The next morning.

“My body hurts!” said Mira, waking up.

She turned to one side and let out a scream.

“So much noise so early in the morning!” said Rem, waking up.

“Mom? What the...?” exclaimed Mira, confused.

“Him? That’s the room they had available!” said Rem, getting up.

“We slept together?” exclaimed Mira, scared.

“Stop being so dramatic, go get ready and let’s sign you up!” said Rem.

“Is it time?” exclaimed Mira.

“Almost!” said Rem.

Mira looked at her watch.

“Almost? We only have one hour to sign up!” said Mira, excited.

“We’re right next to the testing area, just change your clothes and let’s go!” said Rem.

“What are you doing?” exclaimed Mira.

“Changing your clothes!” said Rem.

— Go do it somewhere else! — Mira said.

— I told you, he'll only wake up when he's in the test! Besides, we only have this room here! — Rem said.

Mira blushed; the scene changed.

— Next! — the receptionist said.

— It's us! — Mira said.

— Is he drunk? — the receptionist exclaimed.

— Drunk? — Mira exclaimed.

— Young people these days are so complicated! — Rem said.

— Whatever, it's going to be the three of them? — the receptionist exclaimed.

— Just the two of them! — Rem said.

The receptionist handed them two papers.

— He can't read, I can... — Rem said.

— No need to lie. We get this kind of person all the time; just give me his real information and I won't care! — the receptionist said.

— Thank you! — Rem said.

They filled out the papers.

— Kay is one hundred and sixth and Mira is one hundred and fifth. Okay, grab your brooches and go to the right. The spectator area is on the left! — said the receptionist.

— Thank you! — said the two.

They entered the building.

— Can you carry him alone? — exclaimed Rem.

— I can, now we just have to wait for him to wake up! — said Mira.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

— He should wake up at some point. Grab his brooch, I'll go to the audience! — said Rem.

They separated. Mira carried Kay on her shoulder.

— I hope you don't get mad at me. This was mom's idea! — whispered Mira.

A few minutes later...

— How long is this hallway? — exclaimed Mira.

— Don't even tell me! I'm Thais, one hundred and seventh competitor! — said Thais, approaching them.

— I'm Viviane, one hundred and eighth competitor! Nice to meet you! — said Viviane, Thais' friend.

— I'm Mira, the one hundred and fifth competitor, and this is Kay, the one hundred and sixth competitor! — said Mira.

— Is he drunk? — exclaimed Thais.

— That's not quite right! — said Mira.

— Giving a girl so much trouble, boys are no good anyway! — said Thais.

— It's not that he's drunk; he's sleeping! — said Mira.

— Sleeping? — exclaimed Thais and Vivi, surprised.

Mira took off Kay's sunglasses.

— That's true! What a heavy sleeper he is! — said Thais.

— Long story — said Mira.

— Do you need help? — exclaimed Thais.

— No need. I can even see the light at the end of this hallway! — said Mira.

— He spoke as if he were dying! — said Thais.

They kept going forward.

— It's our first time taking the test! What about you? — Thais exclaimed.

— This is the first one — Mira said.

— Are you sure you don't want help? You look tired! — Thais said.

— I'm fine! — Mira said.

— It's up to you. Let's be friends? — Thais exclaimed.

— Friends? — Mira exclaimed.

— Yes! — Thais said.

Viviane nodded.

— Of course! — Mira said, smiling.

She seems to be a determined person, but I don't think she'll last long! Thais thought, watching.

They reached the arena, where there were several competitors.

— Finally! — Mira said, pushing Yuri against the wall.

— You did it! — Thais said, applauding.

Mira sat down next to him to rest.

— What's that stick for? — Viviane exclaimed.

— It's his weapon — Mira said.

— A stick? What can you do with that? — Thais exclaimed.

— He's good at it — Mira said.

— This is no place for losers! — Raven said.

Thais and Viviane stepped aside.

— Who was that? — Mira exclaimed.

— Don't you know her? That's Raven. She's the daughter of one of the generals of the Imperial Army, so she's been trained since she was a child. She's one of the most promising this year! — Thais said.

— But her ego is inflated! — Viviane said.

— Why didn't she join the Imperial Army, then? — Mira exclaimed.

— Don't you really know about it? The Imperial Army is known as the rejects. Everyone there was rejected by the Liberation Army. If you want to make a name for yourself, the best place is the Liberation Army! — Thais said.

— Name? — Mira exclaimed, confused.

— You're not from the capital, are you? That explains why you don't know about it! — Thais said.

— We're from outside! — Mira said.

— This audition has many promising competitors, it will be hard to attract attention! — said Thais.

My daughter has already made new friends! Rem thought, smiling at the audience.

The atmosphere in the arena was electrically charged, with the one hundred and fifty competitors gathered together, all eager to

waiting anxiously. A tall man, with a firm posture and a shiny uniform, entered the center of the arena. He was a soldier of the First Division of the Liberation Army, known for his victories in battles and exemplary leadership.

"Good afternoon, everyone! I am Vice Captain Arion, of the First Division of the Liberation Army. It is an honor to be here today to conduct the selection tests for those who aspire to join us."

"A vice captain will conduct the tests?" exclaimed some competitors and spectators.

"This is a surprise, but given the level of the competitors, it makes sense that someone from the front line would test them!" said Thais, excited.

"A vice captain? His presence alone is enough to make everyone pay attention. Incredible!" commented Mira, amazed.

Vice Captain Arion continued:

"The tests will be divided into three categories: first, a physical test, where your combat capabilities and endurance will be assessed; second, a written test, which will measure your knowledge of combat tactics and strategies; and finally, a team test, which will assess how you perform in collaboration with your colleagues.

— We will start with the written test, so that we can prepare each of your combat suits for the following stages.

— I wish you all good luck. May those who excel today shine even brighter in the future! Now, please proceed to the first stage and obey the army's instructions as you prepare for the first test.

The passage was opened, and the competitors advanced.

— Are you still going to refuse help? Thais exclaimed, looking at Mira.

— Please forgive me! Mira replied, a little embarrassed.

Thais and Mira supported Kay, while Viviane took the baton.

Did I overdo it with the sleeping pill? Rem thought, worried, observing the situation.

— All the tests will be shown on the big screens! Vice-Captain Arion announced, leading the group into the next area.

The passage closed behind them.