Under the clear azure sky, I stood upright, feeling the cold touch of the metallic armor against my skin.
Our instructor's resonant voice echoed through the training field, delivering words of encouragement that were meant to fuel our spirit.
My body was as rigid as a marble statue, my right fist firmly pressed against my chest in loyalty, while my left hand rested behind my waist in a disciplined manner.
This was the dawn of my journey, my first year as a trainee aspiring to be a knight. The air was filled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as we all knew that this was the first official training, a rite of passage that marked the beginning of our trials.
We were aware that an avalanche of tests and challenges would soon be unleashed upon us, and we were expected to face them head-on.
The rules were straightforward and unforgiving. Those who were deemed unfit would be dismissed without hesitation.
Those who proved their worth would be granted a home and daily training under the guidance of dedicated trainers.
And then, there were the elite few, the cream of the crop, those labeled as prodigies. They were the ones who would enjoy special privileges and attention. It was commonly understood that there typically would only be one such prodigy in an army of a thousand.
The harsh reality was that the odds of being recognized as special were astronomically low. However, this didn't dampen my spirits.
I was not here to be a prodigy or to display feats of extraordinary strength, speed, or dexterity.
None of those.
I was here because I had trained tirelessly, day and night, for as long as my youthful memory could recall. At the tender age of fourteen, I was still considered a child by societal norms. However, within these high stone walls, age was just a number.
Knighthood knew no age barrier; even an eight-year-old, if proven capable, could don the mantle of a knight.
So, I was unfazed when I discovered I was the youngest among the trainees, the oldest being a hardy veteran of forty years.
The average age for a gallant was around twenty-five, but it was the late teens who often turned out to be the prodigies, the true genius warriors of our time.
As I inhaled deeply, the chill of the morning air filled my lungs, causing my chest to rise and fall slowly.
I exhaled through my nose, small wispy trails of white vapor escaping to join the frosty air around me.
My eyes followed the knight pacing back and forth in front of us, his armor glinting in the sun, his authoritative voice resonating through the training field.
Despite his lengthy discourse, I found my mind wandering. I already had an intrinsic understanding of knighthood, thanks to my uncle. His stories and lessons had been my bedtime lullabies and daybreak teachings.
His influence was the reason I yearned to be a knight, not just to embody the strength that would enable me to protect my mother, but also to contribute to the peace she tirelessly strove to cultivate.
I wasn't exceptional in any traditional sense. My physical strength was comparable to an average adult, and my speed was nothing to write home about. To an outsider, I might have appeared as just another starry-eyed child chasing an unattainable dream.
But did it really matter? I believed in my ability to become a knight. After all, the purpose of the rigorous daily training was to bring out the latent potential within us.
However, before I could step into the shoes of a knight, I had to overcome a series of grueling tests. My uncle had warned me about them, stating that they would challenge me in ways he never had.
Even the thought of these trials sent a shiver down my spine, stirring a mixture of anticipation and apprehension within me. But, I’m here now, and I’ll pass!
“Anyways…” The instructor's voice brought me back to reality. He stood there, arms crossed over his chest, exuding an aura of stern authority.
His bright yellow eyes gleamed under the sun, as did his sandy gold hair. His attire consisted of long, light brown pants, slightly dirtied from the rigors of training, and a gray shirt that bore a distinctive symbol on its shoulder – the emblem of Seseri.
Embellishing the sides of the emblem were two long golden leaves that stood tall, symbolizing the honor and courage of a knight.
At the center of these leaves was an intricate array of swords, each representing the knights who had served the kingdom with valor and resilience.
This symbol was a testament to what the Kingdom of Seseri cherished the most–their blades.
Without them, the kingdom would never have earned its reputation as the strongest. It was a visual reminder of the path I had chosen, the trials I had to face, and the legacy I aspired to uphold.
"My name is Taira Evulmun," He proudly introduced himself, his voice echoing in the vast training field. "I became a knight about six years ago. At the age of 21, I have achieved the gold rank."
Taira was a picture of dignified strength. A medium-sized metallic plate hung from a slender string of metal around his neck, resting firmly on the chest of his armor, catching the morning light at every turn.
The plate was more than a simple necklace; it was a signifier of identity, a badge of honor unique to every knight.
Each tag that was crafted for every knight was made from the mineral that represented their rank. The whispers of the training field often hinted at achieving rarer accomplishments to scale the ranks faster than the usual mission-based progression, which could take days or even weeks.
