Chapter 136: Hard Work Is Actually a Talent [Golden Ticket & Power Stone Bonus]

Renna, hearing those words, couldn’t even feel anger, as there was a different emotion she was feeling.

She was experiencing the feeling of being belittled.

She herself knew that she had nothing extraordinary about her and maybe even had many shortcomings when compared to other talented and genius Witches.

Still, not wanting to be looked down on like this, she collected her thoughts and answered with a straight posture.

"If you could see it at a glance, it wouldn’t be very extraordinary, would it?"

Melisandre raised an eyebrow upon hearing it.

It wasn’t every day that someone would give her such a bold answer.

For sure, the Cinder family’s bloodline trait made them hot-blooded and easily angered, but looking at the young Witch’s face, there was nothing indicating that she was angry.

’At least she is brave.’ Melisandre gave her first point.

"I heard you came up with a new method to activate your bloodline talent. Is that true?" She had already read the content of the message Rowena had sent, but she wanted to be sure.

If that was true, it would be enough on its own to prove that she was worthy.

Renna paused for a moment, not knowing how to answer that.

She wasn’t sure if she should say that she wasn’t the one who came up with the method, but Magna.

For one reason, she didn’t want to lie and pretend that she had come up with it herself. For another, she wasn’t sure if telling her Magna’s name could potentially get him into trouble.

Nevertheless, she didn’t have to answer, as Melisandre seemed to understand something upon seeing her hesitation.

"Let me guess. You are not the one who came up with the idea."

Renna’s eyes widened when she was suddenly exposed like this, and she stammered. "I..."

Her slight panic confirmed everything.

She had only made a wild guess, but seeing her reaction, Melisandre became surprised, even shocked, as she understood who had actually taught her the method.

She could have considered it luck and coincidence if it were only Faye, but now that another person with a different bloodline talent was standing before her, she started to feel that the boy was more than extraordinary.

She wasn’t someone who would be shaken just by seeing someone who was a genius or extremely talented, as the Tower was already full of them.

But every time she learned something new about Magna, having to evaluate his worth again and again was quite tiring.

At last, she gave a tired sigh. "Even if you’re not the one who found the method, the way you use it still counts. Show me."

Just like with Faye, she thought maybe Renna could also show her something extraordinary.

In the end, learning something and developing it further was a talent in itself.

Renna, also understanding that much, started her demonstration, showing the results of her sleepless nights of hard work.

Her activation speed wasn’t as fast as Faye’s, but watching her, Melisandre looked quite impressed.

The way Renna controlled her blood flow and heart rate through her breathing was already enough of a demonstration of her concentration.

Also, after activating her bloodline trait, she was quite good at manipulating her body temperature and the flames appearing on her body without damaging anything around her.

Still, "It’s not bad" was the only evaluation she gave.

Expecting to hear much more than that, Renna felt a little disheartened as she slowly deactivated her bloodline trait, her body temperature gradually dropping.

’I guess I should just accept that I’m ordinary.’ The bitter thought crossed Renna’s mind.

Though she soon realized that was just a misunderstanding on her part as Melisandre spoke.

"I can see that you are really hardworking, and that’s actually a talent, especially one that Lady Eva usually looks for in her disciples."

She wasn’t saying that based on some baseless assumption. Just by looking at Renna, she could see how hardworking the girl actually was.

Firstly, managing her anger so well was a point in her favor.

Even Rowena wasn’t someone able to control her anger to this degree. At the very least, she would already have a displeased frown on her face.

Another point was her hands, especially her knuckles, which were all bruised and covered in calluses.

Also, the red robe she was wearing wasn’t able to hide her good physique. She had good muscles and curves in all the right places.

Physical training wasn’t very common among Witches, as they usually chose to handle things with spells, artifacts, and potions.

Shadows were there to handle anything that required muscle power.

But Renna developing herself physically to this degree alongside all of that was something worth praising. It only showed that she hadn’t wasted even a single day of her life and had spent every day training in some way.

"My opinion is positive, and it will be reflected in the report I send back." Melisandre’s tone stayed calm, neither smiling nor frowning. "But don’t forget that the final decision will still be made by Lady Eva."

Renna’s downcast face brightened a little upon hearing that.

"Thank you."

The result wasn’t certain yet, but she was relieved that there was at least still hope.

—

"How was it?" Rowena immediately asked as soon as she saw Renna come out, the door closing behind her.

"I don’t know. It wasn’t so bad, I guess." She gave a heavy sigh, trying to release all the stress from her body in a single breath.

Only now did she realize how tense she had been inside. After coming out, she felt like her entire body was aching.

"Don’t worry. I have no doubt she saw your worth." Rowena gave her a tight hug.

Even her eyes seemed slightly wet as she became emotional. "Too bad your mother won’t be here to see you go to the Tower."

Renna felt annoyed by her hug, but she let her be, as she normally wasn’t someone who would tear up this easily.

At least she shared the same thought about her mother, wishing she could have been here to witness these small but precious moments in her life.

"Okay, nothing is certain yet." Renna pushed her away. "Also, don’t keep her waiting inside."

Just then, the door opened and Melisandre stepped out.

"Sorry to disturb your emotional moment." She laughed, seeing the clingy granddaughter and grandmother.

Ignoring their slightly changed expressions, she turned to Celeste. "How are that boy’s wounds?"

Though she sounded genuinely concerned about Magna’s wounds, everyone could guess that it wasn’t his wounds she cared about.

Still, Celeste answered, "He’s fine. He should be awake by now."

"Good, good." Melisandre nodded in satisfaction. "Show me the way. I want to speak with him as well before I leave."

***