the results, often adding details about the corresponding abilities. The more he spoke, the more captivated everyone became. Eventually, he reached Silas.
"Seat sixty-nine. Another D-Enhancer."
"Core of the Hollow Raven... Interesting. It grants a wind-based enhancement effect that increases movement speed. It’s a support-type ability. This youngster is a Buffer."
Silas’ eyes widened.
’That’s me.’
Excitement surged through him; he was a Buffer. The AI assistant had briefly explained the profession before. Buffers were the support specialists, and their help was always valuable. Before he could dwell on it further, an Enhancer approached his seat.
"Your name?"
"Silas. Silas Ashborne."
The man’s expression changed instantly.
"Ashborne?"
Silas sighed inwardly. He very well knew that reaction.
"Bad luck, kid," the Enhancer muttered. "Even though the true Ashbornes are long dead, the name remains cursed. Plenty of people named their children after the fallen kingdom, but it never ends well."
He lowered his voice.
"The Ashbornes made many enemies. That’s especially true about the Dragons. Be careful when going outside in the open; be extra careful, kid."
The warning was sincere enough that Silas couldn’t dismiss it as easily as he had in the orphanage.
’Dragons? What in the world did the old Ashbornes do?’
Still, he focused on the positives and gains. He was a D-Enhancer, and he knew his ability.
As Ramus continued announcing results, Silas impatiently waited for the lecture to end so he could return to his room and learn more about his powers. Then something unexpected happened. A voice echoed inside his mind.
[Core absorption complete.]
[Hollow Raven core successfully purified.]
[Wind Element acquired.]
[Fear Effect acquired.]
"What did you say?!"
The words escaped his mouth before he could stop them. And the hall fell silent, with every eye turned toward him. Silas immediately regretted speaking.
"You want me to repeat your results?" Ramus asked in confusion.
One of the nearby Enhancers leaned over and whispered something into the old man’s ear. He said something that got Ramus’ eyes to widen.
"Interesting."
He stared directly at Silas.
"You heard a voice just now, didn’t you?"
Silas hesitated before standing.
"Yes, sir. It said..."
"Don’t repeat what it said."
The old man’s expression became serious, stopping Silas from going further.
"What you experienced is known as Gaia Calling. It is an extremely rare gift. one of the most valuable blessings an Enhancer can receive."
Silas blinked in surprise.
"Never tell anyone the exact messages you hear. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
Before he could process that information, a voice shouted from several rows away.
"Lisan Al-Gaia? That’s a curse, not a blessing!"
Murmurs immediately spread through the hall. Some faces showed curiosity, while others showed hostility.
"Silence!"
Ramus’ voice boomed through the hall. And the whispers died instantly.
"Do not listen to them. Gaia Calling is a divine gift. Most who possess it reach at least B-rank, with many achieving A-rank."
The hall quieted. Silas, meanwhile, absorbed every word. A blessing or a curse, he couldn’t tell. Yet he could tell just one thing crystal clear: this was a very dangerous gift, apparently. He could already feel the envy and hostility directed toward him.
’I can live with that.’
His uncertainty gradually gave way to determination. As if he could read through the youngster’s thoughts, Ramus laughed. freewebnσvel.cøm
"What a pleasant surprise. A Gaia-blessed seedling."
He nodded toward the Enhancer recording names.
"Make sure that’s included in his profile."
Silas sank lower into his seat as countless eyes remained fixed on him.
’Gaia,’ he thought silently, ’if that was really you, can you explain what those messages meant?’
Unlike what he expected, no answer came. There was only silence. As the remaining results were announced, Silas replayed the words in his mind, deeply contemplating them. The voice had correctly identified his core, the Hollow Raven core. That much was undeniable.
When the final result was announced, Ramus looked toward him once more.
"As someone who has heard Gaia’s voice since my earliest days, allow me to share a piece of advice."
The entire hall listened carefully, not just Silas.
"Gaia Calling is nothing like an AI assistant. You cannot question it. You cannot argue with it. Yet its messages contain truths and wisdom of immense value."
He smiled faintly.
"Sometimes understanding those callings requires reflection. A walk may help; a sleepless night can do the trick. To some, a cold shower is the right way to do it. Whatever helps you think clearly, find it and stick to it."
His gaze settled on Silas.
"Do not interrogate the voice. All you can do is simply listen and reflect. And above all else, never dismiss its words simply because they sound impossible or unbelievable."
For a brief moment, the old man’s eyes seemed unusually distant.
"Sooner or later, you’ll discover they were true."
