A LEAP THROUGH TIME

A year and four months had passed since Ikku left his old life behind, carrying with him his dreams and scars. Now, no one knew what had become of him or how Jack’ training had shaped this once-uncertain young man.

The sun was setting gently over the beach, casting a golden glow on the waves that crashed softly against the fine sand. Beyond the Saqar Forest lay a discreet port, nearly deserted at the end of the day. This place was called the Port of Ares. The only sounds breaking the tranquility were those of port workers chatting as they went about their daily routine.

“I’m telling you, this is the last shipment before the storm hits.”

“We’ll see, but I’d rather be dry at the tavern,” one of the two men replied with a smirk, leaning against a crate.

One of them gazed out at the horizon and spotted a small boat approaching.

“Looks like we’ve got visitors,” he said, squinting into the distance.

“I’ll handle this one,” the other replied.

As the boat docked slowly, the passengers a group of about ten rugged men disembarked one by one, looking determined. The two guards on duty observed them intently. One of them, a scruffy-bearded man in his forties, eyed the newcomers before letting out a deep sigh.

“Good evening, gentlemen. Let me guess you’re all here to take the entrance exam for Nexus, right?”

The men nodded in silence, some casting curious glances around.

The guard nodded. “Perfect. Let’s start with a little test to see if you’re up to it.”

One of the men stepped forward, intrigued and amused. “What kind of test?”

A sly grin crept onto the guard’s face. “It’s simple. You’ve got three hours to take my cap. If you can do that, you’ll move on to the exam.”

The men exchanged puzzled looks. Some burst out laughing, thinking the guard was joking.

“Seriously? That’s your test? You’re kidding, right?” one of them said, amused.

The guard shrugged. “The clock’s already ticking. You’ve got two hours and fifty-nine minutes left.”

Visibly irritated by the guard’s laid-back demeanor, one of the men glared at him. “Fine. And all means are fair?”

The guard, still smirking, replied lightly, “Of course. Do your best.”

Without wasting a second, the ten men lunged at him all at once, ready for a brawl. But the guard, with astonishing agility, leapt into the air, effortlessly dodging their attacks. Each time they tried to grab him, he slipped between them with impressive ease, as if predicting their every move.

One of the men threw a knife at him, hoping to catch him off guard. The guard, unfazed, caught it effortlessly between two fingers.

Time passed, and after an hour, the ten men were exhausted, either sitting or lying on the ground, drenched in sweat and gasping for air. They complained about the difficulty of the test, doubts creeping into their minds.

“Ha… ha… This is impossible… Who is this guy?” one of them wheezed.

The guard, unscathed and still wearing his cap, calmly approached them. He scanned their faces before declaring, “No need to continue. You’ve failed. Time to head home.”

One man, his face flushed with anger, stood up with clenched fists, ready to strike the guard. But he realized that if he couldn’t even take his cap, hitting him would be even more futile. Frustrated, he lowered his gaze and turned to his companions.

Disheartened and frustrated, they boarded the boat, their hopes shattered. The guard watched them leave, a smug grin on his lips.

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As the boat disappeared into the distance, the first guard finally removed his cap, wiping his forehead with an amused smile.

“They’re all the same, these kids. They think a little muscle is all it takes to pass the Nexus exam.”

The other guard sighed, leaning against a barrel. “Yeah, it’s getting worse. More and more young people show up here, convinced they can change the world. They have no idea what they’re getting into.”

The first guard spun his cap between his fingers before placing it back on his head. “Seriously, have you seen anyone worth their salt lately? They’re all so cocky, thinking they can have everything without breaking a sweat.”

He nodded toward the boat disappearing on the horizon. “Like those guys. None of them lasted more than an hour.”

The other guard burst into laughter. “Bahaha! To be fair, you weren’t exactly gentle with them. But it’s the same story every time. If we let them take the exam, they’d die in the first trial.”

The first guard sighed again. “And we’re the ones stuck dealing with them. I’m getting tired of watching them parade through here. It’s like Nexus recruitment attracts every fool in the region.”

The other shrugged. “That’s just how it is. If they knew what they were really getting into, they’d turn back before even setting foot here.”

Suddenly, the first man squinted, staring at the edge of the forest a few kilometers away. “Hey, wait a second… Did you see that?” he asked, pointing to a shadow moving in the distance.

The other shrugged indifferently. “What? Nothing ever comes out of that forest. The beasts stay inside they never wander out.”

But the first man insisted, grabbing a pair of binoculars. What he saw made his eyes widen. “It’s… it’s a giant tiger! It’s coming out of the forest and heading straight for us!”

His companion let out a nervous laugh. “What? No way!” But he drew his weapon, his hands trembling slightly. “If it’s true and it gets too close, I’ll take it down.”

The man with the binoculars remained on high alert, eyes fixed on the beast hurtling toward them at an alarming speed. But something seemed off. He blinked and caught his breath.

“Wait… There’s someone on the tiger.”

“What? Are you out of your mind? No one could ride something like that!” the other retorted nervously.

But as the tiger drew closer, the image became clearer. Just meters away, there was no longer any doubt: a figure was seated atop the massive feline.

The two men exchanged stunned looks as the tiger stopped a short distance away. With surprising grace, the rider dismounted, placing one foot on the sand. He gently patted the tiger’s flank, and the animal bowed its head in respect before dashing back toward the forest.

The young man approached the port guards, his tattered clothes revealing a lean, muscular physique honed by months of effort. He wore a calm, almost friendly expression.

“Good evening,” he said with a slight smile. “Is this the Port of Ares?”

One of the guards, still shaken by what he had witnessed, nodded. “Yes, you’re in the right place.”

The young man seemed relieved. “Great. I’m looking to reach Kul-Elna. I was told a boat stops here.”

The second guard, regaining his composure, replied cautiously. “That’s correct, kid. But to get to Kul-Elna, you need a pass. The boat only takes those aiming to join Nexus.”

The young man’s smile widened. “Perfect that’s exactly what I’m here for.”

The first guard crossed his arms, intrigued, and burst out laughing. “Well, usually we test candidates who want to sign up… but with an entrance like yours, I’d say you’ve already proven yourself. Just tell me your name.”

“Thank you,” the young man replied, bowing slightly. “My name is Ikku, Nemuri Ikku.”

The guard adjusted his cap, still impressed. “Welcome, Ikku. I’m Miguel, the port guard and the one who decides who gets to try for Nexus. Based on what I’ve seen, you’re already in, but I’m curious to see what you’re made of. I’d still like to test you.”

Miguel pointed to a badge pinned to his uniform. “You have one hour to take this badge from me, using any means necessary. Don’t hold back I won’t…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Miguel froze, stunned. Ikku was standing there, the badge between his fingers, examining it curiously.

“I don’t really see what’s so special about this badge, Mr. Miguel,” Ikku said calmly.

Miguel, utterly bewildered, stood there, speechless. “How did you… Wahahaha! That’s incredible! You’re really something, kid!”

Ikku, wearing a modest smile, still held the badge, aware of the shock he had caused. Miguel quickly regained his composure, looking at him with both respect and affection.

“The boat for participants arrives in two days. You can rest and freshen up in the quarters over there. There are clean clothes and food help yourself and make yourself at home. Good luck, Ikku. The trials ahead will be far tougher.”

So, this is what Ikku has become. But surely, you’re wondering what kind of training made him this strong.

And yet, the real question is: will it be enough to face the formidable trials of Nexus? Stay focused the adventure has only just begun, and the greatest challenges are still to come.