Marcos shook his head at having those thoughts at that moment, then paid attention to the flying prince, who seemed to be preparing to give a speech.
"Recruits! Today is a significant day for each of you and for the kingdom of Illas. My name is Felipe Illas, the third prince of this realm, and I am here to welcome you to this military camp," Felipe looked at all the young people who were watching him, then continued.
"You have been chosen from many for your potential, determination, and, for some of you, your special gifts. This is not an easy path you have chosen. Being a soldier in the Illas army means not only defending our borders but also protecting our loved ones, our values, and our future."
"In the coming months, you will be tested in ways you never imagined. You will face physical and mental challenges that will push you to your limits. But remember, these challenges are designed not only to strengthen your bodies but also your spirits. You will learn to work as a team, trust your comrades, and rely on each other in the darkest moments."
"Our kingdom needs brave and just heroes, warriors who possess not only extraordinary skills but also strong hearts and unyielding wills. Each of you has the potential to become that kind of hero."
"Seize this opportunity. Train hard, learn from your instructors and your peers, and always keep in mind the reason you are here. Don't forget that you are not only fighting for yourselves but for all those who depend on our protection."
"I trust that each of you will become the defenders our kingdom needs. Fight with honor, act with integrity, and never forget the pride that comes with being part of the Illas army."
"Welcome, and good luck to all!"
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
The sound of applause resonated with electrifying intensity throughout the square, filling the air with contagious energy. Marcos felt excited, thinking that he would finally begin his journey to become stronger. Prince Felipe smiled at the crowd, then bid farewell and flew back to where he came from. In the sky, the prince thought to himself.
"I hope there are recruits with more talent this year, or my father will be very disappointed…"
When the speech ended, an instructor separated those with gifts from those without. The total number of recruits (including me) was 102. After dividing into two groups, there were 14 of us with gifts and 88 normals. I had to part ways with Charly and Elliot since they had no gifts, although we spent a short time together. Honestly, I don't dislike them.
Fortunately, Aaron had a gift, so we could stay together. We weren't sad about not seeing Charly and Elliot again because we were told we could meet them whenever we went to the dining hall, where everyone gathered to eat. Aaron had previously explained that people with gifts like ours would receive better treatment compared to those without.
"I remember the mayor of my village telling me something similar before," Marcos thought, just before a man, who appeared to be a guide, instructed us all to follow him. After a few minutes, we stopped at a training field with various machines and a running track. There stood a man who seemed to be dressed in some kind of white combat suit. He was bald and had an X-shaped scar over his right eye.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Lucio. You've been brought here to discover what gifts you possess," Lucio said with a smile that, to Marcos and the other recruits, seemed somewhat ominous.
"We will conduct individual assessments for each of you. For those who already have an idea of the type of gift they possess, they will skip all tests except for the strength, speed, and mana sense tests."
After saying this, they began taking each of us to the different tests. A portly man in his thirties named Carl led me. He quickly brought me in front of a sturdy metal machine with a red padded impact platform. In the center, there was a shiny plate. Carl explained how the machine worked.
"It's essentially a device that measures how strong you are. You need to strike the red pad with all your might, and the magical screen in the center will display a number. The larger the number, the stronger you are. This test helps determine if you've awakened a gift related to strength," Carl patiently explained to Marcos, who nodded and positioned himself in front of the red pad. Carl instructed him on the proper stance to generate maximum force.
"Not difficult—just hit that red pad with all your strength," Marcos thought to himself, then prepared to strike with everything he had.
He tensed his muscles and delivered the punch with all his might. It's important to remember that he wasn't in peak physical condition due to the original Marcos having experienced hunger throughout his life. Consequently, the result was below average.
"Eight points," Carl said as he recorded it, somewhat disappointed by Marcos's displayed strength.
"What does 8 points mean?" Marcos asked, also disappointed by his physical weakness.
"An average person has about 10 points of strength. Eight points means you're below average, but don't worry—you'll receive extensive physical training to improve yourself," Carl continued.
"Too bad you didn't awaken a strength-related gift, but don't fret; we'll keep testing."
Marcos underwent various physical tests—speed, throwing, and even jumping! But all results were below average, and he felt tired from the exertion.
"From what I see, you haven't awakened any physical gifts, which means it's likely related to magic."
Marcos felt excited at the prospect. Perhaps his gift would allow him to do something incredible, like the heroes in the novels he read—maybe even the ability to fly