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At first, Jak said nothing in response, bright red eyes still fixated on the large grotesque monsters wandering around some distance away. It was impossible to tell what was going through the youths mind as he stood there, unmoving, crimson gaze void of any emotion. Even Flora, who had been paying the utmost attention to the redhead, could only guess at the youths thought process as he finally began to move.
Clak. Clak. Clak. Clak.
Every step of Jak's resonated through the crowd, the sound of his shoes hitting the metal floor somehow being heard even above the goblin's excessive screeching. The surrounding air began to warm rapidly, so much so that Margaret felt a hot breeze engulf her when the redhead eventually walked past. Smoke drifted up from the spots the youth stepped on, black footprints being left in his wake whilst literal flames appeared around him, swirling like a miniature tornado. It was a completely different atmosphere from the last test and the audience could feel every bit of it, both physically and mentally. None spoke as Jak slipped past the invisible barrier separating the Goblin Guards from the crowd.
Ding! A large transparent blue box manifested on the barrier, a timer that immediately started a countdown from the three minute mark.
The test had just commenced.
Right from the get go, one of the Guards took notice of Jak's sudden appearance, beady black eyes locking onto the boy the moment it detected movement. A snarl escaped it's thin lips, rotten teeth flashing as the monster shifted course, heading towards the redhead without a second thought, club swinging by it's side.The other Goblins hadn't caught on but it was only a matter of time before they too initiated an assault against the youth.
"I've been meaning to ask you, Flora," Margaret whispered, violet eyes watching Jak's every move. "Do those things spawn with a club, or do they pick them up somewhere."
"Is now really the time to be asking that?" Flora muttered back, turning her head slightly to glare at her colleague.
"Sorry."
"They don't spawn with anything," the blonde receptionist answered after a moments pause, watching as the Goblin Guard raised it's club. "The WGC gave them those clubs to provide more of a challenge to the regular rookies and weed out the weaker links."
"Ah."
GROOOOAHHHHHH!!!
A bellow far stronger than any of its previous ones escaped the Goblin as it swung its massive weapon, swiping diagonally towards Jak's side.
"He isn't gonna dodge it?!" Margaret exclaimed, reaching for the button on her side that would halt the Trial.
"Hold it."
BAM!! The giant club slammed into it's intended target, the wind from the attack blowing around the area, going so far as to even reach the crowd, ruffling their clothing. The amount of strength packed into the swing was undeniable, the sheer power being enough to make the other rookies back off nervously.
"Weak." Jaks red hues seemed to glow, vision locked onto the Goblin who had assaulted him.
With a single arm stretched out to the side of him, the redhead had managed to outright negate the overwhelming force the raging Guard had conjured, fingers digging into the wood making up the club. From the onlookers' perspective, it was as if the Rookie had sustained little to no damage, casually blocking a blow that other beginners could only dream of replicating. Even the very Goblin that had attempted to pulverize the youth was stunned, it's snarling and vicious expression replaced with a look of surprise and disbelief. As a captive of the WGC, it rarely seen prey that could withstand one of it's charges, let alone catch it with a single hand.
Once the initial shock value had worn off, the Goblin attempted to give it another go, it's anger taking hold once again. However, the monster barely had time to collect itself before the club was unceremoniously yanked out of its hand and chucked aside, bouncing across the field until it was out of sight.
The Goblin Guard let out a guttural roar, one entirely comprised of rage and aggression. Without another thought, the lumbering green mass raised its clenched hand and swung it down over the youths head.
Once again, the redhead raised his arm and stopped the assault in its tracks, the wind from the punch ruffling his hair and cloak.
Bright eyes glanced from below the large fist, gazing up at the infuriated Goblin Guard, crimson hues looking deep into its prey's miniscule black ones. Even as the lumbering behemoth opted to pull away, the emotionless stare remained, calmly watching the Goblin struggle and squirm in a futile attempt to pry loose from Jak's grip.
