Extra's Ascent

[Welcome, Mr. Aldrich Aldaman. How do you feel?]

The robotic voice reverberated through Aldrich's mind as he lay reclined in the assessment chair.

A sleek VR helmet hugged his head, tethering his consciousness to the virtual testing space where the second stage of his trial would take place.

"I feel great, actually," Aldrich replied smoothly, masking his apprehension with an air of confidence.

[You've just undergone a comprehensive bodily assessment. How do you feel about that?]

The voice was devoid of any human warmth, its mechanical neutrality unnerving yet oddly reassuring.

"It's fine. Just a necessary part of the process." Aldrich answered. No point in complaining—this was what he had prepared for.

[Excellent. We will now proceed to the second stage of your test. How do you feel about that?]

Aldrich took a deep breath. I am ready for whatever needs to be thrown at me."

It was a lie.

No one was ever fully ready for this stage, but Aldrich had resolved to face it head-on.

His knowledge was his weapon, and all he needed to do was wield it with precision.

[Let us begin. First question: How was the Eldorado Continent established?]

'Jumping straight to the big guns, huh?' Aldrich thought, suppressing a wry smile.

He took a moment to collect his thoughts.

The stakes were too high for rushed answers.

"The Eldorado Continent was founded as a sanctuary for humanity, offering a place to stand against the Five Great Races and ensuring coexistence without the threat of extinction. Its origins trace back to the aftermath of the Second World War, more commonly known as the Banquet."

Aldrich paused briefly, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.

"The Banquet was a catastrophic conflict that embroiled all known races. It wasn't just a war—it was an apocalyptic event that nearly wiped humanity off the map. At its lowest point, humanity's numbers dwindled from billions to mere tens of millions. It was a stark reminder of our fragility in the face of unified aggression.

"To prevent a recurrence, humanity established the Eldorado Continent, a fortified domain dedicated to preserving our race. The Mystic Society was also formed, tasked with leading the charge against existential threats and ensuring humanity's survival."

[So, you would say Eldorado exists to preserve humanity?]

"Yes," Aldrich replied confidently.

[And where do you believe humanity stands among the Great Races?]

Aldrich hesitated briefly. "One of the greats."

[One of the greats? Not the great? Elaborate.]

"With pleasure. Each of the Five Great Races poses a unique threat, and humanity is no exception. Recognizing this parity is the first step toward ensuring our survival."

His answer should be an open book with reforms centred not only on what was asked but also go deep enough to expose the other characters involved.

"In terms of raw strength, the trolls dominate. Their physical prowess is unmatched. The elves, with their vast lifespans, hold an unparalleled wealth of knowledge. And the other races excel in their own spheres of influence."

"Humanity's strength lies in its adaptability and resilience, but we must never underestimate the challenges they pose."

Facing off against the threats posed by the other four great races was what pushed humanity into near extinction, once before.

And that is testament enough to their qualifications as equal to the Human race.

Denying it is akin to staying ignorant of the obvious and letting it run rampant unchecked.

Accepting it, however, will continue to ensure the survival of humanity on a scale large enough to attribute the term great to their kind.

[Interesting perspective. Let's move on to the next question.]

Aldrich felt a flicker of relief. At least he hadn't fumbled the first one.

[There are five primary elements. I need you to do three things:

1. List them.

2. Identify the most destructive.

3. State how many are required to form a secondary element.]

"The primary elements are Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Lightning," Aldrich began, carefully enunciating each one.

"As for the most destructive… let's break it down."

"Earth is primarily defensive, a cornerstone of protection and fortification. Fire is the epitome of offence, its destructive potential leaving nothing but ash in its wake. The wind is a supportive element, excelling at long-range attacks and control. Water, with its healing properties, serves as a lifeline for allies. Lastly, Lightning—versatile and devastating—grants enhanced durability, agility, and raw destructive power."

[You've explained their properties, but you haven't answered the question. Which is the most destructive?]

"I'm getting there," Aldrich replied, resisting the urge to sigh.

This was a trap question, designed to test more than just surface-level knowledge.

The obvious answer was Lightning, but that was exactly what made it suspicious.

Eldora's assessors thrived on nuance and complexity; simple answers rarely sufficed.

"I'd argue that the answer depends on the wielder and the context."

When backed into situations like this, getting out requires flexibility.

"Fire may seem inherently destructive, but in the hands of a master, Wind or even Water can cause unparalleled devastation. It's not the element itself that determines its destructive capacity—it's the mystic wielding it."

There was a brief pause. Aldrich hoped he hadn't overplayed his hand.

[And the final part of the question? How many primary elements are needed to form a superior element?]

"Two, according to current knowledge released," Aldrich answered confidently.

"Combining elements requires precision and balance. For example, Fire and Water together can create Steam, a superior element with unique properties. The process is intricate, requiring mastery over both components to avoid catastrophic failure."

He made sure to call out his answer per current knowledge because, on paper, the answer is two. But off record?!

It remains off the record because going past the fusion of two primary Art is something the higher-ups would like to keep hidden since the result can end up with complicating uncertainty.

[Well-reasoned. Proceeding to the next question.]

Aldrich exhaled slowly, steeling himself for whatever came next. This was only the beginning, and the hardest part was yet to come.