"In the name of God, the most graceful, the most merciful."

He scanned the ground, searching for a pebble. His heartbeat went faster as his fingers couldn't reach for one, so his hand moved in a more chaotic, no-pattern trajectory. The heartbeat slowed down when his palm recognized a texture distinct from the ground he had scanned. In a beat, he grasped the stone firmly with his trembling hand.

"Thank God." Felix said while he moved his hand close to his forehead. He tried to calm down his uncontrollable breathing.

Under the unforgiving noon sun, the battlefield lay silent, a tense calm settling over the scorched land. The air hung heavy with anticipation, each breath drawn with caution, as if the very atmosphere held its breath in anticipation of what was to come.

Felix closed both of his eyes; his body remains at a quiet state. He gathered his hands in an effort to make a praying stance. With lowered gaze, his blood rushed towards his brain. Several deep breaths were slowly taken as his hands tremble in fear. He leaned his body on a wall made of grey bricks.

A cold breeze swept through the field, tousling Felix's messy silver hair, its icy touch tempting him to open his eyes. Despite the silence that enveloped the area, the soft rustle of leaves and the faint creak of distant branches filled the air. With each passing moment, Felix's hands steadied, their trembling gradually coming to a halt. Though his dark outfit bore the dust of the field, his mind remained as clear as the crisp morning air.

Felix calmly started his prayers.

"O' God who started the universe with a bang."

"O' God who established fundamental particles and all its rules that govern it."

"O' God who created the heavens and all dimensions." Felix squinted his eyes. He intensified his praying stance.

"Please save your believer from this stressful circumstance..."

"Felix!"

A concerned teenage boy shouted at Felix while rushed towards him. His unhinged expression zoomed closer and closer even at short distance. There's no sign of him stopping his run.

Putting all of his might on his legs, the boy jumped straight towards Felix and pushed him out of the place as a large, sharp projectile was headed at Felix's direction. Thanks to the boy, it hit the wall and it shattered to flying pieces scattered all over the place. Luckily, none had injured both of them.

A wave of dust emerged from the collateral damage.

"Arian?" Felix opened his eyes. He took a look around. Everything around him was dust and debris. Everything except a boy with dirt all over his face. His nostrils flared and his forehead wrinkled. He looked like he was about to explode.

"What were you thinking?" Arian shouted, "Come on!" He quickly pulled Felix's arm. They both ran with all their remaining strength in efforts to find a safer place.

"I was... praying for safety." Felix tried to explain himself while catching a breath.

"You won't be safe if you didn't dodge."

"Actually, I have a plan."

"Just run!"

As Arian's legs quickened their pace, he urged Felix to do the same. His dark purple hair whipped around wildly, a chaotic dance in the rushing wind. The urgency in his voice matched the determination in his eyes, pushing them both to run faster, to outpace the impending danger.

Despite the howling winds, Felix's ears caught the faint murmur of Arian's prayers, a reminder amidst the chaos. His gaze shifted to his pale hand, fingers wrapped tightly around the pebble, its rough surface a grounding anchor in the tumultuous moment.

A subtle yet distinct rhythm echoed through the air. With every measured step, the ground yielded softly, a gentle quake resonating outward like a whispering warning. Each footfall, though seemingly light, carried a weight that reverberated through the earth, creating an unsettling symphony of subdued tremors.

As the imposing figure, clad in gleaming white armor that seemed to radiate with an otherworldly light, strode across the desolate field, a sense of awe and dread washed over those who beheld his presence. His armor, an impenetrable barrier that concealed every inch of his form, gave him an air of invincibility, an enigma shrouded in steel.

Behind him trailed an ethereal procession of floating weapons, each one a testament to his mastery of combat. Axes, spears, and claymores hovered obediently in his wake, as if eager to fulfill their wielder's commands. With a simple gesture, he summoned one of his axes back to his hand, the weapon returning with a fluid grace that belied its deadly potential.

Surveying the empty expanse before him, the Knight's gaze swept from one end of the field to the other, his mind calculating every possible outcome. Despite the absence of visible adversaries, a sense of impending conflict hung heavy in the air, a storm on the horizon waiting to be unleashed.

With a voice that resonated like thunder within the confines of his armor, the Knight spoke, his words carrying an ominous weight. "It's time," he murmured to himself, his tone both resolute and foreboding. "Time to go all out."

With a reverent gesture, the Knight extended his hands, palms upturned in a silent plea for guidance. His movements, though swift, carried an air of solemnity, a brief moment of communion with forces unseen. Then, assuming a stance of prayer, he bowed his head slightly, his armor glowing with a divine radiance as if touched by celestial hands.

As he lifted his gaze skyward, a transformation unfolded before the eyes of all who watched in wonder. From his back burst forth angelic wings, resplendent in their purity and grace, unfurling like a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. With a powerful leap, he ascended into the heavens, the ethereal wings carrying him effortlessly aloft.

