[Location: Sacred Temple – First Exam Area – Power Test]
Enzo: (Surprised) Wait, how does that even work?
Michael: (Shocked) Yeah! Why is it like that?
Jack smiles faintly, a calm yet deep expression on his face.
Jack: Well… the people close to me, especially my mother, don't really like Guardians. They're not bad people, but they do hate them.
Enzo and Michael grow even more curious; their eyes sparkle with interest and mild shock.
Enzo: Then what was the reason?
Rick's voice suddenly echoes through the area, loud and authoritative.
Rick: Ladies and gentlemen, cut the chatter we're starting the exam!
He presses the button beside him, and the stone gate on the ground slowly opens. As the stones part like a passage glowing with light, the tension in the area rises even further. Although the area seems to be illuminated by natural light, shadows leak from the walls and cracked stones, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Rick: This is it—the first stage of the first exam.
Mark asks in a nervous voice:
Mark: A-are w-we going to p-punch th-that stone?
Rick answers with a huge grin:
Rick: Absolutely!
Peter, with curious eyes and a tense excitement:
Peter: Can we break the stone using our Techniques?
Rick: That's exactly what we want. We're here to see how strong you really are.
Peter grins disgustingly, almost as if challenging everyone:
Peter: AWESOME!
As Rick explains the rules, each word echoes off the stone walls. The first stage consists of two parts: a power test and a speed test. Each trainee must use their Technique as efficiently as possible.
Rick: Luna Shadows, you'll go first. You have one minute then strike the stone.
Luna: Understood.
The exam officially begins. Luna takes a deep breath and studies the stone's surface. Her eyes analyze the cracks and structure. During the one-minute preparation time, she calculates angles and force in her mind.
Luna: (Thinking) If I split it from the middle, I'll hit the core—but the upper part might remain intact… Where's the weakest point?
Luna focuses on a cracked section of the stone and marks it as the weak point. The determination in her eyes draws the attention of the other trainees.
Luna: (Confident) I'm ready, Overseer.
Rick nods slightly as he counts the time.
Rick: You have exactly one minute, Luna.
Luna leans forward slightly, taking her stance. She merges her shadow with her energy.
Luna: Shadow Projection!
In an instant, Luna crosses five meters in what feels like a tenth of a second and strikes the stone's weak point. Her energy and Technique instantly shatter its structure.
Rick: First strike.
The rock splits in two; the pieces fall to the sides, the sound cutting through the silence.
Everyone watches in shock—some with pure admiration.
Luna: Perfect hit.
Rick speaks with a serious expression:
Rick: Good start. You split the stone in a short time… 100 points.
Luna clenches her fist and quietly celebrates her victory.
Luna: That's it!
Rick scans the area and turns to the next participant Harry. The silence blends with Harry's breathing. Each breath echoes off the stone walls, heightening the tension.
Rick: Harry Bloodhood… I can tell—you can split this stone.
Harry takes a deep breath, carefully analyzing the stone's structure. For a moment, he removes himself from time, focusing solely on his Technique and the stone's resistance.
Harry: (Deep breath) Let's begin, Overseer.
He steps in front of the stone. His hands tremble slightly, but the focus in his eyes makes him look fearless. He intensifies his blood-control Technique and synchronizes his energy with the stone.
Harry: (Thinking) If I hit it from the right angle… it feels like the stone won't resist me at all.
Suddenly, Harry slams his hands onto the stone. A red-black energy stream penetrates deep inside. Under the pressure, the stone cracks from the center and splits in two. The fragments hit the ground with a small explosion-like sound.
Rick: First strike successful. 95 points. Good work.
Enzo looks at Jack, his eyes filled with both admiration and jealousy.
Enzo: Damn… Harry's pretty good too.
Jack: (Whispering) I wonder what'll happen when it's my turn…
Michael smiles slightly at Jack.
Michael: Relax. Everything's under control. Just focus.
Rick looks at the remaining trainees and announces the next turn. Hearts race, breathing becomes uneven. This area wasn't just testing physical strength but also mental strategy and harmony with one's Technique.
Before stepping forward, Peter and Mark exchange a brief glance. They silently motivate each other, a spark of rivalry flashing in their eyes.
Peter: (Thinking) Alright, Peter… power and speed… combine them and erase the stone.
Mark: (Whispering) I hope it's not as hard as I fear…
Rick: Next up—Peter Fitness. Let's see what you've got!