It was morning, and Wyte had gone to fetch Yariel. He left his room wearing the required uniform, a gray shirt with the clan's symbol emblazoned on his chest and dark pants that gave him an air of dignity. A proud smile spread across his face, encouraged by the feeling of living a dream come true.
Before dawn had even broken the sky, Yariel was already in the barracks library, a sanctuary of ancient knowledge. Noah Wyte, his assigned tutor, was waiting for him with a stack of documents.
—Start by signing here —Noah said, sliding a document toward Yariel. It was a contract along with the internal regulations. —If you reveal anything you see or hear here, we have the right to eliminate you. And if you die on your own, we assume no responsibility —he added with a gravity that echoed off the walls lined with ancient books.
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Once the document was signed, Yariel was fully aware that it was now official.
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Noah led him through shelves filled with dusty tomes to a small room with a blackboard, where they would spend several hours studying.
—Well, let's begin —Wyte declared, interrupting Yariel's thoughts.
The information began flowing like a rushing river. Noah broke down the internal structure of the Dakunaito: the general, the sub-general, and the three main captains, including Kassian and Jeremías, who led incursions through the portals to the Entremundos. Yariel listened, amazed by the complexity and magnitude of the organization he was now part of.
—There are several portals, all guarded by the Dakunaito clans: in Europe, Asia, and America. Each one is a direct gateway to the Entremundos, a place beyond our dimension —Wyte explained with a seriousness that struck Yariel deeply.
The Dakunaito rotated on missions that lasted two to four months, although time passed differently in the Entremundos; a month here could equal a year there. Those who survived more than five incursions usually retired with honors, although rarely without scars or deep wounds...
Not even an hour had passed, and Yariel was already exhausted from all the information. His mind seemed ready to explode, as if the weight of everything he had been told was trying to escape his head.
—And what is the Entremundos?
—It's Earth, but in a parallel dimension, different from our own
—Like the "Upside Down" in Stranger Things?
—Exactly like that.
—Wow...
—It's the Earth that exists before hell, home to the most terrifying and savage demons. But after the great war, we managed to confine them in the Pit. Now, the Entremundos only harbors the remnants. Low-level demons. One day, we'll clear it completely.
—The Pit?
—The gateway to hell. A huge black door at the end of a dark cave.
Yariel listened in awe.
—We have two teams of Dakunaito for entering the Entremundos. One is led by Captain Jeremías. The other is led by Kassian. Our mission is to locate and eliminate the remnants of those demons. Securing the Entremundos will prevent those beasts from accessing our plane.
Hours passed, and they had barely scratched the surface of what Wyte had to explain. Normally, a recruit spends an entire year learning, understanding, and comprehending the scale of what the Dakunaito do.
Afternoon came, and with it, physical training in which Yariel proved to be exceptionally skilled. He suddenly joined a group of cadets who had already been training for several months. First, he completed several tests to assess his limits: maximum time in the 1000-meter dash, vertical jump, weightlifting, and strength.
[RESULTS:]
[Running distance: 1000 meters: 3 minutes and 36 seconds.]
[Swimming: 100 meters: 1 minute 10 seconds]
[Lifting: 105kg]
[Vertical Jump: 1.06m]
[Strength: 750kg]
—Damn, did you see that kid?
—Where did they find him?
—I think he was assigned here today; seems like he's one of Kassian's prodigies.
—Do you think they've awakened him?
—It's obvious... How long do you think before he goes crazy?
—Hahahaha!
Yariel heard the murmurs as he worked, letting his performance speak for itself. He was clear about his goal, and he trusted Kassian; because of that, he also decided to trust himself.
After his first day, he checked the rankings. In some places around the academy, there were several screens displaying up to the 200th position. However, in most of the facility, the listings only showed the top 30.
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The academy's attempt to foster competitive spirit among its members was evident. It was also well-known that the higher you ranked, the more you were paid. It wasn't just respect and fame earned at the barracks, but also financial compensation for the families.
There were more than a thousand Dakunaito at the academy, each one forged through rigorous discipline and combat. Ranking within the top two hundred was no small feat, reserved for the most exceptional. Many had been training for years, molding their bodies and minds, seeking with every drop of sweat and effort to reach those positions. However, Yariel's results were astonishing, almost superhuman for someone who had just "awakened." What others took years to achieve, Yariel had accomplished in just a week.
A normal person in real life, with his weight and age, could never dream of such results unless they were professional athletes. Only those who dedicated their entire lives to physical perfection could match what Yariel had achieved without much prior effort. His gift was awakening, and with it, a power that began to overflow from his body.
