The days leading up to the test were grueling. Lucas and Finn threw themselves into their training with an intensity born of determination and desperation. Each morning, Astrid drilled them in the fundamentals: stance, footwork, and timing. Every evening, she pushed them to their limits with sparring and endurance exercises, testing not just their physical strength but their mental fortitude.
"This isn't about brute force," Astrid reminded them often. "A true knight knows when to strike, where to strike, and how to use every ounce of their strength wisely. Sloppy efforts will only get you killed."
Despite their exhaustion, both boys absorbed her teachings, their bond strengthening as they trained side by side. Lucas's strikes grew more fluid, his movements more deliberate. Finn's balance and reaction times improved, his agility shining in their sparring sessions.
Their determination was fueled by the promise of what lay ahead. Astrid had told them that passing the test would mark the end of the second step in their journey. If they succeeded, they would begin their path toward true knighthood—learning magic, cultivation, advanced techniques, and the discipline required to wield such power responsibly.
The idea of magic in particular fascinated Lucas. He'd heard stories of knights who could summon flames, control winds, or bend the very earth to their will. It seemed like a dream, yet Astrid's unwavering confidence made him believe it was within reach—if they proved themselves worthy.
The day of the test arrived with a crisp chill in the air. The camp gathered around the training field, a sense of anticipation rippling through the crowd. Soldiers and civilians alike had heard whispers of the challenge and were eager to see the outcome.
Lucas and Finn stood at the edge of the field, their weapons in hand and their hearts pounding. Astrid waited for them in the center, her armor polished to a mirror-like sheen and her sword resting casually at her side. Despite her calm demeanor, the aura she exuded was intimidating, a reminder of her immense skill and experience.
"The rules are simple," Astrid said, her voice carrying over the gathered crowd. "Your task is to land a single hit on me. Just one. It doesn't matter where or how—it could be the faintest touch, and it will count. But make no mistake…" She unsheathed her sword with a sharp metallic ring, the blade catching the light. "I won't make it easy."
Lucas swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his weapon. Finn glanced at him, offering a small, reassuring nod.
"We're in this together," Finn whispered.
"Always," Lucas replied, his voice steady despite the nerves coursing through him.
The two boys stepped onto the field, their resolve unshakable. Astrid raised her sword, her stance relaxed but poised, and gave them a faint smirk. "Begin."
The first attempt was disastrous. Lucas charged forward, his movements telegraphed, and Astrid sidestepped him with ease. Finn tried to flank her, but her blade intercepted his strike effortlessly, knocking him off balance.
"You're too predictable," Astrid said, her tone calm but critical. "Anticipate your opponent's movements. Don't just react—plan."
The second attempt wasn't much better. Lucas and Finn coordinated their attack this time, trying to catch Astrid between them. But she moved like a shadow, evading their strikes with minimal effort and countering with precise, controlled blows that left them scrambling.
For days, this pattern continued. Each morning, they faced Astrid, their frustration mounting as she deflected, dodged, and parried every move they made. Their bodies ached, their confidence wavered, but neither of them gave up.
"It's not about beating her," Finn muttered one evening as they sat by the campfire, nursing their bruises. "It's about finding an opening. She can't be invincible."
Lucas nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "We'll figure it out. We just have to keep trying."
On the fourth day of the test, something changed. Lucas and Finn had spent the previous night reviewing every failed attempt, analyzing Astrid's movements and patterns. They noticed subtle shifts in her stance when she prepared to counter, the way her focus darted between them when they attacked simultaneously.
When they stepped onto the field that morning, they were ready.
The first exchange was familiar—Astrid deflected their strikes with ease, her movements fluid and precise. But Lucas and Finn didn't falter. They adjusted their timing, their positions, their angles.
Lucas lunged, his blade sweeping toward her midsection. Astrid sidestepped, her sword coming up to block—but Finn was already moving, his strike aimed at her exposed flank.
For a split second, Astrid hesitated. It was all Lucas needed. He shifted his grip and thrust his blade forward, grazing her gauntlet.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Astrid stepped back, lowering her sword with a faint smile. "Well done," she said, her tone carrying a note of genuine pride. "You've passed."
Lucas and Finn stared at her, stunned, before the realization sank in. They had done it.
Astrid raised her voice to address the crowd. "These two have shown resilience, determination, and the ability to learn from their failures. They've proven themselves worthy of the next step."
The camp erupted into applause and cheers, soldiers clapping them on the back and civilians shouting congratulations. The tension of the past few days melted away, replaced by a sense of triumph and camaraderie.
That evening, the camp celebrated. A feast was prepared, with roasted meat, fresh bread, and whatever else could be spared. Laughter and music filled the air as soldiers shared stories and toasted to Lucas and Finn's success.
Lucas sat by the fire, a plate of food in his lap and a grin he couldn't suppress. Finn was beside him, his usual quiet demeanor replaced by an easy smile.
"You did good out there," Finn said, nudging Lucas with his elbow.
"So did you," Lucas replied. "Couldn't have done it without you."
Astrid approached them, her expression softer than usual. She held two small tokens—silver pendants etched with the emblem of a knight's sword and shield.
"These are symbols of your progress," she said, handing one to each of them. "You've earned the right to begin the next phase of your journey. But remember, this is only the beginning. There's still much to learn—and much to prove."
Lucas and Finn nodded, their hands closing around the pendants. The weight of the tokens was nothing compared to the weight of the promise they carried.
That night, as the celebration continued around them, Lucas looked up at the stars and felt something he hadn't in a long time—hope. For the first time since the invasion, he believed that they could become the knights they aspired to be.