Balor’s eyes abruptly shot open as he felt the sensation of the nerves in his back becoming irritated, causing his whole back to be engulfed in the feeling of numbness. His whole body couldn’t help but harden up from the impact, causing this. As the dust around Balor’s body began to circulate in a spiral in front of him, he suddenly bolted to the side to dodge an incoming swing.

“Damn it, dad! Are you trying to kill me? This is worse than normal!” Balor screamed deafening anyone right next to him.

“You wanted to have a final battle, did you not? How can I take it easy on you? Even if your thirteen. The world is harsh and unforgiving, more so the examiners.” Balor’s old man replied scoffingly.

Balor bounced up from the battle-stricken ground, trying to gain a foothold against his father. Extending his arm to grasp the only sure way out of the hellish torture he forced upon his self, snatching the worn-out blade from the ground. Proceeding to fix his battle stance and reforge it once again, the sharp gaze of determination fills Balor’s bright blue eyes. This gaze pierces through his father, brilliantly signifying that this will be the last attack.

The blades descended upon each other in a fierce clash, upon the outcome of the battle a single blade had a triumph victory. This blade was in ruins due to the sheer force that was exerted on it earlier. The sword transfixed through the other blade causing it to shatter. The blade enveloped the feelings of its owner and persevered through the training, and overcome its limit to become victorious.

As a single victor stood there maintaining his last few strands of strength to stay standing, the skill of the victor will soon be known. As for the capability of the loser, it had already been known throughout the world. As the strands of the victor slowly died out, soon along with his consciousness. Collapsing once again onto the battle-stricken ground, Balor faints.

At the moment of awakening, the time is already night. The stars covered the sky, lighting up the dark. Balor wakes up to view that he and his father both were in the same location, unchanged. As Balor rose from the ground, his body was inflamed and aching from the battle. This is a situation that had never occurred for him. He resolved to take care of his father. After multiple failed attempts, he finally made a modest meal for two. Soon his father woke up and joined in the meal created by Balor.

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“Remember boy, go to the east. Through the woods, near the tainted land, that is where you will find your new home. Take this sword and jerky, this is all you need to take with you, along with the clothes on your back.” Balor’s dad regretfully stated.

After they consumed the food, Balor said his farewells as he was ready to set off to the school of warriors and champions. This school has only accepted the elite of elites. The students there all turn into the best Hunters possible, the best solo Hunters come from there. Hunters are the warriors that fight monsters.

The reason why Balor got a chance to take the entrance exams, was due to his father James. James was an alumnus of Enix University. As a result, like all other alumni, he got to use his single recommendation card that is given out.

* * * 

When a month’s time had elapsed, Balor had finally exited the forest. In which he was greeted by a sight which was both beautiful and horrifying. A mixture of black and purple landscape, craters, and ruins of a destroyed city. As Balor scanned the landscape for the school, he located something peculiar. He found a wagon set ablaze, while it was stuck on its side. As he stepped closer he heard the terror-induced shriek of a human. 

After hearing this, Balor bolted to the wagon. When he reached the wagon, he was greeted by a horrifying picture. A wolf-like creature was gnawing a girl’s body while she was still alive. Not even a second of judgment happened as Balor sliced the wolf’s head clean off. When Balor further examined the girl, he saw her organs mutilated and half-eaten. She was missing both of her legs, she is in a horrible state. 

“I’m sorry about this. You can rest easy now.” Balor tried to alleviate the pain the best he could do. In the end, he realized this wasn’t going to work. To end this fast enough for her, in a single stroke sliced her head off. She didn’t feel any pain when he did this.

“Rest in peace, miss,” Balor said as his voice softened.

After leaving the wreckage, Balor continued east until he saw a school. As he went up to the gate, he was stopped by the guards.

“Halt! Present your card or turn around!” The guard howled at Balor.

Balor presented his card to the guard, after scanning the card he was let in. As Balor walked through the gate the card simultaneously combusted, setting Balor’s pocket on fire. Luckily the fire was too strong and was easily put out by hitting the fire a few times. After settling the fire issue, Balor looked up to see a beautifully crafted masterpiece. At the steps of the school was a sign that said Enix University. 

"Let the games begin!" Balor exclaimed with a smile on his face.