The dawn light barely pierced through the overgrown canopy as the group gathered in the open clearing near the remnants of the old shrine. The air was thick with moisture and faint echoes of distant creatures. Today wasn't just another survival day—it was the first proper test of their abilities, and tensions hummed beneath the surface.
Saki stepped forward, her shadow-sensing eyes scanning each member. "Alright, everyone. Today, we're going to do a controlled abilities test. I'll read your power levels, your elemental affinities, and your combat tendencies. Then we'll practice teamwork scenarios based on what I find. Understand?"
A chorus of acknowledgments rippled through the group.
Mori's stomach churned, but he nodded. "I… I'll try my best."
Kaida smirked lightly. "Don't worry, Mori. This is about learning, not winning."
Saki's gaze swept across them, and then she began, her voice calm but authoritative. "Renji Hayashi first. Wind manipulation, correct?"
Renji grinned. "Yep. Fast, precise, but still mischievous." He twirled in place, sending leaves and dust spiraling around.
Saki's eyes glimmered faintly. "A-Rank. Agile, high-speed precision. Your aura is sharp, almost playful. You have a knack for ranged strikes and quick maneuvering. Use it carefully, or your energy may dissipate too quickly."
Renji laughed. "You've been watching me this whole time?"
Saki shook her head. "No. I can sense potential. Now, Kaida Ren."
Kaida stepped forward, planting a firm foot on the earth. Rocks and dirt lifted, forming a small protective wall around him. "Earth manipulation. Defensive, terrain control, blunt-force strikes. That's all you need to know."
Saki nodded. "B-Rank. Steady, reliable. Your aura is stable, grounding the team. You're the shield in every sense."
Kenta Sato leapt into view, flames crackling around his fists. "Ready to see some firepower?"
Saki's eyes narrowed slightly. "B-Rank. Destructive capability high, control moderate. Impulsive energy—dangerous if unchecked. Pair with a stabilizer for maximum efficiency."
One by one, she assessed Miya Hoshino, Daichi Tanaka, and Takumi Ishida. Lightning strikes, brute strength, water manipulation—all observed, measured, and recorded in her mind.
Finally, her attention rested on Mori. He stepped forward hesitantly, a shadow of doubt in his eyes. "I… I don't know what will happen."
Saki's voice softened, though her eyes remained serious. "Kaien Mori… your aura is unreadable. Pure darkness. I cannot gauge strength, element, or tendency. I only sense… potential. Dangerous, vast, and undefined. Treat with caution."
Mori's heart thumped. "I'll… I'll try."
Saki gestured. "Alright, now for the practical test. Everyone pair up, show control of your element, then react to a small simulated threat."
Kaida paired with Kenta. Renji with Miya. Daichi with Takumi. Mori was left alone briefly—his E-Rank status making him the most vulnerable.
Saki approached him. "Focus, Mori. Don't try to overwhelm yourself. Small, controlled bursts. Feel the energy without forcing it."
He nodded, taking a deep breath. Slowly, he extended his hands, a faint ripple of darkness spreading outward. Unlike before, the energy was more focused, brushing against the leaves without harming them.
Takuro's dark eyes flicked toward him, and he smirked faintly. "Not bad… for now," he muttered under his breath.
Saki moved methodically through the group, reading each ability. Then she came back to Takuro. His calm, unreadable aura gave her pause. She furrowed her brows. "E-Rank… but something feels… off. Stronger than what I'm sensing."
Takuro smiled faintly, masking the truth. "That's all you'll see, Saki."
Mori tilted his head. "Takuro… is that really your rank?"
Takuro's smile didn't falter. "For now. Don't worry about me. Focus on yourself."
The group moved into their training drills. Small creatures, summoned by Saki's shadow-sense, scuttled and flitted about, testing reactions.
* Kaida reinforced barricades while Kenta's flames scorched strategically, avoiding allies.
* Renji used wind to manipulate trajectories.
* Miya's lightning zipped from point to point, forcing everyone to stay alert.
* Daichi held ground with brute strength, absorbing hits.
* Takumi adjusted water streams to counter attacks.
* Mori, hesitant at first, sent out controlled waves of darkness, brushing creatures without harming them, learning focus and restraint.
Saki watched Mori carefully, her S-Rank senses reading his aura's fluctuations. "Good… better. You're starting to control the void within you, even if just a little. But remember, potential is not power. You must grow carefully, strategically."
Mori nodded, determination hardening. "I… I will. I won't be weak anymore."
Later, the team gathered to review the exercises. Saki stepped forward. "Everyone did well. But there's more to this world than just creatures. Strength, strategy, and trust are essential. Mori, your potential is massive. But without control, it's a liability. Remember that."
Takuro's smirk returned. "I'll be watching. Not that you'll notice."
Mori clenched his fists, a new fire burning within him. "I'll grow stronger… I'll show everyone, especially myself, what I can do."
Saki placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling softly. "And we'll be here to guide you. But you must lead yourself first."
As the team packed up to move forward, the faint sound of distant shadows stirred. Something watched them—a reminder that the Shadow World had far more dangerous secrets ahead. Yet for the first time, Mori felt ready to face them… not alone, but with friends who knew his potential, even if he himself could not yet fully comprehend it.
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