The gathering was led through the bustling polling district, where the market for magic stones thrived as always. Stalls glittered with gems of every shape, size, and color, from simple shards to stones pulsing faintly with stored power. Merchants shouted prices, buyers haggled, and the scent of smoke and spices filled the air.
Derkile's eyes lingered on the stalls. This was the very place where I first arrived, he thought. As they marched through, he noticed how the townsfolk paused to watch. The selection group had grown massive at least eighty, perhaps even a hundred participants.
'So the king combed all of Mehato for recruits,' Derkile mused. 'Just for one expedition. If it's meant to choose the strongest soldiers, maybe it's worth it.'
A tap on his arm pulled him from his thoughts. Bane, the sharp-eyed short man, looked up at him.
"Tell me, Derkile," Bane asked, "do you really want to become a soldier?"
"Of course," Derkile replied without hesitation. "I've been waiting for this day my whole life."
"Same here," Bane said, nodding. His tone shifted, more serious. "I want to fight the evils that destroyed our world before. That's why I'm here. What about you? What's your reason?"
Derkile's jaw tightened. He couldn't admit the truth that he wanted revenge for his parents. So he lied.
"…The same reason as you."
Bane's eyes narrowed. "Hmm. You look like you're hiding something."
Damn it. Has he figured out what I am? Derkile's mind raced. No… Even I don't fully know what I am.
Before he could dwell further, the guards halted.
"Finally, we are here!" the lead guard shouted.
Before them rose a large stone building, elegant though not as lavish as the palace. Its broad gate gleamed with ironwork, and the walls were carved with careful patterns.
"All of you will take a room of your own," the guard explained. "You will remain here until the selection begins, two days from now. Tomorrow, you will undergo a special training. Everything you need has been prepared."
As the guard spoke, a portly man with bulging cheeks waddled from the entrance. Dressed neatly like a butler, he bowed slightly.
"Dinner has been prepared in the hall. Please, come inside."
The massive doors swung open, revealing a grand dining hall. Long tables were piled with steaming dishes. The candidates surged in eagerly, claiming seats.
Derkile sat beside Bane, his eyes widening at the spread. Some foods he recognized, but many he had never tasted in all his years as an orphan. He ate heartily, savoring flavors both strange and rich.
---
The hall buzzed with chatter until...
BANG!
A loud crash echoed from the back. Every head turned.
"Say you're sorry," a girl's calm voice cut through the room.
A boy writhed beneath her boot, his arm twisted painfully behind his back.
"Arghh! I-I'm sorry! Please!" he cried out.
Derkile's brows rose. "What the who is that girl? How is she that strong?"
Bane scowled. "Rin Macardi. I know her from before. She's… popular. Comes from a powerful family."
He spoke with distaste.
"Her family and probably her also, owns natural magic stones," Bane continued. "Not the crafted kind sorcerers make, but stones born in the world itself. Those are different. Crafted stones serve only one purpose. But natural stones? They bond with the user, enhance them, grow stronger as they do. Some can even be forged into weapons."
"So that explains it," Derkile muttered, watching Rin's grip tighten.
The boy begged again, and Rin finally released him only for a shimmering barrier to throw him back to the ground the moment he stood. His mouth opened, but no sound escaped. His silent screams drew laughter from the other candidates.
"Looks like he tried to flirt with Rin," Bane said dryly. "Didn't go well."
Derkile watched as the boy thrashed helplessly until the meal ended. By the time the barrier dropped, only scraps of food remained. The boy's furious, humiliated face reminded Derkile of a caged hyena.
Rin , meanwhile, sat gracefully at her table, her hair brown with crystal blue eyes, and her beauty wad undeniable. Many boys couldn't keep their eyes off her as she ate. When she noticed their stares, she stood abruptly and left, her head held high.
Derkile looked away. Not me. I can't afford distractions. Not now. His goal left no room for anything else.
He finished his meal, but soon a dull ache twisted in his stomach. Still hungry? No… This feels different.
Rising, he slipped from the dining hall and wandered the corridors until he found a stairway. At the top, he claimed a quiet room.
The bed was simple but soft. Lying down, Derkile stared at the ceiling, thoughts racing. He knew now he was no longer a normal human. The lion, the stone, his strange powers… They had changed him. One day, that power would make those who murdered his parents pay.
He tried to recall the strange dream he'd had before, but each attempt brought sharp pain to his skull. With a growl, he forced himself to stop. Forget the dream. Focus on the selection. That's all that matters.
But as his eyes drifted closed, something stirred in his chest. A tingling, like something alive moved inside him. Energy burst through his veins. His stomach twisted again, harder this time.
Sleep crashed over him, heavy and unnatural.
---
The next morning…
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Derkile! Are you in there? It's morning!" a voice shouted outside his door.
Derkile stirred, yawning. His eyes snapped open as realization struck.
"Wait today's the training!"
---
End of Chapter 5
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