Chapter 55
Ethan was no longer shocked to hear of these unnatural happenings. The world was already open to these things, and it was like a paper cut, combined with being shot with a gun and almost dying in the process. He understood that the reality he was living in was somewhat sick, and whatever it was that was making this reality all the more bizarre was not going away anytime soon. Ethan realized he would have to adapt and be prepared for anything that came his way.
And being a registered knight has its perks, as he was trained by his father to handle such bizarre occurrences with a calm and logical mindset. He knew that his skills would be put to the test, as if his father already knew this would eventually happen.
As he locked the warehouse and continued to walk toward the assessment facility without second thought , he brought his father's two 12-inch tactical Damascus steel bowie knives, which he always hoped he could have as a gift. This was personified by his father, and his father was a huge fan of the Kyoketsu-shoge a double-edged blade with another curved blade attached near the hilt, like a rope or a chain.
In the years leading up to this moment, Ethan had often marveled at the ingenuity of his father's designs. The retractable chain leash, hidden within an armguard, was a masterstroke of functionality and forethought.
Ethan could envision how his father had carefully selected titanium—initially mistaken for silver—for its remarkable strength and lightweight properties, crafting a weapon that was both practical and elegant. The chains, nearly indestructible, seemed to echo the strength of their bond; they were a reminder that his father's influence would always be with him, no matter where his path led.
as Ethan's father spent countless nights personally forging and creating a retractable chain leash that was inside an armguard with a 10-foot solid 5mm titanium chain and a very simple mechanism that could be easily attached to the bolster lanyard chain holder. To be a personal weapon until his retirement.
This was the only weapon he created that he hasn't even used yet, because it was his own creation and he felt he was supposed to make it for his son to use. He never expected his father would send it to him, Nicolas Abelard. Haniel, Ethan's father, knew he would pursue the path of a hunter for a living; in his eyes, he always dreamed that his son would become a soldier. And hearing that he gained and awakened an ability and could become a knight was the realization of a responsibility.
As Ethan walked toward the assessment facility, the weight of the twin Bowie knives, both securely strapped to his side, reminded him of his father's unwavering belief in him. The bowie knife, with its sleek blade and beautifully crafted handle, was not just a weapon; it was a symbol of legacy, a direct connection to the man who had spent so many nights in the forge, pouring his heart into each creation. The thought of his father laboring over the hot steel, the sparks flying as he shaped his dreams into reality, filled Ethan with pride and resolve.
The assessment building was a former Olympic-sized stadium that was converted and retrofitted with many new, unheard-of technologies provided by each government overseeing their own countries. The building now stands as a testament to modern innovation, blending the old with the new seamlessly. Each government's contribution to the technology within represented a step towards progress and collaboration on a global scale.
So many people awakened or abilities users were all lined up waiting to show their powers and what they could do to become knights. The assessment was simple: first register your name and affiliation, if any, and get tested by the mysterious crystal that could read the candidate's personal background and accomplishments in the past and present. It wasn't man made nor can be tampered with; all the register knights that gained fame and a name for themselves went through the same process of getting rank, and after practical application of their powers, the reason why this stadium was chosen to be the assessment facility was because of its size and ability to accommodate a large number of people at once. Additionally, the stadium's central location made it easily accessible for future knights from all over the city to participate in the assessment process.
And lastly, this was the only place where the greatest military AI-controlled technology could be tested out without any risk to civilians or surrounding areas. And this ensured that the knights could fully demonstrate their abilities in a controlled environment, showcasing their potential to protect the kingdom from any threats that may arise. ensuring that only the most skilled and deserving knights would be granted the prestigious title. The stadium's reputation for hosting rigorous challenges also added to its appeal as the ideal location for the assessment facility.
The six site administrators, under Mr. Thomas, take pride in providing candidates with the best opportunity to demonstrate their worth through any means possible. As such, the six administrators give candidates the opportunity to set the final exam settings. The AI armed drones were equipped with lethal weapons, and getting wounded and even dying was a real possibility for those who failed to prove their worth. The high stakes and intense competition only added to the pressure of the final exam, making it a true test of skill and power.
As a former military person, Knight Jones prides himself on being the best. With a rank of knight lieutenant, those who were participating might all be ability users, but for him, they are all levies or low knights. Having the power to see their aura, he took pride in knowing that he could see those who could join him and be part of his unit. Control and manipulation were his answers to bridge his own lack of physical strength compared to the other, stronger candidates.
