The soldiers began to organize the summoned into rows, and Captain Radek raised his voice to explain the trials they would face. "Today, you will prove whether you have the physical and mental endurance to deserve the mana core granted to you. You will undertake five trials. Make no mistake—only the best will earn recognition."
The summoned exchanged nervous glances, aware that even the slightest mistake could see them cast aside. Radek stood before the group, assessing them with a chilling coldness, and then pointed toward the first test area.
First Trial: Endurance Run
The first trial was an endurance run across rugged, rocky terrain. The summoned had to run a considerable distance, climbing and descending a series of hills, battling the uneven ground that threatened to trip them at every step.
Luther felt the fresh air filling his lungs as he pushed forward, each stride propelling him onward, his determination keeping him going. Several summoned began to fall behind, exhausted by the incline and the relentless pace, but he kept moving without stopping. When he reached the finish line, muscles burning and heart pounding, he saw that only one other participant had arrived before him. Borik arrived shortly after, sweating profusely but with a satisfied expression.
Second Trial: Rope Climb
In the next trial, the summoned had to climb a rope hanging from the top of a wooden structure. The rope was slicked with oil, making each ascent even harder and turning every grip into a constant struggle to hold on.
Luther felt pain in his hands and arms as he climbed, his fingers slipping with each attempt. But his resolve was unbreakable. He forced himself not to look down, focusing solely on reaching the top. Though his muscles were trembling by the end, he was the first to complete the climb, and when he descended, his hands were red and sore. Borik managed to climb too, though it took him a bit longer.
Third Trial: Strength Test
The third trial was a test of strength, in which the summoned had to lift a massive stone from the ground and hold it over their heads for several seconds. The stone, rough and heavy, was almost impossible to lift for those without the physical strength required.
Luther positioned himself, gripping the stone with both hands, and used his entire body to lift it. His arm and back muscles burned, but he managed to keep it held high until Captain Radek called time. As he set the stone back down, breathing hard, he noticed that few had managed to hold it as long as he had. Borik, with a strained look, managed to hold it just a few seconds longer than Luther, earning the respect of several companions and a faint nod of approval from Radek.
Fourth Trial: Survival in Water
The next trial required them to swim across a dark, murky pond with a weight strapped to their bodies, making it even more challenging. The water was freezing, and the weight made every stroke a struggle to keep his head above water.
Luther plunged into the water and felt the cold hit him like a punch, stealing his breath, but he began swimming, his movements firm and determined. The weight pulled him downward, but he refused to let it win. Finally, after an exhausting struggle, he emerged from the water, gasping, his body shaking. Borik also managed to cross, though with difficulty, and as he reached the shore, he gave Luther a clap on the shoulder, both sharing a look of exhaustion and respect.
Fifth Trial: Obstacle Race with Weapons
The final trial was an obstacle race where the summoned had to jump walls, crawl under wires, and slog through mud while carrying a sword. It was a long course, filled with traps and slippery surfaces.
Luther moved with agility, clearing obstacles and dodging wires. Despite the mud that covered him and the challenges of the terrain, he reached the finish line without stopping, breathing hard and body exhausted but satisfied with having completed the course. Borik arrived a few seconds later, panting but grinning broadly.
When all the summoned had finished the trials, Captain Radek gathered the group in the training grounds. As the summoned lined up, the captain walked in front of them, his stern, disapproving gaze scanning each face.
"Today, you have shown your physical capabilities. Most of you barely meet the standards needed to survive in this world, but a few of you have shown qualities worthy of mention." Radek paused, watching as the summoned held their breath, their eyes filled with tension and expectation.
"I'm going to name the top five from today's trials. Remember again that this is merely a basic test to show that you are minimally useful—don't let it go to your heads just because you've stood out in something this simple."
Radek's voice was loud, firm, and he began to call out names.
"Top 1: Naomi," he announced, pointing to a young woman of agile build, with dark hair tied back and a calm yet alert expression. Naomi stepped forward, and though she kept a composed expression, her eyes reflected pride.
"Top 2: Luther," Radek continued, his eyes fixed on him. Luther felt a mix of relief and pride as he stepped forward, conscious of the pressure from his peers' gazes.
"Top 3: Ithan," Radek said, addressing a boy with a sharp look and compact build, who observed everything with a calculating expression. Ithan stepped forward, sizing up his companions with a slight smirk of self-assurance.
"Top 4: Borik." Borik, who had already cracked a smile before being named, stepped forward proudly, briefly looking at Luther and giving him a nod of camaraderie.
"And finally, Top 5: Elise," Radek concluded, pointing to a blonde young woman, slender but with defined muscles, who had a piercing and determined look. Elise stepped forward, and though she didn't smile, a spark of satisfaction was evident in her expression.
Radek let his gaze linger on the five top performers, as if analyzing their faces, perhaps looking for any hint of weakness or doubt. "You have shown the potential to achieve something in your lives, but don't make the mistake of thinking you've achieved anything yet," he warned in a sharp tone. "This is only the beginning."
The five stood firm, and Radek continued issuing orders to the rest of the group, pointing the way to their temporary quarters.
Luther, along with Naomi, Ithan, Borik, and Elise, felt the weight of expectations—both his own and those of others. He knew this was just the start, but standing out had given him a push to face whatever lay ahead.