It was a sunny day. Atlas was standing in the shop filling the shelves with things that were already sold. Caleb stood behind the counter looking quite bored. Old Thorne was sitting outside on his chair.
Old Thorne entered the shop and walked to Atlas. ''Boy, you worked here for 7 months right?'' Atlas turned around and said: ''Yes indeed, sir Thorne.''. Old Thorne looked at Atlas and nodded. ''You have worked hard these past months. And because you are leaving tomorrow, i will give you 50 silver coins. Surprised, Atlas hurriedly nodded and said: ''Thank you, sir Thorne. I won't forget this.''.
At the end of the day, Atlas paid his goodbyes to Old Thorne and Caleb and left the shop. Old Thorne looked at the back of Atlas and murmured to himself: ''Your going to do great things, Atlas.''.
Atlas got home and went to the kitchen. This would be the last meal with his family for a long time he thought. His mother looked at him with tears in her eyes and said: ''Don't forget to visit us, Atlas. And when you come back we will need to talk about your future.''. After that his mother started naming different girls in the neighbourhood and asking Atlas if he liked them. ''Leave the boy alone woman, he is still young.'' said Morgan who looked proudly at his son. '' Don't let anybody get one over you, son. Always stay calm and do what you have to do.''. Atlas nodded and took the words to heart.
Atlas woke up early the next morning. He took a bath, put on some fresh clothes and put the rest in a bag. After that he went downstairs and saw his father and mother waiting for him. ''Here is some food, i also packed some extra clothes for you.'' Natalie said. ''Stay warm, it is quite cold in Bell city. And don't forget to write us. Come here.'' and she gave her son a hug with tears running down her face. ''I will miss you.'' Natalie said and after that she turned around and went upstairs. ''sigh, your mother is quite emotional, son. Well then it's time to go.'' Morgan said.
They both walked out of the house. Atlas looked one more time behind him. ''Goodbye mother.'' he murmured. After that, he walked together with Morgan to the Northern district.
After reaching the Northern gate, Atlas looked for the traders going to Bell city. Morgan had trained Atlas in horse riding and using the sword since he was little. After buying a horse, Atlas joined the group. Before leaving Morgan took out a sword a gave it to Atlas: ''Take this sword and protect yourself well with it. I know you want to travel the world, so before you leave for good return home one more time.'' Morgan said. Atlas looked at his father and nodded. ''Well then, take care of yourself, Atlas.''. ''Goodbye, father.'' Atlas said.
When the group was outside the walls, Atlas looked one more time at River city and thought: 'I will come back one day'. After that Atlas went on his journey to Bell city.
A week later.
A caravan could be seen going on a road. A handsome guy could be seen riding on a black horse. His grey eyes were looking at the city in front of him. Atlas finally arrived at Bell City. After going through 2 states, they finally made it. Atlas was looking at Bell City and was astonished. 'It is huge!' he thought.
After giving his thanks to the caravan, he entered the city alone and went to an inn that was recommended by one of the guards of the caravan. The inn was quite busy, with a lot of drunk people shouting. Atlas arrived at the counter and sat on one of the chairs.
A middle aged woman walked towards him and asked: ''What do you want, little guy?''. Atlas looked at her and asked for a room and food. She said: ''A room is 15 bronze coins a night. White bread with meat is 5 bronze coins. Beer is 3 bronze coins and water is 1.''. Atlas took a silver coin out of his pocket and said: ''A room for six nights, a meal and water.''. The woman walked from behind the counter and said:'' follow me.''.
Atlas got into his room, dropped his bag and started eating. After he finished, he started to think. 'According to the woman earlier, the test at the duke's castle costs 2 gold coins. I barely have enough. She also said that the test will be conducted in about two weeks. So that is time enough for me to gather more information.'.
The next morning, Atlas wandered around the city. The city was a few times bigger than River city. Not only that. There were a lot more guards and a lot more people. After asking around, he went to the market.
After Atlas arrived at the market, he was astounded. It was immense. The amount of people walking, shouting and buying couldn't be counted. While walking through the masses, Atlas arrived at a shabby store. A man with a smile was standing next to the store shouting: ''THE CHEAPEST PRODUCTS ONE CAN BUY!''. Atlas approached the man and asked: ''I want some information and i will pay you well for it.''. The man said: ''I, Nolan, have all the information one would ever want. Tell me what it is you seek, young master.''. After Atlas got the answer from the man, he left the market and returned to the inn.
When Atlas entered the room, he grabbed a chair and sat down on it. He recalled what the man at the market told him: ''The test at the duke's castle is truly a test for individuals to become an immortal. In the most recent years four to five teenagers would be chosen. Not older. That is one of the requirements. Every one who takes the test is 15 or younger. According to someone who took the test, the immortal checks every single body. There is something within those who are chosen that enables them to qualify, but i'm not certain. Also the price is two gold coins. If you fail, you won't get it back.''. Atlas acquired a lot of information from the merchant.
For the next two weeks, Atlas explored the city and even went to the Red district. According to Nolan , it was the place to go to if you wanted to have some fun. But Atlas had no idea what kind of fun Nolan was talking about only after he reached the district. He hurriedly left and stopped exploring. Instead he started practicing the sword techniques his father trained him in.
The two weeks passed quickly. It was a beautiful morning. The birds were flying around. The sky was blue. But Atlas didn't care for all that. He packed his clothes and paid the middle aged woman farewell. He knew that if he failed the test he wouldn't return to Bell City. He would instead travel the world. But if there was a small chance he could pass the test, he would definitely take it. So with a sword at his hip and a bag on his back he set out, to the duke's castle!