Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

29  The First Round of Testing

"Let the first round of testing begin!" After the fireworks faded, Lawrence spoke again.

A large crystal ball appeared in the center of the arena.

This was a magical crystal ball. When someone released their magic into it, the ball would display the strength of the magic user.

"The first one up, Sloe-Fielding!" Lawrence stood by the crystal ball, holding a list of family disciples.

Fielding?

Hearing the name, Kennan glanced over.

A boy walked onto the platform; it was the same boy who had been showing off in front of him earlier.

"Release your magic," Lawrence instructed as Fielding stepped forward.

Fielding nodded and let his magic ripple through his body, causing a surge of energy to erupt from within.

"Buzz..."

As Fielding released his magic, the crystal ball emitted an energy wave, and a string of characters appeared on its surface.

**Three-Star Mage!**

Seeing the result, the audience remained expressionless.

This level of strength in the family was considered below average.

"Sloe-Fielding, Three-Star Mage, a one-star improvement from last year," Lawrence announced. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Despite expecting this result, there was a hint of disappointment in Fielding's eyes.

Improving by only one star in a year meant that another year without progress would lead to his expulsion from the family.

"Next up, Sloe-Lenel!" After Fielding left, another boy stepped up.

This boy turned out to be a Seven-Star Mage, showing decent aptitude.

"You don't seem nervous at all," Corvin remarked, glancing at Kennan with a smile.

Kennan didn't respond, shaking his head before closing his eyes again, waiting for his name to be called.

"This guy is interesting," Corvin thought. He wasn't angry at Kennan's silence; rather, he grew more curious, wondering if Kennan was truly as confident as he appeared.

"Next, Sloe-Debb!" A few minutes later, a familiar name rang in Kennan's ears.

Kennan opened his eyes just in time to see Debb stepping up.

"Buzz..."

Debb smiled confidently at the crowd, then released his magic, causing the crystal ball to light up.

**One-Star Archmage!**

A few seconds later, the crystal ball displayed Debb's rank, surprising the onlookers.

"Who would've thought Debb had already reached the Archmage level? He's only fifteen years old—his aptitude is top-tier."

"While he may not be the strongest of his generation, his future looks bright. He could easily become an elder of the family one day."

The crowd murmured their opinions, and the senior members of the Sloe family nodded in satisfaction.

One of the middle-aged men sitting on the high platform, in particular, was beaming with pride.

"Milne, what do you think of my son?" the man, Lucas, asked the person next to him, smiling broadly. He was Debb's father.

The man beside him remained expressionless and silent, but his gaze was fixed on Kennan, who was leaning against a wall in the corner.

This man was Kennan's father, Sloe-Milne, a Three-Star Mage Emperor.

Years ago, during a family trial, Milne had crippled Lucas.

Since then, Lucas had harbored a grudge, spending years trying to undermine Milne.

As a family renowned for its magic, they had never before seen a fifteen-year-old who was still only an apprentice.

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When Kennan was born and turned out to be a failure, Lucas seized the opportunity to humiliate Milne by constantly comparing their children.

Milne couldn't refute the comparison, as his son was indeed considered a failure.

Seeing Milne's silence, Lucas's face was filled with satisfaction.

Although he couldn't surpass Milne himself, his son could easily crush Milne's son.

Meanwhile, Debb stepped down from the platform, and Lawrence called up a few more family disciples for testing.

"Last up, Sloe-Kennan!" When Kennan's name was called, the crowd's faces lit up with mocking smiles.

After all, the name Kennan was synonymous with disgrace in the Sloe family.

As a family renowned for its magic, they had never before seen a fifteen-year-old who was still only an apprentice.

When Kennan heard his name, he opened his eyes and, under the gaze of the crowd, walked calmly toward the platform.

Corvin watched with a hint of anticipation in his eyes. He had a feeling that Kennan wasn't as simple as everyone thought.

"Kennan, release your magic," Lawrence said coldly as Kennan stepped onto the platform.

Lawrence was well aware of Kennan's reputation, as the title of "family disgrace" wasn't easily earned.

Kennan remained unfazed, turning his gaze toward the crystal ball. With a slight smile, he began releasing his magic.

"Boom..."

In the next instant, Kennan's aura surged, and a massive wave of magic power erupted from his body.

The surrounding magic energy quickly converged around him, forming a magical vortex.

As soon as the crowd saw the vortex, they looked puzzled.

But on the high platform, those strong enough to be Mage Lords all stood up in shock.

Even the Sloe family head, Sloe-Masi, stared at Kennan in amazement.