Chapter 3 - Segment 3

The stairs weaved down in a spiral, each step made a loud creak, and it was as if Jinjuso would fall through somehow. He made it downstairs to the basement where he is greeted by a wave of chatter and laughter, there before Jinjuso stood a large crowd of wannabe adventurers just like him. They came in all shapes and sizes: tall, bony, portly, and dwarf-like ones as well. Jinjuso saw a small boy with pale weed-like blonde hair, sitting crouched down in a corner mumbling to himself, he walked over to the boy and asked him "Hey what are you mumbling about?". Surprised, the boy let out a loud shout "AHH, w-wa- wa-what is it?" "um I was just asking why you're mumbling to yourself, oh and you're sitting by yourself, so you stick out like a sore thumb in this place", he said concerned. "Is that so" the boy replied, "but why though", Jinjuso inquired. "Well, aren't you nervous?" asked the boy, "I-I-it's the adventures qualification exam I just can't stay calm, haven't you heard all the rumour's already, about people getting ripped head to toe by vicious plants, people quitting because of extreme exhaustion, or people simply running away because they're too scared to carry on". "Yeah, I have but I don't care because this is what I want to do," said Jinjuso, "but I'm just so scared". The boy trembled uncontrollably "then why did you come," Jinjuso said bluntly, the boy didn't reply. The conversation fell silent for a few seconds, then Jinjuso reached into his bag and pulled out two small cartons of orange juice. "You want one?" he asked the boy, "n-no thank you," said the boy, "Okie Dokie". Jinjuso sat down next to the boy and started chugging at the orange juice. Suddenly he stopped, as he could see something in the corner of his eye staring at him, he turned and looked, it was a black cat with violet eyes it stared intensely at him, Jinjuso stared back with as much intensity, the cat then slowly backed away and sped off ("what a weird cat") Jinjuso thought to himself. 'Click,' the lights turned off with a snap and the chatter came to a sudden halt, then one beam of light shot on the red curtains blocking the stage, trumpets started roaring behind the curtains in sync. Then the curtains opened and behind the curtains sat men with trumpets on both sides, their faces red and puffy, dressed in golden striped tuxedos that had 'ADVENTURE' brazened across the middle. They wore golden fedoras that glistened under the bright light, the lights started flashing different colours as the trumpets were now joined with harmonious cheery singing. the words flowed out smoothly as a beautiful lady that glistened in a red dress that also had adventure brazened across it sang the words "Brave souls take thy sword and shield and rise, take these tests for it is your destiny, don't be afraid, don't falter, but show your worth, Brave souls do you really want to find the legendary Orin, if so take these tests and show your might, for this is your calling, we stand here to support your courage and welcome you to the 105th Adventures Qualification exam". The music suddenly stopped, lights still flashing, and then it focused as one man slowly walked out and stepped into the spotlight then with a bang the lady sang "hosted by Sage Miruluk". When the music stopped, there was a moment of silence everyone had a shocked expression on their face, their mouths wide open like they had seen a beautiful ghost, their eyes glistened, and a roar of cheering and thunderous ovations came from the wannabe adventurers. Amidst this, the lights came back on, and a banner came down from the top of the stage saying '105th qualification exam', then with a thank you and a bow, the musicians left the stage smiling and waving, the singer shortly followed behind them. The clapping and cheers slowly came to a halt, everyone then turned their attention to the crooked but spry old man brimming with youthful enthusiasm and great wisdom, sage Miruluk.