The Dawn of the New World

"We will now begin by inspecting your basic attributes. Will the patron please come forth!"

Mendax suddenly threw his head back while raising both hands towards the sky. Two lightning bolts shot out from his palm and ignited the clouds like some ancient war engine.

*RUUUUUMBLEEE*

The space shook as the profile of a several hundred-meter-tall entity was projected onto the clouds. The gazes of all the candidates were obviously pulled towards it, towards Lord Aekor who sat on the golden throne in all his glory.

In the absence of the champion he was the highest-ranking member within the 'Sect of the Deep' and he made no effort to hide that fact. He was proud of it like most others from his sect because their Master had the most worshippers and servants amongst all of the Nine.

His mighty silhouette looked down upon the figures on the platform and none could escape his scrutinizing gaze, especially Hao Xuan who was not afraid to return the favor in much the same manner.

Despite the rude behavior, Lord Aekor did not waste any time on him and swiftly redirected his attention towards the merman as Mendax lightly tapped the ground.

"Let us begin!"

The platform was divided into nine concentric rings with two rows of numbers etched into each ring.

The innermost ring started moving first, rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise several times while the tentacles attached to his spine and legs fed it all the information it needed.

After approximately four to five seconds the ring stopped rotating and the two digits came together. Immediately after, the second ring started moving and this process continued until all nine rings had a number of their own on display.

Mendax moved around the platform while making mental notes of each of the numbers. Everyone could see them but only he could decipher their true values.

"Splendid!" he clapped cheerfully upon reaching the ninth ring and looked at the merman with an approving smile, "What an astonishing display. Looks like our house will have yet another genius amongst its ranks," he commented loudly before turning towards the other candidates with an explanation.

"Each of the nine rings measures a certain attribute. Only the overseer can decipher the true values of these attributes so you needn't be worried since I am only required to mention the values of the three basic attributes and the ranks of any specific physique, constitution, or soul that you might have."

Hao Xuan's hand immediately shot up, [Is it possible to only reveal the three basic attributes? What if I forgo the rewards at the end?]

Lord Aekor was the only one visible to the candidates but all nine of the attendants could see the platform and what was happening around it so understandably, Hao Xuan's question got the attention of almost all of them and they all turned towards Baba Jezda for answers.

"Don't look at me, even I don't know much about this one," she muttered expressionlessly.

Back on the platform Mendax shook his head unhappily, completely misunderstanding the reason for his query.

"That is not an option, youngling. You might not come from a powerful sect but there is no need to be ashamed of what you have been born with!"

[....I understand. Thank you, senior]

"Hmph, it is good that you do. Now let me mention the main ranks we use for measurement. In the outside world they have more than double ours but we only need to classify them into four general ranks for the purpose of this examination. Starting from the weakest we have, Rare, Exotic, Legendary, and Mythical."

"We have very high standards of measurement so it is common for candidates to not meet even the most basic requirements and as a result...be rankless...." he then glanced towards Hao Xuan, "But that does not mean you are weak or not useful to the Nine. Only you yourself can determine that."

Hao Xuan let out a deep sigh and gave another understanding nod which forced Mendax to finally move on.

"Now, candidate number one! Your basic attributes are-" he pointed towards the empty space right above the platform and several rows of letters and numbers showed up out of nowhere.

When Hao Xuan focused his eyes the letters began to reorganize themselves to make sense for him in the simplest way possible. It was the same for everyone else too.

Physical Strength: 114

Cultivation Level: 280

Soul Power: 96

The merman's chest puffed out even more as the letters reorganized themselves the next moment to reveal the other ranks.

"Physique Rank: Exotic

Constitution Rank: Rare

Soul Rank: Rare"

Mendax broke into applause immediately after, garnering some much-deserved side-eyes from the other candidates.

"Truly marvelous! The Lord has blessed this candidate with not one but three ranked-" he caught himself before going too far off the rails and cleared his throat.

"Ahem, I mean, what a gifted first candidate we have to kick off this decade's examination!"