Witchbound Villain: Infinite Loop

Vision art was a very abstract study. More than calculation, it leaned on philosophy and feeling. So how can one test a Vision major without needing them to awaken it?

Well, there was a study about a certain quality someone needed to possess if they wanted to awaken their Vision. First and foremost was their intellect.

Someone needed to be smart to process themselves, right? More than ever, the ignorant wouldn’t even be able to connect themselves to their souls. But that wasn’t the main quality someone needed to have to awaken their Vision.

In the end, the participants were required to be sensitive about their own souls, so the academy crafted a very intricate device to test their reaction to some predetermined events.

In the Lucia Stadium, rows upon rows of participants filled the seats, their eyes fixed on the center of the arena where a shimmering apparatus stood. This was the Vision Department's test, an event that attracted awe and curiosity from all corners of the magical realm.

Yvain, not a participant in this particular test, watched from a distance, his eyes narrowed in interest. Beside him were Alan and Matthew, wondering why Yvain went here instead of the infirmary.

“Don’t you want to heal your wound? The arrow went through your arm, you know?” Alan asked.

“It’s fine, it’s already healed,” Yvain answered, secretly using his Vision to mend himself.

“You already can heal yourself with Force?! Woahh, a genius is different after all,” Matthew said.

“Ssh, they’re about to begin,” Yvain said.

The device at the center of the arena was a marvel of magical engineering. It stood about ten feet tall, composed of intertwined crystalline orbs and floating glyphs that glowed with an ethereal light. At intervals, pulses of energy rippled through the structure, casting intricate patterns on the ground around it.

Participants filed into the circle of runes surrounding the device, each one appearing a mix of nervous and excited. They were about to undergo a test that would probe the deepest parts of their being—their intellect, their emotions, and their very souls.

The first phase of the test was calibration. The device hummed softly, sending out tendrils of light that scanned the participants. Each scan was unique, tailored to each of the individuals. Participants shifted uncomfortably, feeling a slight tingle as the device attuned itself to their identity.

Once calibration was complete, the intellectual and emotional stimulation began. The crystalline orbs projected a series of holographic scenarios, each one more complex and abstract than the last.

One participant, a young woman with intense green eyes, found herself surrounded by swirling patterns and shapes that seemed to change with her every thought. She had to solve visual puzzles that defied the conventional laws of physics, using both logic and intuition to proceed.

Another participant, a tall boy with a serious demeanor, faced moral dilemmas that tested his philosophical thinking. Illusionary figures appeared before him, presenting choices that required deep introspection and a keen understanding of his own beliefs. 

As he navigated these challenges, his face betrayed the struggle within—he was not just solving puzzles, but questioning the very nature of his soul.

The device then shifted to the soul sensitivity test. A gentle, resonating frequency filled the air, interacting with the participants' inner essence.

The young woman with the green eyes closed her eyes, focusing inward. She felt the frequency change, resonating with her deepest emotions. Memories surfaced—some joyous, others painful.

Her sensitivity to her soul became apparent as she navigated these memories, her reactions controlled yet profound.

The tall boy's experience was different. He struggled to connect with the frequency, his intellect clashing with the need for emotional openness. But as the device persisted, he began to feel subtle changes within himself.

It was a slow process, but gradually, he started to sense the resonance, finding a balance between thought and feeling.

Next came the test of emotional and philosophical response. The device projected visions designed to evoke strong emotional reactions.

The young woman saw a vision of her family, their faces lit with pride and love. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she maintained her composure, her sensitivity to her soul guiding her through the experience.

The tall boy faced a different vision—one of failure and loss. It struck at his core, threatening to unravel his control. Yet, as he grappled with the emotions, he found a strength within himself, a resilience that he hadn’t known existed.

This was the true test of Vision, the ability to face one's deepest fears and emerge stronger.

Yvain frowned, witnessing hundreds of these young participants, while the two quite stood out from the others.

“They’re from two prominent families of Vision art users, right?” Alan muttered. “As expected.”

Finally, the device tested their interaction with magical energy. Small bursts of mana were released into the circle, and the participants had to harmonize with or manipulate this energy. 

The young woman moved with grace, her hands weaving through the air as she directed the mana, her connection to her soul evident in every movement.

The tall boy, initially stiff and awkward, gradually found his rhythm. His intellectual approach melded with his newfound emotional understanding, allowing him to control the mana with increasing skill.

The test revealed not just their abilities, but their potential for growth.

“Without awakening, they’re able to control Mana through the device?” Yvain muttered. “Mama will be so intrigued if she sees this.”

“Your mother is a Vision user?” Matthew asked, and Yvain only nodded.

As the test concluded, the device provided a comprehensive analysis of each participant’s performance. Glowing runes displayed their strengths and areas for improvement, interpreted by the examiners.

The young woman and the tall boy both stood, visibly exhausted yet exhilarated, as their results were announced.

From his vantage point, Yvain observed everything with keen interest. He saw the diversity in how each participant approached the test, the different ways they connected with their souls.

It was a reminder of the myriad paths to power and understanding in the magical realm.

“That device is dangerous,” Yvain muttered.

“Huh?” Matthew tilted his head.

“Why?” Alan questioned.

“For someone who hasn’t manifested their Vision, it might be a good device for exercise and gauging one’s capabilities, but if someone has awakened their Vision, or worse, if someone awakens their Vision while using the device…” Yvain frowned. 

Rampage.

“Clouding someone’s judgment with memory and emotional stimulation is very dangerous. How can they let devices like this be used in the academy?” the boy said. “They at least have to use a mana-suppressing device to counter the side effects.”

Matthew and Alan looked at Yvain, eyes wide. For a Force user, he sounded surprisingly, no, extremely knowledgeable about Vision.

“Ahem,” Matthew cleared his throat. “I-I will deliver your suggestion to my mother. Don’t worry, Evan.”

“Sir Sator!”

The three turned to the direction the voice came from, only to find a beautiful long black-haired girl with enchanting purple eyes approaching them.

Alan and Matthew immediately blushed, turning to Yvain. But then realized the boy was even more beautiful than the girl. They became a bit upset about it.

“My lady,” Yvain bowed politely. “As expected, you’re not part of the test because you’ve awakened your Vision.”

“Yes. They told me to wait until this test is finished, and then test my ability later,” the girl said.

“Ah, these two are my fellow Force test participants. This is Sir Matthew Padparadscha and Sir Alan Mossflower. And, my friends, this is Her Highness Blair Inkor, unless you’ve already been acquainted with her,” Yvain said.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” both boys bowed to her, mimicking Yvain, and it made Blair a bit awkward.

She had never received gestures of respect like this before. All the nobles never actually regarded her as a princess after all. But with Yvain there, everyone started to give her due, just because he did.

Still, Yvain’s gesture was genuine, and Blair felt it. It was a gesture as natural as simple, everyday greetings, but not superficial. Maybe it was just part of his character.

“Your Highness, you might’ve known this, but please don’t come near that device,” Yvain said.

“Oh? The Vision Resonator?” Blair asked.

“That’s what it's called, huh?” Yvain hummed, “Maybe I should tell Mama indeed.”

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I'll try to write a bonus before starting this semester. I don't know whether I'll be busy or not, but I'll stock up some chapters! Enjoy reading!

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