While Lilly and Iain were training their cold resistance, a big commotion was undergoing at the army's headquarters. The annual recruitment was in full swing.
Hundreds of youngsters were lining up in front of a big building. As they nervously waited for their turn, all kinds of thoughts shot through their heads.
The 18-year-old Emantarel nervously waited in line. While other youngsters gathered in groups to encourage each other, he sadly stood alone. No one deemed it worthy to spend time with him, who would certainly be rejected.
Emantarel could basically read their thoughts when he caught them staring at his left arm, which would twitch from time to time.
The young man also knew his chances weren't that great. His arm received some obvious damage after an injury during his youth. Unfortunately, their family had always been poor, so he never received proper treatment. The consequences haunted him until today.
Still the young man was resolved to go through every test to join the army. In order to achieve his goal, he must become a member of inner security. Only then could he search for his beloved sister.
Ignoring the other potential recruits, Emantarel observed his surroundings in awe. Especially the white robed, dignified soldiers organizing the recruitment drew his gaze.
He imagined himself as he showed his devotion to the God of Light in finely crafted white armor, wielding the famous enlightening weaponry. Their name wasn't meaningless, as rumors said the army's weapons could help someone break past the infamous bottleneck encountered at level 50.
While Emantarel was daydreaming the line in front of him continued to shrink. A voice soon brought him back to reality as he heard the number 245 being called.
The hopeful young man gathered his bearings before stepping though the big sliding door in front of him. He could tell that this building belonged to the army at first glance.
No unnecessary decoration except the church and armies' insignias could be seen in this room. Five tables neatly lined up opposite the door. Behind each of them sat a stern looking, uniformed soldier.
Emantarel didn't dare to observe the doors leading elsewhere, as he hastily approached the only soldier who wasn't speaking to another recruit.
Although the youngsters outside had easily dismissed the young man, he in fact held a big advantage. For many years now Emantarel's family had been on good terms with a captain in the Luminous Army. Therefore, he already knew what to expect during the recruitment.
Emantarel knew the test had already started as the recruitment officer kept has head down without acknowledging him. The young man forcefully calmed himself down. His sweaty hands balled into fists while his back suddenly straitened. He held his head high, his eyes focusing a point on the wall.
As if he received a signal, the recruitment officer suddenly opened his mouth.
"Name, Number, ID."
Emantarel presented his prepared ID while answering with determination:
"Emantarel. Number 245."
The young man didn't dare to lower his eyes as the recruitment officer moved. From the corner oh his eyes Emantarel noticed the soldier holding his wrist against his ID.
The potential recruit knew that the army had a device called Luminous Multi-Tool, or LMT, implanted in their wrists. It was deemed a soldier's greatest assistant and provided scanning and thought-transmitting functions among many others.
A short light appeared below the officer's skin before quickly vanishing. The LMT had already scanned Emantarel's ID and compared it with their database. After the recruitment officer nodded once, Emantarel hastily put back his ID.
"You can enter door three."
"Yes, Sir."
Knowing that passing this step in such a short time was a good sign, Emantarel approached door three in an elated mood. However, he quickly reminded himself that he only passed the first step while he entered the next room.
Suddenly the young man stood still as the door automatically closed behind him. He ignored the other man in this room with him, as his attention was caught by the soothing light shining opposite him.
A plate made form strange material hung there. It wasn't really metallic nor wooden or common stone. It consisted of a rare mineral which almost never appeared in public markets. However, it was one of the favorite materials used by the church of light because its high compatibility with light magic.
Here in this test room, it once again proved its prowess. As soon as Emantarel's eyes fell on the metal plate depicting the simplified Church of Light's insignia, a ray of light being scattered by a prism, his vision was drowned in light.
The young man's eyes widened. A content smile formed on his face, while all kinds of happy memories appeared in his mind.
A few seconds later the middle-aged man who had been waiting in the room, slowly approached him. He wore a dignified golden robe and had a benevolent smile on his face as his mild voice reached Emantarel's ears.
"Congratulations on passing the first step, brother."
A slow, relaxed voice answered him:
"Thank you, priest."
"It's great that you want to fight for your brothers. I only have a few questions for you, alright?"
"Of course, priest."
"Can you tell me, brother, why do you want to join the army?"
"To protect others and find my sister."
The priest nodded in satisfaction. Although this test could be passed as long as someone didn't outright disrespect the God of Light, the priest still appreciated upright recruits. He touched his wrist as he communicated his thoughts through his LMT.
"A noble goal indeed.
My next question: What does our god mean to you personally?"
"He is our pillar in the dark. The only one who can punish evil and bring light to the world."
The smile on the priest's face continued to grow. Although this test wasn't designed to force out all secrets, the general sentiment couldn't be faked. Emantarel's faith was definitely commendable.
Since someone who doubted the God of Light wouldn't dare to come here, many recruits didn't place much importance on this second test.
Everyone grew up believing in the God of Light. Their faith had carried on over generations in their families. Therefore, not many youths showed such sincerity like Emantarel.
However, the priest couldn't be clearer about the importance of this testing phase. Although it might not add much to their chances of being recruited, but it played a vital role in their future promotions.
Being in a good mood the priest decided to shorten the test:
"Excellent. Let me ask one last question.
How often are you praying to our god?"
"Every morning, priest."
Suddenly Emantarel felt some dizziness overcome him. The all-encompassing light had vanished and was replaced by the widely smiling face of a priest.
"Congratulations, Brother. You passed splendidly."
Everything still seemed blurry to Emantarel. He wasn't sure what happened the last few minutes. But a grateful smile still found its way to his face as he heard the priests' words.
So far, this test had been a great experience for the young man. Neither the priest nor the officer had discriminated against him for his sometimes-twitching arm.
Filled with a pleasant feeling, Emantarel thanked the priest multiple times as the latter led him to another door.
After passing a long hallway with multiple turns the young man found himself in a big, mostly empty hall. Before he could observe the other recruits gathered here, an officer approached him.
"Number 245?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Good. Wait here with the others. We continue after your group has gathered."
As Emantarel looked at the scattered recruits, he felt his confidence rising. Although he still received some belittling gazes for his arm, he also felt respect from many others since arriving here already signaled a preliminary acceptance by the army.
The young man thus mimicked the other's behavior as he silently stood in some empty space. Although all the youths here were of similar age and might have much to tell each other, the pressure they were under prevented them from opening their mouths.
Who knows? You might somehow displease the officer and get eliminated from the recruitment. Would you have any tears left to cry then?
Luckily Emantarel didn't have to wait long. As soon as their group reached 50 people, the officer spoke up:
"Everyone line up! Ten people per line. Hurry up!"
With the officer's order, colored lines suddenly appeared on the floor. They formed five columns, each containing an arrow pointing away from the door.
Not yet used to the army's discipline it required some angry shouts from the officer before everyone found their position.
Emantarel stood in the rightmost column, his eyes focused on the wall.
As a characteristic rumbling sounded, the young man already knew what would happen next. A few seconds later the wall in front of them started to move. Despite its obvious heaviness the metallic wall fought against gravity as it was dragged upwards.
Soon the form of a transray entered the youth's eyes. However, this naturally wasn't some weak civilian version. Whoever confused those two would soon find himself faced with an arsenal of deadly weapons and armor which easily tanked those outdated nukes.
Emantarel observed with awe and respect the vehicle which would soon bring them into the Frozen Hell for their final test.