9 Pity

    ''----''

    ''A strong pale blue aura billowed from the stele as the "Mortal" and "Earth" inscriptions were fully illuminated. The first appearance of the "Spirit" inscription happened.''

    ''The light it emitted was very faint

    however

    it was present.''

    ''Grand Elder Kayn smiled for the first time

    nodding with elation apparent in his eyes

    "A Low Tier Spirit-Grade Talent. There is hope for you to mature even further

    excellent indeed. We will be relying on you to shoulder and improve our family''s reputation. Cynthia

    reward him 25 Foundation Strengthening pills."''

    ''As he heard this

    Axel was filled with pride. To be praised meant his worth in the family would be further cemented. Giddy with over this matter

    once he received his pouch

    he descended from the platform to boast amongst his small circle.''

    ''Subsequently

    while Axel descended

    the petite girl looked up at the platform. Before moving

    she looked over to Aaron for a short moment. Although she didn''t say anything

    it appeared there was something on her mind. Nevertheless

    she began ascending the stairs. Her steps were slow and steady whereas her eyes were clear

    like two serene lakes.''

    ''Nearby Kayn

    Cynthia gazed at the small girl growing closer. "Hmm

    Lily is coming. I have faith in her talent. It shouldn''t be any weaker than Axel." Much like Apollo

    Lily''s father perished in an awful incident. However

    unlike Apollo

    her birth wasn''t tragic.''

    ''While Lily continued to ascend the stairs

    Kayn gave a silent nod

    "Yeah

    her talent should be strong indeed. Isn''t she only 3 months older than Aaron?"''

    ''"Oh yes

    yes she is."''

    ''Reaching the platform

    Lily quietly nodded her head as she stepped up to the platform. Pressing her hand against it

    the same phenomenon happened. A burst of strong

    vibrant energy caused her hair to flutter as the stele instantly lit up to the limit of the "Earth" inscription.''

    ''Although the momentum slowed

    it was still stronger than Axel''s and stopped when it showed a slightly bright radiance.''

    ''"Hmm...between a Middle and Top Tier Spirit-Grade Physique...absolutely excellent! Another prime specimen has arrived from the family."''

    ''Unlike Axel

    Grand Elder Kayn placed a hand on the little girl''s head as he knelt down. "Your father would be so proud of you."''

    ''Upon hearing these words

    Lily''s lip trembled

    running into Kayn''s embrace.''

    ''"Cynthia

    reward Lily 35 Foundation Strengthening pills

    " Kayn said

    lifting his gaze towards Cynthia.''

    ''Once she received her pouch

    Lily descended the stairs unhurriedly

    looking in Apollo''s direction. He had a slightly vacant look on his face

    as he hooked his fingers together nervously.''

    ''Meanwhile

    Grand Elder Kayn looked over to Apollo. His gaze turned sympathetic but also crestfallen as he looked at this fellow. "Come up young one

    you are the last one. Don''t be frightened."''

    ''Unable to avoid this situation any longer

    Apollo nodded reluctantly. At the same time

    low chatter amongst the kids ensued. There was no chatter amongst the older generation as they weren''t interested in the youth. In their eyes

    the assessment had already finished.''

    ''[Remember boy

    everything happens for a reason and everything is only for a single moment.]''

    ''Apollo nodded again

    climbing the stairs. But

    behind him

    Danyul gazed at his back hopefully

    ''Please...seize your future.''''

    ''Reaching the top of the platform

    Apollo stood before the 9 elders of the family. With a gesture

    Kayn instructed him to touch the stele. There was a slight pause

    but

    ultimately Apollo lifted his left hand as he pressed it against the stele.''

    ''Initially

    there was no reaction causing Apollo to frown. However

    the stele soon emitted a weak pale blue glow. The extent of this light was fleeting as it flickered between the Low Tier and Middle Tier of the "Mortal" Inscription.''

    ''Finally

    it settled on the Middle Tier.''

    ''"Not bad lad. You aren''t hopeless. However

    the family can''t focus on you with this level of talent. I hope you understand this and don''t feel as if we have wronged you. I know what happened to you

    but…" pausing his words

    Grand Elder Kayn sighed.''

