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Tora Day came like thunder on a clear morning.
The streets of Petonia stirred with drums, banners, and soldiers in full armor. From the outer villages to the heart of the Sacred Circle, every race and every class gathered.
This was not a festival.
This was the Tora Trial — the gateway to power, purpose… and war.
---
It was one of the rare events where high-born and low-born stood equal, if only for a day.
Victory here didn't mean a soldier's salary — it meant title, prestige, and an official Raider badge. Those who passed became legends. Those who failed faded into silence.
---
In Hearthshade, Kael prepared for another day of work, brushing dust from his tunic.
But before he could step outside—
"Kael!" Damon shouted, breathless. "Let's go watch the Tora Trials!"
Lina grinned behind him. "Please? Just to watch! Everyone's going!"
Kael blinked. "You two want to see kids try and fail all morning?"
Damon shrugged. "Maybe it'll be fun."
Lina added, "Phia said she's not coming today, so we'll be lonely."
Kael sighed, ruffling her hair. "Fine. Just watching."
They cheered.
And Damon hid the shake in his fingers.
---
Yesterday, Euphelia had told them:
"I won't be there tomorrow going out of the city."
She smiled and waved.
But now, hidden beneath velvet robes, she sat stiffly among the royal viewing deck, high above the proving ground.
Flanked by her mother, Lady Sylfeyra, and the other high nobles, Euphelia's disguise was gone. Here, she wasn't Phia. She was the Silver Bloom.
Around her sat:
- The five Council Leaders from each race
- Dozens of noble families
- Raider Captains and Vice Captains, including Kaizen, now recovered and sharp-eyed
- Scouts, generals, sponsors, and foreign dignitaries
All eyes watched the hundreds of candidates forming ranks below.
---
Kael stood in the crowd below, Lina on his shoulders, Damon at his side.
He looked across the sea of hopefuls, mostly strangers — a few kids, many teens, even adults.
And then…
He froze.
Damon stepped forward.
Kael's breath caught. "What…?"
Damon didn't look back.
He walked toward the applicants.
Lina gasped. "Kael…?"
Kael stepped down hard. "Damon!"
But it was too late.
A drum sounded.
The gates closed behind the line.
---
In the royal stands, Euphelia's eyes widened.
She leaned forward.
"...That's Damon…"
The trials had begun.
And everything was about to change.
---