The Final Exam

"Do you know why are you kneeling, and I am sitting?"

"Because only through humility one becomes truly untouchable. Arrogance. Power. Strength. Knowledge. They can all lead to downfall if one is not humble. While one is humble, the goal is only to constantly improve himself. When one forgets or doesn't know how to be humble, the goal is always to be better than others."

"Very good. And why else?"

A short silence ensued while he thought.

"Because you are the master, and I am still just an apprentice."

The master nodded.

"I am glad you decided to use the word still. Today, your chance to prove yourself has finally arrived. Tell me... Do you think you are ready?"

"If you think that I'm ready, then I am. If you think I'm not, then I shall continue to train until I become ready."

"I didn't ask you what I think. I asked you what you think."

"I think I am ready."

"Do you just think you are ready, or you are ready?"

"I am ready."

"Very good. So do I. Remember! You must always be determined! When one is not determined, his actions are slow and unsure. You are above doubt! You are the son of Elysium! Your faith and your determination are your sword and shield! Without them, you are defenseless, and you are an easy prey to your enemies!"

"Yes, master!"

"Good. You have been a hardworking, persistent and obedient apprentice up to this point, but the time of your apprenticeship is nearing its end. The only thing that stands between you and reaching the title you have worked so hard for is one final exam. Though the exam is final, don't think that this is your final lesson! Many tribulations and challenges are still ahead of you! With that in mind, listen to the objective of your mission. The forces of Hell have made an outpost on the edge of the universe ruled by humankind. Only a small colony of a few thousand souls inhabits the planet. They still didn't even agree on a name for their new home and the rest of the humankind barely acknowledges its existence, but it seems that this was enough to draw the attention of our enemies, who wasted no time in trying and succeeding in getting an upper hand over us. This is where you come into play. Your job is to go there and purge the demonic stain from the planet. Once you are done, just recite the Holy Verses and the portal shall be opened for you to return here. Do you have any questions?"

He was silent and though his facial expression didn't give away his thoughts, the master knew him well enough. It was natural, after all. With the amount of time they spent together during the training, they knew each other pretty well.

"Come on, out with it..."

"Do we know anything else about the outpost that may prove useful to me? What kind of demons are waiting for me there? How many of them are there? How has the outpost itself manifested? Do you have any advice for me, master?"

"I know things that could make you better prepared for this mission if I shared them with you, but I think it's best if I keep them for myself. It is important for you to learn to adapt to every situation and to expect the unexpected. You shouldn't trust everyone blindly, for a lie can sometimes be deadlier than the sharpest weapon."

"I understand, master."

"Hmph... Even if you don't, you will in time and if you really do, you will understand it even better when you return. Now, do you have any more questions?"

He shook his head. 

"Good. Then I don't plan to keep you here any longer. Let me open a portal for you."

Having said that, the master turned his back on him, folded his hands and began whispering. After he finished, the portal he spoke of materialized. He watched it in amazement. He didn't yet know how to open a portal, but he was looking forward to learning that skill. Both angels and demons were capable of it and the portal itself took the appearance that reflected the soul and even the esthetical preference of the one that summoned it. His master's portal was made of two marble columns and between them was the portal itself, the gateway through which he had to walk through to arrive at his destination. Though the columns were beautiful, the portal, or rather what waited behind it, was less than inviting, for nothing else could be seen other than complete darkness.

"You shouldn't waste any time. Even opening this portal is a risk we have to take, and it could possibly alert our enemies of your arrival. I suppose I don't have to tell you that you probably don't want to let them know that you are coming, if you don't want to increase the challenge, that is."

He rose up to his feet and approached the portal. He was taught to keep his emotions to himself and to always appear stalwart, but the image of the portal that led to darkness in front of him made him nervous at best and afraid at worst. Even so, he had no intention of giving up. Whatever lies behind this portal, he was ready for it and even if he wasn't, he would still rather go through to the other side and die like a warrior than give up because of his own cowardice. He could never bear the shame of disappointing his master, his race and even himself. No... There is no surrender. Only glorious victory and equally glorious death! In the very moment where he wanted to step through the portal, his master stopped him and put his hand on his shoulder.

"If I thought that you are not capable of what I'm asking you to do, I would have never chosen you to be my successor. I have put all of my trust in you! You will not fail me! Now go! Do what you are sent to do, and let the demons know that they are soon going to tremble with fear at the mere mention of your name!"

After saying that, he squeezed his shoulder and let him go. Encouraged by his master's words, he decisively stepped through the portal, ready to justify his master's trust in him and make him proud.