However, such shortcuts were not the way of the knight, at least not as per the lessons of my uncle.
He had always reminded me, with his stern gaze and firm voice, that the path of a knight was not a competition to surpass one another. Rather, it was a collective endeavor, a shared commitment to a singular purpose.
We were all here with one shared goal.
To serve and protect.
Taira's voice broke the momentary silence that had fallen over the field. "As I mentioned before," He began.
"This is your first official training session as trainees. We will use various methods to assess your endurance, speed, and strength."
The training field was an open expanse, fenced in like a cage, isolating us from the world beyond.
Encircling us were several carriages, their presence filling the empty space and adding a sense of impending action to the atmosphere.
The orange desert dust rose in a fine cloud as Taira walked towards us, his every step radiating an aura of authority.
"These tests will not be easy," He declared, his arms folded behind his lower back, his stance firm and resolute. "They will challenge you, push you to your limits."
He swept his gaze across the row of soldiers, each of us standing rigid, not moving an inch. His words hung in the air, a solemn promise of the trials that laid ahead.
As the heat from the sun pelted down, a film of sweat began to form on my forehead, creating a glossy sheen that was a product of both the searing heat and the immense pressure I was under.
Don’t give into the anxiety. That’s what my mother told me, I clung to this mantra, repeating it like a silent prayer as I worked to slow my ragged breathing.
My hands, as though adhered with some invisible glue, remained rigidly in position, their stillness a stark contrast to the chaos of my thoughts.
My eyes, however, couldn't help but dart towards Taira, who stood a mere few meters away.
The deep resonance of his voice cut through the wall of my anxiety, a solitary word – "First." – hanging in the air between us. My eyes flicked from side to side, my mind a whirlwind of overthinking.
"Follow me," Taira instructed, his voice calm and stern. He rotated on his heel and began to march towards the gates, his back straight and his steps sure.
Slowly, we fell into step behind him, a procession of nervous anticipation. As we neared the gates, a small box affixed to one of them came into view. Its most prominent feature was a crimson-colored button, which stood out starkly against the dull metallic background.
Without hesitation, Taira extended his hand and pressed the button. He promptly stepped back a few feet, creating a safe distance as the gate began its mechanical slide to the left.
Once the gate had fully opened, Taira paused, his gaze sweeping over each of us in turn.
It was a reassuring gesture, a silent promise that he would not leave a single one of us behind.
As my eyes took in the vast expanse of land, I made a quick estimation of its size. It seemed to span anywhere from 90 to 100 meters in length.
Encircling the perimeter of the field was a well-trodden concrete trail, a clear indicator of its frequent use.
"A track…" I mumbled under my breath, a sense of dread creeping up on me.
Running had never been my forte, and the sight of the track was a sobering reminder of the physical challenges that awaited me.
As we walked along the concrete path, Taira abruptly halted, his gaze sweeping over us once again. “Here we are.” he announced, his golden eyes seeming to catch fire in the sunlight.
“This is where we’ll begin the tests.” Taira announced.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but notice the imposing sight before me.
The training area seemed to expand in size the longer I stared at it, filled with an array of weights, sandbags, and a variety of wooden weapons. It was clear that we had a long day of rigorous tests ahead of us.
Feeling the pressure building up inside me, I swallowed nervously. However, Taira's voice broke through my anxiety.
“Let us start with grabbing the sandbags.”
Taira took a look at me before going on his way. I followed the others, my eyes scanning the crowd.
As I finally reached the designated spot, a hefty sandbag descended from above, releasing a cloud of swirling brown dust into the air.
I instinctively shielded my eyes from the gritty particles as I gazed upward, trying to regain my bearings.
That's when I caught sight of him – a figure that stood out amidst the trainees. With flowing, fiery red curls and piercing red eyes, he exuded an aura of regality.
He was taller than me, taller even than Taira himself.
It was Sotheer, the prince of Seseri.
As the sunlight bathed his figure, casting an ethereal glow around him, it felt as if time stood still. Sotheer appeared almost godlike, commanding the admiration and worship of those around him.
Is that even possible for a teenager? I thought to myself, such a strong aura...! In that moment, a mix of awe and fear washed over me like an overwhelming wave. It felt as if I were submerged in an endless ocean, my heart pounding with fear and anticipation.