"That's where I know him from!!" A newbie exclaimed, breaking the awed silence that had enveloped everyone, even Flora and Margaret. "He's the Crimson Swordsman!"
Everyone turned away from the Trial to look at the person who had spoken, a young rookie with black hair. Unlike everyone else, this kid held a look of excitement and wonder.
"With a symbol on the back of his dark cloak and a sword attached to his hip, the crimson haired swordsman wanders the various worlds looking for challengers." The kid quickly recited something from his head, his eyes still focused on the trapped Goblin. "With skills rivaling that of a Rift Hunter, he wields power in comparison to that of a Knight. Many have seen him, and many have fought him, but none know of his true name or abilities. He is the Crimson Swordsman."
Boom! A loud sound quickly drew everyone's attention back to the fight, just in time to see Jak slam his fist in the stuck Goblins chest. Staggering backwards, the Goblin Guard fell over, crashing to the metal ground where he began to dissipate, his body slowly turning into black powder before that too disappeared.
(("He destroyed the magic core with a single punch??")) Margaret questioned internally.
Soon after that small display, Jak merely stood around and waited for time to run its course. Upon seeing their fellow Guard kick the bucket with no visible difficulty, none of the other lumbering giants looked to be in any hurry to follow suit. Though monsters were known to be aggressive and bloodthirsty, the outright defeat by something much stronger than themselves had clearly brought forth what little sense of self-preservation they possessed. For the rest of the Trial, they wandered around their box whilst giving the redhead a wide berth, completely avoiding him. Jak, in return, did nothing to the rest of them despite giving each one a glance as it passed by.
Ding.
The second the three minutes had transpired, the countdown box disappeared, and a smaller one reappeared over Jak's head. A large 300 sat in the middle of it with the amount of time, three full minutes, sitting just beneath it.
"Jak Yanda. You may clear the area. You have passed the second test." Flora was the first one to speak up, breaking the lengthy silence that had followed after the first Goblins death. She quickly scribbled down the information in the box, easily shifting back to her professional attitude and commanding demeanor. "Anom, Korin. You may step up and begin the assessment the moment the field is available."
The youths walk back towards the group, which was tense, to say the least. After everyone had witnessed the boys immense physical capabilities, the entire group was left on edge, awaiting to see what he would do next.
Their worries held no weight, however, as Jak trekked past them, not even giving them so much as a second glance.
"May I do the last test?" Jak asked, stopping in front of Flora. "Or will it be the same as last time?"
Flora glanced at the youth, brown orbs sizing him up. "Very well. There's no need for you to sit around here and wait for us. Go on and do what you need to do."
Jak nodded and turned around without another word, heading to the other end of the large room where a small wooden door rested. Margaret immediately wanted to reach out and stop the youth, but the other receptionist stopped her, giving a small shake of her head.
"You already saw what he's capable of," Flora explained. "There's no reason for us to keep him here. He already has enough points to complete this Trial, so just let it go."
"But the rules-"
"Are flexible when one reaches a certain level of power," Flora finished. "This is one of those cases."
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Walking through the wooden door at the end of the Goblin room, Jak didn't really have any sort of expectations on the next Trial. Having bested the last two assessments with relative ease, most would have been confident in their abilities or at least be at peace with whatever came next, especially considering they would have already met the qualifications to pass. It was natural for one to feel some form of intense emotion when going into the final phase of their Exam, regardless of whatever that feeling happened to be. However the only feeling running through Jak was a painful nostalgia. Memories of past events flashed through the youths head as he walked down the lengthy hallway connecting the Goblin room and the final Trial.
"Jak Yanda. I will now issue my verdict. You have failed the Final Trial."
Frustration, anger, sadness. So many emotions welled up inside the youth from the emergence of memories that had long been suppressed. However, they were fought back down just as quickly, pushed under the rug before they could fully rear their heads. There was no need for negative emotions where he was heading and Jak knew it quite well.
After what felt like an eternity, the youth finally made it to the end of the hallway, pushing his way through the wooden door attached to it.
