Ekki could barely breathe from excitement. His heart hammered like a drum inside his chest as the enormous gates of the Hall of Test came into view. For as long as he could remember, this place had lived only in stories and whispers. Now he was finally here, running toward it with Sero and Taki at his side.
They sprinted together down the wide stone road. The early sun blazed above them, glinting off tall crystal pillars that surrounded the Hall. The closer they came, the louder the noise grew. The air vibrated with cheers, laughter, and voices calling out encouragement. Everywhere, people had gathered: parents, soldiers, teachers, travellers, and hundreds of young students from all across the kingdom.
The Hall of Test was enormous. Its walls were carved with ancient symbols of Dravons, legends, and warriors who had risen from nothing. Massive banners fluttered high above, painted with the insignia of the Club Kingdom. For Ekki, it felt like standing at the very center of destiny.
Inside, the crowd was packed shoulder to shoulder. The stone floors trembled beneath the weight of so many feet. Ekki could hear drums beating somewhere in the distance. Young warriors from every school were arriving, faces filled with excitement, nerves, and burning dreams. Many had powers glowing faintly around their hands: sparks of flame, whispers of wind, tiny lights like stars.
Ekki had no magic. Yet his excitement was greater than anyone's.
He took a deep breath.
This was the place where legends were born.
Riya marched at the front of their school group, her voice strong as she spoke over the crowd.
"Do not fear," she told her students. "Stand tall. Be confident. You are here because you are worthy."
Her words settled over them like a shield. Even Taki, who was shaking a little from nerves, straightened his back. Sero grinned and stretched his arms, the familiar breeze swirling around him as if eager for the challenge.
Ekki simply stared.
At the very top of the Hall, standing above everyone like a mountain of calm power, was Renix.
The Legend.
His presence was impossible to ignore. His cloak fluttered behind him like wings of shadow and fire. His eyes swept across every person gathered below. When those eyes passed over Ekki, even for a brief second, Ekki felt a spark inside his chest—almost like the sword at his waist had reacted.
Every single person in the Hall fell silent.
A bell was about to ring. The Great Bell of the Hall of Test. Ekki could see it hanging high near the ceiling, built from dark metal, its surface carved with letters from an ancient language. It was said that when that bell rang, even the wind paused to listen.
Suddenly—
BOOOOOOOOM.
The deep sound rolled like thunder. Ekki could feel it shaking through his bones. The crowd stopped instantly. No talking. No movement. Only silence, stretching across thousands of hearts.
Then Renix stepped forward.
His voice was strong, clear, and filled with authority.
"Hello, my dear people," he called out, "and hello, young warriors."
A wave of energy rolled through the crowd. Renix continued, his voice echoing across the hall.
"Welcome to the Hall of Tests. Welcome to the beginning of your journey."
Students held their breath. For many, this was the most important moment of their lives. Ekki's fists tightened. Sero and Taki stood at his sides, eyes shining with anticipation.
"You all believe," Renix said, "that the exam will happen today. You believe that you will fight, finish, and receive your ranks by the end of this day."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Heads turned. People whispered.
Renix raised his hand.
"But no."
Silence crushed the room. The word felt heavy, shocking. Even the air seemed to freeze.
"Because from this year onward," Renix said slowly, "the exam will be held in seven rounds. Seven days. One round each day."
Gasps. Shock. Confusion. The hall erupted with noise. Students lifted their voices, shouting:
"What? Seven days?!" "Is he serious?" "How can we do that?!"
Sero's eyes widened in excitement. Taki blinked, stunned. Ekki, however, felt something different—a thrill, a pulse of challenge that rushed through him like fire. His blood sang.
Seven days.
Seven tests.
This wasn't just an exam anymore.
It was a trial of endurance, strength, and spirit.
Renix waited until the noise died down. Then, with a faint smile, he added:
"I know you are all shocked. I understand."
He stepped forward again. The hall felt smaller around him, as if his presence could bend space.
"But I have kept it this way for a reason," he said. "A reason you will all come to understand."
He paused.
"I will tell you why… on the seventh day."
The students could barely breathe. Thousands of eyes stared up at him, searching for answers, guessing at meaning. Ekki's heart raced. Sero's fingers trembled with wind. Taki whispered,
"What does it mean? Why seven days?"
Ekki didn't know. But he wanted to.
Renix raised his voice once more.
"Sorry to say," he declared, "but the exam is not today."
A wave of surprise burst from the crowd.
"Today is only the announcement."
"You must be ready. You must prepare yourselves."
Renix's voice thundered across the hall:
"Tomorrow is the exam."
He lifted his hand, and his words struck like lightning.
"The exam can be anywhere."
Students stared at him.
"Anywhere…?"
"The exam is unpredictable."
Faces turned pale. Some clutched their weapons, others their cloaks. Nobody knew what to expect.
Renix smiled with the confidence of a warrior who had seen a thousand battles.
"So be ready, young warriors."
His voice was a command.
A promise.
A warning.
"Be ready for the exam."