"Nothing…" the chief sighed. "I'm sorry, Timothy. You possess no potential for awakening. It would be safer for you to remain in the village. Leaving would be too dangerous."
"…" Timothy's mouth fell open as he stared at the crystal. "W-Wait…! Can't I touch it again?! Maybe there was a mistake…"
"Ah, well… if you want to, go ahead," the chief nodded, pity in his eyes.
Timothy began touching the stone again—caressing it, even whispering to it as though it could hear him—begging for anything at all.
"Please… please let me have something! I'll take an H-Rank Dirt Affinity! Mud Affinity… A-Ah…! A Nothing Affinity? Even that…! But give me something, please!"
As he pleaded, his parents watched in embarrassment. His father facepalmed. His mother looked away in shame. Alicia tilted her head, confused why her brother was making such a scene in front of the entire village.
