[Location: Sacred Temple – Novice Area]
Rick walked across the stone floor with heavy, confident steps. His eyes carefully scanned every movement of the novices who were about to line up.
Each step echoed through the gaps between the stones, making the silence even more tense. The light reflecting off the stone walls added depth to the shadows, giving the tunnel an eerie feeling as if something alive was lurking within the darkness.
Rick: Now, the ones whose names I call will head to my exam area. But first, form a proper line.
As everyone lined up, Vals was busy helping Jack and Enzo back to their feet. As he brushed the dust off them and checked their condition, every motion reflected the posture of a seasoned Guardian. Meanwhile, the other novices tried to line up some holding their breath in excitement, others trembling with anxiety.
Rick: Let's begin. Peter Fitness are you here?
Peter: HERE!?
Peter Fitness stood with overwhelming confidence and a provocative stance. His crimson hair and black outfit reflected his sense of superiority. His muscles were visibly defined, and at 2.10 meters tall, he towered over everyone else. Every movement screamed, "I'm here." He's 21 years old.
Rick: Good. Luna Shadows?
Luna: Here.
Luna Shadows stood like a living shadow, her black-and-gray hair blending with her fully black outfit. She clearly believed herself superior to everyone else and made no effort to hide it. The sharp glare in her eyes sent a silent warning to those around her: "Weaklings, watch yourselves." She's 20 years old
Rick: Mm-hm. Mark Silencer?
Mark: Here.
Mark Silencer's blue hair contrasted sharply with his orange clothing. He appeared slightly shy yet gentle. His hands were tucked into his pockets, eyes lowered as he quietly observed his surroundings. His presence felt calm, silent but watchful. He's 24 years old.
Rick: Rose Flowend?
Rose: Yes?
Rose Flowend's pink hair and crimson outfit made her stand out immediately. Her Divine Healing Technique inspired both trust and admiration from those near her. She enjoyed looking down on others, but showed proper respect to those who deserved it. Intelligence and a hint of arrogance gleamed in her eyes. She's 22 years old
Rick: Enzo Glory?
Enzo: Here… freshly off the ground.
Enzo Glory radiated energy with his black hair and lively stance. Always moving, always ready, and always joking. His respect toward those he was close to was limitless, while others were met with bold confidence. His height and presence made him impossible to miss. He's 32 years old
Rick: Harry Bloodhood?
Harry: Here.
With his red-and-black mixed hair, Harry Bloodhood gave off a dark, unsettling presence. Even standing near him, his Blood Control Technique felt faintly threatening. His posture and sharp gaze blended perfectly into the heavy silence of the area. He's 20 years old
Rick: Jack Horizon?
Jack: Hello.
Jack Horizon radiated a respectful, pure, and kind aura. Though only 21 years old, his mature demeanor and careful gaze set him apart from the others. His slightly blue-purple hair and violet eyes added a subtle sense of mystery.
Rick: Michael Southwoods?
Michael: Here, Examiner.
Michael Southwoods stood with a reassuring presence, his brown hair and purple-black outfit giving him a calm authority. His Gravity Control Technique offered both strategic power and a sense of protection to those near him. He was protective, honorable, and sincere. he's 23 years old
After finishing the roll call, Rick selected the ones who stood out to him as the strongest. Vals took the remaining students, while Rick gathered Michael, Rose, Harry, Enzo, Jack, Peter, Mark, and Luna.
After roll call, the selected participants formed a line and began walking toward the end of the stone tunnel. Each step echoed alongside the pounding tension in their hearts. Wind howled through the stone walls, tossing their hair and making every breath more noticeable.
Jack: Excuse me… Examiner?
Rick turned around with a faint smile.
Rick: What is it, Jack?
Jack hesitated slightly before asking:
Jack: Where are we going right now?
Rick: Don't worry you'll get your answer soon.
The area at the end of the tunnel opened into a vast, imposing arena. Tall stone walls emphasized the seriousness of the exam, while the play of light on the ground made the shadows appear even more dramatic. Michael stepped slightly behind the others, carefully observing the space.
Michael: Isn't this place a bit too large?
Rick smiled lightly.
Rick: There's actually a simple reason for that.
Luna asked curiously:
Luna: Is it because an extremely powerful novice came here?
Rick: Well, not for you… I mean, this area is for you but someone destroyed the previous one.
Harry: Arthur Violend… was it because of him?
Rick nodded in surprise.
Rick: Wow, you got it immediately… Yes, Arthur Violend destroyed it.
Arthur Violend was considered a prodigy even as a novice. At a young age, he had already reached the level of high-ranking Guardians and became one of the strongest individuals in the world. His Technique The Sun's Flame wielded the sword and fire of the Sun God itself, producing overwhelming destructive power.
Enzo: I heard that the great Arthur was legendary even when he was still a novice.
Jack: Geniuses are terrifying.
Michael stepped behind them and corrected him:
Michael: You can't even call him just a genius.
Jack and Enzo flinched in shock.
Enzo: Hey! At least warn us before appearing like that.
Michael: Sorry…
Jack looked a little upset, but then shrugged it off.
Jack: It happens sometimes. It's fine. What were you going to say?
Michael smiled and continued:
Michael: Arthur Violend was someone everyone called a "prodigy, genius, or hyper-intellect." Even if that was true, the real source of his strength was his Technique. The Sword of the Sun his flames were drawn directly from the sun itself.
Jack: I didn't know he was that strong… This is my first time hearing about him.
Enzo and Michael stopped and stared at Jack for a few seconds.
Enzo: Did I hear that wrong, or are you saying this is the first time you've ever heard of Arthur Violend?
Michael: Yeah… I think I heard that wrong too.
Jack: Where I come from, information about Guardians doesn't really reach us.
Enzo and Michael were left utterly speechless.