Closing the door behind him, Jak took a quick look at his surroundings before making his way forward, crimson hues flicking in every direction. Despite knowing nothing had changed in the last four years, he couldn't help but absorb every detail.
It was a large square room just like the one prior, but that's where the similarities ended. Weapons of all kinds filled the entirety of the right wall while items both new and familiar to the redhead lined the opposite one. The floor was made of tile instead of metal, and the ceiling was composed of hard crystals, of which brightly glowed, fully enveloping the entire area. Positioned near the head of the room, the furthest spot from the door, a small table was placed in the corner, complete with two sturdy oak chairs. On top of the table sat a kettle and two tea cups. An older looking individual sat in one of the chairs drinking from one of those tea cups, patiently watching Jak scan the interior.
"Ah. It seems my first challenger has arrived." The tea drinker set down his cup, a smile slowly forming. "You're here early. I wasn't expecting any visitors for another hour or so."
"Hello there," Jak responded, giving a slight bow. "My name is Jak Yanda. I'm a Reinstatement."
"Oh, is that so?" An unknown emotion flashed through the man's eyes when Jak said his name. "How very interesting. Well then, I guess I should introduce myself. Seems only proper to reciprocate since you've demonstrated such courtesy."
The man calmly pushed his seat back and rose up from the chair. Jak hadn't noticed it before, but the stranger was actually quite tall, easily topping out at 200cm when fully standing. Suited up in a white button-down, black tie, black slacks, and equally dark tuxedo, the gentleman filled the appearance of a butler perfectly. Positioned on the right shoulder of the coat was a white hexagon, a symbol of a white rabbit situated in the center of it. Neatly trimmed brown hair, black eyes, and pale skin, everything about the individual screamed prim and proper, not a speck of dirt or misplaced hair anywhere to be seen.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the man said, giving a slight bow, hand on front as if he were cradling his stomach. "I'm Lugoh, butler to the glorious House Raine and current proctor for the third trial of the Adventurer Exam. It's an honor to meet you."
Raising up from his position, the gentleman walked back to his seat and picked up a wooden stick that had been leaning against the table. After twirling it a few times, he moved towards the center of the room, waving his hand for Jak to join him.
"Let's get our match underway," Lugoh said, a wide smile on his weathered face. "Feel free to choose from any of the weapons and items you'd like. They're completely at your disposal."
Jak gave a small nod, and walked towards one he had already eyed on the walk in, a medium-sized curved bamboo sword hanging near the floor. Feeling the weight on the palm of his hands, the redhead nodded again in satisfaction before returning to stand before Lugoh, sword raised and ready.
"Passing is simple. All you have to do is attack me with everything you have, no holding back." Lugoh took a stance of his own, tucking one hand behind him and the other raising his sword straight up. "I'll use what's displayed to come to a conclusion."
Jak narrowed his eyes and leaned forward.
"Begin."
Boom! The moment Lugoh gave the go-ahead, Jak blitzed forth, slamming his sword down towards the butler's head.
(("He's quick for his age.")) The man remarked, casually knocking the sword aside with his own. (("It's already clear that physical abilities are nothing to scoff at. Based on strength alone, he's already well into Gold rank territory."))
Chak. Chak. Chak.
Jak struck at Lugoh again and again, his blade of wood unceasing and unrelenting no matter how many times it was deflected or pushed back. Then, without warning, he abruptly changed the flow, switching for a low kick after another one of his strikes was parried.
(("Huh. Attempting to adapt when the situation was going nowhere.")) Lugoh tilted his head as the foot made contact with his ankle. It didn't hurt him, but he most definitely felt how much strength was put into it. (("Lots of people would have fell for that. Not a bad move by any means. Certainly knows how way around a street fight, at least."))
Moving from his current spot, the gentleman allowed Jak to take control of the fight, parrying the youths advances and switching up in attacks at his own leisure. Every swing of the sword, every punch, every kick was carefully analyzed, down to the last movement, nothing escaping Lugoh's gaze. Even when the redhead became wild and unorthodox with his swings, he merely took note of them, blocking them all with minimal effort. Eventually, after the fight had gone on for a minute or so, the man took a step away from Jak and held up a hand, making it clear that he wanted to halt the match.
