Asher made way back to the hotel with bran they stepped quietly into the hotel room, Asher's mind still buzzing from everything that had happened earlier in the day. His mother, Elara, was fast asleep, recovering from the recent events. Joshua stood near the window, arms crossed, deep in thought. The soft sound of Bran's footsteps came from the hallway, signaling he had just arrived too.
Joshua turned as Asher entered. "You're back. Good. We don't have much time."
Asher nodded, confusion written on his face. "What do you mean?"
"The exam's tomorrow," Joshua said, his voice firm. "You and Bran need to be ready for anything. We're heading out for a final training session tonight."
Bran stepped into the room, looking a bit tired but determined. "Ready when you are," he said, giving Asher a quick nod.
Asher paused, glancing at Bran curiously. "Hey, Bran, why are you still staying with us? I mean, you've been here for a while now…"
Bran grinned and shrugged. "Well, Asher, you're my best friend. More like a brother, honestly. I couldn't just leave you like that. When you went missing, I was worried out of my mind. I felt like I had to stick around until I knew you were okay."
Asher's face softened, touched by his friend's words. "You were that worried, huh?"
"Of course, I was!" Bran replied, laughing lightly. "Besides, my parents know I'm here, and I've got some stuff packed for tomorrow. I'm not going anywhere until we both get through this exam."
Asher smiled, feeling a deeper bond with Bran. "Thanks, Bran. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Bran slapped him on the back. "Don't mention it. We've got each other's backs, right?"
Joshua motioned for them to follow. "Alright, let's move. We're going to the forest."
The three of them made their way into the thick woods on the outskirts of the delta region. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The cool night air brushed against their skin as they walked deeper into the trees, where the quiet hum of nature was their only companion.
Joshua stopped in a small clearing, turning to face Asher and Bran. "This exam is no joke. You'll be tested physically, mentally, and maybe even emotionally. I've been through this process, and I know what it takes to pass."
Asher and Bran exchanged glances, both sensing the seriousness in Joshua's voice.
"Tonight, we're going to focus on sharpening your reflexes and control," Joshua continued. "Asher, you need to get a better handle on that raw power of yours. Bran, you've got to focus on your precision. You're both strong, but strength alone won't be enough."
Without further explanation, Joshua suddenly lunged at Asher, his movements too quick for the untrained eye to follow. Asher barely had time to raise his arms to block the attack, feeling the force of the blow reverberate through his body.
"Focus!" Joshua barked. "Control your strength, don't just react."
Bran, standing to the side, watched closely. His turn came moments later, as Joshua switched his attention to him, testing his ability to dodge and counter. The air filled with the sound of quick movements and heavy breathing as the training intensified.
Hours passed, and the night deepened. Asher's muscles ached, and sweat dripped down his face, but he felt sharper, more in control than before. Joshua had pushed them to their limits, but it was exactly what they needed.
Joshua paused, looking at both of them. "You've done well tonight. Remember everything you've learned when you step into that exam tomorrow. It's not just about passing—it's about showing them what you're made of."
Asher nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "We'll be ready."
Bran, though tired, grinned. "Yeah, we'll show them."
Joshua smiled faintly, pride evident in his eyes. "Good. Now get some rest. Tomorrow is the real test."
As they made their way back to the hotel, Asher couldn't shake the feeling that this exam would change everything.