Sarah led him through security checkpoints—metal detectors, mana scanners, identification verification—and into the building's interior. They took an elevator down two floors to the basement level.
The testing facility was clinical, white walls, bright lights. And in the center of the room sat the awakening stone.
It was larger than the one Aiden had seen thirteen years ago—maybe two meters tall, carved from black crystal that pulsed faintly with internal light. Runes covered its surface, glowing softly.
"Place your hand on the stone," Sarah instructed, pulling out a tablet to record results. "It will measure your mana core and classify your awakening type and rank."
Aiden approached the stone slowly. His heart pounded, this was the moment of truth.
If the stone didn't react, his story fell apart. If it showed his real cultivation level, questions would be asked. If it somehow detected Azazel or his dragon bloodline...
*Relax,* Azazel said. *What's the worst that could happen?*
