CHAPTER 67: THE CHANCE TO CATCH YOUR DREAM

[Scene: After Ari's Training Session Ends]

Ari's parents smiled warmly upon hearing the news of her successful training. Shortly after, Master Alex took his leave, bowing respectfully before walking away.

A while later, Ari concluded her final drills and returned home. Her mother, Kira, called out to her gently.

"Ari, come here for a moment."

Ari stepped closer, and her mother gave her a probing look.

"Did something happen between you and Aden again?"

Ari shrugged. "Nothing serious. He lost to me in an academic battle. That's all."

Kira sighed. "He'll never change. That boy just can't stand losing to you. I'm sure that's why he's been avoiding home lately."

Zech, Ari's father, added with a thoughtful frown, "If he's so obsessed with beating you, why did he leave the training under Sir Alex? I don't understand that boy at all."

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[Time Skip: One Year Later – All the Kids Are Now 12 Years Old]

The grand hall of the Sword Academy buzzed with energy. Students filled every row of the benches, chatting and whispering. Suddenly, their instructor stepped into the room, and silence fell.

"As you are all aware," he began, "the current situation in our empire has left the organization known as BladeHex in a state of reconstruction. Due to this, an opportunity has arisen for some of you."

Murmurs spread among the students.

"Now, it's not guaranteed that any of you will become members," the instructor clarified, "as you're still very young. But if any of you display outstanding potential, even the current members will have no choice but to consider you."

He paused, scanning the room.

"Based on your performance in practice, duels, and discipline, I've selected four candidates eligible to participate in BladeHex's selection trials. Participation is voluntary, and parental approval is required."

He glanced at his list.

"The names are: Ari Hale."

Excited chatter erupted.

"Well, that's obvious!"

"Yeah, she's the best in the whole academy. Even the second-best can't compare."

A few heads turned toward Aden Hale, her brother, who was sitting quietly. He clenched his jaw, listening to everyone comparing him to his sister once again.

The instructor raised his voice. "Quiet down!"

"The next names: Aden Hale. Mich. Sasha."

Gasps followed.

The instructor continued, "Usually, BladeHex selection follows a three-round process. However, due to multiple sudden retirements, they are fast-tracking the process. There will be only one round this time — the Five-Minute Survival Battle. In this, you must either survive or defeat your opponent within five minutes."

Mich raised his hand. "Who will we be fighting?"

"The current members of BladeHex," the instructor replied.

All four selected students froze. The mood turned tense.

Sasha spoke nervously, "But… how can we face them? We're only twelve!"

"I thought you'd back out," the instructor said bluntly. "But remember, you aren't the only ones competing. There are students from three other academies too — aged thirteen to eighteen. You're the youngest group here."

One student scoffed, "You really think kids can become part of BladeHex? What a joke."

Aden ignored the comment and walked out silently.

The instructor continued, "You can choose which BladeHex member to challenge — each one represents an elemental gate: Wind, Fire, Water, Light, Earth, and Grass. From our academy, four students are participating. From the other academies, six more are joining."

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[Scene: Day of the Competition – BladeHex Headquarters]

A grand structure with six massive gates stood tall at the center of the BladeHex headquarters. Each gate bore an emblem of its element.

Candidates walked towards the gate of their chosen attribute.

• Ari chose the Light Gate.

• Aden went to the Wind Gate.

• Sasha headed toward Earth.

• Mich walked toward Water.

The gates slowly closed behind each candidate as they entered.

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[Scene: Inside the Light Gate – Ari's Trial Begins]

Ari found herself inside a vast white chamber. A reception officer took her identification card and gave her a nod.

Moments later, a stunning woman with long white hair entered. She exuded both elegance and strength. Her aura was blinding, yet calm.

"I am Elena, the Blade of Light and a member of BladeHex," she introduced herself. "I will be conducting your trial."

She looked over the small group of light-element candidates.

"You will each face me in one-on-one combat. If you defeat me or survive for five minutes, you'll be under consideration for my title."

A boy asked, "What do you mean by consideration?"

Elena smiled slightly. "If more than one of you meets the criteria, then there will be a final battle among the surviving candidates. But only I — the title-holder — can choose who inherits the position."

The matches began.

One by one, the young challengers stepped forward — and one by one, they fell. Some were outmatched in seconds. Others lasted a bit longer, but none could stand against Elena's swift, precise style.

Then it was Ari's turn.

She stepped into the arena, sword in hand.

Elena studied her. So this is the light-magic user Master Alex mentioned. Let's see what she's capable of.

"Begin!" the judge called.

Ari started by rushing forward, making feints, avoiding contact. She was wasting time — or so it seemed.

Elena narrowed her eyes and read Ari's movement. Predicting her direction, she countered with a sweeping strike — but Ari bent low and targeted her legs.

Elena sensed it and leapt back just in time.

Then Ari coated her blade in radiant light and began zig-zagging in a wide "S" pattern. Elena prepared for the same leg attack. But this time, Ari leapt and struck upward while Elena was mid-air.

Their swords clashed.

Elena was forced to take several steps back. Her eyes widened.

That felt like Master Alex's style… She's trained hard.

Ari charged again.

This time, Elena swung her sword with full force, creating a powerful air wave that blasted Ari across the arena. She crashed to the ground and skidded outside the boundary.

The judge raised his hand. "Match over!"

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[Scene: After All Matches]

All candidates returned from their respective gates. Some looked crushed. Others walked silently, lost in thought.

Ari met up with Aden, Sasha, and Mich. Each of them bore signs of intense battle.

Now, the scene shifted to a hidden chamber deep inside BladeHex HQ.

Inside were six members — one from each elemental gate.

They sat around a circular table, scrolls and reports in front of them.

It was time to make a decision.