As the days passed, his effort didn't wane, and each morning he looked in the mirror, seeing not only his reflection but also observing in detail how his body improved and grew. His arms were larger, his torso more defined. Brushing his teeth was a routine that prepared his mind for the knowledge he would receive in the library alongside Wyte. Then, the real test: physical training that pushed his body to the limit. No rest, no respite, except to eat and sleep. Every day was a battle, and every night, preparation for the next.
—Hey, the kid's not bad, huh? —one commented a few meters from Yariel.
—I guess not...
Gradually, the atmosphere around him changed. His companions became friendlier with him, recognizing the work, the effort, and the dedication he put into every test and exercise. While he wasn't great with his gift yet, it was clear that physically, he was giving it his all.
[Yariel WANG - nº 200]
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A milestone he achieved after his first two weeks.
—Wow, Yariel, how fast you've moved up —someone commented from behind.
Two companions approached, the same ones as last time. They were sweaty, standing near a screen close to the outdoor training area.
—Yeah, you've left us behind, huh? —said the other.
—Of course! He's number one in everything, hey, leave something for the rest of us, won't you?
—Ha, ha, ha, exactly!
—Thanks... —he responded with a smile.
At last, his companions began to respect him and treat him like one of them. It wasn't easy, but with his work and effort, he managed to earn their recognition.
—Hey, why don't you try the death circuit? —proposed Nico, one of them.
—What are you talking about?
—Ha, ha, ha, ha, that's too much, even for Yariel —responded Kevin, the other.
—What circuit? —Yariel asked, interested.
—It's a test to measure your potential. It's reserved for the ranked ones.
—Not just that, there are many. You earn points with the circuits to keep climbing.
—Oh, really?
—Yeah, but they're usually done by those ranked above 30... that's why it's not a good idea... You just ranked up; it's best if you keep training.
—Well, Caleb did it a few months ago, and look where he is now... —Nico commented.
—Don't compare them, man! Caleb's a prodigy...
—Did you say Caleb? —Yariel asked.
—Yeah, don't you know him?
—He's the second-best in the academy, probably going to be a lieutenant someday. He holds the record in one of the hardest circuits, but they call it the death circuit. The previous record holder was a girl who's now a member of the Sacred Order. Those who pass it usually become part of the elite... —Kevin explained, trying to make Yariel see reason.
—I want to try the test.
—What?! —Kevin responded incredulously.
He had clearly failed in his attempt to scare Yariel off.
—I knew it! You're one of us! —Nico responded enthusiastically.
—Man, it's way too dangerous, it's not just physical, you need your gift too... You'll be training with the elite tomorrow, it's better to get used to the new training areas before thinking about circuits.
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—How do I do it?
—Are you ignoring me?
—You just need to sign up from the tablet. Once you rank in the 200s, the zones automatically unlock.
—Hey, Nico, this isn't right, he could die…
—But look at him…
As the murmurs of the other Dakunaito faded into the echo of the wide corridor, Yariel remained lost in thought. The reality that Caleb, as well as the Sacred Order, were within his reach was a revelation that pushed him to take action.
When had he become so competitive? Since when did he feel this urgent need to push beyond his limits?
It wasn't just his physical form that had evolved since his awakening; his entire essence seemed to have transformed, or maybe he had always been a warrior in waiting. Like a caged lion, now freed, his spirit burned.
Upon reaching his room, Yariel checked his tablet. Navigating through the device, he confirmed that numerous additional areas had unlocked thanks to his position in the 200s.
An official email from the general congratulated him:
"Congratulations,
Cadet, you've bravely and skillfully surpassed your training period, establishing yourself as part of the elite of the barracks. From this day, I urge you to double your efforts and surpass your own limits. Be cautious and remember: When the fire shines, the shadows have nowhere to hide.
General Doltur Flamenborn."
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After reading the message, he continued browsing on the tablet.
[New!] [Training Circuits] <
With a touch on the screen, more than fifty different circuits appeared. Each one, with increasing intensity levels, promised more points for those who surpassed them. The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory... and the greater the risk.
[ALERT] [''You're accessing an advanced training area.'']
Yariel didn't hesitate. He tapped the option to sort by difficulty, eager to find the most challenging test.
[Sort by: Difficulty - ''Highest to lowest'']
His eyes fixed on one of the names that appeared on the list. The record holder was Caleb.
[Tower of Lamentations]
[Difficulty: Maximum]
[Points: 800]
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[Description: You'll be locked inside a tower with multiple floors, and you must progress upward to the last floor to destroy the chains that seal the windows and exits.]