"That's enough for the time being." Lugoh said, lowering his sword to the ground. "I've definitely seen more than enough to come to a decision. Further examination would be a frivolous waste of our time."
Jak stopped midswing, red eyes locked onto the butler. "You're done?"
"Yeah. We're finished here," Lugoh said, shifting away from the boys' intense gaze. "There isn't any need to continue."
Jak relaxed his pose, arm lowering his blunt weapon towards the floor.
"Jak Yanda. You have passed the final Trial."
"Yeah. I think it's pretty insan- oh. Jak. You're back."
Mako abruptly bid farewell to the individual he had been conversing with and sauntered his way over to Jak, of whom had just walked out of the Exam rooms double oak doors. A smile spread across the youths visage, red hues taking note of Jak's slightly feculent t-shirt and roughed up frame. Having been through the Trials himself, the blue haired teen could predict what had most likely transpired and what had put the redhead into such a soiled state. And found the whole thing hysterical.
"You look like a comp-"
Jak glared at him. "Comment on my appearance and I'll cut you."
Letting out a boisterous laugh, Mako held up the blanket he had been holding since Jak's exit. "How're you going to do that without your weapon."
"Give it back," Jak demanded, holding out his hand.
The teen shook his head, holding it away from his friends outstretched hand. "You want it, you're gonna have to grab it from me. Otherwise, I'm keeping it."
Jak's face slightly twitched, his previously emotionless face briefly flashing with irritation before once again assuming it's usual look. Stepping forward, the youth attempted to snatch the katana from the blanket, but his hand only clawed the air as Mako moved it to the other side of himself. Moving quicker this time, Jak endeavored once more to retrieve his sword, before meeting with the same result, his hands unable to keep up with his blue haired friend. The frustration from earlier reappeared, this time staying on the redheads face. Swiping a few more times, Jak eventually gave up trying to grab it and tackled Mako to the ground, dragging Mako onto the white marbled floor.
"Ummm. Excuse me."
The two of them halted their skirmish after moments of struggling, Jak's hand pushing Makos cheek against the floor and the blue haired teens palm shoving the redheads chin. The katana from before had slid quite a distance away, tumbling out of the blanket and onto the smooth ground beneath, it's black sheath on full display. Standing over the weapon was a rather tall individual, one easily discernable from the common masses as a WGC worker, thanks to the crisp black uniform that all of the staff were required to wear. With black hair and soft eyes, Mako quickly recognized the new arrival as Junji Atwon, fellow receptionist to Flora and Margaret, a young man who normally kept to himself when not at the desk assisting those who passed through.
"Sorry to bother you, but could you take your scuffle elsewhere," Junji leaned forward, his gentle tone barely reaching the two boys. "If it's not too much trouble."
It took a second, but the duo eventually seemed to remember where they were, their eyes flitting around WGC building and those few who still happened to reside in it. Once they figured out their mistake, they hastily separated themselves, brushing their garments off as the two rose back onto their feet.
"Sorry Junji," Mako replied, readjusting his cloak and staff. "Got a little carried away."
"Oh. No worries." Junji swiftly shook his head, a sympathetic look on his face. Kneeling down, he made an attempt at picking up the katana. "I'm quite used to the way you do things already."
"Wait, don't-"
Jak spoke up the moment he saw what Junji was going for, even stepping forward in a futile effort to prevent the receptionist from making contact. As Junji's hand wrapped around the sheath and lifted it off the ground, smoke rose up from the beneath the man's fingers and a sizzle could be heard. Within a moment of holding the katana, the receptionist dropped it back onto the ground, shaking his hand as if it was on fire, his palm and fingers sporting some freshly made burns.
"-Touch it." Jak finished, watching the male clutch his wrist in agony. Kneeling down, he picked up the fallen sword and reattached it to his waist beneath his cloak.
