The surroundings were dyed with a whiteness that shared a slight contrast to a shade of pink. That calming color was everywhere. It was not clear as to if the surroundings became dyed with it or if, perhaps those surroundings were composed of that color entirely from the beginning. Regardless, the creations of plains of grass all across the land were blown by a gentle wind.
And one significant feature out of all, a hill. A rather suitable hill was with a tree standing stagnant atop it. Additional wind also blew branches of the hill, gently.
The whitish haze grasped everywhere, however emerging from this haze, a pair of figures appeared, standing but also moving away from the tree atop the hill. The figures of a woman and man, which would part ways from each other.
…Figures of a promise.
***
Year 5,018. Airoterp.
Risse residence.
Slumbering in sheets dyed red, one bony arm draped out, almost reaching to the floor with long fingers. Traces of a red dust blew off atop his back on the covers.
The sun already reached a point into the sky that the environment was illuminated without fail. To that active level of light of sunshine and steadily rising levels of heat, the countless residents of the city would begin their day. However, the lad to the bed found such movement a bother, even if not said verbally.
A steady light penetrated out a glass window next to the bed.
However, his passionate rest was set to be ruined from the start. To his bedside, an alarm clock strike at 06:00. Immediately, the alarm clock mercilessly rang, as an awakened lad became aware of an interrupting sound in the background.
Drawing blood from the get-go, he instictively assimilated a sphere of flames into the air which gathered light. Whilst on the bed, he became more furious at each passing second and fired unimpeded at an annoying object generating an unpleasant experience.
Aiming capacity was dead-on. As such, the alarm clock flew away from the explosion to the centre of the room. And for a few more seconds, the irritating thing went dead silent, but would unfortunately come back with fury. Therefore, loudly releasing an annoying sequence of tones.
“Useless!”
He immediately said with an annoyance in his voice, while gritting the whites in the mouth. Perhaps, a more direct approach was required. Unexpectedly, the soles of his feet touched the floor. No other choice, but to deal with it head-on, further enveloping his right foot in flames.
The lad would widen the gap between himself and the annoying alarm clock.
Apparent flames sprouted to coat a portion of his right foot from the knee to the sole. With that, one huge breath was taken as if to prepare one’s self for an athletic event.
Following sprouting flames, the lad released the alarm clock into the air, when suddenly foot met metal and with that kicked the clock out the window nearest to him. Slight wind pressure blew at the drapes.
Afterward, a room filled with animated movie posters, to a display case of well placed figurines. For an average male entering his 20’s, they would have a somewhat collection, but all that was pale in comparison to this collection. A textbook geek. Tall with a sharp look. A small build which meant small muscles than the average. Quite honestly an everyday looking young man.
He set his gaze to the sight outside, as if he were entranced by movement. But to an extent, he quickly pulled out the trance to ready his clothes and wash up, first.
***
Before the lad could lick off the last traces on the plate of a devoured meal, he decided to grip a handle of the door leading outside, however a paper stuck to the refrigerator caught his gaze.
Once outside, the lad gazed back at a desolate house, he called home.
The beginning of the spring day with green grass and chirping birds, glinted at the arrival of a new season. It marked the start of the year which signaled a new phase in life.
And he embarks on his first day as a Knight candidate.
{Inoyva Risse.}
***
On the sidewalk, Inoyva firstly summons his mode of transportation.
A formation of light enveloped the sidewalk, giving rise to sudden winds. Appearing out the formation, a creature on all fours, stood. Inoyva is greeted by an eager and excited hound with a white coat and reptilian eyes; an overzealous summon called “Alka.”
“How have you been doing?”
Not retaining the ability of speech in terms of a specific language, Alka barked out to Inoyva as if he understood what was implied.
“Good boy. Anyhow, let’s go. Cai is probably waiting.”
***
Afterward, Inoyva mounted the hound, making their way on to a predetermined destination. It was a particular season. With spring grasping the surroundings, the inhabitants were also influenced by it. However, out of all things which were painstakingly awaited for, the Hunter candidate exams would commence in a few hours.
