I am in love

"All three of you have passed," Riya spoke. Hearing her, Alex and Ray smiled, while Ema was still unconscious.

"So, what should we do with him?" David said, pointing at Gray. "What if he fails, of course, right Nana?" Riya spoke. "Yes, he is. As any of us would want a guy like that in our team. Now that's a side, Riya, heal all of them, and we will announce the result formally." Hearing Nana, Riya chanted a healing spell, and all four of the children started to heal.

After some time, Ema woke up. "Ah, where am I? Oh, I was fighting that elephant monster. Where the heck did he go?" Saying that, her eyes wandered around. Seeing that she was already on top of the wall with all three instructors surrounding her, she thought she had failed and made a sad face.

Looking at her about to cry, Ray couldn't control himself and spoke, "Oh, don't worry. We managed to save you, and we also passed the test."

"What do you mean 'we'? He managed to save her while you were hiding," Riya spoke and pointed at Alex, saying, "You should thank him. He not only saved you by defeating that beast but also carried you to the wall." Hearing her say that, Ema looked at Alex and started to walk in front of him, bowing down and saying, "Thank you for helping me." Listening to her, Alex spoke, "Don't worry about that," and smiled at Ema. Seeing his smile, Ema thought in her mind, "Oh, is he the prince heaven has chosen for me? I am in love," and smiled creepily. Watching that, Ray whispered in Alex's ear, "Dude, you need to be cautious around her. Her intentions are not too good."

"Nah, she is a good person, I can tell," saying that, Alex looked at Ema. In her mind, she thought, "Oh, he's gazing at me. Could it be that he harbors feelings for me? Maybe that's why he saved me. Should I ask him to marry me? No, he should be the one to ask me," she smiled creepily once again.

Seeing that, Ray thought she was a crazy person.

"Looks like all of you are fine now," Riya spoke. "All three of you passed the exam, and now you can call yourselves explorers. Go take a rest; from next week, your training will start." Saying that, Nana walked away toward her counter.

In a room, Gary woke up and started shouting, "Oh, no! I lost to that bastard. My dad is going to kill me. I didn't even manage to pass the test." Hearing him shout, David appeared beside Gray and spoke, "Shut up, will you? You lost, so accept your defeat and try again next year." Hearing that, Gray quieted down.

Nana came into the room. Seeing Gray awake, she spoke, "You look fine, so hurry up and get out. Now you have failed." Saying that, she pointed toward the exit. Listening to that, Gray shouted, "You witch! How dare you speak to me in that way? Do you know who my father is? Once he hears that, you will have hell to pay."

"Do you think I care? Do whatever you can. Now get lost," Nana spoke in a cold tone. Seeing the situation escalate, David spoke, "Don't get angry; I will deal with him." Saying that, he took Gray out of the city hall. After leaving Gray outside, David got back to the hall.

Gray, standing alone, cursed, thinking about Alex, saying, "All this is that orphan bastard's fault. He will pay for that." And then he walked toward his home. After an hour passed, Alex reached his home.

Alex's home exuded an air of humble simplicity. The walls, weathered and worn, told stories of years gone by. The furniture, though basic, carried the weight of memories and hard times. A modest hearth flickered with the warmth of a meager fire, casting shadows on the threadbare rug that adorned the modest living space. The scarce belongings, arranged with care, reflected a life of frugality and resilience. In the corners, patches covered the worn-out spots, and the creaking floorboards whispered tales of struggles and endurance. Despite its lack of opulence, the home emanated a sense of belonging and strength, a sanctuary within the confines of modest means.

"Now I am one step closer to my goal of becoming an explorer," Alex spoke cheerfully, thinking about all his hardships.