Chapiter 2: Friendship and the knights academy

After a year of intense training in the forest, Célestia, now stronger and more confident, decides to head to the nearby town.

However, after a few days of travel, she finally arrives at her destination, exhausted, hungry, and above all… completely broke.

As she rummages through her meagre possessions, she realizes she doesn't have enough money to even buy a meal.

As she wanders through the bustling streets, her stomach growling almost embarrassingly, she spots a sign that reads "The Sword's Rest," a noisy tavern filled with booming laughter and loud voices spilling out.

"Maybe I can find work here," she thinks, more out of necessity than desire.

She pushes open the door of the tavern, and a wave of warmth, music, and the smell of beer immediately envelops her. The place is filled with colourful characters.

A group of bards plays a lively tune in one corner, while an entire table is occupied by noisy dwarves passionately debating the best way to dig a tunnel.

The owner, a tall and burly man with an open shirt revealing a hairy chest adorned with gold chains, notices her entrance.

With a wide grin that reveals a gold tooth, he raises an eyebrow."Well, what's a pretty young thing like you doing in a place like this?

" he asks, his deep voice filling the space.Célestia, determined not to be intimidated, straightens up and replies, "I'm looking for work. Do you need someone to serve?

"The owner, surprised by her determination, bursts out laughing.

"Ah, you want to work here? Alright, but are you sure you can handle this bunch of crazies?" He gestures broadly at the room full of customers, each stranger than the last.She nods.

"I can adapt."

"Perfect!" he says, handing her an apron.

"Let's see if you've got what it takes to be a real Sword's Rest waitress.

"Barely has she tied on her apron when chaos erupts. The first customer, a stocky man with a thick moustache, calls out to her as soon as she walks past his table.

"Hey, miss! A beer for a thirsty man!

" he says, rolling his R's exaggeratedly. Célestia quickly obliges, but when she returns with the full mug, the man raises his hand to stop her.

"Ah, I see you're new here. Let me show you how we carry a mug at the Sword's Rest!" He grabs the mug and, with a wink, spills half the beer on his own face as he tries to do a wrist trick. The other patrons roar with laughter, and Célestia can't help but smile.

Not far away, an old man dressed in a mage's robe sits alone at a table. His round glasses constantly slip down his nose, and he desperately tries to push them back up with trembling fingers.

As soon as he spots Célestia, he straightens up as much as possible. "My sweet child, do come enchant me with your presence," he says in a quavering voice, trying to appear distinguished.

Célestia, with a polite smile, approaches him. "What can I get for you, sir?"He adjusts his crooked glasses and gives her a clumsy wink. "Oh, I'm only interested in one thing, my dear… your radiant smile! But if you insist, a small glass of mead will do.

"Another customer, a massive guy with an improbable haircut—a sort of deformed mohawk—watches her from afar. Every time she walks by him, he flexes his muscles, trying to catch her attention.

"Hey, miss!" he finally calls out, catching her off guard.

"I see you've got strong arms for carrying those mugs, how about training with me?

"Célestia rolls her eyes. "Only if you can manage not to spill your drink on your own head," she says, casting a glance at the other man still trying to dry his soaked mustache.

The bar erupts in laughter, and even the owner, watching the scene from afar, shakes his head with an amused smile.The hours pass, and the tavern becomes increasingly rowdy.

A group of adventurers returns from a mission, covered in dust and scars, boasting about their exploits with such exaggeration that even the most gullible regulars shake their heads in disbelief.

A man in armor too large for him claims to have fought a giant dragon, but the only dragon Célestia sees is the one painted on the wall behind him.As she gets used to the chaos, a strange man approaches the counter.

He is dressed elegantly, but his outfit is slightly out of place, as if it belonged to a bygone era. He addresses Célestia in a solemn tone: "Miss, I am a poet, an artist, a tormented soul in search of beauty.

Could you serve me… a cup of tea?"Célestia, raising an eyebrow, looks at him sceptically. "Tea, here? You must be joking."

"I have never been more serious," he replies, a dramatic air on his face.She shrugs and decides to prepare him a special brew, mixing the remnants of several bottles behind the bar to create a "tea" that she serves in a chipped cup.

The poet, after a long sip, makes an indescribable grimace but declares solemnly, "It's… the very essence of suffering. Perfect."

By the end of the night, Célestia is exhausted but also strangely satisfied. The owner approaches her with a grin. "You did well for your first night, kid. You've got guts, that's for sure. Want to come back tomorrow?"Célestia smiles, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Why not? After all, it's the only way to make a living here… and I'm starting to get used to this circus."The owner laughs heartily.

"That's the spirit! Come on, I'll buy you a drink to celebrate!"And so, Célestia, once an innocent young girl, began her career as a waitress in the most eccentric tavern in town, surrounded by characters stranger than she could ever have imagined, but finding a certain camaraderie in the ordered chaos.