Upon arriving, the warm breeze which sweeps away at leaves on the ground and moves waves the ocean waves, blew at the awaiting damsel within his sights. Inoyva suddenly became mesmerized by her black and green hair fluttering and her unyielding expression in the wind. And a smile edged out on his face.
{Cai Setra.}
A tall lad set foot on to the bridge were Cai awaited on. Being a tad bit late, Inoyva would have to worm his way into her good books again. Only to find Cai immersed in a foul mood.
“Morning… I know that I didn’t arrive at the exact time. But, I have good reason.”
He said with traces of nervousness in his voice.
“Let’s hear it, then.”
“Well… I thought you weren’t going to ask, so I didn’t prepare one.”
Cai focused her gaze, feeling dumbfounded.
“Tardiness disgusts me.”
‘Of course, it does.’
Immediately, Cai began glaring right into Inoyva, as if he was imagining aiming for the neck. Her gaze held many meanings, the most apparent, annoyance.
Even so, wallowing in the past would never change the events that already occurred. She sighed inwardly and lessened the heavy levels of annoyance encircling in her body.
For that current state of mind, Cai walked a few paces, trailing off to the other side of the bridge.
Strangely, she pulled out a piece of paper and looked to the Inoyva.
“So, did you get one?”
Inoyva calmly step forward in the same direction and he pulled out a piece of paper, also.
“Yeah. It’s probably from Irisdescent, but why call us without any information about it.”
To his side, Alka was eager for attention from his master, lifting up its snout. Inoyva casually gestured his long fingers into the hound’s mouth.
“I’m not sure. We already took the written entrance test. And obviously the next thing delivered would be a letter of acceptance, but there’s nothing of the sorts.”
“Only a date and time.”
Despite calling out Inoyva, Inoyva gazed upon an adorable sight. The hound, panting and would wag its tail from left to right.
Immediately, Cai noticed a sudden flash of light from Alka. Noticing that Alka fulfilled its task, that being transporting its master to the predetermined destination, Inoyva initiated the same transportation method as before in order for Alka to return back from where it came.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
The ground where Alka stood on revealed a formation of light once more, the hound was covered and returned to its origins with a slight hurl of wind.
As a point that was somewhat rendezvous point, the bridge served as a place for the two to meet. With that, the time had come for Cai and Inoyva to arrive at the place they wholeheartedly wished to.
Their plans were to be carried out with haste it would seem. However strangely enough, having walked a few paces in front of him, Inoyva advanced fast and grabbed ahold of Cai by the arm.
Following a tug of the sleeve, Inoyva gripped on to her arm, pulling her closer to his body.
The action and motion he partaked in was swift, to the point of passing in a moment’s notice. Inoyva drew the maiden closer to his body, ultimately they came into contact face-to-face. Unclear of the initiated gesture, despite one thing being clear, their faces were too close to each other.
Evidently the lad prompted for the contact of his lips with Cai.
However that being his intention, the feeling was not recuperated.
“We don’t have time for this.”
From the very start of being pulled, Cai lifted her right hand. That hand was atop Inoyva’s mouth, thoroughly covering the lower part of his face.
Cai pushed the lad a short distance with a gentle shove from both arms. Even after the advancement, the air around them hadn’t cleared for some reason and they kept a warm expression. Immediately, Inoyva noticed her back pointing to him. Cai turned the other way.
Cai’s eyes peered into the distance. As well as an expression filled with a gapping smile, Cai’s body would fidget ever so slightly over the span of minutes. Her reaction was not unwarranted, though. To their destination, they walked to the place where their entrance exam would take place. The trials ahead would prove difficult, as predicted, but a new experience of new places and people would bring excitement.
***
Irisdescent, one of the most prestigious elite academies in the whole nation of Acirfa Htuos, and currently ranked 3rd in the world rankings.