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[Time: No limit]
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He tried to be realistic about his abilities. He knew that Caleb had awakened his gift early and had always excelled. From a young age, it was clear he would become one of the most powerful Dakunaito. His physical skills were far superior to most, and his presence in the academy was already well-known. Meanwhile, Yariel, just weeks ago, had been nothing more than a simple guard, and he didn't feel fully prepared.
He couldn't help but recall the day Caleb arrived at the institute. Though Yariel was older and in his final years, Caleb stood out almost immediately, not only because of his rebellious attitude but also for the strength he displayed in every fight.
***
(Flashback)
It was a Friday afternoon. The students were starting to leave class, eager for the weekend. Yariel, who usually stayed away from trouble, was in the hallways, chatting with some friends when he heard shouting and noise coming from the courtyard. Something about the intensity of those voices caught his attention. He approached to see what was happening, and there was Caleb, surrounded by at least five larger boys.
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One of the boys shoved Caleb, mocking him for something Yariel didn't catch. But what he did see clearly was Caleb's response. Without waiting a second, he threw a punch with a speed and force that didn't match his size. The first boy fell immediately, clutching his jaw.
—Anyone else? —Caleb said, with a look that left no room for doubt. He didn't back down, not even when the other two tried to attack simultaneously.
With an agility that left many open-mouthed, Caleb dodged a punch and delivered another strike directly to the second boy's stomach, sending him to his knees, gasping for air. The last one tried to grab him, but Caleb, using incredible strength for his age, lifted him off the ground and shoved him against the wall, leaving him staggering. The fourth one managed to kick Caleb in the back, sending him to his knees. The other took advantage and landed a punch to his eye.
Yariel watched from a distance, impressed. Caleb wasn't just fighting like he had no fear of anyone or anything; it seemed like he was enjoying it. The rest of the students watching the scene didn't dare intervene.
—You're gonna pay for that...
—Hey! You lot! —a teacher shouted from afar.
The boys surrounding Caleb scattered like dust. They weren't from the institute; they had come directly for Caleb. He stood up, head down, and for a brief moment, he raised his eyes and saw Yariel, who was watching from a window. They exchanged glances.
***
<> Yariel thought with determination.
He reached that conclusion on his own, now that he had greater access to the barracks. He knew that the best facilities and the best equipment were within his reach, and with them, the opportunity to improve. Every night, he went out to train on his own, without rest. He slept little, which often left him exhausted in Wyte's classes, who didn't take long to wake him up with unorthodox methods.
PUM!
—Augh! —Yariel exclaimed, rubbing his head after being struck by a book.
—Rest is also a form of training —Wyte said with a sly smile.
—That's why I was doing it right now —Yariel replied, trying to joke.
—Don't get smart —Wyte shot him a sharp look.
—Hey, Noah... How many points do I need to move up in the ranking?
—Ranking? —Wyte asked, somewhat surprised—. What's sparked this interest?
—Well, my life depends on it, doesn't it? —Yariel responded—. I mean, the higher my rank, the stronger I am. And if I'm stronger, I can control my energy better.
—You're right about that —Wyte nodded seriously—. And what's your current position?
—I've reached the 200th spot.
—Wow, that's impressive —Wyte looked at him with some admiration. —But be careful. As soon as you start moving up in the circuits... if you fail, they'll deduct points.
—What do you mean?
—Positions are assigned each year based on your performance and the results of the initial tests. In your initial assessment, you're assigned a series of points manually by the mentors. Over the following days, those points fluctuate based on your performance. That's how you got into the rankings. But now the rules change... —Wyte looked at him intently. —Imagine you're in third place with 1500 points, and you want to move up to second, who has 1510. You need to complete a circuit to surpass them. But if you fail, instead of gaining points, you'll lose them.
—That's unfair.
—It's not unfair, it's designed to make you think before acting.
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He decided to be cautious for the moment.
After finishing the class with the lieutenant, Yariel returned to his room, determined to explore the circuits available on the tablet in more depth.
[Sort by: Difficulty - ''Lowest to highest'']
Among the easier options, he found one that seemed suitable.
[Cold Waters]
[Difficulty: Moderate]
[Points: 80]
[Test Description: The cadet must demonstrate resistance to extreme cold, recover an object submerged in a frozen lake, and place it on an altar after a vertical climb, facing various obstacles that will test their ingenuity, control over their gift, and ability to withstand harsh conditions.]
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[Sign up]
[You are now signed up]
[You have 2 hours to complete the test]
[Time remaining:]
[02:00:00]
[01:59:59]
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