Chapter 6 - The Trial Before the Journey

The day of the Academy entrance examination arrived.

The once-quiet training fields of Solna had transformed into a bustling assembly ground. Dozens of children from Solna and neighboring villages had gathered, their faces a mix of excitement, fear, and determination. Parents watched from the sidelines, whispering prayers and encouragement.

At the center of the gathering stood a lone figure—the examiner sent by the Capital City Academy.

He was a young man, no older than twenty, clad in a simple dark uniform emblazoned with the Academy's crest. His aura was sharp and overwhelming, the sheer force of his presence silencing the restless crowd. His name was Ardyn Vale, a fifth-year student and a peak Stellar Forger—the highest point achievable before stepping into the realm of the Rune Warden.

Ardyn surveyed the gathered children with a detached gaze, then spoke, his voice carrying effortlessly across the grounds.

"Welcome, aspirants. You stand at the threshold of opportunity, but also of elimination. Today, you will undergo three tests. Only the best will earn the right to step into the Academy."

A heavy silence gripped the crowd.

"Listen well to the rules," Ardyn continued. "There will be no second chances."

He raised three fingers.

"First Test: Physical Aptitude. You will each strike the force pillars. Anyone who cannot exert at least three hundred kilograms of force will be immediately disqualified. Exceptional results will be noted and awarded additional points."

A few nervous murmurs rippled among the children. Three hundred kilograms—a monstrous requirement for their age.

"Second Test: Elemental Affinity." Ardyn's gaze sharpened. "Your natural attunement to elemental energies will be measured. Those with no detectable affinity or only poor aptitude will be eliminated."

Gasps sounded across the field. To lack elemental talent meant an abrupt end to many dreams.

"Third Test: Survival Trial." Ardyn's voice grew even graver. "You will be sent into the outer edges of the Verdant Wilds. You must survive there for three days."

A few children blanched in fear—the Verdant Wilds were infamous for being a beast-infested, perilous forest.

"You may gain points by retrieving beast cores. The stronger the beast, the greater the reward. The most powerful creature you might face is a Rank Three beast—strong enough to end the life of any unprepared fool."

He let the words hang in the air, heavy and final.

"At the end of the three days, your ranking will be determined by your overall performance. Only the top ten will be accepted into the Academy. Prizes will be awarded based on your rank."

A cold wind blew across the field, carrying the weight of the challenge ahead.

Eryon, Kael, and Ryn exchanged glances.

The dream they had nurtured for so long now stood before them—a path lined with danger, pain, and the promise of something far greater than they had ever known.

There was no turning back now.