Chapter 5: The Written Test

The written test brought an eerie calm over the Thread Trials arena. Unlike the previous trials, where threads clashed and adrenaline soared, this wasn’t as much a challenge to whittle down competitors as it was to check them for competency. Each participant was handed a scroll of questions, and they were seated in rows under the watchful eyes of proctors. The tension in the air was palpable, the scratching of quills the only sound.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, scanning the scroll. The questions ranged from theoretical to practical, pushing the limits of their understanding of threads:

* 1. Describe the process of forming a dual-thread weave with a single affinity, including an explanation its risks and benefits.

* 2. What are the primary limitations of Essence threads in combat?

* 3. Given a hostile terrain of sand dunes, devise a defensive strategy using Nature threads to counter aerial attacks.

* 4. Explain the historical significance of the Thread Trials in fostering inter-affinity alliances.

He smirked at the historical one. "Easy." he muttered under his breath. Strategy was his forte, and his competitive nature ensured he wasn’t about to let anyone outshine him here.

Across the room, he caught sight of Kana, her quill darting across the scroll with ease. Unlike Daniel’s cocky demeanour, she exuded a calm focus. Every so often, her brow furrowed, a hint of frustration breaking through her composed exterior.

* * *

After hours of intense concentration, the trial ended, and the participants were granted a day off to recover. Daniel was one of the first to leave the hall, his scroll turned in with a flourish. Kana followed shortly after, catching up to him as they exited the building.

“What did you think of the questions?” Kana asked. Her dark hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her piercing gaze demanded honesty.

Daniel shrugged. “Piece of cake. The Nature strategy one was practically written just for me.”

She rolled her eyes. “You mean the one about aerial attacks? You just love showing off your vines.”

“Can’t help it if I’m good at what I do.” he said with a grin. “What about you? That dual-thread weave question seemed like your kind of thing.”

“It was fine.” Kana said, her tone neutral. “But I’m more curious about how you’ll handle a day without any fights."

“I’m not some battle-crazed lunatic.” Daniel retorted. “Come on, I’ll prove it. Let’s make this day off worth it.”

* * *

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Their first stop was the marketplace. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to exotic foods. Kana gravitated toward a stall displaying crystal thread charms, each shimmering with faint magical energy.

“These are beautiful.” she said, picking up a charm shaped like a crescent moon.

Daniel snorted. “You’re actually thinking of buying one of those tourist traps?”

“Not everything has to be practical, Daniel.” she replied. “Sometimes it’s okay to just appreciate something for what it is.”

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue, instead pulling out his wallet to pay for it. “Suit yourself. Just don’t blame me when it turns out to be useless.”

Daniel then brought them to a food vendor grabbing a few mystery meat skewers for them.

They wandered through the market, the vibrant energy infectious. Performers demonstrated magic-based tricks, and children chased each other with some kind of toy trailing from their fingers. Daniel and Kana eventually found themselves at a small park overlooking a tranquil lake.

“Alright, I’ll bite.” Daniel said, plopping down on the grass. “What’s the plan now, Miss Relaxation Expert?”

Kana sat beside him, her hands resting on her knees. “How about we actually talk? No threads, no trials, just… normal conversation.”

Daniel leaned back, resting on his elbows. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

She hesitated before asking, “Why do you always push so hard? I’ve seen you in every trial. It’s like you’re always trying to prove something, but you always end up getting hurt in the process. Or you go ahead and pull off some crazy dangerous stunt.”

His grin faltered for a moment. “Maybe I do. But isn’t that the point of being here? To prove we’re the best? And you know they prefer it when it’s flashy.”

“Is that all it is to you? Winning?”

He looked away, the usual bravado replaced by a flicker of vulnerability. “Maybe it is. Or maybe it’s about not being forgotten. If you’re not the best, you’re just… an extra, a side character in someone else's story.”

Kana didn’t press further, sensing the weight behind his words. Instead, she pointed toward a coffee shop across the street. “Come on, let’s get something to drink. My treat.”

The coffee shop was cozy, with the rich aroma of roasted beans filling the air. As they stepped inside, Daniel immediately noticed a familiar pair in the corner. Kaelin and Lena sat at a small table, their heads bent together as they pored over a map. Lena’s laugh rang out, light and carefree, while Kaelin seemed unusually relaxed.

“Looks like someone’s having a bit much fun.” Daniel muttered, nudging Kana.

Kaelin glanced up, catching sight of them. Her expression shifted, wary but polite. “Daniel, Kana.”

“Kana.” Lena noted, her tone neutral. “Taking a break from plotting world domination?”

Daniel laughed, but Kana merely smirked. “We could ask you the same. What’s the matter, Kaelin? Can’t stay away from the competition?”

“Some of us know how to enjoy a day off.” Lena interjected smoothly, diffusing the tension.

“We’ll leave you two to have your fun. Come on, Daniel.”

As they moved to another table, Daniel couldn’t help but glance back. Kaelin and Lena had returned to their map, their conversation animated. He frowned, a nagging sense of unease creeping in.

* * *

The rest of the day passed in a blur of idle exploration. Daniel and Kana visited a nearby library, where Kana lost herself in ancient texts while Daniel browsed aimlessly. They ended the evening at a quiet overlook, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

“You’re not so bad at this relaxation thing.” Kana admitted, leaning back on her hands.

“Don’t get used to it.” Daniel replied with a smirk. “Tomorrow, it’s back on the grind.”

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Of course it is.”