The ship where Marcellus and the others had gathered was of colossal proportions, rivaling five ancient colosseums combined. However, Marcellus had never seen a colosseum in person, making the comparison somewhat abstract to him.
Marcellus stood dwarfed in the colossal hall, awestruck by its ethereal glow and baffling scale.
Time blurred, memories of home flickered, then vanished again. The divine-looking figure, gripping a blade, held his gaze captive. Two imposing figures in midnight blue armor joined him, their faces hidden behind visors.
The divine-looking figure Introduced himself as Orion, declared them welcome to the 'Wings of Valor', promising trials to forge them into warriors.
Curiosity piqued; skepticism lingered Within Marcellus.
Orion outlined the first trial: a brutal sprint across a desolate landscape. Ages mixed, faces grim, they braced for the test.
The stakes were clear—keep up the pace or face elimination.
The pace pushed Marcellus, doubts gnawed, but resolve held.
The trial commenced, pushing the candidates to their physical limits. Marcellus, not fond of running, struggled but pushed through, determined to overcome the challenge.
Fatigue eventually overtook him, and he collapsed, the world fading into darkness.
Upon awakening, a maelstrom of emotions swirled.
Admiration for those who outlasted him, self-doubt, but most of all, a burning determination to improve.
The gap between him and others was clear, but he accepted the challenge. This was just the beginning.
Amidst the newly islands, Marcellus's usually resilient spirit drooped.
Forget curiosity, his eyes locked on a figure emerging from the crowd, cloaked in midnight blue armor that gleamed with silver accents.
As the helmet lifted, revealing a face etched with dignified nobility, Marcellus felt a pang of envy.
Comparing himself to this paragon of gallantry, his own features seemed dull.
Yet, Marcellus harbored a charm of his own. Wild brown hair danced around his face, a defiant strand escaping the cascade. Hazel eyes, swirling with hidden depths, hinted at a complex story beneath the surface.
A smattering of acne mirrored the vulnerability beneath his captivating visage. Marcellus was "good-looking, better than most," but beside this entity, Marcellus felt cheated.
Marcellus was average, yet potential simmered within.
"Sebastian," the figure announced his name, his voice laced with authority.
Sebastian spoke of their selection, its fairness, and the rigorous training ahead. His words stirred a cocktail of emotions, outlining the harsh path.
One detail snagged Marcellus's attention - no weapon adorned Sebastian's hip, an absence strange considering his full armour.
Long days of grueling training, Sebastian emphasized stamina, subtly hinting at the chance to impress.
Marcelus, along with the others, obeyed the command to close their eyes and delve into their minds.
Curiosity was no match for their newfound trust in Sebastian's voice, which possessed an inexplicable aura of authority, casting an invisible spell of unwavering faith.
Strangely they trusted him, finding nothing amiss.
In Marcelus's mind, words coalesced... something appeared?
[Use default display or modify?]
He chose to use the default mode, and the words changed.
[This default has been modified by Lancel]
Then the words vanished mysteriously as they appeared replaced by a list.
***
[Bip...Bip... Analyzing the host...
Specie: [Homo sapiens (Primitive humanoid species)]
Name: [Marcellus ???]
Rank: [Mundane.]
Job: —
Strength: [0.4]
Physique: [0.3]
Stamina: [0.2]
Speed: [0.4]
Spirit Force: [0.01]
Soul Core: —
Weapons: —
Aspect: —
Ether: —
Attributes: calm heart
True Name: —....]
***
Marcel flinched what the... why is it blank... I know I am weak but ugh. the numbers are so low.
The medium's analysis of Marcellus was sobering, displaying low stats and several blank fields. Frustrated, Marcellus attempted to interact with it, only to realize its limitations.
He refined the list to focus on the relevant attributes, getting accustomed to the medium.
Sebastian didn't need to explain how to operate the medium; strangely, they all possessed an innate understanding.
It was as if knowledge pursued them, the more they thought about it, the clearer their grasp became.
***
[Bip...Bip... Analyzing the host...]
Name: [Marcelus ???]
Rank: [Mundane.]
Strength: [0.4]
constitution: [0.3]
Stamina: [0.2]
Agility: [0.4]
Spirit Force: [0.01]
Ether core: [2]
Attributes: [calm heart]
***
The medium's analysis of Marcellus was sobering, displaying low stats and several blank fields.
Sebastian's gift of a solitary ether core was a generous gesture, offering a valuable resource to the candidates. His mention of a monthly stipend of ether cores for their training illustrated the long-term nature of their journey.
Marcellus's initial view of Sebastian shifted to respect and gratitude.
The ether cores, seemingly significant, represented a substantial investment in their future.
Following Sebastian's advice, Marcellus used the medium to order food, only to be surprised by the cost. As he settled down to eat, he couldn't help but gaze enviously at the lavish meals others had procured.
Glancing around, he observed voracious individuals hungrily devouring their meals, their ravenous appetites on full display.
This only cost him [0.5 EC]
son of a sow! why is it so expensive?
He saw an array of delectable delicacies, each one tempting his senses with its enticing appearance and alluring aromas. Each person was adorned with a mouthwatering assortment of culinary delights, carefully prepared to tantalize the taste buds and satisfy even the most discerning palate.
An assortment of vibrant, freshly harvested vegetables caught his eye.
Crisp, vibrant greens nestled alongside colorful medleys of roasted root vegetables; their natural flavours enhanced by a delicate drizzle of aromatic olive oil.
His gaze fell upon a medley of artisanal cheeses, each one boasting its unique character and texture. Soft and creamy, sharp and pungent, they invited him to experience the rich complexities of flavor that only aged cheeses could offer.
And finally, he found that decadent desserts tempted his sweet tooth. Glistening fruit tarts, adorned with a delicate glaze, enticed him with their fruity aromas and buttery crusts.
Delicate pastries, filled with velvety creams and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, promised a luscious and indulgent finale to the meal.
Every dish was a work of art, meticulously crafted to delight both the eyes and the taste buds, Seducing him.
The variety and quality of the food around him were astounding, each dish a culinary masterpiece. The sight of such exquisite fare, compared to his simple meal, brought a sense of longing and a poignant reminder of his mother's comforting presence.
In this moment of vulnerability, Marcellus felt a mix of disappointment and nostalgia, yearning for the warmth and familiarity of home.
The journey at Wings of Valor was proving to be not just a physical and mental challenge, but an emotional one as well.