From his elevated vantage point, the Knight surveyed the field below with a sense of purpose, his helmet pivoting smoothly from side to side as he sought out his quarry. And then, with a triumphant exclamation that echoed across the expanse, he declared, "Found you," his voice filled with a mixture of joy and determination.

The Knight, his hand outstretched and eyes alight with purpose, directed his divine power toward the two boys below. "Praise the Lord for this gift," he intoned, his voice a fervent chant of devotion, "and I shall use it to serve them."

As his words echoed across the field, the lone sword among his floating arsenal surged forward, hurtling toward the boys below with a speed that seemed almost unnatural. Arian, catching sight of the descending blade, felt a surge of fear and adrenaline course through him. With wide eyes, he shouted a warning to his companion, knowing that time was of the essence.

"Here it comes!" Arian's voice rang out as he sprinted across the field, his heart pounding in his chest as he raced to outrun the deadly projectile. The sword descended like a bolt from the heavens, a lethal raindrop aimed squarely at its target.

With a swift motion, Felix released Arian's hand from his grip, signaling for him to press forward as the massive sword hurtled towards them.

Feeling the sudden release of tension from Felix's hand, Arian halted his sprint, turning his attention back to Felix with a mixture of confusion and concern etched on his face.

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"What are you doing?" Arian shouted, his voice tinged with panic.

"Just trust me!" Felix called back with determination shining in his eyes.

Arian's body tensed, his eyes darting between Felix and the oncoming danger. His feet shuffled. You could see the struggle in his expression. But then, with a heavy sigh, he made his decision. His shoulders slumped slightly as he turned away from Felix.

Felix stood defiantly, his resolve unwavering despite the imminent danger descending upon him. With eyes locked on the falling sword, he braced himself, his muscles tensed with determination. In a sudden burst of motion, he shifted his stance, unleashing a well-practiced form as he hurled the pebble clenched in his hand with all the force he could muster, his scream piercing the air with primal intensity.

The collision between the tiny pebble and the deadly blade reverberated across the field, a clash of titans in miniature. Yet, against all odds, it was Felix's makeshift projectile that prevailed, deflecting the sword's trajectory in a chaotic spiral.

A triumphant grin spread across Felix's face as he watched the sword veer off course, his heart swelling with relief and gratitude. "Thank God," he breathed, his voice tinged with disbelief at his own audacity.

But his moment of triumph was short-lived, shattered by the sudden rush of wind and the sickening thud that followed. With dawning horror, Felix turned to his left, only to be met with a grisly sight: a spray of crimson liquid and the searing pain of a deep gash marred his arm where the sword had struck true.

Agony tore through him, ripping a primal scream from his throat as he crumpled to the ground, his world spinning with shock and pain. In that moment, all thoughts of victory vanished, replaced by the harsh reality of his own mortality as he grappled with the consequences of his daring defiance.

As Felix lay on the ground, clutching his wounded arm, the world around him seemed to blur and fade into darkness. The echoes of his scream lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the perilous dance with death that had just unfolded.

In the distance, the Knight hovered silently, his gaze fixed upon the fallen boy with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the chaos of battle. With a solemn nod, he turned away, his mission accomplished for now.

Arian, breathless and shaken but unharmed, rushed to Felix's side, his voice trembling with concern. "Felix, we need to get you help," he urged, his hands hovering uncertainly over his friend's injured arm.

With a grimace of pain, Felix nodded weakly, allowing Arian to help him to his feet. Together, they stumbled away from the battlefield, leaving behind the wreckage of their encounter with the mysterious Knight and the scars it had left upon them both.

As they disappeared into the gathering shadows, the field fell silent once more, the only sound the distant hum of the floating weapons as they drifted aimlessly in the breeze. And in that moment of stillness, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air, a portent of the trials yet to come in their journey through the tumultuous world they inhabited.

* * * * *

As Felix's scream pierced the air, echoing across the desolate battlefield, Gunther sprang into action. With a sense of urgency that belied his age, the seasoned warrior rushed to Felix's side, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

"What in the name of the Almighty were you thinking?" Gunther's voice was stern as he assessed Felix's wound, his hands moving swiftly and with purpose. "You both were supposed to keep praying and hiding until the timer runs out. That's how the test works!"

"I'm sorry, Gunther," Arian interjected, his voice tinged with remorse. "We tried our best."

Gunther's gaze softened slightly as he turned to Arian, his eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. "You're no different, Praiseworth," he chided gently. "You keep slacking off with those novels of yours instead of memorizing the Nekasroph. At this rate, both of you aren't going to graduate before you turn 16."

Gunther's anger flared once again, his eyes flashing with frustration. But as quickly as it had come, his rage seemed to dissipate, replaced by a weary resignation.

