The next morning, the sun had just begun to rise, its rays scattering across the city's rooftops. Aryan sprinted through the crowded streets, determination burning in his eyes.
As he turned a corner, a voice shouted,"Hey, kid! Look out!"
Before he could react, Aryan collided head-first into a shopkeeper carrying a basket of fruits.
Fruits rolled across the ground as the man scolded, "You in such a hurry to break your bones this early?"
Aryan quickly bowed, catching his breath."I—I'm sorry, sir! I'm in a hurry!"
The shopkeeper sighed, waving him off. "Then hurry properly, kid. Don't turn into a flying bullet again!"
Aryan chuckled nervously and continued his run. After several minutes, he reached the towering marble structure of the Council Office. The same building where his father once worked... and where his life had changed forever.
He stepped inside, his eyes scanning every corner until he spotted the reception counter. A woman in uniform sat behind it, writing on parchment-like documents.
"Ma'am," Aryan said, straightening his posture, "I want to register for the upcoming Legion Exam."
The receptionist looked up, eyeing him curiously."The Legion Exam, huh? Many come with dreams, few return with them intact."She flipped through a few documents and continued, "Before registration, you'll need to meet the Council's eligibility criteria."
Aryan nodded. "What are they?"
She raised three fingers. "First — the age limit. You must be at least eighteen."
Aryan nodded again. I'm eighteen… that's fine.
"Second," she continued, "you'll need a parental submission report—a document where your parents acknowledge the risks of the exam. The Council takes no responsibility if anything… unpleasant happens."
Aryan's heart sank. Parental submission report… He clenched his fists.
"And third," she added, "you must be a New Soul User."
Aryan took a deep breath. I meet two of the three… but not the second.
He looked up. "Ma'am, what if someone… doesn't have parents?"
Her expression softened. "Then you'll need someone willing to take responsibility for you — a guardian or a sponsor. Without that, I'm afraid I can't register you."
Aryan looked down. "Who would take responsibility for me…?"
Before the silence could linger, a firm yet familiar voice echoed from behind."I will."
Aryan turned around sharply — it was the Council Officer who had saved him yesterday.
The receptionist immediately stood and saluted. "Officer Roy! You… you know this boy?"
The officer smiled faintly. "Yes. He's a brave one. I vouch for him."
Aryan blinked in confusion. "But, sir, we barely even know each other's names—"
Roy interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "I know yours, Aryan. But you don't know mine. My name is Roy Alden, Council Officer of the Western District."
He handed the signed guardian approval form to the receptionist."That should cover the requirement, right?"
The receptionist hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, sir. That's valid."
Aryan quickly filled out the registration form. The receptionist stamped it with the Council's insignia and said,"The Legion Exam will be held one month from now in the Elden Continent. Be prepared."
"Elden Continent?" Aryan asked, surprised. "That's across the sea. How am I supposed to reach there?"
"There will be a Council ship exclusively for candidates," she explained. "It departs in three weeks. Miss it, and you'll have to wait five years for the next exam."
Aryan nodded firmly. "Then I won't miss it."
As he turned to leave, curiosity got the better of him. "Ma'am… what kind of exam is it, exactly?"
She shook her head. "No one really knows. The Council keeps its format secret every year. All I can say is — it changes people."
Aryan thanked her and stepped outside, the crisp morning wind brushing against his face.
Roy was waiting near the gate, leaning casually against the pillar."You really plan to enter that exam, huh?"
Aryan nodded. "Yes, sir. But I'm not ready yet. I need your help… please, train me for it."
Roy chuckled lightly. "My training isn't for the faint-hearted, kid. I don't go easy."
Aryan's eyes burned with resolve. "I can take it. I have to."
Roy studied his face for a moment, then smirked."Fine. I'll train you — but only for one week. After that, you're on your own. I have a mission in another city."
"One week is enough," Aryan replied.
"Good," Roy said, turning to leave. "Then meet me tomorrow morning at the Central Training Grounds. Don't be late."
Aryan clenched his fist, determination surging through him as Roy disappeared into the crowd.
The path to vengeance had begun.The New Soul within him pulsed faintly, as if whispering —
Awaken… and let the hunt begin.
TO BE CONTINUED..