In the world, every mage's potential is measured through the rigorous Core Testing Traits.
These standardized tests are conducted inside an electromagnetically and spiritually isolated chamber using a specialized Aetheric Tensile Loom strung with a single microscopic strand of unprocessed Quiescent Raw Glass-Silk.
The tests evaluate four key aspects of a mage's ability. Results determine their Tier and set their maximum cultivation ceiling.
TRAIT 1: SENSORY CAPACITY (The Resonance Test)
This test measures tactile precision and sub-microscopic aura projection. A mechanical Laser-Microprobe strikes a 10cm suspended fiber at a random coordinate. The blindfolded candidate must locate and map the exact impact point.
D-Tier: Over 50 mm error margin. Cannot separate individual strands from the mass.
C-Tier: 10 mm or less error margin. Registers a vague wave of spatial pressure.
B-Tier: 1 mm or less error margin. Clear structural and positional registration.
A-Tier: 10 microns or less error margin. Tracks beneath human hair thickness.
S-Tier: 0 microns error margin. Achieves quantum mapping of atomic coordinates, impact velocity, and probe approach angle.
TRAIT 2: MICRO-CONTROL (The Separation Test)
This evaluates fine-motor aetheric manipulation. The candidate must isolate, grab, and maneuver a single target fiber from a dense, tangled web without causing friction or snapping any neighboring strands.
D-Tier: Moves 20-30 fibers at once. Suffers high operational tremors.
C-Tier: Successfully isolates and bends 3-5 fibers simultaneously.
B-Tier: Flawless singular isolation. Can rotate one fiber in a full 360-degree orbit.
A-Tier: Multi-threads 5 independent fibers in conflicting directions.
S-Tier: Commands a synchronized swarm of 1,000+ fibers in fluid, wave-like patterns.
TRAIT 3: WEIGHT-HOLDING CAPACITY (The Iron Hardening Test)
This measures structural density modification. Incremental physical masses are clamped onto a single energy-infused fiber to test its breaking point.
D-Tier: Maximum load of 50 grams. Lasts only 5 seconds before structural failure.
C-Tier: Maximum load of 500 grams. Fiber gains a dull grey, metallic sheen.
B-Tier: Maximum load of 5 kilograms. Achieves steel-like density and emits a steady hum.
A-Tier: Maximum load of 50 kilograms. Lattice turns a gleaming silver.
S-Tier: Maximum load of 500+ kilograms. Fiber turns obsidian black and functions as a hyper-dense monomolecular anchor.
TRAIT 4: STRETCHING CAPACITY (The Elasticity Test)
This assesses spatial compliance and topological flexibility. Magnetic anchors pull the fiber outward until it fails.
D-Tier: 1% to 2% elongation before total collapse.
C-Tier: 5% to 10% elongation without immediate breakdown.
B-Tier: 50% elongation while maintaining uniform thickness.
A-Tier: 300% elongation (3x original length). Mimics advanced liquid polymers.
S-Tier: 1,000%+ elongation (10x original length). Warps local space-time gravity.
MATHEMATICAL SCORING ALGORITHM
To protect candidates from mental strain and neural burnout during advanced topological phases, examiners use the Total Aptitude Index (TAI).
Formula: TAI = (P_Sensory × 3.0) + (P_Control × 2.0) + (P_Weight × 2.0) + (P_Stretch × 3.0)
Point Conversion:
D-Tier = 1 Point
C-Tier = 3 Points
B-Tier = 5 Points
A-Tier = 8 Points
S-Tier = 10 Points
Score Bounds: Minimum: 10 Maximum: 100
REALM CEILING MATRIX
The final TAI score determines a mage's maximum cultivation realm. Attempting to break through beyond this limit causes irreversible core fracturing.
10 - 24 Points (D-Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Fiber Realm.
25 - 49 Points (C-Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Yarn Realm.
50 - 74 Points (B-Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Fabric Realm.
75 - 89 Points (A-Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Manifold Realm.
90 - 97 Points (S-Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Tesseract Realm.
98 - 100 Points (S+ Grade): Maximum ceiling is the Matrix Realm.