Black Token

"The times are up, those who can stand, step forward; leave the rest behind."

The ancient voice resounded from the sky but this time the voice sounded a bit younger but there wasn't a shred of mercy in it; those who were capable of movement passed while those still unconscious weren't even given a choice and left alone in their state.

The people looked at their friends, comrades, and family who lay helplessly on the ground and sighed in regret and pity. They step forward and look at the person in the sky with determination.

There was nothing they could do, so some stayed silent, some were excited, some were sad, and some unreadable.

"You people need not worry about them, as long as they don't decide to return to their homes and stay in the outer area of this place, they can retake the first trial."

The majority of the people were dumbfounded hearing such a thing, they didn't know about this.

 But some seem to have known and stayed with a normal expression. The village chief son was also one of them. Before their shock could be diminished, the voice continued before they could raise any questions, 

"That is only if your age doesn't exceed 18." the voice said, continuing,

"From ancient times till today, one could only participate in the two trials of a master during the early adult phase; that is during the years, 15 to 18.

Those who failed in their first time taking the trial are called retakers. These trial retakers are also called second retakers, or third retakers for the people who failed the second and third, there is also the last; the final retaker who previously failed both the previous chances. 

This is all but common knowledge, it's just that people from the Desolate Plane had no knowledge of it because of the limited touch and communication with the mainland. But of course, these retakers' disadvantages outweighed the advantages. So, don't have any idea of taking the trial later." 

The voice warned them lastly and it did a very good job for those who have had the idea of retaking the trial with their friends who couldn't pass now.

Airi with many others was naturally happy with such an outcome, she was a kind soul and couldn't see the people who came with her left behind.

In the high sky, the younger-looking man had a grin on his face, looking at the relieved bunch. The old man just stood at the back, witnessing the scene.

"Now, before I announce the initial phase of the second trial, I want to give you all two warnings. The next trial is set on the place beyond The Boundaries, called Other Side; it is the world on the other side of that white barrier," the voice paused.

There was a pin drop silent.

The rustling of trees from the mountains and the forest far away could be heard in this place.

Of the several thousand all had varied expressions. Shock, fear, excitement, horror, and there was even disdain.

The voice again continues,

"The first warning is that, when you enter that boundary to the Other Side, whether you pass the trial or not, you will not be able to come to this place again. But, that doesn't mean you cannot come back to your homes, it will only take 'some' time to do so," the voice highlights the word some.

Most seem to have already known this outcome but still couldn't help but shudder.

"Second, the world of the Other Side is filled with unsurmountable danger and no one knows what exists in the depths of it, but luckily, where you will be going has almost no real danger, but in this trial, the mortality rate is high from the competitions, so entering this trial means you should be prepared to forfeit your life."

Like the first time, although they already heard of the chance of one death inside, when the voice of the sky said it out, the effect was hundreds of times more effective than their seniors.

Some faces lost all color and some knees went weak, especially when the voice said the last part some people's legs gave up; falling to the ground.

They were just ordinary mortal who just wanted to become a master so, this psychological attack him them hard.

Airi wasn't looking good as she tightly grabbed unto White's robes.

White had returned not long before times were up, he went to follow that man named Frez who had approached him. Having followed him, he didn't find anything except for the person covered in a cloak; fruitless, he had to return but he did gather some useful information on the way.

A certain cold light passed through White's eyes hearing the announcement.

White scoffed, even if they said there was a god in there, he would still enter. He had been desperate in the village to the point his third leg was growing out wanting to run away.

"Little Chief, what should we do, it seems this trial is more dangerous than we thought," a short boy who came together with White's group said in consternation. 

Everybody from the village called the village chief son; Little Chief, it was natural since he would take up the role in the future and it was also a show of respect to the Village Chief.

Everyone from the village looks at him for an answer.

"You don't have to worry much, as long as we all stick together it should be ok. But you must all follow my order if you want to pass and survive." Seeing the anxiety in them, he assures them.

As for taking command, he naturally thought it was his duty.

No one said anything to his word, they naturally knew the Little Chief was the leader of their generation, as he was stronger, wiser, and much braver than any of them; at least that was what they thought of him.

At that time, Lu came up to White looking at him in concern, "White, it will be too dangerous this time, you should listen to us when the time comes."

"..."

Seeing he didn't respond she was helpless, she didn't want any harm to come to him, and their Mother cared about White a lot and asked her to take care of him. With the danger increasing and White's head empty of any swordsmanship and survivable techniques, she knew she couldn't let him wander off anlone and decided to talk to him.

However she was helpless with him ignoring her, she looked at Airi who was out of it for some reason, and then turned to Young Ju beside him, who was currently looking at her!

Her eyes seemed to be saying something she couldn't interpret. 

After a moment, helpless; she returned to where Ruu and Leiju were.

"You should listen to Little Chief later on and not cause trouble, or you will be the first one to die or be punished!" shouted Leiju, who witnessed the scene now.

Although they were the same age he was superior to him in all ways. So, he has the right to scold him.

Ruu and the other orphans just nodded, they knew how problematic and troublesome White was. They don't want a death weight, especially one that would mess up and get them killed.

The Little Chief didn't say anything nor cared, he just stood in front. Unlike others, he didn't give any special attention to White, his only goal was the second trial.

White on the other hand, just kept quiet. The others thought he was acting just like his usual spoiled self or didn't dare talk back to the masses but, he just didn't want to waste his breath with these people. 

…

"Listened, the second trial will be a bit different and is divided into an initial and final phase," announced the younger-looking man, sweeping his hand in front. "Now, for the initial phase of the second trial,"

Woosh!

A mysterious power sweeps across the sky, causing changes.

Before anyone could comprehend anything numerous bright lights lit up the sky and descended to the ground.

In no time, in front of each and every participant, there was a blank black token that seemed to be made of some special stone lying on the ground.

The people were surprised! This was the first time they had seen magic, they all picked up a token that fell in front of them in wonder.

Did these things just appear from thin air? Was what the majority were wondering at the moment and confusion filled their head.

'It seems special, what is it made up of?' White didn't miss any of the show and examined the stone token.

At that time, the voice from the sky continued.

"The black token in your hands in its current state is called the participant token. It is you, your identity, and yourself. It is given to each and every participant and is a very important object to you. Remember this well!" He paused for a little continuing,

"It should be blank now so, drop a drop of blood into the token for it to activate. Inside is information about yourself." The voice went quiet after.

The people unconsciously tightened their fists upon hearing its importance, but they were confused by the blank surface. 

Hearing the voice, they hurriedly and painfully drop some blood on the token.

At the next moment, something magical happened.