**Chapter 3: The Looming Exam
The following morning, Asher stepped out of his house, his mind still buzzing with the events of the previous day. The weight of his recent confrontation with the police and his guardians lingered, but he knew he needed a break from his confined environment. He made his way through the bustling streets to Thorian's home, hoping for a change of scenery and some much-needed camaraderie to his friends house .
Thorian's residence was a spacious and welcoming place, reflecting his confident and straightforward personality. Asher knocked on the door, and it swung open to reveal Thorian, who greeted him with a mixture of irritation and relief.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Thorian said , his tone a blend of annoyance and familiarity (thorian Jackson was a bulky guy with short brown hair and eyes and was 195.58 cm in height). Before Asher could respond, Thorian gave him a playful yet firm smack on the head. "Stop being a child, Asher. You're making things more complicated than they need to be."
Asher rubbed the back of his head, a grin creeping onto his face. "Thanks for the warm welcome, Thorian."
Just as Thorian and Asher began to exchange more banter, Lara walked in (Lara with a slim female figure with purple long curly hair and Gold coloured eyes she was about 175.26cm in height) . Her calming presence and gentle demeanor provided a welcome contrast to the playful tension between the two friends.
"Morning, Asher," Lara greeted with a smile. "I hope you're feeling better today."
Asher nodded, appreciating her supportive nature. "Yeah, thanks, Lara. Just needed to get out for a bit."
Asher followed Thorian into his room, where Thorian's bed was positioned by the window, offering a view of the city. Asher plopped down onto the bed, stretching out and letting out a sigh of relief. Lara took a seat nearby, her attention shifting to the topic at hand.
Lara looked at both Asher and Thorian with a serious expression. "Have you both heard about the upcoming Squad Examination?"
Thorian leaned against the wall, nodding. "Yeah, it's supposed to be a big deal. But why bring it up now?"
Lara's eyes met Asher's. "Because the Squad Examination is crucial. It's not just about proving your skills but also about determining your place in Squad Zero. It's coming up soon, and it's an opportunity for all of us to show what we can do."
Asher sat up, his interest piqued. "What's involved in this examination?"
Lara took a deep breath, preparing to explain. "The examination tests both individual abilities and team coordination. It involves several stages, including combat trials, strategy assessments, and magical challenges. It's designed to push us to our limits and see how well we work together under pressure."
Thorian added, "And it's not just about physical strength. The exam evaluates our skills, teamwork, and how we handle adversity. It's our chance to prove ourselves and secure a spot in Squad Zero."
Lara reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek, high-tech examination form. The document was a blend of traditional parchment and advanced technology, featuring intricate designs and glowing elements. She handed the form to Asher and Thorian, her expression both serious and encouraging.
"Here's the form for the Squad Examination," Lara said. "You'll need to fill it out and submit it to officially register for the exam. It's your first step toward proving yourselves."
Asher took the form, his eyes scanning over the details. The form outlined the examination stages, criteria for evaluation, and the rules of engagement. His heart raced with anticipation as he realized the magnitude of this opportunity.
A confident smile spread across Asher's face. This was more than just a test; it was his chance to gain respect from the country and prove his worth. His dream of becoming a Squad Ranger, despite the obstacles and his troubled past, seemed within reach.
*This is it,* Asher thought to himself, feeling a surge of determination. *This examination is my chance to show everyone what I'm made of. If I can make it into Squad Zero, I'll finally earn the respect I've been craving. It's not just about proving myself; it's about claiming my place in this world.*
Thorian glanced at Asher, noticing the change in his demeanor. "You look pretty excited about this. It's a tough exam, but if anyone can make it, it's you."
Asher nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Yeah, I'm ready for this. It's time to show what I can do."
Lara smiled, pleased with Asher's enthusiasm. "I'm glad to see you're motivated. Remember, it's not just about your individual skills but also how well you work with your team. We'll be facing these challenges together.
Asher and Thorian filled out the form, their conversation shifting to preparation strategies and the skills they would need to hone. Lara provided additional insights and tips, ensuring they were well-prepared for the upcoming examination.
With the form completed and the weight of the upcoming examination settling in, the three friends shared a moment of camaraderie and determination. Asher's resolve was unwavering, his dream of becoming a Squad Ranger driving him forward.
The chapter ends with Asher, Thorian, and Lara looking towards the future, ready to face the challenges of the Squad Examination and take their first steps toward their