The air was electric with anticipation as the crowd gathered in the massive arena, their collective energy humming in the warm morning sun. Colorful banners draped the towering walls, rustling in the light breeze as hopeful recruits, Shunjiro and Itsuki among them, lined up on the sandy floor. Above them, spectators packed the stone stands in tight rows, a constant din of excited chatter and clapping reverberating across the arena. Suddenly, a resonant clang echoed as the towering metal gates began to creak open. A hush fell over the arena, broken only by the rustling of armor and the distant cries of hawkers selling refreshments. Through the slowly parting gates, a golden pathway was revealed, lined with banners bearing the radiant sunburst emblem of the Kingdom of Radiance. The path seemed to glow under the sun’s rays, a glimmering stage for legends to walk upon. The crowd erupted into cheers as the first members of the Gilded Blades, the kingdom’s foremost guild, stepped into view. A surge of energy pulsed through the stands, like a wave rolling from one side of the arena to the other. Even the crisp morning air felt charged, as though it too recognized the presence of greatness. Akira emerged first, slender and resolute, her Light Blade shimmering in her hand. The weapon looked almost ethereal, forged from pure spiritual energy that left a faint, glowing trail behind her. Each footstep seemed to brighten the arena floor, and the crowd’s cheers crescendoed at the sight of her. “That’s Akira!” Itsuki whispered, voice bubbling with excitement. “They say her blade can cut through anything!” Shunjiro could practically feel the hairs on his arms stand on end. He’d heard the stories, but seeing her in person sent a jolt of awe through him. Mei followed, every movement as graceful as a dancer’s. A swirl of shimmering air around her took shape for a moment, a translucent barrier, before it faded away in a gentle ripple. The fleeting display earned oohs and ahhs from onlookers. “She’s so cool,” Itsuki murmured. “Imagine having someone like her protecting your back in battle.” Hiroto was next, a towering figure with a fierce, steady gaze. As he strode forward, the very ground underfoot seemed to tremble, a testament to his density control powers. Armor plates on his shoulders and chest glinted in the sunlight, rattling with each deliberate step. “That guy’s no joke,” Shunjiro said, voice tinged with admiration. “You can feel the weight of his power from here.” Then came Yumi, her presence softer but no less captivating. A gentle hum pulsed around her, so subtle it was felt more than heard. The recruits close to her visibly relaxed, as though the tension were being coaxed from their muscles. “I’ve heard her healing powers are unmatched,” Itsuki said in awe. “She uses sound waves to mend wounds, some say she can soothe even the fiercest beast.” Finally, the crowd roared even louder as Kaito, the leader of the Gilded Blades, took the stage. His aura radiated confidence and authority. Long, flowing robes of midnight blue trailed behind him, catching the breeze. He waved to the crowd with an easy smile, an unmistakable humility amid his legendary reputation for superspeed. “Kaito is awesome!” Shunjiro exclaimed, eyes bright with admiration. “He’s everything I want to be someday.” Itsuki grinned. “I know, right? Imagine moving faster than anyone can see.” All at once, the arena fell deathly still. Footsteps echoed on the golden pathway as King Shadis appeared, draped in flowing golden robes that seemed to shimmer with their own inner light. The hush was complete, no clapping, no cheering, only the soft rustle of fabric as everyone bowed in respect. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath. King Shadis lifted his arms, and beams of pure radiance arced across the arena, weaving together into a dazzling lattice of light before dissolving into glittering motes. The silence broke as the crowd erupted into a rapturous chant: “Long live the King!” Their voices reverberated through the stands, echoing off the high walls in a thunderous chorus. A thrill rippled down Shunjiro’s spine. This was power he had only ever dreamed about, so absolute it made the world around them seem to hold its breath, if only for a moment. King Shadis stepped forward, his voice resonant and rich with authority. “Welcome, aspiring adventurers and warriors, to the entrance exams of the Kingdom of Radiance. Today, you will face challenges designed to test your strength, skill, and character. Only the best will earn their place among us.” As his words echoed through the colossal arena, Shunjiro felt his heart pound in his chest. He could sense the flutter of nerves in those around him, too, an undercurrent of excitement mixed with dread. Sunlight glinted off polished armor, and the tang of dust in the air filled his lungs as he steadied himself. “The exams will consist of three trials. Each will test a different aspect of your abilities.” “The first trial will measure the strength of your spiritual energy,” King Shadis said. “You will strike a specially designed dummy that absorbs and quantifies spiritual energy. It will rank you on a scale from F to SSS, serving as a baseline for your capabilities.” Shunjiro inhaled shakily. Spiritual energy? He chanced a glance at Itsuki, who offered him a reassuring smile and whispered, “You’ve got this.” “The second trial will test your combat skills,” the king continued. “You will engage in a one-versus-one battle. This is your chance to showcase your powers and tactical abilities.” Shunjiro’s stomach flipped. A fight…? “The third and final trial,” King Shadis said, his gaze sweeping the line of recruits, “will evaluate your teamwork. You will form teams of three and face off against another team. Victory will require coordination, strategy, and trust in your allies.” The words hovered in the hushed air, and Shunjiro’s pulse hammered. A team battle was both reassuring and daunting. At least I won’t be alone for that one. As the king concluded his speech, the tension in the arena became almost tangible, like static before a storm. Recruits buzzed with excitement, exchanging anxious whispers as the Gilded Blades stood watchful on a raised platform. Shunjiro could hardly tear his gaze away from them; their presence felt larger than life, as though they existed on an entirely different plane of skill. “I’m going to stand up there one day,” he whispered, voice tight with determination. “I’ll show everyone what I’m capable of. Takeshi… I’ll make you proud.” A gentle tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts. Itsuki was smiling at him, her eyes bright. “Ready, partner?” Shunjiro nodded, swallowing back the fear in his throat. “Ready,” he said, his voice steady despite the flutter in his stomach. The recruits were ushered toward the testing area for the first trial, the crunch of sand underfoot echoing in Shunjiro’s ears. Overhead, the sun beamed down on them as though highlighting the path forward. With his heart pounding and determination blazing in his chest, Shunjiro stepped into the fray, ready to prove that he was more than his doubts and fears. His journey had begun, and the world was watching.