Ben did not know what to do. He did not know what this affinity meant. Dual affinity was not new but was not a norm. Ben knew what a beast master was. Beast masters were often revered for various reasons. Once power of beasts and brain of martial artists come together, one can only imagine what happens. When they are perfectly integrated, it will be like fighting two experienced martial artists.
Beast masters had only one companion animal. This was because, no one could bear the burden of raising a beast through various realms with their power. A companion beast should only evolve through the power of beast master. If not, its development will be stuck or may go out of the control of the beast master. Also, the evolution of companion beast puts considerable pressure on the mind of the beast master. Hence, having more than one beast was not possible.
Ben was concerned about certain other things. The resources required for beast masters were enormous. It was not something that he or his family could afford. Beast masters were graded according to the companion beast they had. If the companion beast was of the higher quality, the resources it requires will much more than the beasts of lower grade. But if there was a lower quality beast, he won't be able to develop. Another concern was the space availability. He would need a beast bag, the smallest of which cost a fortune. Then the space required for the beast to rest in his house. They could not let the beast roam. It was a crime to let one's companion beast roam. This was so that the beast did not attack anyone else. He also did not understand what a shamanic beast master is.
Ben went down and told his parents about this. His father and mother had a discussion with him.
John: "I know what a beast master is and I do know some particularly powerful ones. But what is a shamanic one.
Malina: The same with me.
Ben: Well, I was looking forward to knowing my affinity. But after the revelation, I don't know if it is good or bad.
John: Don't worry. So long as you become the peak of Martial Noble rank or a Martial Lord, you can live your life. But I don't want you to stop there. Aim for the apex, always.
Malina: Yes. You can dream and work for as much as you want. We will be there to support you.
Ben: Thanks Mom, Dad. I will work hard and will earn all the resources.
John: That's my boy.
Malina: Your sister would pester you. Don't tell her anything.
Ben: Yes. I won't tell her."
Their conversation ended. Ben did his school work and did the exercise. He searched in the network. But he did not get much information. Though he did find some basic information. It said that Shamans were people who communicated with the nature and spirits in ancient times. In modern day, they were people who materialized the meridian energy in different forms. That was the only information he could access.
The access to the network was also based on the age. Most students needed to use the network for one thing or another. So in order to prevent the students from accessing unnecessary information various protection systems were put in the network and tin the devices used by students. In order to update the devices or get access to various information, they had to remove the various protective mechanisms in their devices, which was only possible after the meridian seed implantation.
Soon it was the next day. He and his friends had a discussion yesterday. Saarsh had an affinity towards metals and crystals, a subtype of the ground affinity. It leaned towards the manipulation of these substances. It was perfect for artificer.
Jim had an affinity for fire. It was somewhat a common ability. But it was not something that could be underestimated. Fire could evolve into plasma and quark gluon plasma. It could be associated with the ability to destroy matter into its fundamental particles. In that sense this ability had much potential. Then there were the mystic aspects of fire creating various effects. Overall there was a lot of scope for improvement.
Roshin had an affinity for sword arts and hence would cultivate a sword core. This was a field that had a lot of research materials on. Swords and blades were some of the most versatile weapons in the history of marthyas. As such there were many paths for ascension in the field of swords and blades.
Rais had an affinity towards pure energy. It was a nuanced field, which required enormous knowledge and skills. Each of the people with this affinity was a walking star ready to explode. It had tremendous applications. This was because energy was still a requirement and a currency. There were many things that a being with energy affinity could do, that modern technology could not.
Soon he reached the school. Everyone was excitedly discussing about their affinities. When he asked around a few people in the other classes had affinities for beast master. But none of them knew what a shamanic beast master was. There were none with any form of shamanic affinities at all.
The whole school was excited. Within a year all of them will enter the ranks of martials or meridian masters. Meridian masters were the name called for those who awakened non-combat type meridian seeds. There were many such professions, which handled various walks of life. There were several such people in the school. Even artificers and alchemists were considered to be in this category. It was especially true for alchemists. Ben was kind of the only person who had a shamanic affinity in the school. He did not know about other schools in the city. He sighed, because he could not find any information.
Soon the first period started. It was Ms. Sylvie's period. After a short while teacher Mahaansh came. He came looking for Ben. Apparently, the principal had called him. Mahaansh and Sylvie did not look eye to eye. Soon Ben was out of the class. He was walking towards the building where the affinity tests took place. Mahaansh had his device and was doing something in it. He was not speaking. Ben after looking at his face did not have the courage to ask him what this was about. Mahaansh could sense this . He said, " Don't worry boy. I am not taking you to eat you. You are ready. Ready for the martial seed implantation."