After that first chaotic night at "The Sword's Rest," Célestia made the decision to keep working at the tavern. The following two weeks passed in a blur of activity, with each day bringing its own set of challenges and quirks. She quickly became familiar with the bards' boisterous songs, the friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) brawls of the dwarves, and the bizarre conversations of poets and passing adventurers.

Despite the madness, Célestia found herself starting to enjoy the work. The regular patrons began to respect her for her ability to manage the disorder with a calm demeanour and a quick wit.One evening, after a particularly busy shift, Célestia was wiping down tables when she overheard a conversation between two customers seated at the bar.

They were talking about a rare opportunity: the local Knight Academy was holding a tournament to recruit new students.

The winner of the tournament would be granted a place at the Academy, a rare chance to become a knight.Célestia's heart skipped a beat.

This was the opportunity she had been waiting for! But there was a catch—the tournament had an entry fee, and she didn't have enough money yet to cover it.

Determined not to let this chance slip through her fingers, she resolved to continue working at the tavern to save up enough money.During this time, she met two young men who quickly became her friends.

The first, Armand, was a former soldier with a mysterious past. He was tall, with curly brown hair, and always carried a sword at his waist, though he claimed to have given up violence. Armand often stopped by the tavern for a drink and to chat with Célestia.

His wisdom and dry sense of humor made him a pleasant companion, and she found herself looking forward to their conversations.The second, Leo, was quite the opposite.

Small, quick, and always ready with a tall tale, he was a reformed thief who had decided to turn over a new leaf—at least for now. His blond hair was perpetually tousled, and his mischievous eyes gave him an impish look.

He loved to tease Célestia and the other patrons, but he also showed deep respect for her determination and strength.One evening, after they had become closer, Célestia confided in them about her plan to enter the Knight Academy's tournament.

Armand, though surprised, immediately supported her. "You have the strength and courage to succeed," he said with a smile. Leo, on the other hand, teased her gently. "Are you sure you won't break a nail on the way?" he quipped before turning serious.

"But seriously, if anyone can do it, it's you."With her two new friends behind her, Célestia redoubled her efforts to save up the money she needed. She continued working tirelessly at the tavern, all the while training in secret after each shift, practicing the moves she had learned during her year in the forest.

Armand and Leo occasionally helped her, with Armand offering tactical advice and Leo teaching her a few tricks to get out of tight situations.As the days turned into weeks, the trio grew closer. They spent their evenings together after the tavern closed, sharing stories and laughter.

Armand, with his serious demeanor, would often tell tales of battles he had fought, though he was always vague about the details. Leo, on the other hand, would regale them with outrageous (and often embellished) stories of his thieving days, leaving Célestia in stitches.

Despite their differences, the three of them formed a tight-knit group. Armand's calm strength, Leo's playful energy, and Célestia's unwavering determination balanced each other perfectly.

They became each other's support system, and Célestia found herself relying on them more than she had expected.Finally, after weeks of hard work, Célestia managed to save up enough money to pay the entry fee for the tournament.

The day of the registration was fast approaching, and with the support of her friends, she felt ready to face this new challenge. Armand and Leo promised to be there for her, no matter what happened.

They knew how much this meant to her, and they were determined to see her succeed.As the day of the tournament drew closer, Célestia's excitement and nerves grew in equal measure.

She knew that the path ahead would be tough, but with Armand and Leo by her side, she was confident that she could overcome any obstacle. Together, they made plans for the future, dreaming of the day when Célestia would walk through the gates of the Knight Academy as a full-fledged student.

And so, with her resolve stronger than ever, Célestia prepared for the biggest challenge of her life, knowing that no matter what, she wasn't facing it alone.

The sun's rays barely pierced through the gray clouds, casting the arena in a dim light.

The roar of the crowd echoed like continuous thunder, a sea of excitement surrounding the 3500 aspiring knights.

The arena, massive and circular, was bordered by high stone walls, each engraved with the history of past trials. Today, a new chapter would be written.

Celestia stood at the southern end of the arena, her face hidden under a dark hood. Her eyes pierced through the shadows, observing potential opponents.

She wasn't the only one who had survived painful trials, but h determination shining in her eyes was unique. Beside her, a young man with golden hai , Leo, was silently warming gup his muscles, while another, mor emissive an dark skinned, Armand, struck the ground with his enormous Warhammer."Ready for this?" Leo asked, flexing his fingers around the hilts of his swords.

Celestia nodded. "Stay sharp. We won't get second chances."Armand grunted in agreement. "We take down whoever comes our way. No mercy."Suddenly the trumpet blared and silence fell like a guillotine.

The trial had begun.As soon as the signal was given the arena was engulfed in a deluge of chaotic movements. Th e frist few minutes were pure chaos. Groups formed and broke as quickly as they appeared.

The weakest were immediatle overwhelmed, cut down by blades, maces, and fists. The arena floor, made of thick sand, began to tint red.Celestia, slipping through the melee with the agility of a deline, dogded blows with surgical precison.

Her fighting style was bwsed on speed and accuracy. She wirlded a fine rapier, striking vital points befor e blending back into the crowd, a shadow among shadows.