“I.. U.. Uh...?” I stammered weakly, my voice trembling as I stood before Sotheer. His gaze lowered, noticing the quivering of my fingers. In that moment, he placed his hand gently on my shoulder, and almost instantly, the overwhelming presence that had enveloped me dissipated as quickly as it had appeared.
The name that people referred to it was Bloodlust, an intimidation technique crafted through magic to instill fear in one's enemies, was now apparent to me.
It bore a striking resemblance to Aura Release, a powerful surge of essence unleashed to overwhelm opponents.
Even then… This is my first time seeing Bloodlust.. It’s so strong. Sotheer mouthed his words softly, his voice as gentle as that of an elf. “My apologies. I was testing you.” He calmly said, “I will be on my way. May the gods be with you.”
With those words, Sotheer turned away and walked off, leaving me standing there, my chest heaving with countless breaths and panting.
A conversation with the prince, I actually had one! Never in a million years could I have imagined such a remarkable encounter. And just as the rumors had suggested, as formidable as his aura was, Sotheer possessed a remarkable gentleness.
However, there was no time for me to revel in this extraordinary moment. I had an exam to complete, a test of my skills and determination.
I glanced at the hefty sandbag before me, crouching down and gripping its sides. Heavy! I immediately realized as I straightened my back and forced my knees to rise.
These sandbags were not much heavier than the ones I had trained with back home, but I knew that I could only manage their weight for a limited time.
I wonder, what will we do with this? My eyes trailed away to the instructor who seemed to be grabbing one himself, as expected he picked it up with ease and held it with one arm.
The instructor's eyes scanned the group of trainees, a sense of relief evident in his gaze.
With a brave tone, he announced, "Alright, everyone! For the first test, we will be assessing your speed and endurance."
Uh-oh. That’s not good. Seriously, don’t tell me that we’re… Before I could finish my thought, Taira, the instructor, interrupted with a mischievous grin, confirming my worst fears. "By running this track until you can't anymore!" He exclaimed.
I couldn't hide my disappointment. Taira seemed to know exactly how challenging this test would be. It was clear that these assessments were designed to push us beyond our limits.
I sighed and steadied myself, clutching the sandbag tightly in my arms. Taira motioned for us to follow him, and we obediently trailed behind, maintaining a respectful distance.
As we made our way to the starting point, I purposely positioned myself towards the back of the group.
Being surrounded by adults, especially knights who were notorious for their playful banter with younger trainees, wasn't my idea of a comfortable social setting. I preferred to keep to myself and focus on the task at hand.
Taira led us to the beginning of the track, its orange surface stretching out before us. My legs already felt fatigued from the anticipation and anxiety that had built up inside me.
"Well then," Taira began, his voice carrying a mixture of authority and encouragement. He pointed towards the end of the track.
"This test is quite simple. Your task is to keep running until you can't anymore." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. "However, it is required that you complete twenty laps within 40 minutes. Failure to do so will result in elimination."
My eyes widened as I absorbed the magnitude of the challenge. There was no chance in hell I’d complete 15, let alone twenty.
This test was designed to push us to our limits, to reveal our true potential. At that moment, it felt more like torture than a training exercise.
No, I didn’t work myself everyday for years just to turn my head now. I’ve gotta do this, I have to. My anxiety slowly died down whilst I breathed deeply.
The atmosphere was tense as the reality of the task settled upon us. We were about to embark on a grueling journey of physical endurance, where every step would be a battle against our own limitations.
The sun cast its warm golden glow over the track, creating an almost ethereal backdrop for the test that lay ahead.
No pressure. No pressure... Those words echoed in my head as we lined up to begin the exam. Taira, our instructor, positioned himself a bit away from the track to avoid any mishaps.
We stood silent in a single-file line side to side.
"On my mark!" Taira's voice rang out, instantly increasing the tension in the atmosphere.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through our veins as we prepared ourselves for the start.
"Get set..." Taira's voice trailed off, building the suspense even further.
And then, with a powerful command, Taira shouted, "GO!"
In that instant, our legs propelled us forward, creating a space between us as we charged ahead. My heart pounded in my chest as I closed my eyes, determined to give it my all.
The sound of battle cries and roars filled the air, coming from both ahead and behind me.
I focused on maintaining my pace, knowing that completing just five laps wouldn't be difficult. As I pushed myself harder, my head hung low, my determination fueling every stride. “Damn it..” I muttered, keeping my pace up.