"Look, I know you both have many questions. It's pretty normal for your age, after all," he conceded, his voice softer now. "But The House of Faith raised you to be Memorizers of Nekasroph, Defenders of Theophiles." He leaned in closer to Felix, his gaze intense. "Not some arrogant scoundrel who thinks he could defy God's perfect plan."

With a final, exasperated sigh, Gunther finished patching up Felix's wound, his hands moving with practiced efficiency. As he stepped back, Arian couldn't help but interject.

"Alright, now you're being unfair to us, Gunther," Arian protested, his voice tinged with frustration. "We technically did what the test required. Felix just happened to have his own authentic idea."

Gunther's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "An idea that could get you killed if it wasn't a simulation!" he snapped, his voice rising once again. "All you had to do was hide and pray. The purpose of this whole simulation was to test your patience and how compatible you are with God's divinity. And you blew it, the second time!"

Felix's gaze remained fixed on the ground, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of guilt and uncertainty. As Gunther's words sank in, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of shame at his own recklessness. Beside him, Arian's irritation was palpable, his gaze locked on Gunther with an intensity that matched the older man's own.

Before either of them could respond, a new presence made itself known, a towering figure whose very presence seemed to command attention. The Knight, having removed his mask to reveal a surprisingly friendly face, entered the scene with an air of casual confidence.

"Woah, looks like they're not the only ones who need evaluation," he remarked, his voice deep and resonant. Despite his imposing stature, there was a warmth in his tone that belied his intimidating appearance.

Gunther turned to face the newcomer, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "Awl? Weren't you supposed to report today's result?" he inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"I was until I saw you three," Awl replied nonchalantly, his tone betraying a hint of amusement. "You need to take it easy, Gunty."

Gunther's expression softened slightly at Awl's words, a hint of resignation creeping into his features. "Tell me, how could anyone take this easily? These two are probably the worst members of this orphanage's history," he countered, his voice heavy with frustration.

Awl turned his attention to Felix, his gaze penetrating as he studied the young boy before him. "Kid, how did you throw that rock?" he inquired, his tone both curious and incredulous. "Nothing should have changed the path of the sword destined by God."

Felix's excitement was palpable as he launched into an explanation, his words tumbling out in a rush of enthusiasm. "Well, I calculated my position with respect to your sword, and then as for the height and angle, I sort of estimated them, which led me to obtaining the amount of initial velocity while also considering the influence of the atmosphere..."

As Felix trailed off, he noticed the puzzled expressions on the faces of his companions. Clearing his throat, he amended his explanation with a nervous stutter. "I simply put some thoughts and prayers to it," he concluded, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Awl chuckled softly at Felix's response, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "See? It was God's will that the throw worked," he remarked, his tone light and reassuring. "As I said Gunts, you need to train your patience. These two are God's examination for you, my friend."

He then turned to Gunther, offering a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Excessive seriousness in executing God's plan could lead..."

"... to the emergence of unnecessary wrath," Gunther finished. "Yeah, I get it. I attended the same class as yours. Thanks for reminding me."

"You seem very pressured, friend," Awl offered in a tone of gentle concern. "Let me take care of this. You go get some rest."

"Very well," Gunther agreed, his weariness evident in the lines etched upon his face. With a simple gesture, wings emerged from his back, glowing with a divine radiance. "As for you both..." Gunther's gaze shifted to Felix and Arian, his eyes now shining with the activated power of a Memorizer. "I suggest you get started on memorizing more verses."

With that final admonition, Gunther ascended into the sky, his form disappearing into the distance until he was nothing more than a distant speck against the horizon. Left behind, Felix and Arian exchanged a meaningful glance, silently acknowledging the weight of Gunther's words.

As Gunther disappeared from view, Awl stepped forward, his expression somber and contemplative. "Believe it or not, I was like you two," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But I always believed that God always has ways for everyone, including for me."

With a penetrating gaze, Awl fixed his eyes on Felix and Arian, his words carrying the weight of experience and wisdom. "It would be best if you both believe in the same thing," he advised, his tone gentle yet firm. "Evaluation dismissed."

With that final decree, Awl spread his wings and soared into the sky, his departure marked by a gust of wind that swept through the air. Felix stood tall, his resolve unwavering in the face of uncertainty, while Arian found solace in the shelter of his hands, shielding his face from the tumult of emotions swirling around him.

Together, they stood on the battlefield, the echoes of Gunther and Awl's words lingering in the air like a whispered promise.

Arian looked at Felix, a mix of disbelief and amusement playing on his features. "So, whatcha gonna do?" he asked, his tone teasing.

"I'm gonna train my pebble throwing skills," Felix replied without missing a beat, his expression serious.

"You're joking," Arian scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"No, I'm serious," Felix insisted, his gaze unwavering. "You heard what Awl said. God has his ways for everyone. I want to believe that this is gonna work."

With a newfound sense of determination, Felix set off to hone his unconventional skills, his heart filled with faith and purpose. "In the name of God" he whispered, a prayer on his lips as he embarked on the start his tale.