A swordman lunged at her, his eyes wild. "Think you can hide forever?" he spat.Celestia sidestepped his attack, her voice calm. "Long enough to survive.' She counterd with a swift slice across his throat, and he crumpled, his blodd staining the sand.Leo, on the other hand, opted for a more methodical approach.

Armed with two short blades, he âried attacks with ruthless efficiency, each movement carefully calculated. His style was mix of impeccable defencse and devastating counterattacks.A larger opponent, wielding a broadsword, sneered at Leo.

"You think those toothpicks will save you?"Leo's eyes narrowed. "They've done just fine so far." With a swift motion he blocked the heavy swin g and drove on blade into the man's side, the other slicing his throat before he could recover.Aramand was a brute force.

His Warhammer came down with the power of a titan, each strike shattering the ground beneath him and throwing his opponents back.His fighting style was simple but terribly effective: hecrushed everything in his path.

Three fighters attempted to encircle him, one of them shputing, "Take him down together! "Armand laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "You'l need more than that!"With a mighty swing, he sent all three flying, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground.

Among the other fighters, some stood out for their originality. Elara, a slender woman with red hair, fought with deadly grace, wielding a spiked chain as if it were an extension of her body. She spun the chain with lethal precison, catching her opponents' weapons and disarmi,g them before finishing them off.

A young man armed with a spear confronted her, his face determined. "You're fast, but you'll fall like the others."Elera smirked, her chain snapping out.

"We'll see about that." The chain wrapped around the spear, wrenching it from his grip before she slached him, leaving him in the dust.Darian, a man dressed in black, used a whip studded wiyh blades.

He struck with frightening speed, the whip hissing through the air and leaving bloody streaks in its wake. He attacked from a distance, keeping his enemies at bay while harassing them with rain of blows.

A pair of brothers charged at him together, one with a sword, the other with a shied. "You can't hit both of us at once!" one of them yelled.Darian's lips curled into a dark smile. "I don't need to." His whip lashed out, colling around the shield and yanking it away before slashing the sword-bearer across the chest.

The other brother fell moments later, his throat slit by the whip's razor-sharp rdge.Mira, a small woman with an impassive face, had chosen poison as ehre weapon.

Her daggers were coated with a green substance that paralyzed anyone scratched by it. She slithered among the fighters, a silent serpent in the melee, striking and disappearing before her victims realized they were doomed.

One of the victims, a burly man, gasped as his muscles seized up. "What… what have you done to me?" he stammed.

Mira leaned close, whispering coldy, "Your fight I sover." With a flick of her wrist, she defated him, before disappearing into the chaos before anyone could notice.

The arena florr, now covered wuth bodies, was a sea of dengers. Every corner of the arena housed powerful fights, aech combatant struggling for survival with thte energy of desperation.

As the number of fighters dwindled, the intensity of the battles increased. The survivors were wary of each other, each realizing they were facing the stro,gest of the 3500 participants.

The blows were more calculated, temporary alliances were made and broken in the blink of aneyeo him Celestia found herself facing Ragnar, a giant of amn wielfing a double-bladed axe as wide as a tree trunk. His fighting style was direct, brutal, without frills. But what he had in brute strength? He lacked in agility."Stand still and fight, you coward!" Ragnar roared, swinging his massive axe.

Celestia dodged with the grace of a dancer her voice calm "You're too slow." She used her smaller size to slip under his guard and strike where it hurt. She slashed his side, then his thigh, before finally plunging her rapier into him.

Ragna felt down in pain.Leo, meanwhile, faced Kara, a woman with icy eyes who wielded a short bow with astonishing dexterity.

Evey arrow she shot was deadly, and Leo had to constantly move to avoid being pierced."Running won't save you, pretty boy." Kara taunted, nocking another arrow.Leo's lips twitched into a smirk."I'm not running, just waitng." He waited until she ran out of arrows before charging, using his blades to parry her dagger's strikes.

Their duel was quick, ruthless, ending when Leo managed to slit her throat with a fluid movement.Armand, stil a force of nature, confronted Gareth, a master of arms known for his mastery of disarming techniques.

Their fight was a clash of titans, each blow shaking the ground."You're strong." Gareth grunted, trying to wrest the hammer from Armand's grip. "But that won't save you."Armand's eyes gleamed with savage delight. "It's saved me so far." He responded with a devastating blow that sent Gareth flying several meters, landing heavily.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of intense combat, the clamor died down. The remaining participants, out of breath, found themselves scattered in the arena, blood and sweat dripping from thei exhausted bodies.

The judges watched in silence before announcing the end of the first trial.Out of the 3500 participants, only 24 remained. Celsestia, Leo and Armand stood among them, their gazes fixed on the future.

Each participant had proven their worth, and each knew that the road to admission into the knights' school would still be long and fraught with challenges.

But for now, they had survived, and that was all that matteredThe arena, now silent, bore the scars of battle, a mute witness to the ferocity and determination of the 24 survivors.

The melee was just the beginning, and each of them knew that the real challenges were just beginning.