The sky over Arkhadia was slowly brightening as the first rays of sunlight broke through the mountains, flooding the valley where the refuge lay with light. Inside, Caelum stood in the main hall, his mind focused. Today marked the end of four years of intensive training, and he knew that the time for the final exam had come.
Lyra, who had been in charge of his theoretical education, sat at a table where a large map of Arkhadia was spread out. Beside her was Alaric, the taciturn weapons master who had guided Caelum in the exploration of the black iron mines and the extraction of energy crystals. It was thanks to these two mentors that he had been able to develop his skills so quickly and efficiently.
"Today, Caelum," Lyra began, her voice calm and collected, "you will show us what you have learned." You are ten years old, but you have already traveled a path few adults dare to tread. Your final exam will test your knowledge of the world of Arkhadia, and more."
Lyra nodded at the map spread out before her. The map depicted the five continents of Arkhadia as well as the many islands that dotted the planet's vast oceans. Each region was marked with symbols and notations indicating resources, strategic points, and danger zones.
"Let's start with geography," she said, pointing to a spot on the map. "What can you tell me about Zantheon, the capital of the continent of Lunaris?"
Caelum looked closely at the map, then answered confidently, "Zantheon is the largest city in Arkhadia, located in the heart of Lunaris, the central continent. It is the seat of the Central Council, where representatives from the five continents meet. It is a place of power and politics, surrounded by imposing fortifications and protected by an elite army."
Lyra nodded. "And Solaris, what about it?"
"Solaris is the richest continent in power crystals. It is where the kingdom of Solara, our former kingdom, was located. The region is a barren wasteland, but the power crystals found there are of unmatched purity. It is a precious land, fought over by all factions of Arkhadia."
The questions continued, covering each continent: Novaris, plunged into perpetual darkness where dangers are ever-present; Sylvana, covered in dense forests, teeming with life and mysteries; and the Iron Empire, a continent almost entirely under the control of the Fallen, formidable adversaries operating in the shadows.
Lyra was satisfied with Caelum's answers. "Your knowledge is solid," she said finally. "You understand the challenges and dangers of each region. But geography is only part of what you need to know."
Alaric stepped forward then, taking over. "For four years, you have worked alongside me, exploring the mines and extracting black iron and power crystals. Now, you must show that you know how to use these materials."
He led Caelum to a small forge that Caelum had built himself in the refuge. It had become a familiar place to him, a sanctuary where he spent hours working with metal. In the center of the forge sat an ancient tablet, the same tablet he had discovered in the city of the Ancients, revealing the secrets of creating power armor.
"Show us what you have learned," Alaric said.
Caelum nodded, feeling both excited and focused. He lit the forge fire, feeling the heat rise as he placed a piece of black iron into the flames. The metal, incredibly strong, required extreme temperatures to become malleable, a task Caelum had now mastered through years of experience.
As the black iron grew red-hot, Caelum set to work. With precise movements, he began to hammer the metal, shaping it piece by piece. He remembered every detail etched on the Elder Tablet, every step of the forging process. Once the basic shape was achieved, he carefully inserted an energy crystal into the armor, fusing the two elements together with calculated precision.
The process was delicate and required absolute concentration. Caelum knew that even the slightest mistake could compromise the integrity of the armor, rendering the crystal ineffective or, worse, causing an explosion. But after hours of hard work, he completed his work: a lightweight yet incredibly durable piece of armor imbued with the vibrant energy of the crystal.
Alaric examined Caelum's work carefully. After a long moment of silence, he smiled slightly. "That's good work, Caelum. You've managed to integrating the energy crystal with black iron with great skill. It shows that you have not only learned the technique, but that you have mastered it."
Lyra, who had been silently watching the process, added, "What you have accomplished here is a rare feat. Few people are able to forge black iron at such a young age, much less integrate it with energy crystals. You are on the right track."
Caelum felt a mixture of pride and humility. He knew he still had much to learn, but this moment marked a turning point in his journey. He was no longer a child in training, but a true blacksmith in the making, a warrior ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Lyra approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Caelum, you have shown that you are ready for the next step." You have acquired the basic knowledge and skills, but never forget that learning is a never-ending journey. Now, you must continue to strengthen yourself, to perfect your knowledge. The world of Arkhadia is vast, and there is much more for you to discover."
Alaric added, "Aldric has left clear guidelines for your physical and combat training. Every day, you must follow his program rigorously. But do not focus solely on brute force. Use what Lyra has taught you about espionage and strategy. War is not won by strength alone, but by intelligence and cunning."
Caelum nodded, aware of the heavy task that awaited him. He was no longer the young boy who had begun this training four years ago. He was now a young man with a mission, a purpose, and an unwavering determination.
"I will continue to train, to improve," he said with calm conviction. "I will not disappoint you."
Lyra and Alaric exchanged a look, both proud and a little worried. Caelum's path was only just beginning, and they knew that the challenges he would face would be increasingly difficult. But they had faith in him, in his potential and in his strength of character.
Before leaving, Lyra handed Caelum a notebook. "This contains all the additional information on geography, history and war tactics that you will need to study. It will not be easy, but I am confident that you are capable of assimilating it all."
Alaric, for his part, gave him a leather bag containing forging tools and some energy crystals. "Keep practicing. Learn to feel the metal, to understand the energy of the crystals. They are more than materials, they are the keys to our survival. »
With those words, Caelum found himself alone in the forge room, tools in hand, and determination burning in his heart. The years of training had only been the beginning. He knew that the real challenge began now, as he prepared to fully assume the role that had been destined for him.
This chapter of his life was closed, but another was opening, full of promise, danger, and opportunity. Caelum was ready to face them, armed with all he had learned and the inner strength that continued to grow within him.