Tyran was memorized by the brilliant blue light that burst from the exam. It was not often that a rare cultivator came from the farmland east of the Capitol. While he was happy for his cousin, he was also jealous that he would get the opportunity to train with master mages and body cultivators. Only one in a ten-thousand people could match a blue grade cultivator, so it made sense that the emperor would treat them like royalty. Tyran hoped that the exam orb would at least show that he was an uncommon grade cultivator, so he could travel in the military. Since one in ten people possessed this trait, Tyran was being reasonable, especially considering he was related to the new rare cultivator, Feng.

Whenever the orb came to their little village, Markyt, the town transformed from a bleak existence into a festival ground, celebrating the talented youths that would escape their dreary existence. Festival stalls opened, serving delicious street food and games for the masses. People from surrounding villages flocked Markyt, so they could have their sons and daughters tested. Even if Markyt didn’t find any notable cultivators, the profit gained from the their neighbors made it well worth their time. Shops and restaurants were packed full of people like cattle. Tyran waited in-front of one his favorite pubs, which was conveniently located across from the stage that held the exam orb.

He waited for Feng to escape the frenzied crowd and make his way to his table.

“Congratulations!” Tyran excitedly shouted as the new prodigy approached.

“Thanks, I going to miss you cousin. But I’m sure I won’t be lonely living in the emperor’s palace.” Feng said with a shitty grin

“Maybe I’ll get lucky and join you.” Tyran responded

“ When are you taking the exam?”

“In a couple of hours.”

Time passed as they watched people walk up the stage and take the exam. Sometimes a green hue would be emitted, showing that the person taking the exam was uncommon grade. Most people, however, received the gray light that represented common grade talent. Some contestants cried as their dreams were crushed, while others were indifferent. Many hopefuls watched intently, waiting for their time to shine. As Tyrants turn to take the exam drew nearer, he decided to leave Feng and walk towards the guards that controlled access onto the stage.

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It was as easy as handing over the ticket he had been provided and walking up the short steps. The anticipation was excruciating. He waited for the announcer to call out his name and the army captain, in his polished armour, to instruct him.

“Place your hand at the center and focus your chi on it. Don’t take your hand off until I tell you to.” the captain instructed.

Not wasting any time Tyrant, gently touched the cool exterior and started to focus his chi on it. Energy passed from his hand into the crystal for what felt like eternity. When he could no longer hold his concentration, he let go, opened his eyes and looked towards the speechless crowd. Tyran was confused. He had not seen any light come from the orb. Why was it white? There wasn’t a white grade. The rarest grade was black.

The shame the boy felt was immense, not only did he fail to receive an uncommon grade, he didn't even acquire a common one. He quietly made his way off the stage, trying to hide himself in the crowd. People where shouting that he was a demon, thinking the reason he didn’t receive a grade was because he was some sort of monster. Not even Feng his cousin and long time friend would come up to him.

Trying to escape the numerous of insults and jabs towards him and his family, Tyran dived into the dark forest that bordered the village. Taking many turns left and right, he lost himself and his pursuers, in the foreboding woods. Leaning up against a tree, the young boy decided to sleep. He didn’t care about the many dangerous creatures that lurked in the shadows. If they killed him, at least he wouldn’t have to worry his family. He wouldn’t have to deal with the hatred he had created.

Rising from the horizon, the sun spread its light over the forest. It's rays touched the boy, waking him up. Tyran slowly hoisted himself, using the tree as leverage.

“It’s about time you wake up. You don’t want your breakfast to get cold” the mysterious man exclaimed.

Tyran was surprised that someone was able to find him. He was shocked that the person that found him, didn’t instantly chop of his head.

“What you do want with me?” Tyran muttered as he took a bite out of the bacon sitting in-front of him.

“You made quite the commotion yesterday. You should’ve seen the people scatter into the woods looking for you. Probably the third worst reaction I’ve seen.” said the man

“So I’m not the only person who failed the exam?”

“Who said anything about failing. No, you just contain a monster soul.”