Chapter 12: Blessings are deceiving

"How could this be? I don't even have any sort of power!" Runo exclaimed, utterly flabbergasted.

Back then, when the lingering sensations of the dark powder coursing through his body began to wane, Runo found himself feeling surprisingly unchanged. Physically, he was the same as before – no newfound strength, no extraordinary abilities. Only the profound mental exhaustion from the surreal experience lingered, like a haunting shadow. So Runo didn't understand this unexpected result. His experience contradicted those who had got these 'gifts' as they felt an immediate change.

"We've had a few anomalies, just like you," the tester from the Church of Noblesse said calmly, a hint of sympathy in their voice. "You'll probably find out the reason you got a positive test later today when it becomes public."

"So, I have a power then?" Runo inquired, his curiosity and confusion battling within him. The tester emitted a faint sigh and replied, "I guess it won't hurt to tell you now. You do not have a power... yet."

Runo's brows furrowed as he tried to process the seemingly contradictory statement. "What do you mean, 'not yet'?"

The tester leaned in, "You are what we're calling 'late-bloomers.' The dark energy hasn't fully fused with your body yet, so your evolution has not occurred. This means no enhancement and definitely no special power, at least not yet. Eventually, your body will be forced to fuse with it."

Runo's mind whirled with both anticipation and uncertainty. He had been on the cusp of joining the ranks of those with extraordinary abilities, but he was left in a perplexing state of transition. Nevertheless, Runo's positive test result was promptly added to the database.

The tester offered a polite thank you and departed, leaving Runo and his mother to contemplate this unexpected twist of fate.

"Mum, it looks like I may be getting a power!" Runo exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

His mother's eyes lit up with shared enthusiasm. "Imagine if you get a stretchy power like that boy in the manga you recommended! That would be fantastic!"

LIVE, Spatium Broadcast Station, overseen by the Church of Spatium.

"Breaking news: The government of Sasmung has officially announced they have given up their attempt to conquer the middle continent after the events of 'The Great Chaos.' Their focus is now on the national recuperation efforts. Because of this the next 'Tournament of Succession' should take place next year. However, following multiple rounds of discussions, the five churches have made a collective decision to postpone the next 'Tournament of Succession,' allowing all countries to recover fully. As a result, the next 'Tournament of Succession' has been rescheduled and will take place in three years' time." Announced the reporter.

Amidst the vast expanse of the Berestrie Sea, a fleet of ships emblazoned with the flag of the nation of Opheros cut through the waves, determined and resolute.

"MADAY! MADAY! WE ARE SINKING! WE ARE SINKING!" The radio transmission was frantic, a plea for help amid mounting chaos.

The communications officer from Opheros, his voice laced with alarm, urgently demanded answers. "What's happening out there?"

"THE BLACK FOG! IT'S ENGULFED THE WHOLE OF BARIDMETH AND ITS SURROUNDING OCEAN!" came the panicking response from the distressed ship.

A tremor of fear permeated the airwaves. "THERE IS SOMETHING HIDING IN THE FOG! Please... God bless us, please…" they cried, their voices wavering, haunted.

"DRA-DRA DRAG!..." Their words were cut short, abruptly silenced by the unknown menace.

The communications officer sat there, stunned by the surreal horrors he had just borne witness to. "We thought we could finally conquer the middle continent with our new superhuman powers," he murmured in disbelief, "but it seems we are in for a rude awakening."

The continent of Baridmeth was also experiencing an unforeseen evolution.