Rai and Hanabi navigated through the busy crowd, their eyes scanning the grandstands of the enormous coliseum. The exam was set to begin soon.

“Wow, this place is huge,” Hanabi said, gazing up where a dome overhead kept the outside light from entering.

Rai nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it's pretty amazing,” he replied, reminiscing of the last time he was here.

The stage for the exam, like Rooty Root's, was attached to the guest lobby.

“I wish I could have made it last year,” Hanabi said.

“That’s right, you didn’t get to make it to the last one, did you?”

“Unfortunately, no, I was busy with my lessons, but it paid off,” she said, flashing her porting badge.

“An official Link,” Rai said, impressed. “Hardly surprised, you’re the best there is.”

“I’m only that good because you and Tanabe keep injuring yourselves on these ridiculous missions,” she said, placing her hands on her hips.

“You know as well as I do, no one other than you can fix me up,” Rai said in a nervous chuckle.

Hanabi sighed, “Yeah, your flux cores unlike any others—a maze in fact. Took almost an entire day to repair all the damage you received on your way back to the empire.” Swiftly positioning her finger, practically up Rai’s nose, she said, “Stop messing yourself up, you big jerk.”

Rai, leaned back, sweat trickling down his forehead, “Okay.”

Looking up, Yuta asked, “What’s a Link?”

“They're giant monsters who eat children,” Rai replied, playfully pretending to be a monster, scaring Yuta,

“Rai, stop,” Hanabi said, giggling. Crouching down to Yuta's level, she said, “Don't listen to him. Let me give you a clearer picture. When certain people with special blood, like Rai and myself, unlock this power within them, one of two paths open. The path of Abminus, which your big brother and Rai are on, and the path of a Link. That’s what I am.”

“Marco’s a Link too,” Rai chimed in. “Though he’s a bit different than most...”

“With the rare exception of people like Master Marco, Links normally deal in the reconstruction of damaged flux cores within Abminus, kind of like healing a hurt heart, in importance,” Lily said smiling. “Without us, big strong men like your brother and Rai would find it a lot tougher getting any stronger, and if that happens, they won’t be able to protect people, just like you,” she said tapping his nose with her finger.

“I want to be a Link!” Yuta said, excited. “That way I can help my big brother.”

“Maybe one day,” Hanabi said, smiling.

In the meantime, Rai’s gaze swept over rows upon rows of spectators filling the stands. “Come on, let's find ourselves a good spot to watch from.”

Together, they continued their search for a seat, weaving their way through the sea of spectators until a familiar voice called out to them.

“Rai! Hanabi!” Alan's voice rang out above, accompanied by an excited wave from the top of the stands.

Rai glanced up, his eyes widening in surprise as he spotted Alan waving them over. With a grin, he turned to Hanabi and Yuta. “Looks like Alan saved us some seats. Let's go join him.”

“Thanks for the seats, Alan,” Rai said gratefully as they reached their friend's side.

“No problem at all. I had extra just in case, and I figured you guys would want a good view of the action.”

Settling into their seats, Alan said, “There’s supposed to be a good number of Elites present today—more than half I hear!” Alan quickly flipped through the book he held. Opening it he showed both Hanabi and Rai the photo of a gorgeous woman; their name read, ‘Eloise of Thundertyde.’ “For the first time since the first exam, Eloise is making an appearance,” hearts radiated in his eyes.

“No way,” Hanabi said.

Often the Elites were on a mission if not handling their accords. They weren’t present for these exams unless they wanted to be, making seeing them something special for most outside of the kingdoms they reside in.

Trumpets sounded, and one large door opened. From it, many contestants walked out.

“Mind if I join you,” a voice spoke.

From behind the group, a man with flowers atop that wrapped his body down to his waste appeared. The flowers blocked the view of those behind him, wrapping the man’s body to the center of his trench coat.

“Master Briggs,” Hanabi said.

“Hanabi, good to see you. I take it your training went well with Lady Yui.”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Mhm,” Hanabi nodded.

Master was a term used among Links when referring to someone who has a great deal of understanding in their ways.

“Hey,” a man angrily stated. “I can’t see!” Upon sniffing the bush of flowers upon Mr. Briggs head, the spectator fell under some sort of drunken gaze, staring cluelessly at the sky.

“Mr. Briggs,” Alan said, giving a slight bow.

“Mr. Who?” Rai replied.

“He’s one of the five teachers whose classes were meant to attend,” Alan said.

“Please to meet your acquaintance,” he said, shaking Rai’s hand.

“Mr. Briggs is also a Link, and teaches the Flux Force class, something both Links and Abminus have to take together,” Hanabi added.

“Aegis!” Yuta pointed.

From the many competitors, three more arrived – their friends!

“Plu,” Plu's head popped out from under Rai’s hood, startling Mr. Briggs; its eyes were glued on the arena.

“I wonder if the number one elite’s going to show up,” Rai said.

“Doubt it, he’s hardly even within Excalibur. Just shows up, drops off loads of treasures and goods, and heads back out. Not to mention the length of time he’s gone... The amount of paperwork I’ve had to file in his place,” Alan said with a sigh.

“The fact that the number one elite chose you as his apprentice is an amazing feat in itself,” Hanabi said. “I hear he hasn’t chosen another one since.”

“Yeah, well you can only have two apprentices per Elite, so it’s no wonder. He probably regrets having chosen me,” Alan replied, doubt showing on his face.