    ''There was a tinge of pity in his voice when he spoke again. "What''s done is done. Cynthia

    please reward Apollo 2 Foundation Strengthening pills."''

    ''While accepting the pouch

    Apollo saw the looks of ridicule that came from the Elders standing behind Kayn as his lips trembled and his head dropped.''

    ''''I didn''t want to come here…''''

    ''[Lad…]''

    ''In his mind

    there were different thoughts playing. One set belonged to the torture of being a human training post whereas the belonged to the experiences of this body. Tears fell from his eyes nut he turned around

    he slowly descended the steps in silence. However

    Aaron clenched his fists in anger due to the situation.''

    ''When Apollo reached the bottom of the steps

    he sprinted with his head down. Exiting the shrine

    he continuously ran.''

    ''"Ap-"''

    ''Kayn stopped Ashur from talking with his palm raised in his direction

    "Silence

    leave the boy. Don''t antagonize him further. Instead

    focus on nurturing the newly discovered young talents."''

    ''Ashur nodded

    swallowing his words

    "Yes

    Grand Elder."''

    ''….''

    ''[Lad...don''t cry. From this experience

    you have learned everything in this world is given to those who either have potential or possess strength. Without those

    no one will look your way. However

    you will be strong. You have I

    Azridan standing behind you.]''

    ''"..."''

    ''[Lad…? Apollo..? Are you there?]''

    ''"This isn''t enough...I think I understand now. I have to become like everyone else in this world. Make me stronger

    Azridan

    " Apollo muttered

    the light within his eyes dimming whereas a shred of cold entered his heart.''

    ''[We have work to do then.]''

    ''?System Alert! Mission COMPLETE!?''

    ''?You have been rewarded 100 Experience

    2 Stat Points?''

    ''?You have received 2 Foundation Strengthening pills.?''

    ''?Experience: 125/200.?''

    ''----''

    ''Back inside the Family Shrine

    Grand Elder Kayn continued to give a speech.''

    ''"There are many substantial talents amongst you lot. The lowest being of Peak Tier Mortal Grade Talents. The number of Foundation Strengthening pills you have received is the amount you will receive every week. Work hard

    I want to see each and every one of you reach the Zul Warrior Realm by 13."''

    ''Aaron frowned at the Grand Elder''s words

    looking at the exit behind him. Based on the way he worded his phrase

    he was excluding Apollo from the bunch. He didn''t even mention Apollo''s Middle-grade Mortal Meridians.''

    ''"You are a fine generation of our Kaiser family. I hope you will serve to uplift our names helping our family travel through the ranks. It would please me greatly for our small family name to become one of the Great Families in the future

    " stated Kayn with a dignified look in his eyes.''

    ''...''

    ''A knock on the door was heard causing Apollo to look up. Standing there was a saddened Aaron. However

    even then

    he aimed to encourage Apollo.''

    ''"Apollo

    don''t be saddened. Talent doesn''t mean everything. I believe in you!"''

    ''After he encouraged Apollo

    Aaron raised his hand. Laid on his palm were 3 circular pills. They were slightly small

    no larger than a marble

    and completely white in color. At a glance

    one could mistake it for a small stone.''

    ''"What''s this for? You keep them. It will only slow down your progress

    " Apollo refused.''

    ''In turn

    Aaron''s expression fell

    "No no no

    come on

    accept them. I saw your hard work today. You deserve at least what that stupid Dylon is getting. Take these right now!"''

    ''His expression remained adamant. It was clear he would not take no for an answer. Gazing at Aaron

    Apollo muttered. "Why are you so nice to me…?"''

    ''"Because you''re family...and I love you like a little brother. So come

    take these. I don''t like seeing you sad."''

    ''Left with no other choice

    Apollo finally accepted the pills. Although Aaron was sacrificing part of his training resources

    there wasn''t an ounce of hesitation present within him.''

    ''"Rest

    we have to train tomorrow also

    " Aaron reminded as he left.''

    ''Meanwhile

    Apollo clutched the pills in his hand. Within his eyes

    a speck of light returned

    however

    unbeknownst to him

    it wouldn''t be that way forever.''