The instructor stood firm at the center of the hall, her presence like a blade honed to perfection.
"Before any of you can even attempt to become Stellar Forgers," she said, "there are fundamental requirements you must meet."
She paced slowly before the gathered students, her boots echoing sharply against the stone floor.
"These requirements are not arbitrary. They are the result of centuries of success and failure, of students who either ascended—or died in the attempt."
The hall grew colder.
"To withstand stellar energy," she continued, "your bodies must meet three baseline thresholds:"
She raised a hand, fingers counting them off.
"First, strength. You must have a minimum lifting force of 3000 kilograms."
Murmurs filled the room.
"Second, speed. You must be able to move at least 150 meters per second."
The whispers grew louder, tinged with disbelief.
"And third, reaction time. No slower than 0.1 seconds."
The students sat stunned, the impossibility of the task sinking in.
The instructor's gaze swept over them like a blade.
"Without these," she said, "your bodies will tear apart the moment you touch true stellar energy. You will die screaming—or worse."
Eryon raised his hand.
"Instructor," he said, "how will we know when we truly become Stellar Forgers?"
The instructor's lips curved into a rare, grim smile.
"You'll know."
She lifted her right hand.
With a mere thought, a brilliant aura exploded outward—an overwhelming wave of pressure infused with shimmering cosmic runes. The air grew dense; it pressed on their bones, their minds, their very souls.
Dozens of students grunted, some falling to their knees, others gasping for breath.
Eryon staggered, but held his ground, sweat beading on his forehead.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alice—standing firm, silver eyes narrowed in concentration.
And Vaen, golden and cold, didn't even flinch.
The instructor lowered her hand, and the oppressive aura vanished instantly.
Gasps filled the hall as students struggled back to their feet.
"When you achieve Stellar Forging," she said, "you will no longer feel that pressure. Your body will harmonize with cosmic energy instead of rejecting it."
She paused, taking mental note of those who had withstood the pressure better than others.
Her gaze lingered briefly on Eryon, Alice, and Vaen.
"Training begins tomorrow at dawn," she said. "Prepare yourselves."
And with that, she strode from the hall, leaving behind a room full of young warriors—some shaken, some burning with new resolve.
Eryon tightened his fists.
Another mountain loomed ahead.