"Kael Vireon."
"Jorren Kade."
"Thalor Ren."
"Garran Vol."
"Orin Duskvale."
The names rang out in steady succession, each one carrying an unspoken weight. A constant rhythm that echoed like the ticking of a clock, drawing closer to the moment that would determine their fate.
Dozens of hopefuls stood in silence, their gazes locked ahead, each person on edge, their hearts heavy with anticipation. It wasn't just a test—it was a test of their very future.
"Luke Dawnbringer."
Luke's heart skipped a beat as his name pierced the air, echoing across the area like the sound of a distant bell. His breath hitched. The world around him seemed to slow down as his pulse thudded in his ears. The moment had finally arrived.
With a deep breath, he calmed his racing thoughts. His steps were steady but deliberate as he moved toward the dojo's entrance, each footfall echoing softly in the vast space. The doors parted before him, revealing a room drenched in history—a place where countless souls had come to face their destiny.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted. It was still—too still. But beneath the silence, there was a tension that clung to the air like the faint smell of iron.
Standing against the far wall, several men in black suits regarded him with piercing eyes. Their expressions were as stoic as statues, but there was something unnervingly sharp about their presence.
As if they were not merely observers but judges from a higher realm, passing judgment on those who dared to step into this hallowed space.
"Luke Dawnbringer. Room twenty-nine. Second floor." One of the figures spoke, his voice cold and crisp, handing Luke a badge marked with the numbers 999. The weight of it was heavier than it should have been, the metal cool against his palm. But it wasn't the chill that made it feel substantial—it was the weight of expectation.
Luke gave a silent nod, slipping the badge into his pocket, then turned toward the staircase. The steps beneath him creaked as he ascended, the sound of his movement the only thing breaking the silence.
The hallway was quiet, save for the faint rustle of distant conversations and the occasional groan of the floorboards underfoot.
Room 29.
At the door, Luke paused. He took one last steadying breath, his chest tight, then stepped inside.
The room wasn't grand, nor was it intimidating. It was… efficient. Three judges in black uniforms sat behind a long desk, their eyes sharp, watching him with a mix of scrutiny and curiosity. Around them, the other participants stood off to the side, waiting their turn. The stillness was palpable. The air, thick with anticipation.
"You're Luke Dawnbringer, correct?" The judge at the center of the table asked. His voice was casual, but the underlying tone made it clear he already knew the answer.
"That's me." Luke replied, his voice steady, though a knot formed in his stomach. He could feel their eyes on him—piercing, fierce.
The judges exchanged silent glances. There was a flicker of something—interest, maybe? It was hard to say. They didn't seem impressed, but they weren't dismissive either.
"You're not nervous, are you, kid?" The judge in the center spoke again, his voice a bit more relaxed now.
"If you're already a 1-Star Warrior, this should be a formality for you."
Luke didn't respond immediately. Instead, he gave a quiet nod. The nerves were still there, simmering beneath the surface. But this was what he'd trained for. What he had to prove.
The judge turned his gaze to the other participants, then back to Luke.
"Before we start, let me explain the rules. The test is divided into three parts. First, we'll assess your basic strength, speed, and Cosmic Energy. Second, a combat simulation. And the final test... well, you'll find out if you pass the second."
"Any questions?" the judge asked, scanning the room.
A hand shot up in the back. "What kind of combat simulation will we face?" a participant asked, his voice shaky.
The judge's lips curled into a small smile. "Ah, that's a surprise. You'll have to wait and see."
He paused, letting the suspense hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Any more questions?"
When no one else spoke up, the judge gestured to the group.
"Alright then. Let's begin with the first test."
Luke moved to the designated spot. The first test was quick—just a formality to confirm their current standing. A quick age check. A sprint test, measured by sensors to determine speed. Then, they brought out a reinforced alloy block for the strength test.
Luke clenched his fists, focusing his energy. He struck.
The alloy dented under the force of his blow. A few gasps rippled through the room.
"Acceptable strength for a 1-Star Warrior," one of the judges noted, scribbling something on his clipboard.
Finally, they tested his Cosmic Energy. A small orb was placed in his palm, pulsing faintly. As Luke focused, the orb began to glow—a soft, pure white light. Within seconds, it flared bright, confirming his power level.
"Confirmed. 1-Star Warrior," the judge said, nodding in approval. A rare smile tugged at his lips.
"Congratulations, Luke Dawnbringer. You've officially passed the first test."
Luke exhaled, the breath he hadn't realized he was holding slipping from his lungs. Relief, pride, and a quiet disbelief flooded his chest. But there was no time to bask at the moment. The next test was already approaching.
"You'll wait here until the others finish the first round. Then, we'll move on," the judge instructed. Luke nodded, his mind still racing. What would the second test bring?
The first test wasn't a challenge—it was just a confirmation. A necessary step. But the others? They wouldn't be as simple.
Soon enough, the first round was over. Everyone passed, their levels verified.
"Follow me to the second test," the judge called.
The group moved in formation toward the next room. Inside, there were twenty seats, each with a VR headset waiting. The number of seats perfectly matched the number of participants—an intentional touch.
"Take your seats and put on the headsets," the judge instructed.
The others complied, their excitement and nerves palpable in the air. Luke sat down, adjusting the headset. It felt like a simple game. But he knew better.
"Now, listen carefully," the judge continued, his voice sharp. "You'll all be transported into a virtual world together. Numerous beasts will attack you, and you will need to at least kill one beast to pass. If you die—well, you fail."
"Wait… what?" The exclamation came from several participants in unison, their eyes wide in disbelief.
The judge's grin widened, almost mischievous. "Don't worry. Even if you die in there, nothing will happen to you in real life. It's all part of the simulation. But if you die... you fail."
The tension in the room spiked.
Luke's heart began to race. The stakes were higher than he thought. The simulation was a test of skill, determination, and, most of all, his future.
Luke's mind sharpened. He'd never faced a beast before; the only beast he was ever close to was the Black-Crowned Eagle, and at that time the city barrier kept him from harm.
But now, with the judge's warning echoing in his mind, Luke knew there was no room for failure—not when his future, and his family's, depended on it.
"Prepare yourselves," the judge continued, his grin now widening into something far more predatory. "The test starts now."
The world around Luke began to shift. His body felt lighter. His senses heightened. And then—darkness.
As the simulation began, Luke's heart surged with adrenaline. The challenge had begun.