After the meeting, everyone dispersed to their rooms. Though still in shock, their survival instincts helped them adapt at least a little. Along the way, the classmates discussed their decisions. Rai, along with her friends Raina, Evfrosiniya, and Aurora, headed to the main garden to distract themselves from heavy thoughts. There, the friends decided to ask Rai why she wanted to join the war.
"Well, I don't know why, but it seems to me that we don't have any other choice. Their king has great influence, and if we refuse, he could tell the people about our decision in a way that makes us look like traitors. And besides, we promised to help her, didn't we?" Rai answered. "I don't think she'll just let us go back if we decline."
"But still, how can we fight monsters? We're not warriors, we've never served in the army!" Raina objected.
"Yeah, I think so too," Aurora agreed. "Could it really be as Muzaffar says? Do we actually have any powers to fight demons?"
"Even if we don't, we still need to find a way home," Rai said. "I don't want to stay here. If we don't fight, the army of darkness might destroy us as soon as they find us."
"She has a point," Evfrosiniya said thoughtfully. "I also think this is the right decision."
"Well, let's see how it goes. For now, let's return to our rooms and get some rest," Raina suggested.
After that, the girls parted ways and went back to their rooms.
The next morning, everyone went to the king to voice their answers. The wise king listened to them carefully and made his decision. To honor their choice, he organized a feast, and news of the heroes' decision to fight against the vile monsters spread among the people. The townsfolk began to hail them as the saviors of the world.
The boys eagerly enjoyed the feast, and the night passed in a cheerful atmosphere. However, the most nerve-wracking moment awaited them the next morning: the test of their abilities and magic. Despite agreeing to fight, the fear of the unknown lingered. The ritual involving the Box of Fate proved especially unsettling.
When the moment came, Rai was the first to undergo the trial. She took the box, raised it to her head, and closed her eyes. At that very moment, a snow-white rose appeared before her, shining like fresh snow under the morning sun. It emitted a faint coldness that simultaneously brought warmth.
When Rai opened her eyes, a miniature version of the rose appeared on the box. The chief mage quickly announced her gift: "The Rose Unfolded in Frost." This gift allowed her to wield the magic of ice.
Seeing Rai pass the trial with ease, the others began to gather courage.
Aurora went next. She repeated the same steps but saw before her a multitude of people she didn't know, yet she felt a strong connection to them. She could sense their presence as if they were nearby. The chief mage, impressed, explained that her gift was "The Inner Sight," which allows one to peer into the souls and minds of others.
Raina was next. When she closed her eyes, she found herself in a bright meadow bathed in sunlight. There, she saw a symbolic heart radiating light. The chief mage explained:
"People with the gift of healing often carry a deep emotional wound within themselves. Their souls are so pure that they can heal not only the body but also the soul of others."
Evfrosiniya, who stepped up next, saw a glowing silhouette of a girl reaching out her hands to light the way for others. The image seemed incredibly familiar to her, as if she were looking at herself.
"The gift of 'Divine Connection' is rare and unique. It allows you to link the powers of others, creating something new. You are the unifying force of your team," the mage explained.
Risolat also received "The Inner Sight," like Aurora. The mage was astonished that two heroines shared the same gift and praised them.
Mahmud was the first of the boys to undergo the trial. He saw a chameleon, and the mage declared his gift to be "Transparent Water," which allows him to become invisible.
Namoz did not receive a magical gift but instead gained exceptional skill with a weapon. His power manifested as a hammer, which he accepted with joy.
Jasur acquired fire magic. His gift, called "The Volcanic Chimera," not only gave him control over fire but also allowed him to summon a magical creature.
Abdukhamid and Nozim had similar gifts: "Berserk," which enhanced their physical abilities in critical situations.
Nodir discovered that his gift, "The Tyranny of Terror," made him invincible against an enemy who felt fear.
Sherzod possessed the gift of "The Prism of Perfection," allowing him to control anything weaker than himself.
After completing the ritual, the king escorted the heroes to the main castle, where mentors awaited them. Despite the fear of what lay ahead, a glimmer of hope burned in each of their hearts.