"This is your TOWER license. With this, you will be identifiable in all Presidium of Novaris," Lud said, handing Seran an ID card. "In addition, we have deposited into a bank account under your name the payment for eliminating a Tier 0 and a Tier 1" the operator told the boy.
His ears perked up at the fact that he would be paid.
Leaving the logistics center, the two headed to the cafeteria.
The chatter was even quieter than the day before. Tables that were once occupied were now empty, a consequence of the TRIGGER for less prepared or less fortunate candidates.
Taking a much larger portion than usual, his guide pointed it out:
"Now your body needs more energy to function. I wouldn't be surprised if you even finished my portion" he said, extending his tray toward the boy, still untouched, anticipating his need for food.
Devouring everything quickly, Seran finally felt full.
"Good. For the rest of the day, I will explain what is available to you from now on. Tomorrow you will be able to return to the city with the other candidates."
They headed one last time toward the study hall.
Once seated, Ludwig began:
"Now you have two choices: join the Armed Forces, operating under government directives. A fixed salary, access to facilities dedicated to Tower users, medical care, and tax benefits will be granted to you. The downsides…" lowering his voice as if not wanting to be overheard, "…someone else will choose your missions for you, a hierarchical system, and fewer opportunities for individual growth."
Seran listened carefully.
"This could limit my growth, but it's a safer choice," the boy thought.
Taking a breath, Lud continued:
"The second option is to become an independent raider. Resources will be limited at first, but as you progress they may increase. You will choose your own operations, but access to facilities and medical care will be paid. Furthermore, a tax will be applied to all your mission earnings."
Rubbing his chin, Seran was uncertain about what to do.
Breaking this moment of indecision, Lud said:
"Now let's talk about your mana and how to develop it…" After a brief pause he continued, "To progress, you must absorb Tier 1 cores to saturate the MANA level in your body. Once this is achieved, your body will ascend to Floor 2, improving in all aspects."
Seran took notes and asked:
"How many cores will I need to reach saturation?"
"We don't know. Some need 500 cores, others 2000, and others even more. It is believed this depends on natural talent for absorbing energy, your mana affinity type and, more simply, luck."
Seran stiffened for a moment.
"So how many will I need? Does that mean I could kill 10,000 Evos and still not progress to the next Floor?"
"This process can also be supported by training sessions that absorb mana from the environment or mana stones. It is slower, but with consistency it can make things easier," his guide reassured him.
"Why tell me this only now… I was worrying unnecessarily," Seran thought with a sigh.
"And how can I attract or absorb mana consistently over time?" the candidate asked.
With an ironic smile, Lud replied:
"Training. And this is where mana manipulation comes in. There are two categories:
Utility and Personal Technique," he said, raising two fingers.
Leaning forward, the boy became even more interested.
After a brief pause, meant to build tension, Lud continued:
"The first category includes all actions any Tower user can perform with mana: strengthening the body, coating weapons, creating neutral mana barriers, and more. It is said that high-level Floors can even fly using mana manipulation." A hint of envy slipped into his voice as he added, "Within this category lies the answer to your question: your familiarity with mana itself."
Suddenly, Lud's hand was covered in translucent mana, forming a small floating sphere. He directed it toward Seran, and upon contact, Seran felt a light impact.
"Ouch," the boy said, touching his shoulder.
A moment later, the colorless mana in Lud's hand turned red, and a small flame appeared. Seran felt the heat radiating from it.
Extinguishing the flame, Lud smiled and said:
"This, on the other hand, is a Personal Technique—the specific, individual use of one's own affinity or element. As you can see, my affinity is fire."
"Neutral mana, personal mana… I wonder how many affinities exist in the world, and what mine is?" these thoughts echoed in his mind.
"Maybe a Sound affinity, creating sonic waves that pulverize everything? Or lightning, frying my enemies on a spit?" His excitement was clear in the smile on his face.
Clapping his hands to regain the boy's attention, Lud continued:
"Only with time, training, and knowledge of your own affinity can you integrate a PT into your combat style. What I recommend is creating synergistic techniques that leave no weaknesses, as much as possible."
After answering Seran's further questions, time passed.
"Tomorrow at 10:00 in the parade square. You will be dismissed by Supervisor Riven and allowed to return to Nova Vitae."
The next day, the parade square that had once held a hundred candidates only four days earlier now showed barely thirty.
Neatly lined up, they listened to Supervisor Amelia Riven's speech:
"…And so I hope the emergence of new F1s will bring stability and order to our nation. As a reward for your achievement, each of you will receive a Mana Ring, and you will be allowed to keep the equipment you received during these days. You are dismissed. Glory to Novaris!!!"
With that, the supervisor ended her speech.
After receiving his ring from an operator, Seran turned his back on the Teta Patrol Block and boarded the first floating bus home, no longer as an ordinary boy, but as something more.