The groups returned to the grand arena where the Gilded Blades and the king waited in anticipation. The once bustling arena, now illuminated by the golden hues of the setting sun, was charged with an air of expectation. Shunjiro’s heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears like a drumroll. Standing among the candidates, he felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him, his nerves stretched to their limits. The Gilded Blades, the elite warriors of the kingdom, stood before them. Their expressions were unreadable, a blend of stoicism and authority that made Shunjiro’s stomach churn. He couldn’t help but glance at the other candidates around him. Their confident postures and determined gazes only heightened his insecurities. They all look so sure of themselves, Shunjiro thought, clenching his fists to steady himself. I hope I can hold it together. Among the crowd, Yoshinori stood tall, his usual calm demeanor unshaken by the tension in the air. Even now, Shunjiro envied Yoshinori’s unwavering composure. Yoshinori’s definitely going to be one of the first picks, he mused, glancing at his friend. I just hope I don’t get left behind. As if on cue, the first name was announced: “Yoshinori.” The crowd erupted into applause, and Shunjiro joined in enthusiastically, his heart swelling with pride for his friend. “Hey, Yoshinori, congrats on being the first pick!” he called out, clapping his friend on the back. “That’s amazing!” Yoshinori, however, barely reacted. He wrinkled his nose slightly and replied with his usual aloofness, “Thanks, I guess.” He then added, his voice tinged with annoyance, “And by the way, you still smell.” Shunjiro’s smile faltered for a moment, the sting of Yoshinori’s words cutting through his excitement. “Seriously?” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. But he quickly brushed it off. The second name called was Sora, who strode forward with a self-satisfied smirk plastered across his face. His cocky demeanor drew both admiration and annoyance from the crowd. “Of course, it’s Sora,” Shunjiro grumbled under his breath, folding his arms. “That jerk…” Sora sauntered to his new squad with an air of superiority, casting a smug glance over his shoulder at the remaining candidates. Shunjiro rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the rising irritation bubbling within him. Seriously? This is just great. The selection process continued, each name called out like a hammer driving nails into Shunjiro’s hopes. One by one, his fellow candidates were chosen, their faces lighting up with joy and relief. Shunjiro, meanwhile, felt like the last person standing on a rapidly shrinking island. This is not going well, he thought, his chest tightening with every passing moment. What if I don’t get picked at all? Then, a name brought a flicker of hope: “Itsuki.” Shunjiro’s face lit up as he saw Itsuki step forward, her expression a mix of excitement and determination. “Congratulations, Itsuki!” he shouted, giving her a thumbs-up. “You’re gonna do great!” Itsuki turned back to him, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. “Thanks, Shunjiro,” she said sincerely, her voice carrying across the arena. “Good luck out there.” Her words gave him a small boost of confidence, but it wasn’t enough to quell the rising tide of doubt within him. As the list of available spots dwindled, Shunjiro felt as if the world was closing in on him. This can’t be happening, he thought, his heart sinking. What if I don’t get picked? Finally, the moment came. The last pick was about to be announced. Shunjiro’s heart raced, his palms sweaty as he clasped them together in a silent prayer. Please, let it be me. Just one chance… Kaito, one of the Gilded Blades, stepped forward with a mischievous grin. “Well, here goes nothing,” he declared, his voice carrying a playful edge. “How about the kid who got barfed on?” A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, and Shunjiro felt every pair of eyes in the arena turn toward him. He sat frozen in place, disbelief etched across his face. “Me?” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Kaito chuckled, his grin widening. “Yes, you,” he confirmed, motioning for Shunjiro to step forward. “Now hurry up before I change my mind.” For a moment, Shunjiro remained rooted to the spot, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. Then, like a bolt of lightning, realization struck him. He leaped to his feet, a mix of disbelief and exhilaration coursing through him. “I can’t believe it!” he exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. “I’m actually picked!” The crowd murmured as he made his way to Kaito, his steps hurried and unsteady. Tears welled in his eyes, but he blinked them away, refusing to let them fall. Kaito clapped a hand on Shunjiro’s shoulder, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Welcome to the team, kid,” he said, his tone laced with encouragement. “Let’s see what you’re made of.” Shunjiro nodded vigorously, his heart brimming with hope and determination. “I won’t let you down,” he promised, his voice firm despite the quiver in it. As he took his place among his new team, Shunjiro couldn’t help but glance back at the other candidates. The disappointment on some faces mirrored the fear he had felt moments ago. This is just the beginning, he thought, clenching his fists. No matter what challenges lie ahead, I’m ready to face them head-on. He caught sight of Yoshinori and Itsuki in the crowd, their expressions unreadable. But he knew they were watching, and that was enough. As the arena began to clear, Shunjiro stood with his new squad, his heart still racing. The doubts and fears that had plagued him moments ago were now replaced with a burning resolve. I’ve made it this far, he thought, a smile spreading across his face. Now it’s time to prove that I belong here. For the first time in what felt like forever, Shunjiro felt a spark of confidence ignite within him. And he vowed to keep that flame burning, no matter what.