Chapter three : A Mysterious World and a New Beginning
As Adari traveled with his father in the carriage towards the martial arts school, sunlight filtered through the trees along the path, filling him with excitement. He couldn't hide his joy as he took in the scenery, imagining his life as a student at the school.
In a far-off place, on a sunlit green hill, two men in black robes stood at the top of a slope. The first, with dark, mysterious eyes, spoke in a deep, sorrowful tone to his companion, whose eyes were a golden yellow :
« Why does this world conspire against the good-hearted, the innocent ? I understand it seeks balance, but even this world is a creature that can make mistakes, provoking the wrong people…"
The man with golden eyes closed his own and responded in a rhythmic, almost song-like voice : « Ta ta tara ta… Want to see something amazing ? Come to our world—a world filled with cries and suffering. It's a world where you can't tell friend from foe. A world whose beings care for nothing but balance—the balance that will soon exact a costly price. Fear has awakened, and everyone is trembling. Let us clear the way for the Lord of Fear and hope the worst doesn't happen… and perhaps this foolish world might learn. »
The man with dark eyes laughed quietly and murmured, "Yes, perhaps you're right. All we can do is try to minimize this world's mistakes, though I doubt we can make much difference. It may already be watching us…"
Back with Adari and his father, they arrived at the district of Silvara, with its grand buildings and bustling markets. Adari gazed in awe at the street vendors and crowds around him, then followed his father toward a large gate surrounded by a high wall, flanked by two guards standing on either side.
His father approached one of the guards and said, "I'd like to register my son for the school entrance exam."
The guard replied seriously, "Entry fee is ten copper coins."
His father handed over the coins, and they entered a wide courtyard filled with other applicants. A middle-aged man greeted them, saying, "Please tell me the name of the applicant."
Adari's father answered, "Ramha Adari."
The man said, "Please proceed over there and wait for the test to begin."
The Entrance Exam Challenges
After a short wait, a sturdy instructor appeared and announced in a loud voice, "Welcome, everyone ! Today you will be taking the entrance exam for the martial arts school. This is a challenging exam, and only the strong will pass. There are four stages you must complete. Only those who pass all four stages will be admitted."
Adari felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as he prepared to take on the challenges.
Stage One : Physical Endurance. The applicants were required to run a long distance over rough terrain filled with obstacles. Despite the fatigue, Adari pushed through, jumping over hurdles and muddy patches, finally completing the first stage.
Stage Two : Precision and Weapon Control. Each applicant was given a wooden sword and tasked with striking moving targets hanging from ropes. Adari focused carefully, managing to hit the target accurately, ensuring he passed the second stage.
Stage Three : A one-on-one match against an assistant instructor. When it was Adari's turn, he focused on dodging the instructor's strikes, relying on his agility and balance. He managed to endure until the end of the match.
Stage Four : Spiritual Talent Test
After passing the first three stages, the instructor announced the final test. "The fourth stage measures your spiritual talent. By the age of ten, one's spiritual veins typically begin to mature, determining both absorption speed and talent potential."
The applicants were directed to a table where a large crystal orb glowed with a faint light. Each child would place their hand on the orb, which would light up with a number of stars, reflecting the child's talent. The more stars that appeared, the greater the talent, showing higher potential for absorbing energy and developing skills.
It was now Adari's turn. He stepped forward confidently and placed his hand on the orb. For a moment, nothing happened, then three stars lit up within the crystal, indicating an average talent, though close to being good.
The instructor smiled, saying, "Three stars of talent. Not extraordinary, but solid enough for admission. You have the potential to improve over time."
Adari breathed a sigh of relief and felt proud. He had successfully passed all stages and proven himself worthy of joining the school.
He looked at his father, who was beaming with pride, and realized that his dream was beginning to take shape, marking the start of his journey toward strength and purpose.