And he could see a few dozen talented individuals among the hundreds of applicants, as every passing day more people are awakening their abilities and hoping to earn wealth from them. His keen eye for potential made him a valuable asset in selecting the best recruits for his unit, ensuring that only the most skilled and dedicated individuals joined his ranks. With each new member, his unit grew stronger and more formidable.
One by one, these candidates lined up and awaited their turn to get rank. May passed and was able to gain a passing mark based on their qualifications to become a soldier . A few stood out as they had a rank of two stripes equivalent to that of a corporal, and two gained the rank of sergeant. And one female candidate was a sergeant. Major is just one more step from officially becoming a certified knight.
Many only gain ranks of levies and companions, but with a few more achievements, merit, and hard work in polishing their skills, they can still obtain the title of knight. As more and more people get ranked, the majority of the candidates wear their most fashionable attire, but Ethan came wearing his hooded jacket and no face mask the young girl gave him.
Everybody became silent and sent the nameless candidate to touch the assessment crystal. The rank he gained was that of marshal. Every time I saw the projected light, it illuminated the nameless candidate's achievements. Everybody who was there saw this, and they could not believe that this person's merit has already reached this level.
The nameless candidate's incredible achievements left everyone in awe, with his merit far surpassing that of the site administrators. His record of 72 rifts broken, 632 kills, and a merit of 2777 solidified his status as a legendary marshal in the making. As he continues to move on, many cannot believe what they just saw. As he entered the final test, Nameles selected a setting that made their jaws drop even more.
The ability test settings have five levels, based on the five ranks: moderate, hard, difficult, and hell. Insane. This setting is a place to see if there are people who are even thinking of challenging the highest level of ability. As Nameles confidently stepped into the final test, the crowd held their breath in anticipation of what was to come.
The atmosphere in the fortified ability test room was thick with anticipation, an almost tangible energy that made the hair on the back of the administrator's neck stand up. She had never witnessed the insane test before rumors and whispers about its mythical nature circulated among the ranks of those who trained the candidates, but no one had ever seen it in action.
As he stepped over the threshold, the size of the arena revealed itself in its entirety, stretching out like a vast coliseum, stark and intimidating, with every inch reinforced against the unpredictable forces that might be unleashed within. With a quick, determined motion, he saw that they had activated the live CCTV feed.
The monitors crackled to life, bathing the room in a surreal glow, and the adrenaline in his veins surged as he prepared for the unknown. There were no elaborate instructions, no scripted scenarios, just the overwhelming sense that anything could occur once the test commenced.
He watched as the dim lights overhead pulsed to life, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The candidates, standing in the middle of the room, wore expressions ranging from grim determination to outright fear.
Ethan was aware that he was about to confront not only his own limits but also the very essence of the test itself. With a deep breath, he steadied his racing heart, the electric anticipation of the challenge ahead coursing through his veins. Suddenly, without warning, droids resembling nightmarish creatures surged from the shadows, attacking in droves with relentless precision.
The metallic clank of their limbs echoed ominously as the candidates stood frozen, their earlier confidence wavering in the face of this unexpected onslaught. Ethan recalled the stern warnings issued by the instructors: the test would push anybody to their breaking points, forcing them to confront fears they had long buried and skills they had yet to hone fully. But as the droids advanced, there was no time for fear; the only choice was to fight or fall, to adapt or be overwhelmed.
Nameles demonstrated his ability to stand out; he knows that anything can happen, therefore there's never a time to be ordinary, and that being weak to others has consequences. If he can't support his arrogance with real strength and expertise, it might be dangerous. The outcome of the struggle, which would eventually decide Nameles' and others around him's fate, was a test not only of physical strength but also of mental toughness and strategic thought.
Each stab of his knife was a calculated move; his movements were like a well-choreographed dance, precise and deadly. Nameles knew that in order to survive, he had to outsmart his opponents as well as outfight them. He knows that these are still machines, and their patterns are evident in the manner in which they were engaging him.
Each slash is useless because this thing looks like a monster, but this thing lacks the will to survive. Pain is essential to Nameles' strategy, as he uses it to gauge his opponents' weaknesses and exploit them. As he continues to fight, he focuses on finding the vulnerabilities in the machines' armor and attacking those areas relentlessly. This calculated approach allows him to gain the upper hand in the battle, despite the intimidating appearance of his adversaries. developing the necessary instincts for survival. Nameles must tap into his own pain tolerance and mental fortitude to outlast these machines in the battle ahead. So the best way, is to destroy their bodies with force and brutality.