As Johan sat, his hands folded in his lap, the room was humming with anticipation. Competitors cast sidelong glances at each other, silently sizing each other up. But amidst the subtle jostling and posturing, one question rippled through the crowd, unspoken yet palpable: "Where is the instructor?"
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the entrance swung open, and in strode a figure that immediately commanded the room's attention. 'So that must be Zekke,' Johan thought, craning his neck to get a better look.
Zekke was tall, with a broad, imposing frame. His hair was a shock of white, contrasting sharply against his sun-browned skin. A rugged beard clung to his chiseled jawline, streaked with white, matching the hair atop his head. He was dressed in simple, unadorned clothing, but there was a certain gravitas about him, a formidable aura that made his plain attire seem inconsequential.
'He looks strong...stronger than anyone I've ever met,' Johan mused, his gaze never leaving Zekke. Despite his apparent age, Zekke moved with an agile grace that spoke of his fitness and prowess. His eyes, a piercing blue, swept over the room, taking in every individual with an unreadable expression.
The room fell silent, the earlier buzz of conversation dying down to a whisper. There was a magnetic quality about Zekke, an innate authority that demanded respect and obedience. But beneath the aura of power and control, there was something else, something that Johan couldn't quite put his finger on.
'There's more to him than meets the eye,' Johan thought, his gaze narrowing slightly as he watched Zekke. The older man had a certain charisma, an unmistakable presence that went beyond his physical appearance. His every gesture, every word carried weight, bearing the mark of someone who knew their worth.
Yet, despite his imposing presence, there was an unmistakable air of kindness in Zekke's eyes, a gentle warmth that softened his otherwise intimidating demeanor. 'He seems stern, yet kind... an interesting mix,' Johan observed, feeling a surge of newfound respect for Zekke.
As Zekke took his position at the front of the room, his gaze finally met Johan's. The look they exchanged was brief, but in that short span, Johan felt a strange sense of connection. 'This man,' he thought, 'will play a crucial role in my journey.' His heart hammered in his chest as he looked away, the reality of the situation sinking in.
The assessment was about to begin.
With all eyes on him, Zekke's gaze scanned the room before he spoke. "Feels like a funeral in here," he observed, his voice echoing in the silence. The room responded with a few scattered laughs, and Johan found himself joining in. 'That's one way to break the ice,' he thought, amused.
"Call me Zekke," the man continued, stepping forward, his hands tucked into his pockets. "I'm your instructor for the Card Master assessment."
He began pacing slowly as he addressed the crowd, his tone casual and approachable. "I remember standing where you are, years ago. The same fear, the same anticipation. It feels like yesterday," he said, his eyes growing distant for a moment.
Then, with a shake of his head, Zekke refocused his attention on the room. "But enough about the past. Let's talk about now, about your journey. Each one of you is here because you're seeking something: power, recognition, or maybe just a better life. Whatever it is, remember one thing: being a Card Master is not just about strength or cunning. It's about heart, about the courage to face your fears and the determination to overcome them."
He paused, letting his words sink in. Johan could feel a knot of tension ease in his chest, replaced by a surge of motivation. 'He's right,' he thought, 'I have the heart. I have the courage. I can do this.'
Zekke's gaze swept over the crowd again, coming to rest on Johan. Their eyes met, and Zekke gave him a small nod before moving on. A wordless gesture, yet it was filled with understanding. It was as if Zekke was acknowledging Johan's determination, silently telling him: 'I see you. I believe in you.'
With a final nod, Zekke stepped back. "Now, let's get started, shall we?" His voice, carrying a hint of excitement, broke through the silence, washing away the last remnants of the tense atmosphere.
"Now, a small heads-up before we proceed," Zekke announced, his hands clasped behind his back. "I'm only the first of four instructors who will be overseeing this assessment. Each one of us will have our own unique tests and challenges for you."
The room immediately filled with whispers and exchanged glances. A four-part assessment? Four different instructors? This was a new twist they hadn't anticipated.
As the murmurs spread, Johan stayed quiet, his thoughts racing. 'Four instructors? That means four different styles of challenges. More complexity, more unpredictability. This assessment is no joke.' He glanced at Zekke, wondering who the other three instructors might be. 'But one thing at a time,' he decided, 'for now, I just have to focus on Zekke's part.'
Zekke seemed to be an easy-going, straight-talking individual, yet there was a depth to him that Johan couldn't ignore. His words were not just for show; they carried the weight of experience. This was a man who had seen life, endured its hardships, and emerged victorious.
'He knows what it takes to be a Card Master. He's not just an instructor; he's been in our shoes before,' Johan mused. A sense of respect welled up within him for Zekke, mixed with an eager anticipation of what was to come.
As the room fell silent once again, Johan locked his gaze on Zekke. No matter what the assessment entailed, no matter who the other instructors were, Johan was ready. 'Bring it on,' he thought, as a spark of resolve lit up his eyes. The journey to becoming a Card Master had truly begun.
...
Just as Zekke was about to reveal details about the first test, a sudden interruption came from the back of the room. Three burly contestants, a swagger about them and smirks on their faces, were laughing boisterously, rudely cutting Zekke mid-sentence.
"Oi, why waste time on introductions? Let's get to the action already!" one of them jeered, causing a ripple of laughter to spread among his companions.
Zekke turned to them slowly, his face serene yet commanding. "Is that so?" he asked calmly. Without warning, he released his aura. A palpable pressure swept across the room as his Tier 6 Aura filled the space. It was overwhelming, suffocating, like an invisible force that demanded respect. The chatter ceased immediately, replaced by the deafening silence of shocked contestants.
The trio that had interrupted earlier was silenced instantly. They staggered, unable to bear the immense pressure of Zekke's aura. The arrogance in their eyes was replaced by fear and realization. They had mocked a true Card Master.
In a stern voice, Zekke declared, "You three are disqualified from the assessment."
There was a collective gasp in the room. This was the first taste of Zekke's authority, and it was a clear message - respect was non-negotiable.
Johan watched the scene unfold with wide eyes. 'He didn't just disqualify them... He humiliated them in front of everyone,' Johan thought, taking in the lesson before him. 'Respect isn't just about politeness or courtesy; it's a crucial element in this world. Disrespect can lead to severe consequences... I must remember this.'
The room remained silent, everyone reeling from the swift punishment. Johan, however, felt a growing respect for Zekke.