The grand bell of Aurellian Cathedral echoed across the capital.
DONG—! DONG—!
Dozens of young candidates lined up under the stained-glass windows, their cloaks fluttering in the morning wind.
But Alex Ironheart felt his heart hammering in his chest.
"This is really happening…" he whispered.
Soma peeked from his shoulder.
"Y-you're shaking, Alex!"
"I'm not shaking," Alex said. He was very obviously shaking.
Behind him, Jessica hugged him from behind like an overexcited mother bird.
"My sweet boy~! Don't be nervous! Mommy is right here!"
"M-Mom, please—people are staring—"
Regis leaned against a pillar, whistling.
"Let her be, kid. This is entertainment."
Jessica punched him.
"Regis! Our son is stressing!"
Regis rubbed his arm. "Okay okay—ow—woman!"
---
⭐ HIGH PRIEST ARRIVES
The large cathedral doors opened.
A calm, deep voice echoed:
"Make way. The 500th High Priest approaches."
An elderly man entered, robes shimmering with gold and white sacred markings.
His beard flowed like a river of moonlight.
He raised his staff.
"Greetings, children," he said warmly. "I am High Priest Marco Kathanar. Today marks the beginning of your path toward becoming Spirit Knights, guardians of balance."
Candidates murmured in awe.
"Kathanar…" Alex whispered. "He's famous…"
Soma whispered,
"He's older than dirt!"
"HEY!" Marco barked suddenly.
Soma froze. "H-he heard me?!"
Marco smiled gently.
"A spirit knight must not insult ancient things… they tend to explode."
Regis laughed loudly.
"This guy hasn't changed."
Marco pointed his staff at him.
"Regis Walter… still alive, I see."
"Barely," Regis replied.
Jessica smiled politely.
"Good morning, High Priest."
Marco bowed deeply.
"Lady Jessica Ironheart… an honor."
Lucy, hiding behind a pillar, muttered:
"She's THAT famous?!"
Celesta glared silently.
---
⭐ CALLING THE LEGENDS
Marco raised his hand.
"Before we begin… three legendary guardians will witness your exam."
He gestured.
"Sir Kai Ancalagon!"
A tall boy with dragon-black hair stepped forward. His cold golden eyes scanned the hall like a predator. Armor scales shimmered around him.
He said simply:
"Don't waste my time."
Candidates gasped.
Next—
"Sir Markus Aldridge!"
A tall blond boy approached, smiling confidently. Blue lightning flickered around his arms.
He gave a charming wave.
"Looking forward to seeing your progress, everyone!"
Girls fainted. Boys felt insulted.
Alex blinked.
"Why are they both so… cool…?"
Soma whispered,
"One looks like he'll kill us… the other looks like he'll steal our lunch…"
---
⭐ THE MISTAKE THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE
Marco raised his staff.
"One candidate will be chosen to give the Opening Declaration of Courage. A message for all candidates."
Everyone expected Kai.
Or Markus.
Instead—
Marco pointed directly at Alex.
"You. Alex Ironheart."
"Me?!" Alex shouted.
The hall froze.
Lucy gasped.
"Ironheart?! That means—Jessica's—no way—"
Celesta's eyes sharpened.
"That boy…?"
Regis grinned.
"HahaHAHA! Kid, have fun."
Jessica cried,
"My baby is giving a speech! He's growing up!"
"MOM PLEASE—"
---
⭐ ALEX'S SPEECH (FULL DIALOGUE, NATURAL, INSPIRING)
Alex walked up to the stage, his legs trembling…
Then he saw the other kids.
Some scared.
Some excited.
Some pretending to be brave.
He took a deep breath.
Then—
He smiled.
"Um… hi. I'm Alex Ironheart."
Whispers spread.
"So he IS an Ironheart…"
"Impossible… Jessica Ironheart's kid?!"
"Who's the father?"
Regis shouted, "ME! Problem?!"
Silence.
Alex continued:
"I… wasn't born strong. I wasn't raised in luxury. I had nothing for a long time."
Candidates quieted down.
"But I learned something. Power doesn't come from blood… or money… or status."
He placed a hand on his chest.
"It comes from the promise you make to yourself:
'I will keep moving forward.'"
Several noble kids stopped whispering.
Alex smiled slightly.
"We all came here to change something—
our past… our future… ourselves."
He looked at everyone.
"So let's all do our best.
Even if we fail…
Even if we fall…
Let's stand up again."
His voice grew stronger.
"Because Spirit Knights aren't chosen by birth.
They're chosen by courage."
The hall burst into murmurs.
"That was… actually good…"
"He's motivating me?!"
"Who IS this kid?"
---
⭐ KAI & MARKUS REACT
Kai Ancalagon crossed his arms.
"…Not bad."
Markus smirked.
"He might be interesting."
Celesta narrowed her eyes.
(Why is everyone looking at him…?)
Lucy whispered, jaw dropped:
"Jessica… married… Regis… and raised THAT boy…?"
---
⭐ EXAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Marco raised his staff.
"BEGINNING EXAM ONE!"
The cathedral shook.
"Aokigahara Spirit Forest will be your trial.
Purify the corrupted spirits within 60 minutes.
Return with proof of purification."
Kai declared,
"Only the strong will pass."
Markus added,
"Try not to die."
Alex swallowed hard.
"…Gulp."
Jessica grabbed him tightly.
"BE SAFE! DON'T RUN FAST! DRINK WATER! EAT SNACKS! MOMMY LOVES YOU—"
"MOM PLEASE—I'M TRYING TO LOOK COOL—"
Regis laughed.
"Kid, you've already failed that part."
Alex sighed.
"…Let's do this."
---