“Alan, you gotta stop selling yourself short, man. Look, being chosen by the number one elite is no small feat. If he saw something in you, then you've got what it takes,” Rai said.

Cheering resonated throughout the coliseum, as the 75th ruler of the Illuminus Empire appeared, sitting upon his chair high above the arena. Beside him was general General Kur.

Emperor Adonis was a prominent figure throughout the world, beloved by many. His leadership qualities were unquestionable.

His voice filled the arena. “Citizens gathered. Today marks the commencement of yet another examination where determined warriors aim to join the apprenticeship. But know, this is not just a clash of wills, but a clash of destiny, one which determines every one of our futures; for without these young warriors before you, the Empire and the kingdom peace would surely come crashing down. Throughout Asceria, extending even to the very corners of Cronos, these threats remain, and so, we gather today, in hopes of finding the next generational talents.” Beside him, General Kur nodded in agreement. “Seven of the thirteen Elites have graced us. Please, welcome, your Illuminus Elite,” Emperor Adonis said.

Rai, Alan, and Plu leaned forward eagerly, their hearts pounding as the arena erupted into cheers and applause.

Eager to catch a glimpse of the powerful warriors who held such sway over the fate of the kingdoms, a hush fell over the coliseum as the first of the Illuminus Elites made their entrance.

Entering the left, beside the many seats placed next to the emperor’s side, a figure of immense stature, his imposing frame drawing gasps from the spectators.

“Look, it's Knox!” Alan said, his eyes widening as the colossal figure of the eighth-ranked Illuminus Elite came into view.

“Whoa, he's like a walking fortress!” Rai said, his gaze fixed on Knox's massive form as he made his way to his seat.

“What up everybody,” Knox said, his deep voice soothing as ever.

Many girls cupped their hands; their eyes full of desire. “Knox may be all about strength, but there's a certain charm to his laid-back attitude,” one said, practically fainting after he winked at her.

As Knox sat, a resonating thud echoed in the air.

The excitement in the air only continued to mount as the next Elite made their entrance.

His white hair gleamed in the light of the arena. Reezo, the thirteenth-ranked Illuminus Elite, carried an aura of calm as he made his way into the arena.

“Reezo, always the picture of tranquility,” Mr. Briggs remarked, his gaze fixed on the elite.

“Old geezer may have slipped in rank, but his combat ability is undeniable,” Rai replied, his eyes following Reezo's every move. The only class he did ever attend was the one Reezo taught—combat class—apparently now being taught by someone else. He learned the hard way not to mess with this man…

As Reezo settled into his seat, eager to see who would make their entrance next, the anticipations grew. And then, as if on cue, a figure clad in yellow and black armor strode confidently in.

“Eloise!” Alan shouted, a smile spreading across his face as he caught sight of the third-ranked Illuminus Elite. He held a poster up, totally fanboying.

“I hear she's a force to be reckoned with,” Hanabi said, her eyes shining with admiration as Eloise.

And then, as if sensing his arrival, Rai glanced over. It was Tanabe! His demeanor was as upright and honorable as always.

“Tanabe!” Hanabi shouted.

Yuta and Hanabi, including Rai, cheered for him, clearly raising their voice to the max in support of their friend.

Tanabe, embarrassed, placed his hand behind his head, waving nervously at the crowd present, but upon catching his grandpa’s gaze, he straightened his pose, walking firm as he was taught.

“You actually did it,” Rai said, his gaze following Tanabe's every move with respect.

The crowd acknowledged Tanabe as being a strong and worthy elite, but being new, he didn’t garner much praise from everyone, making the next entry all the more explosive.

The spectators held their breath in anticipation for the next wave of Illuminus Elites to make their grand entrance. Nefarians in particular, sniffing the air, were on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the arrival of the powerful warrior who arrived next.

Entering, his presence caused every Nefarian to jump off their feet and scream, “Alderai!”

Alderai, the fourth-ranked Illuminus Elite. His distinctive cat ears twitched with each step, as he made his way towards his designated seat.

“Alderai!?” Alan said shocked.

“No way!” Rai said, leaning in. “Next to the number one elite, Alderai’s got to be the next coolest thing!”

Stars lit in both Rai and Alan's eyes.

“Who’s fanboying now?” Hanabi said.

As Alderai settled into his seat among the other Elites, the Nefarians began clapping, acknowledging the profound impact that he had made on the world around him. The cheers continued for a short while, not stopping until a couple of minutes had passed.

Moments later, another menacing figure emerged from the shadows. Gael, the second-ranked Illuminus Elite. He walked with a sense of superiority as he made his way into the arena, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd with disdain.

“Ugh, Gael,” Alan muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he watched the notorious bully take his place among the other Elites.

Rai crossed his fingers, saying to himself, “Come on. Let it be him…”

As Gael settled into his seat, from the depths of the shadows, a figure materialized from the shadows.

“Temin,” Rai said, slumping over as the ninth-ranked Illuminus Elite made his way into the arena.

“He's always been a riddle,” Mr. Briggs remarked, his gaze fixed on Temin's tall, imposing figure as he took his place among the other Elites.

The crowd fell silent as the lights cut off.

Fire emerged from many different torches around the entire arena, encircling the contestants. With the arrival of the final Elite, the stage was set for the commencement of the examination.