The streets of Elaris quieted as night settled in. The glow of neon lights cast long shadows across the city's towering structures, while the cool evening breeze swept through the narrow alleyways. Asher, having left Thorian's house, found himself wandering the streets, his thoughts focused on the future.
Clutching the Squad Examination form tightly in his hand, Asher's mind buzzed with ambition. His heart raced not with fear, but with hope—hope for a future where the world no longer looked at him with hatred, where his past was no longer a burden.
*This is my chance,* Asher thought, eyes glinting with determination. *I can finally change everything. Not just for me—but for the people who've stood by me, for my guardians who've kept me safe.*
His steps quickened as his thoughts intensified. The Squad Examination was more than just a test to him; it was the first step toward achieving his dream of becoming a **Squad Ranger**, and more than that, the **Chief Commander**—the highest rank a ranger could attain. To hold that title would be to gain the respect of the entire country, to prove to everyone that he was more than some street brat.
Asher's birth was a secret burden, one that had caused endless suspicion and resentment. The people in Elaris hated him and it was never known why but it never stopped following him. Asher barely made friends except Lara and thorian and it was clear the world had already made up its mind about him.
I'm tired of the hatred,he thought, fists clenching. I'm tired of people looking at me like I'm a monster. I'll show them. I'll rise above it.
He imagined a future where he was no longer feared but respected. He envisioned walking through the streets of Elaris with his head held high, the people no longer casting suspicious glances his way, but instead offering nods of respect. Asher knew it wouldn't be easy—the Squad Examination was just the beginning—but he was ready to face the trials ahead.
His thoughts then turned to his guardians, the two people who had raised him with care and love, despite all the risks. They had sheltered him, kept him hidden, and had never once turned their backs on him. Yet he knew that their lives had been difficult because of him. They had lived in constant fear that Asher's true identity might be discovered, and the consequences that would follow.
*I owe them everything,* Asher thought. *I have to succeed. I have to make their sacrifice worth it.*
Asher felt a surge of resolve. He wasn't just doing this for himself. He was doing it for them, to repay the debt he felt he owed his guardians for all the years they had spent protecting him.
Asher paused, standing at the edge of a bridge overlooking the city. The lights reflected in the water below, creating a shimmering effect that calmed his thoughts for a moment.
Becoming the **Chief Commander** of the rangers wasn't just about power or prestige. It was about taking control of his life and destiny. He wanted to rise to the very top, not just to be respected but to help others like him—those who had been cast aside or judged for things beyond their control. With the position of Chief Commander, Asher believed he could change the system from within.
"I'm going to make it," Asher whispered to himself, the cool night air filling his lungs. "I'll become the Chief Commander. I'll end the hatred and show them all that I'm more than the child they hated I'm more that anything they think of me
As dawn approached, Asher returned home with renewed determination. He filled out the examination form, signing his name with a flourish. His resolve was clear: nothing was going to stop him from ascending the ranks.
The next morning, he was greeted by his guardians, their expressions both loving and concerned. They could see the fire in his eyes, the deep-rooted desire to change his fate. They knew that this examination could be the beginning of something greater—or something more dangerous.
One of Asher's guardians, a wise and protective figure, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as he prepared to leave.
"Remember, Asher," they said softly, their voice filled with both pride and worry, "this world can be cruel. People may never stop hating what they don't understand. But that doesn't mean you should lose yourself in the pursuit of their approval. Don't forget who you are."
Asher nodded, absorbing their words. "I won't. I'll prove to them who I really am."
With his guardian's words lingering in his mind, Asher walked out the door, his gaze set on the horizon. The Squad Examination was his next step, but his ultimate goal was far beyond that. He was determined to become the Chief Commander and bring an end to the hatred and fear that had plagued him his whole life.
The chapter ends with Asher walking through the streets of Elaris, ready to face the challenges ahead, the weight of his dreams resting squarely on his shoulders.
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