As the sun rose over the horizon, its warm golden glow rested upon the bustling street of Jingwu.
People filled the streets, going about their day's work and business.
Outside of Jade Harmony inn stood five teenagers. They woke up early enough to leave the inn before the owner would find out they stayed without paying.
Eiden, once more made sure the white bandage on DoHyun's neck was properly covering her peach blossom seed.
Facial attributes are unnecessary when identifying a flower maiden. It's her seed that's her identity.
"Is it good?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He was standing so close to her that she could feel his subtle breaths, her cheeks flushed and her stomach gave an unfamiliar feeling.
He nodded after confirming.
Eiden was quick to notice that the most common means of transportation was walking, only a few rode horses and carts.
Sighing, Derrick asked "so....do we like hail a cab or.....ouch!" Gabbie elbowed his torso before he ended his statement,
"What?" He asked her, he was trying to be sarcastic.
DoHyun led them on foot to the Emperor's palace, in other words, the Imperial home.
Just as expected, the place was filled to the brim with people wanting to register for the tryouts. Old and young, they were all there.
A sense of familiarity hits Derrick as he gasped, they've been there before.
"So this is the Emperor's home" said Eiden, this was the place they found themselves after they teleported.
DoHyun nodded.
They moved further in, following the movements of people. A man stood on a podium, addressing the hundred of people that were gathered before him.
Through the chattering noises, the man spoke audibly "Warriors, scholars, and brave souls! Gather 'round and heed my words. Today, we assemble for a trial of strength, wit, and resolve. The tryout ahead shall push you to your limits, but fear not, for it is in adversity that we discover our greatest triumphs.
"Remember the wisdom of the ancients: 'A journey of a thousand li begins with a single step.' Take that step with confidence, with passion, and with the fire of a thousand suns burning within thee"
"FORGET THOSE BULLSHIT, WHAT OF OUR PRIZE!" yelled a man from the crowd and others began to nod their heads and murmur in agreement, after all, that's the real reason why they were gathered there.
The man in the podium sneered, a bunch of cowards, he cursed inwardly.
"It will be as said by Emperor Zhou. At noon, the beginning of the trial will commence. With all hope and prayer, I wish you good luck".
After his speech, the crowd scattered into different groups.
"There sure are lots of people here" said Derrick uneasily while looking about.
Muscular, slim, fat, tall, short, middle age, probably grade school students, they were all gathered. Not because they want to fight for their nation, but for the wish which was promised in the end.
Rubbing her arm, DoHyun sighed out, I feel nervous" she said
"It's normal," Gabbie assured her.
Looking around, some people seemed to be exercising and training, should they do that also? "Do we train as well?" Jason asked
"Probably" Eiden replied,
"Wait," said DoHyun all of a sudden. She only just realized that other than her and Gabbie and Eiden, the rest weren't skilled or gifted "Derrick, Jason, are you sure you want to come along?"
"Huh? Why?" Derrick asked
"What I mean is, look around, this is no small feat. You both might get seriously injured without the use of any special ability or power" her voice was raw with concern.
It took a minute but Derrick and Jason finally understood what she meant.
"Ohhh, we probably should have told you earlier" said Jason,
"Told me what?" DoHyun asked
"Well... Derrick and I are just like you and Gabbie" he responded with an awkward laugh
"What!! And you didn't tell me until now?" She scolded
"The chance hadn't come yet, we couldn't just blurt it out like it was nothing, you know" he said in his defense
DoHyun sighed "at least now I don't have to worry any longer. You two were also products of the goddess' compassion, I can't believe you didn't tell me. What are your powers like?" She asked
"I can control lightning," said Jason, although he had never tried it.
"And I've got space time manipulation" Derrick added, he also was yet to use his special skill.
"So.....where do we train?" Gabbie reminded them
Derrick shrugged.
Eiden had an epiphany, his mind wandered back to that day they were saved by the strange man. The place they were was like an abandoned throne room.
Maybe they could use that place. "I think I've got an idea" he said
"Well, say it already," Gabbie urged him.
He led them, he remembered the way which the man named weiyun led them through.
They got there successfully and luckily, it was empty.
With the sun penetrating through the cracked wall, the place was dimly lit.
"It's perfect" said DoHyun, her voice resonating throughout the spaced room.
It was good, yes, though she was confused about one thing. "How did you know how to get here?" She directed her question to Eiden
He had already prepared an answer, he just didn't expect her to ask this late.
"Yeah Eiden, how?" Gabbie asked, her memories didn't hold anytime when they came here so how come he knew the way.
"This is where I was brought along with some other refugees when our village got attacked by the beasts. At the time, this place was also abandoned"
"Ah okay" answered DoHyun.
Eiden gave Gabbie an eye signal and she immediately understood that her own answer might be a little different from the one he told DoHyun.
Not wanting to waste any more time, DoHyun outstretched her hand. With her eyes closed, she took subtle breaths.
Her aura surrounded her like a pure translucent energy. It enveloped her, giving out an ethereal feel.
In the next moment, a golden red glow flickered to life just minutes away from her outstretched hand.
Like a ball of fire, it slowly took its form as an orb. The broken throne was her target. With a gentle push, backed up by as much energy as she could, the orb of fire flew straight at the throne.