In a brief moment of respite, I looked up and opened my eyes, How the…?! It had only been 30 seconds since the start, and already, two people had finished their first lap.
The sight both motivated and challenged me, igniting a fire within me to push even harder.
As my feet pounded against the track, I could almost hear the cheers and encouragement of those watching. The world around me seemed to blur as I pushed past my limits, my body propelled by sheer willpower.
The finish line was within reach, and I was determined to cross it, leaving behind a trail of sweat and effort.
I’ll do this, I’ll pass this test!
***
Hell. That’s all it was. It was pure hell. My body felt like it could give out at any moment. My legs throbbed with pain, like they were about to snap in half. The scorching heat only added to the torment.
"Haah... Haah... Haah..." I gasped for breath, my voice barely audible as I clutched my chest, feeling the strain in my arms. Every inch of my body ached, but I had managed to finish. The others, especially Sotheer and the hazel-haired guy, completed the test in just six minutes.
It took me twelve minutes. Those two were like forces of nature.
But for now, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what I had accomplished. Despite my shirt being drenched in sweat and my pants clinging to my skin, I had made it through.
"Hey!" A voice called out, snapping me out of my exhausted daze. I turned my weak gaze towards a trio of trainees approaching me with smiles on their faces. "You did great, man," One of them said.
It was another trainee, with tanned skin and piercings adorning his face. His nose, ears, and even a lip ring on the left side of his mouth. He exuded a cool vibe, with his wolfcut hairstyle and white-colored hair that didn't separate into distinct bangs.
He extended a hand towards me, which I gratefully accepted, allowing him to help me to my feet. "Thanks," I managed to smile, my gaze shifting to the other two trainees who had joined us. The one on the right sported scruffy, icy-blue curly hair that gradually faded to a lighter hue.
As my eyes turned towards the trainee on the left, my shock and surprise returned. It was the same person who stood on par with Sotheer.
What were the odds of encountering both of these monsters on the same day! "Hey, guys!" The tanned trainee called out with enthusiasm, waving them over.
My gaze remained fixed on the trainee to the left. He seemed... Normal. His build wasn't particularly muscular or imposing, and his black hair, slightly spiky like mine, didn't stand out.
What makes us so different? Well, nonetheless, it was still an honor to be able to talk to the guy.
I mustered up the courage to approach him, extending my hand for a handshake. "My name is Xion," I introduced myself with a friendly smile.
However, he met my gesture with a disinterested gaze, briefly glancing at my hand before turning away, rejecting the shake.
His response was monotone and devoid of enthusiasm. "I'm Ren," He replied, his voice lacking any hint of emotion.
Feeling slightly awkward, I withdrew my hand, chuckling nervously. "Okay then, uh, you did really well!" I tried to engage in conversation, hoping to break the ice. His eyes briefly met mine before quickly shifting away. "Thanks," He muttered, his attention already drifting elsewhere.
He’s so dull.. Meanwhile, the tanned one approached us, a wide grin plastered across his face. He exuded an infectious energy that contrasted Ren's stoic demeanor.
"Also, my name is Leo!" He enthusiastically introduced himself, his excitement very noticable.
The trainee standing next to me, Nival, chimed in. "And I'm Nival," He added, making it clear that this was a group of unique individuals with intriguing names. Although their names were distinct, I couldn't help but find solace in their openness and friendliness.
“Hey, how about you join our ‘squad’? It’d be fun to have ya around!” He suggested, his eyes shining with anticipation. The prospect of forming a friend group on my very first day was both exciting and unexpected.
Eager to embrace this newfound camaraderie, I couldn't help but accept Leo's invitation wholeheartedly. "That'd be great!" I replied with genuine enthusiasm. Leo and Nival exchanged a smirk, but there was a subtle shift in their expressions that made me feel a twinge of unease.
It was as if they were hiding something, concealing a secret agenda. But perhaps I’m simply overthinking it, allowing my imagination to run wild.
Despite my reservations, I recognized that these individuals were genuinely kind-hearted and welcoming. It would be unfair of me to push them away based on unfounded suspicions.
"Niceee! Let's be really good friends~" Leo proclaimed with a playful pat on my shoulder. However, when I looked up at him, the warmth in his eyes was replaced by a devilish grin, sending a shiver down my spine.