As one of the most suitable places for Knight candidates to train at, countless, upon countless applications were issued in order to be enrolled into it. Even so, various tests were conducted in order to grasp the aspiring candidates’ skills and abilities. Even not for combat capabilities, other innate talents like a quick-witted mind were also welcomed. As such, unlike other elite academies, Irisdescent opted for talent rather than financial resources from their students. Without talent, hardworking students able were also welcomed.
“…”
The maiden with black and green hair and the tall lad with black hair, both managed to make in time.
Cai and Inoyva’s attention was immediately caught by a large building, confidently displayed towards them from the giant gates of Irisdescent. The gates were no exception, with the sheer size of staggering height and thickness.
“It’s here.”
A heavily breathing Inoyva sought to rid off excess “weight” on his back, expressing by passing glances at Cai. Quite evident, Cai was carried on his back for majority of the way there. The gates to the elite academy were already opened for the commencement of the exam.
Entering onto the sacred ground, they located a massive crowd from varying individuals, who were rather young like them.
Inoyva gulped.
All other individuals probably came with the same invitation. The next generation of candidates aiming for acceptance made their way into an assembly hall stretching out to unknown lengths. Hesitation had no place there, heading in headfirst.
***
There was no reception, not even one person from the elite academy coming to welcome them. Only a large room, with dim lights that illuminated some small portions of the room.
It was then.
“Good morning, gathered candidates. My name is Sero, this will be your first introduction into the first part of Irisdescent’s combative entrance exam.”
Suddenly, on a massive screen that caught their gathered attention, the image of woman appeared. It relayed instructions. Rather than physical confrontation, a projection of upcoming tests was clear to everyone.
“Wait! What is this? A combat test? We’re supposed to fight?! The contents of the invitation never said anything about this part! We couldn’t even mentally prepare.”
One male candidate spoke furiously at the massive screen.
“He’s right!”
“How do you expect us to actually fight with so little information!”
“We already took the entrance exam, what bullshit is this?!”
Immediately, commotion brewed all around like wildfire. It was understandable, they were invitated to fight without even knowing that fact.
“Seriously? “Mentally prepare?” “So little information?” When you’re headfirst into the jaws of a monster, will that be your excuse?! If so, leave you pieces of shit! This is elite academy, not high school. It’s either fight now, or fuck off and get kicked out before you enroll.”
It was clear, her message came with a cold glare accompanied by words that silenced them all.
The standing and on-looking candidates became dead silence.
Without wasting time, the woman from the massive screen, spoke.
“You’ll be dispatched into simulated forest and city-like environments. In these areas, each candidate will be placed at different parts at the initial start. When the signal is given, each candidate is to locate other candidates and battle each other to earn a total score of fifty points.”
Narrowing his eyes, Inoyva placed a hand to the chin. A seriousness was to his expression.
“Each candidate will be worth one point at the beginning of the exam, but when you defeat your intended opponents, the value of your points increases. The means of fighting are simple. Each candidate will be given a vest and a saber. You are required to slash your opponent’s vest in order to enquire their accumulated points.”
The woman continued.
“The saber glows, however, is not a physical object, except for the hilt. So, it cannot cause harm to anyone but when in contact with a vest, it will react with two consecutive flashes of light, meaning you gained points. The vest of defeated candidates will have glowing scar on it.”
For their first time, the candidates held to a calm state, almost giving off an aura of belonging to the place.
“Use any means necessary to defeat your opponent, however, you are not to severely injure or kill your opponent. If the rules are broken, you’ll be immediately disqualified. The exam ends when 2,240 of you reach fifty or more points individually. That is all.”
***
Ruined city area.
A ruined it was. However well-equipped the elite academia was in terms of finance, the sheer size of the city and the detail put in was extraordinary. If they were not told of that place’s true purpose, anyone would conclude that a calamity had descended upon the area. Some similarities between this city and where Cai and Inoyva lived were somewhat apparent.
‘Now, let’s see... Flame Art: Straw Sword!’
A fiery thing occurred on Inoyva’s feet. Immediately after reciting a few words in his mind, sudden flames sprouted underneath the soles to ultimately coat the feet along with his shoes.
