[Location: Sacred Temple – Novice Area]
The examiner walked slowly across the stone-paved floor. Each step echoed through the gaps between the stones, creating a low hum within the silence. A faint, trembling light cast the examiner's long, muscular silhouette onto the ground, and the first sparks of tension could be felt in the air.
Examiner: Now that everyone is here, let's slowly begin the roll call.
A group lined up side by side, waiting in silence. Footsteps and breathing blended together, and on every face there was both curiosity and a faint sense of unease. It felt as though something could emerge from the stone floor at any moment.
Examiner: Let's begin…
At that very moment, a sharp voice echoed through the area:
— — —: STOP!?
The examiner raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and mild amusement appearing in his eyes.
Examiner: Hm, looks like someone's going to be late on the very first day.
The ones shouting were Enzo and Jack, rushing forward as their footsteps slammed against the stone floor. Sweat glistened on their faces, their breathing uneven and strained.
Enzo: (nervous) We still have one minute!
Jack: (exhausted) Yeah, but we're going to be late on the first day…
The examiner smiled, as if he had been waiting a long time to watch this unfold.
Examiner: Wouldn't it be fun if we slowly closed the door?
Assistant Examiner: I suppose it would.
[The sound of the door slowly closing echoed steel grinding and groaning against itself.]
Enzo: (shocked) THEY'RE CLOSING THE DOOR ON US!?
Jack: I can't run any faster…
Panting, his legs trembling, Jack struggled to grasp the situation. Each step echoed against the stone floor, the sounds pounding in his ears in sync with his racing heartbeat.
Enzo: (determined) There are still 24 seconds left! I WON'T ALLOW IT!?
Suddenly, a golden light burst from Enzo's hands, and twin blades shot into the air. As they spun and pierced into the metal door, it was clear the move required both speed and precision.
Enzo: COME ON—HOLD THE DOOR FOR ME, TWINS!?
The blades lodged themselves on both sides of the door, stopping it from closing. A brief silence fell over the area; aside from the wind and the faint rustling between the stones, only the strained tension of metal could be heard.
Examiner: Didn't I say it would be fun…?
Jack and Enzo slid through the doorway.
The stones beneath their feet kicked up a small cloud of dust as they collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, trying to catch their breath.
Jack & Enzo: (happily) WE MADE IT!?
Examiner: Just barely, huh.
Enzo: Says the guy who tried to shut the door on us.
The examiner smiled, the lines on his face becoming more pronounced under the light.
Examiner: Come on, I was just trying to add some excitement. Anyway, let me introduce myself to you two and to everyone else. My name is Rick Deathclaw. Nice to meet you.
Rick Deathclaw carried an authority that matched his age. His white-and-gray mixed hair, sharp gaze, and 1.87-meter frame made him look like a shadow standing atop the stone floor. He was dressed entirely in white, his posture radiating both discipline and respect. He's 48 years old
Assistant Examiner: Even if you know his name, you will address him as Examiner.
Jack: Looks like we've got a strict examiner too.
The assistant examiner frowned slightly, pressing his lips together and shooting a sharp glance.
Assistant Examiner: I can show you what "strict" really means if you want!
Rick: I'll handle the introductions instead. This is Vals Moonspirit.
Vals: (slightly irritated) Nice to meet you!
Vals Moonspirit, with his green hair and 1.84-meter height, immediately stood out. Despite being 32 years old, the sharpness of his movements and the seriousness in his eyes revealed him as a highly experienced Guardian. He was dressed in white, and there was something faintly intimidating about the aura surrounding him.
Upon seeing Rick and Vals, all the participants instinctively stepped back. Some held their breath, while others widened their eyes in shock.
Rick: HAHAHA!? Looks like today's entrance exam is going to be a good one.
Jack: By the way, Enzo...
Enzo turned toward Jack, excitement and curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Enzo: What is it?
Jack: How did you pull those blades out of nowhere?
Enzo smiled slightly, the golden glint in his eyes shimmering in the darkness. He raised his hands, releasing golden energy, and the twin blades spun through the air before settling perfectly into his grip.
Jack: Whoa…
Enzo: These are my special weapons part of my Technique.
Every Guardian possesses a unique power. These powers are called Techniques. Each Technique differs from Guardian to Guardian; some bend objects, some control, weaponize, or shape things. They are controlled through energy and can only be wielded by Guardians.
This energy is vital to them if used carelessly, it can lead to serious consequences.
Jack: That's insanely cool.
Enzo: Right? Hahaha!
Rick and Vals cast a brief glance at the two and nodded slightly.
Rick: You didn't forget that there's an exam, did you?
Jack and Enzo, feeling as if they were being pressed into the ground:
Ouch…