The next morning, the atmosphere in New Bastion was electric. Rafael, accompanied by Myra, made his way to one of the massive silver domes in the heart of the city. These structures, known as "the Arenas," were famous for hosting major events, but today, they served as the venue for the first phase of evaluation for the Alliance's new candidates.
Inside, the chosen ones were gathered in a vast circular hall. Holograms projected instructions above their heads as Alliance emissaries oversaw the organization. Rafael felt the tension rise as he observed the faces around him. Some candidates seemed confident, chatting among themselves or discreetly showcasing their powers, while others, like him, appeared more reserved, silently assessing their chances.
An emissary in a black uniform stepped forward onto a raised platform. "Welcome, everyone," he declared in a firm voice that echoed through the hall. "You have been selected for this stage because of your exceptional abilities. But joining the Alliance is not a right. It is a privilege. Today, you must prove that you have the strength, mastery, and determination required to protect Earth and its inhabitants."
The emissary gestured, and the walls of the hall lit up, revealing several passages leading to individual chambers. "Each candidate will undergo a unique trial tailored to their abilities. You will be evaluated on your control, creativity, and ability to respond to the unexpected. Good luck."
Rafael exchanged a glance with Myra, who gave him an encouraging smile before being called to one of the passages. When his name echoed through the hall, he took a deep breath and walked toward the corridor assigned to him.
He entered an entirely white room where the air seemed charged with energy. A hologram appeared in front of him, projected by an invisible device. "Rafael D. Ryu, bearer of the Starlight Essence," announced a mechanical voice. "Your trial begins now."
Suddenly, the floor trembled slightly, and humanoid shapes made of pure light emerged before him. They had no faces, but their movements were quick and precise. Rafael realized he had to face them.
Instinctively, he raised his hand, concentrating his energy. A bluish glow enveloped his fingers before transforming into a beam of light that struck one of the figures. It wavered before disappearing, but two others immediately took its place. Rafael quickly understood that brute force alone would not suffice here.
He remembered the advice his father had given him when he began mastering his powers: "Observe your environment. Find the flow." Looking around, he noticed subtle patterns on the floor, pulsing in rhythm with the movements of the light figures. If he could synchronize his attacks with this flow, he might have a chance.
Focusing intently, Rafael waited for the precise moment when the patterns intensified. When he released his energy this time, it dispersed into an arc that struck several figures at once. The creatures wavered before disappearing entirely. A voice echoed in the room: "First test completed."
Before he could celebrate, the floor opened beneath his feet, and he fell into another section of the chamber. This time, he was surrounded by moving obstacles—walls, pillars, and blocks that seemed intent on crushing him. The challenge was clear: he had to navigate this zone without getting trapped.
Rafael relied on his agility, narrowly dodging a pillar that came crashing down. He quickly noticed that some blocks glowed with a light similar to his own power. By touching them, he could manipulate them to create safe paths. The challenge became a balancing act between speed and strategy. After what felt like an eternity, he reached the other side of the room, breathless but victorious.
A door opened ahead, and he entered a chamber where an Alliance emissary awaited him. The man, imposing and clad in black armor adorned with the Alliance's symbol, regarded him with interest. "Impressive," he said simply. "But this is only the beginning."
Rafael frowned, intrigued. "You mean there are more tests?"
The emissary smirked. "Each trial is designed to reveal not only your strength but also your potential. You've demonstrated creativity and control, but join the others. Final results will be announced tomorrow."
Rafael nodded and left, his heart still pounding. He found Myra in a waiting room where other candidates were sharing their experiences. Some seemed enthusiastic, others demoralized. Myra, however, wore a triumphant smile.
"Well?" she asked.
"Not easy, but I think I managed," Rafael replied, sitting beside her. "And you?"
"A walk in the park," she joked. "Well, if you ignore the traps falling from the ceiling."
Rafael smiled, but he couldn't help reflecting on the emissary's enigmatic words. This day had only strengthened his resolve: he wanted to understand what the Alliance truly represented and what role he could play in this organization.