The three days of preparation passed quickly.
The village of Solna buzzed with a mix of excitement and anxiety as the candidates finalized their gear. Families scrambled to gather supplies: dried rations, spare clothing, basic weapons, and other necessities for the long and dangerous journey to the Capital City Academy.
Kael and Ryn spent much of the time with their families. Kael's mother, a weaver, stuffed his pack with sturdy clothing and charmed tokens for luck, while his younger siblings ran around him, clinging to his legs and begging him to return victorious.
"You'll do us proud, son," Kael's mother whispered as she hugged him tightly, tears misting her eyes.
Ryn's preparation was more martial in nature. Captain Veylor personally inspected his son's gear, giving strict instructions about survival tactics and formations, the old soldier's pride evident in every word.
"You're not just carrying your own hopes, Ryn," he said solemnly. "You carry the hopes of Solna. Make them see the strength of our blood."
Ryn simply nodded, his expression grim but resolute.
For Eryon, the days felt heavier and more emotional.
He spent them with his parents, Daren and Mariel Solaris, helping them prepare their small home for his absence. His mother, ever meticulous, packed his things with trembling hands, sewing secret pockets into his clothes for emergency supplies.
On the second day, they surprised him.
Daren appeared with a wrapped bundle, and with a proud smile, handed it to Eryon.
Inside was a finely crafted sword—simple but elegant, perfectly balanced for Eryon's strength and build.
"We spent most of our savings on this," Daren said, his voice rough. "You deserve to have a weapon worthy of the battles ahead."
Eryon could barely speak, his hands shaking slightly as he gripped the sword.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Mariel smiled warmly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"There's one more thing," she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "When you return... you'll have someone new waiting for you."
Eryon blinked, confused.
Mariel laughed softly.
"You're going to be a big brother."
The words hit him harder than any battle.
A new fire kindled within Eryon—not just to succeed, but to build a future worthy of his growing family.
That night, they stood together at the cliffside where the ocean stretched endlessly before them—the place where Eryon had once promised to become strong.
"You have already achieved more than most dream of," Daren said, his voice low and thick with emotion. "But remember, Eryon... strength without heart is meaningless. Fight for what you believe in."
Eryon nodded, his throat tight.
"We will be waiting," Mariel whispered. "No matter how high you rise, this will always be your home."
For a long moment, they stood together, watching the setting sun paint the ocean with fire.
Eryon burned the image into his heart.
He would not fail them.
The day of departure arrived.
The candidates gathered at the village square, fully equipped, their faces set with a mixture of nerves and determination. Around fifty had survived the trial, but only ten—those ranked highest—would make the journey as official candidates.
Eryon, Kael, and Ryn stood together, their bonds forged stronger than ever.
In the distance, Eryon once again caught sight of Alice Dawnmere, standing alone, her expression cold and composed.
Ardyn Vale addressed them briefly.
"Today you leave behind the familiar," he said. "Ahead of you lies the true crucible. Those who endure will rise. Those who falter will be forgotten."
Without further ceremony, the march began.
The long road to the Capital City stretched before them.