chapter three

In order to successfully become a knight of the Ashrone Kingdom, candidates must undergo two rigorous tests. The first test involves forming a three-man squad and competing against another squad. The objective is to steal the opposing team's flag as a symbol of victory. The losing team faces being eliminated from the selection process. It is worth noting that out of the initial 100 candidates, one has already been promoted without having to undergo the exam, thanks to being recommended by a squad captain. This leaves 99 candidates remaining for the selection process.

The second test requires candidates to engage in a one-on-one combat using magical techniques they have acquired through their training. Success in both tests is crucial for consideration for knighthood. Only those who demonstrate skill, determination, and bravery throughout these challenges will be chosen to join the esteemed ranks of knights in the Ashrone Kingdom.

...

Oliver takes a moment to scan the room, sizing up his teammates. First up is Henry, a mysterious guy with jet-black hair who's always draped in clothing that conceals his entire body. Despite the secrecy, you can tell he's slender. He's got this whole brooding vibe going on, hiding his face behind a book like he's got some deep, dark secret. And then there's Charlotte, this blonde powerhouse who's practically bursting with energy. Her muscles are taut, and she can't stop grinning, radiating excitement for the upcoming battle. Henry seems a bit skeptical about their team dynamic, especially when he looks over and sees the trio of triplets on the opposing side, grinning like they know something he doesn't. The tension in the room is palpable, and Oliver can't help but wonder how this mismatched group of fighters will come together when the battle begins.

The location that had been chosen for the battle was a rocky terrain, with large rocks scattered all around the battlefield. As the weather changed, the atmosphere of the place also shifted, adding to the tension of the impending showdown.

The heat beat down mercilessly on the three teammates standing at their side of the battleground. Henry, noticeably sweating more than the others, nervously voiced his concern, "So what do we do?"

Charlotte, brimming with confidence, draped her arms around her teammates' shoulders and flashed a manic grin. "Don't worry, let me handle all of them."

Oliver, the more cautious of the trio, shook his head in disagreement. "I don't think that's the right approach. We're all here to compete for knighthood, we should each showcase our abilities."

Henry, ever the peacemaker, chimed in, "I think Oliver is right."

Charlotte, undeterred by their reservations, confidently declared, "It's simple, I'm the strongest here." With a cocky flex of her muscles, she continued, "Short stuff and weird boy, just guard the fort and watch me take care of all of them." With that, she marched boldly into the enemy's territory alone.

Watching her advance, Oliver seethed with anger at her arrogance. "Can you believe the audacity of her?"

As silence enveloped the air, sniffles and sobs suddenly pierced through the tension. Startled, Oliver turned to see the boy on their team, tears streaming down his face as he shouted defiantly, "I'm not weird!"

"I'm going to fail".

...

One of the triplets, eagerly awaited their opponents to enter the battlefield while he hid amongst the rocky terrain. With a gun in his right hand, he focused his energy, preparing to unleash his powerful weapon - the "Small Piercing Water Gun." This unique weapon was known for its ability to travel at incredible speeds and pierce through almost any armor that stood in its way.

Impatiently, he murmured to himself, "When are they arriving?" Squatting low, he fixed his gaze like a seasoned sniper, ready to strike at the perfect moment. Suddenly, without warning, a massive rock to his left shattered as a figure burst through, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and hurling him towards another rock. The impact knocked the breath out of him, leaving him gasping for air and leaking blood from his mouth.

As the blurry figure approached him, the mysterious assailant punched the large rock, causing it to crumble into pieces. The dust settled, revealing a muscular form scanning the surroundings for any signs of his opponent. "Where is he?" She demanded, his voice echoing through the battleground.

The spectators watching the intense battle gasped in awe at the sheer strength and ferocity displayed by the combatants. "I didn't sense any magic in that attack," Iruku muttered in disbelief, unable to comprehend the astounding feats unfolding before his eyes.

Standing on the sidelines, Commander Hunter Blouet from the prestigious noble house Blout observed the spectacle with keen interest, analyzing each move and strategy employed by the fighters.

Meanwhile, Charlotte surveyed the scattered rock fragments, her eyes searching for any trace of her opponent. "Where did he go?" she pondered, her mind racing to anticipate the next move. Suddenly, a figure emerged stealthily from behind her, his eyes shifting from brown to a menacing red hue. Sensing a looming threat behind her, Charlotte braced herself for what was to come.

The ominous figure wielded the power of fire magic, conjuring a dazzling array of symbols that shimmered with intense energy. In a low whisper, he incanted, "Fire Magic: Rays of Destruction," as a massive beam of fire erupted from the symbols, hurtling towards its target with destructive force. Reacting swiftly, Charlotte raised her right leg and slammed it into the ground, conjuring a formidable barrier in front of her to deflect the scorching flames. With a swift motion, she unleashed a powerful punch, sending a barrage of rocks hurtling towards her fiery adversary.

Charlotte's eyes widen in disbelief as she watches her opponent's body start to reform in a peculiar way, indicating that his magic is derived from earth magic. However, that isn't what leaves her in a state of shock. "He had used water magic, fire magic, and now earth," she mutters to herself in amazement. "Does he have ascending magic ?"

◇◇◇ PIECE OF HISTORY

During the Malika ages, the goddess of creation granted humanity the gift of wielding magic against demons. Originally limited to one element, over time people gained a second elemental ability called ascending magic.

◇◇◇ BACK TO THE STORY

From the deep recesses of the shadow, a mysterious figure observes the chaotic battleground with keen interest. The figure is consumed by a sense of rare exhilaration as they witness the extraordinary abilities being unleashed before them. A thrill courses through their body, sending shivers of excitement down their spine.

As the figure's piercing purple eyes reflect the intense light from the dark, a glint of anticipation and curiosity dances within their gaze. This enigmatic individual, known as Saethan Sunsworn, finds a strange pleasure in the spectacle unfolding before them.

With a slight smile playing upon their lips, Saethan leans forward, drawn further into the mesmerizing display of power and skill. The air crackles with energy as they murmur softly, their voice a mere whisper against the backdrop of chaos.

"Show me more," Saethan Sunsworn's voice resonates with a tantalizing mix of awe and hunger.