And quick as a bat, Inoyva kicked the ground in order to search for potential opponents.
For the brief seconds of peace, he would locate no opponents. It was understandable, the exam commenced not so long ago, the gears eventually would spin until chaos enveloped everywhere as everyone aimed their spears at everyone else.
Not far enough from his initial starting point, a figure then was caught Inoyva’s glance. An opportunity showed itself.
Speed was imperative, as he was with some indication of unsuspecting prey which showed no signs of locating him, Inoyva geared up his saber for action. Not missing a chance, Inoyva shot out and aimed his saber at that candidate.
A sudden gust of wind followed and realization finally grasped the candidate. A surprise attack from somewhere left a streak of black, as of now, withdrawal was no longer as option.
“What the…!”
Inoyva’s saber flashed.
Certainly, if considering the sheer amount of individuals taking the exam, Inoyva would find another opponent not so far. As predicted, Inoyva located two others around the corner and discretely bent the corner to avoid being spot. Already, those two were at each other’s throats.
Inoyva awaited for a the moment to strike them down. Crouching down at a run-over car, he assimilated additional flames to his feet. And suddenly, a chance appeared. The steadiness of Inoyva’s hand created precision slashes with devastating speed. Apparent as it was, they were ultimately defeated at the swiftness of his strikes.
***
Elven forests area.
At the same time, Cai launched her demolishing attacks, also. As stated once before, everyone in her line of sight would be “destroyed.”
Pretty much evident, Cai was with no intention of executing her strikes with a plan of moving forward, though that was not unwarranted. Cai possessed heightened senses as well as heightened muscles that allowed her to display monstrous strength with only a flick of the fingers. As such, those eyes reflected a thrill of fighting and crushing all other living beings who stood in her path. However, she still remembered the rule of not fatally wounding her opponents.
To each side when locating another opponent, Cai carried out a rhythm of slamming the opponent and then slashing. But, there would other individuals who could potentially keep up with her devastating speed and power, though a challenger worthy enough to incite her full strength did not appear. The sounds of utter mayhem, with echoes of explosions accompanying it, resounded throughout the numerous battle fields.
***
Suddenly, smoke was sighted in the scene of mayhem, as time passed by.
The start was slow, but each great thing starts as a minuscule amount until displaying unimpeded presence.
Out of nowhere, the thunderous roars of combat were heard. The whereabouts of its origin being the open fields of the forest suddenly caught attention. In the prolific struggle of things, chaos ensued at a blink of an eye.
Clear evidence of struggles became apparent. Individuals within striking range from each other would attack unimpeded. However, precautions were put in place for no deaths to occur.
***
“The next generation of Knights.” That message spread like wildfire across the masses. Billboards and other advertisements across the nation displayed awaited news of the exam. Commonly associated with already polished Knights that were officially listed, candidates garnered as much attention, perhaps even more. For fame, financial wealth or developing connections that could better one’s life, the countless benefits a well-known Knight could attain varied, offered great rewards. Some did not share the same views as these, though. Having to fight in order for peace or retaliation on the Abyss, they too walked the same path but would diverge at some point to attain their own goals. Despite a clash of ideologies, elite academies welcomed any able bodied individual with open arms.
Most candidates would charge forth with their dreams in focus. If they could be accepted into an extraordinary elite academy and could draw the attention of Legions who would scout them at the end of the training period would be their end goal. Everything was one the line.
“Attention! It was a slow but thrilling start, with hundreds of candidates being eliminated but 2,240 individuals have already reached the minimum scores. Therefore, part one of the entrance exam is over. All candidates are to report to the Assembly Hall to review if they made it through or not.”
***
Undisclosed information.
Summon: Refers to an entity called to a specific location from its original homeland in the vast habitats and environments. It can be summoned anywhere, regardless of the distance between the 2 parties.
A “contract” is formed binding both entities to each other, if the agreed upon terms are fulfilled by both parties.