Whipping out a small vial of red liquid from under his own cloak, Mako uncorked the top of it and slathered the contents over Junji's hand. Almost immediately, the redness began to fade and the painful expression on the receptionists face gradually relaxed, his furrowed black hues returning to their soft demeanor. Giving his hand a little wiggle, Junji nodded in satisfaction, glancing back at Jak before slipping back to the counter at a rather brisk pace.
"It was gonna happen eventually," Mako noted, red hues observing Junji's retreating back. "Shame it had to be with him."
"Yeah. I should have let you touch it instead." Jak turned around, moving towards the smaller door near the enormous oak ones. The large white symbol in the middle of the cloak stood out against the dark background, catching Mako's eye as the redhead strolled away.
Mako made a face. He didn't cast criticism over his fellow Rookie's remark, opting instead to close the distance between them as they left the WGC. Having full confidence that his redheaded acquaintance had passed the Reinstatement, he didn't bother asking for such trivial information, even for the sake of conversation. Given the way his friend was acting since his arrival, it was highly unlikely Jak would've even responded to a query with such an obvious answer. With how reserved and cold he had been, Mako was actually surprised that the teen had been speaking to him at all, even going so far as to indulge in horseplay when he couldn't get his sword back. Whilst he understood the reasoning behind Jak's seemingly abrasive personality, the blue haired teen was quite pleased to know that there was still a tad piece of the old Jak left even after everything that had happened.
"So. What happened to your clothes," Mako asked, choosing a question that would elicit some sort of reaction. "Was it the Goblin Guard?"
Jak snubbed the blue haired teens question for a little while, his crimson hues studiously fixated on the path ahead. Others might've wondered if the redhead had even heard his friends inquiry and promptly repeated it, but Mako knew the redhead had registered every word.
"No." Jak finally answered. "It was from the pro Rift Hunter."
"Oh. Gotcha." Mako didn't say anything after that, merely matching his comrades pace as they traversed the lanes.
The soft rays of the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bright haired duo as they trekked through the city streets in silence. People milled about whilst chatting amongst themselves, beast pulled carriages and magic vehicles passed by regularly, and shops and stalls began to stir and change as the night drew ever so closer. The innards of Intok Kingdoms Capitol were always moving, it's residents and visitors unceasing in their daily activities, even when the night eventually rolled through. It made sense though considering the area near the center of Intok housed everything one would need, from common necessities for the people to the WGC branches for the everyday adventurer.
It was lively, always had been.
Not much had really changed in the last three years, at least not in Jak's opinion. Everyone in the city still meandered around without a care in the world, smiles on their faces, no visible signs of distress or negativity. The shops from the past still carried the same appearance, though with different ads and decorations, some of them even having the exact same deals up from years prior.
The young teen didn't care about any of it.
When he looked around, at the city he grew up in, he felt nothing. Even with all of the fond memories and good times he had, maneuvering it's vast twists and turns and exploring everything it had to offer, he couldn't summon forth any sort of positive emotion. He could easily recognize the hate, anger, frustration, and slew of other feelings bubbling just beneath the surface. However, try as he might, Jak failed to feel the warmth he used to possess when walking the streets of Intok, the sense of wonder and amazement he had when he was naught but a small child. It was completely erased. All that remained was a sense of emptiness and cold indifference, of which was displayed as he ignored those few kind passerbys who would wave to him and Mako when they strolled past.
"Whew, that was quite a workout. How about we go get some grub? Grape juice and spaghetti on me. Take it as a gift for a job well done."
Jak shook his head, shoving a rising memory to the side, refusing to acknowledge it.
"So, where're we headed?" Mako threw out a small question, interrupting Jak's internal conflict, snapping the redhead back to the present. "I'm guessing you want to head to Uncle Hadok's right?"
"Hadok," Jak tilted his head, an upwelling of past events flashed through the youths mind the moment he heard the name. "Sure. Lets go there."
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