"70% of the concoction turning colorless, alongside the brief flashing of two colors…"

While on an elevator, Celsus reviewed the information Kelvin had sent him just an hour ago.

"If it were only one or the other, then the Grand Sage might have given a more lenient verdict," muttered Celsus to himself, the gears in his head turning as he processed the information.

"Unfortunately, with both signs appearing during the aptitude test, then the possibility of the Grand Sage letting her tread on the path of a Sage is next to zero," he continued, softly sighing as he shook his head.

Unlike Kelvin, who had ascended to the Middle Boundary just recently, Celsus was a Sage that had been in the Upper Boundary for over a century.

With how long he'd been in the Upper Boundary, as well as his strength as a Sage of the Upper Boundary, that meant that the man knew far more things that Kelvin did.

Especially when it came to the Lightless Sage Protocol.

From what the Grand Sage had told them in the past, there were two things one must keep an eye on while someone was going through their aptitude test.

Color and omen.

Color naturally pertained to the color the concoction took on during the aptitude test.

If it were to take on any shade of gold after the taker's blood had been dripped, then there was no need to inform the Grand Sage.

However, if it were to take on any other color than gold, then it had to be brought to the Grand Sage's attention.

Of course, just because a very small part of the concoction turned a different color did not mean the Grand Sage would treat it the same way as someone whose results had a large portion of it take on a different color.

From what Celsus could recall, there were five tiers that corresponded to how much of the concoction had taken on a different color.

The lowest tier ranged from 1% to 20% of the concoction taking on a different color. Though it was enough to warrant the Grand Sage's attention, it was not at a level where the Grand Sage would stop them from trekking the path of a Sage.

If anything, it was around the third tier would the Grand Sage seriously think about stopping them, especially if at least half of the concoction were to take on a different color.

Unfortunately, even after working for the Grand Sage for so many years, Celsus still did not know why the Grand Sage would pay greater attention once someone reached that threshold.

"Then again, this is the first time I've heard of a concoction losing color," he muttered as he arrived at the top floor of a certain tower. "I wonder if that would change the Grand Sage's opinion?"

Aside from color, looking out for an accompanying omen was also something all Sages needed to keep an eye on whenever someone took an aptitude test.

Though, unlike the concoction's resulting color, the accompanying omens were something the Grand Sage paid less attention to.

After all, different colors flashing within the concoction was something that only happened for a brief moment. If someone wasn't intently looking at every change that occurred within the concoction, then it was more likely than not that they would miss it.

Of course, even though the Grand Sage deemed it of lower importance, that did not change the fact that the Grand Sage had categorized each omen just like the colors.

Zero to five.

The number of colors that flashed as an omen would dictate how much attention the Grand Sage would give it.

If the concoction had turned gold while two different colors had appeared for a brief moment, the Grand Sage would pay attention to the person, but would not stop them from entering the path of a Sage.

However, if a similar person were to obtain the same results but instead had three different colors appear for a brief moment…

Then that person's fate would turn out the same as someone whose concoction had at least half of it take on a different color.

And if someone were to showcase both color and omen in their aptitude test…

"Hello there." Pushing his current train of thought to the back of his head, Celsus had a kind smile on his face as he looked at the assistant before him. "Could you inform the Great Sage Rancain that Celsus has something important to tell her?"

"Please wait a moment." Realizing that the person in front of her was a Sage of the Upper Boundary, the assistant swiftly got to work as she sent a couple of messages through her smartphone.

Fortunately, not even a minute later, the assistant received a response from the Great Sage, allowing her to let out a faint sigh of relief.

"The Great Sage has been informed of your presence," said the assistant as she gave Celsus a respectful half-bow. "Please head to the rightmost door at the end of this corridor."

Nodding at the assistant in gratitude, Celsus went ahead and followed the directions he was given.

Though, just as he was about to knock on the door in front of him, a light yet raspy voice echoed from the other side of the door.

"No need to knock. Come in."

Taking in a deep breath to compose himself, Celsus proceeded to do as he was told, only to find a young-looking woman sitting behind a large mahogany table.

"Been a while since you've come here, Sage Celsus." Rancain gave him a faint smile. "What made you come here today?"

"Apologies for the sudden appearance, Great Sage," said Celsus as he sat on a nearby chair. "I've actually come bearing news regarding a person that has triggered the Lightless Sage Protocol."

At the mention of the protocol, the young-looking woman's expression turned solemn as she sat up straight.

"Who is this person you speak of? What are their results?"

In response, Celsus told her about Veradine, her results, as well as how he knew of her from Kelvin.

"Veradine Avantis…" Rancain muttered to herself as she closed her eyes for a bit.

Then, she took out a laptop, only to then infuse it with mana as she began to browse what looked to be some sort of database.

"Veradine Avantis… daughter of Zakard and Sera Avantis," she said, glancing at Celsus every once in a while.

"Her father is currently a Sage of the 3rd Lower Boundary, while her mother is a Sage of the 2nd Lower Boundary."

"She also has two brothers that have just recently entered the 1st Lower Boundary, yet only she has shown such results during the aptitude test."

"Odd…" she murmured, rhythmically tapping her fingers on the table. "But not too surprising."

Closing her laptop soon after, she looked at Celsus with a calm expression. "I'll inform the Grand Sage about her as soon as he's free. Thank you for your efforts, Sage Celsus."

"No problem, ma'am." The latter faintly smiled as he nodded. "Just doing my duties as an Upper Sage."

After exchanging a few more words with her, Celsus stood up as he thought about the other things he still needed to do for the day.

However, just as he was about to open the door, he heard Rancain ask him a question.

"Would you like to meet the Grand Sage with me?"