The Night Guard's Test

The Night Guard's training ground was vast, stretching over acres of open space. Tall walls lined the perimeter, while different training zones—target ranges, sparring arenas, and obstacle courses—spread out in every direction.

Each area was large enough to accommodate dozens of soldiers at once, and the air carried an aura of discipline and danger. The faint metallic tang of blood and the occasional sound of weapons clashing added to its intimidating atmosphere.

The oppressive gloom that often hung over the village seemed to dissolve here, replaced by a murderous aura that made the training ground feel alive with latent energy.

At the registration area stood an unusual pair. One was a fat young man whose round frame and timid expression made him look like he had no business being there.

Beside him was a wiry teenager, standing about 1.75 meters tall, with a hint of muscle on his lean body. What drew attention, however, were his monkey-like ears that twitched as if picking up every whisper in the heavens.

"Hey, fatty, what are you doing here in the registration area?" the monkey-eared teenager sneered. "The Night Guard doesn't need a pet pig."

The fat young man, however, didn't even flinch. Perhaps it was because he was used to being mocked for his short and plump stature, or maybe it was because today he seemed unusually serious. He didn't spare the teenager so much as a glance.

'I heard from my grandfather that someone with a muscular build and a strange red ape on his shoulders would register today. That description fits him perfectly. I'll follow him this time, no matter what,' the fat young man thought to himself, recalling his conversation with his grandfather earlier that morning.

The young man's name was Wong, though most people called him Fatty Wong. He had no parents and was raised by his grandfather, a lumberjack who eked out a living chopping wood in the forest. Wong, following in his grandfather's footsteps, spent his days doing the same.

His life had been a monotonous cycle of hard labor and bullying, with little hope of change. His short and stubby stature meant he had no success in pursuing strength despite his determination.

But everything had changed the day he saw him. Wong had witnessed a man—ferocious and godlike—crush three thugs as if they were ants.

What amazed him even more was that the man resembled a young boy Wong once knew, someone who had also worked as a lumberjack.

Back then, that boy had been as helpless as Wong himself, always standing up to bullies but never truly escaping his pitiful fate.

Now, Wong stood in the training ground not just to register for the Night Guard but to follow the man who had transformed from a weakling into a beast. For the first time in his life, Wong felt a glimmer of hope.

"Hey, fatty, are you so scared you can't even speak?" The monkey-eared boy's voice snapped Wong out of his thoughts.

Before Wong could respond, a Night Guard member in dark armor stepped forward. Unlike Captain Long, who carried a massive battle axe, this guard carried a sharp longsword at his hip.

"Stop arguing. You're here to register, not bicker. Follow me—you're up for the test," the guard ordered, his tone curt and commanding.

But before they could move, a deep and commanding voice echoed through the area. "Where can I register?"

The voice carried an aura of majesty, not the refined dignity of an emperor but the raw, feral dominance of a king. All three turned toward the source, their faces filled with shock.

A towering man stood there, easily as tall as Captain Long. His frame was like forged steel, his muscles bulging grotesquely yet harmoniously, exuding an aura of overwhelming power.

His sharp, beast-like face was somehow handsome in its ferocity, and perched on his shoulder was a crimson ape with a piercing gaze that matched its master's.

The Night Guard member froze for a moment, overwhelmed by Wuji's momentum. "He-he-hey, we're about to start the test. Follow us," he stammered, unable to meet Wuji's eyes.

The monkey-eared teenager paled, his bravado evaporating as he shrank into himself. Even his peculiar ears seemed to droop. In contrast, Wong's eyes shone with admiration as he gazed at Wuji like a devout believer looking at a god.

'That's him. That's the boss,' Wong thought, his heart pounding.

Wuji's sharp gaze flicked to Wong for a brief moment. 'Isn't that the fat guy I saved? Well, whatever,' he thought before following the Night Guard member.

...

In the center of the training ground stood three massive stones, each marked with a number: 100, 300, and 500 kilograms. They gleamed faintly in the sunlight, their surfaces worn smooth from years of use.

"This is the test to join the Night Guard," the guard explained. "You need to lift the 100-kilogram stone at least two feet off the ground to qualify. The other stones are used by members to measure their strength."

The monkey-eared boy stepped forward, eager to get his test over with. He gripped the 100-kilogram stone, his face contorting with effort as he heaved it upward.

"AGHHHH!" he screamed, managing to lift it four feet off the ground before dropping it with a thud.

"Impressive," the guard said, handing him a badge. "Head to the registration hall to collect your armor and weapon. You're officially part of the Night Guard now."

Wuji stepped forward next, his towering presence silencing all around him. He didn't even glance at the 100 or 300-kilogram stones, heading straight for the largest one.

"Wait, is he…?" the guard started but trailed off as Wuji gripped the 500-kilogram stone with one hand and lifted it effortlessly.

"This is too easy," Wuji said, his voice calm and unimpressed. "Where's Captain Long? I need to speak with him."

The guard stammered, "H-he's at the captain's hall."

The guard hurriedly handed Wong a badge. "You're accepted," he said, his voice shaking as he ran off to report to Captain Long.

Wong stood frozen, the badge in his hand. "I didn't even take the test…" he muttered, before smiling. "It's the boss's blessing."

...

Inside the captain's hall, Captain Long was training, his powerful fists slamming into an iron dummy. Each punch sent a deafening whistle through the air, his technique precise and powerful.

BAM!

The door burst open as the Night Guard member stumbled in, panting heavily.

"Captain! A young man just lifted the 500-kilogram stone with one hand—effortlessly!"

Captain Long stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Let me guess. He had the momentum of a beast?"

The guard's eyes widened. "Yes, Captain! How did you know?"

A grin spread across Captain Long's face. "It seems the warrior we've been waiting for has arrived. Finally, we have someone capable of wiping out those demonic beasts."

He let out a booming laugh, his excitement barely contained. For years, Captain Long had struggled to fight even low-level demonic beasts. Now, for the first time, he felt hope.