Two days and four hours later.
At the Knight Castle, sited on a private island connected to Xarath'Vhaloryn by a bridge of floating stone tablets.
On the Assembly Ground for new trainees, the Imperial General–General Tyrên stands upon a raised platform, his fine face screaming strictness.
Military Captain Trainer: Congratulations to you all for passing the Military Exams. Now the real challenge begins within these castle walls.
General Tyrên: You all know why you are here, so I will not waste my time with courtesy. STEADFAST YOURSELVES IN ASCENDING HEIGHTS. ALL IN ROWS!
Everyone swiftly arranges themselves, and Cendric ends up in the two-by-two formation.
General Tyrên: ALL UPRIGHT. HANDS SOLID.
Everyone stands straight, hands beside their thighs.
Cendric: [This is going to be tough. He's already tearing fear into us in different ways.]
General Tyrên: Recite the Military Codes of Conduct—Level One.
The trainees do so in an uproar. They finish.
Military Captain Trainer: There will be a small tournament among you new recruits. The top two winners of each section will receive a beneficial badge.
Those with Essence—step to the red dust.
Those without Essence but skilled in combat—step to the blue dust.
Those without Essence or martial training—remain where you stand.
Though Cendric possessed Essence, he concealed it and stepped onto the blue dust.
At the blue dust section, all candidates are defeated by Saeed—a black-haired, charming elf with a nonchalant attitude and strategic fighting style. Now, only one candidate remains.
Blue Combat Referee: The final student should come forward.
To their surprise, the fragile-looking Cendric steps up to face Saeed.
A Trainee: He's the last one?
Another Trainee: (To his mates) He looks weak and fragile. I doubt he can even lift a bone.
As they murmur, General Tyrên glances at Cendric's forearms. He squints—and spiritually sees a flaming aura blazing around them, signifying great fighting skill and Essence.
General Tyrên: Halt.
Cendric stops.
General Tyrên gestures to the Blue Combat Referee and whispers into his ear.
Moments later, Saeed and Cendric are each handed a sabre.
Blue Combat Referee: (Sneers) Easy on the attacks.
Cendric: [The body of the sabre is far heavier than the hilt. 😳] Wait—I don't know how to use a sword…!
Blue Combat Referee: Begin!
Saeed rushes at Cendric. Luckily, Cendric dodges the vertex of Saeed's sabre. He continues evading, refusing to strike back.
General Tyrên: CEASE! You.
(Cendric glances at him).
Tell me your wrong.
Cendric: Zêgrī, I do not know how to use the—
General Tyrên: I said tell me your wrong!
Cendric: (Instantly salutes) Zêgrī, I was mistaken to avoid my opponent's attacks. I shall try harder.
(He takes a stance).
The fight resumes, escalating into hand-to-hand combat. Their movements are swift and precise.
Cendric climbs onto Saeed's shoulders, attempting to suffocate him. Saeed struggles, losing balance, and they both crash onto their backs—yet Cendric does not release his grip.
With a powerful stomp, Saeed rises and hurls Cendric to the ground.
Cendric still does not give up.
General Tyrên: ENOUGH.
That will be a draw.
---
The Next Day
In the Dining Hall.
Cendric sits alone in a corner.
Cendric: [I succeeded in getting in.]
(Glances around). [The environment seems stable.]
(Glances at his food). […And the meals seem—😑 fine, I suppose.]
(Picks up a wooden spoon).
No need to grovel yet. At least there are no signs of trouble… for now.
A loud crash and a raging voice echo through the hall.
Cendric squeezes his eyes shut.
Cendric: [I guess I spoke too soon.]
Jaxton: (With his peers behind him) You just can't stop pissing me off, can you?
Jaxton's Peer: Coming from a poor background, you should know your place.
Jaxton: (Bending toward his victim—Xylon) Do not vex my mood, teeny.
Xylon: You are the one in the wrong, Jaxton. Your ignorance is beyond curing.
Some students giggle. Others murmur, "Ooh."
As Jaxton throws a punch toward Xylon, another elf su
ddenly steps in, shielding him with his back.
The impact sends both him and Xylon crashing to the floor.
---