The next morning.
"My body hurts!" groaned Mira, waking up.
She turned to the side and let out a scream.
"So much noise this early?" said Rem, also waking up.
"Mom?! What...?" Mira exclaimed, confused.
"Him? It was the only room available," Rem said, standing up.
"We slept together?!" Mira asked, horrified.
"Oh, stop the drama. Get ready — we need to register you two!" said Rem.
"Is it time already?" Mira gasped.
"Almost," Rem replied.
Mira glanced at the clock.
"Almost?! We only have one hour to register!" she shouted, panicking.
"We're next to the testing area. Just change clothes and let's go!" said Rem.
"What are you doing?!" Mira exclaimed.
"Changing clothes!" Rem said casually.
"Do that somewhere else!"
"I told you — he won't wake up until the test. Besides, this is the only room we have."
Mira blushed furiously. Scene shifts.
"Next!" said the receptionist.
"That's us!" said Mira.
"Is he drunk?" asked the receptionist, raising an eyebrow.
"Drunk?!" Mira echoed.
"Kids these days are such a handful," Rem muttered.
"Whatever. Are all three of you participating?"
"Just the two," Rem replied.
The receptionist handed them two forms.
"He can't read. I can—"
"No need to lie. We get these cases all the time. Just fill in his actual info — I don't care," said the receptionist, uninterested.
"Thank you," said Rem.
They filled in the forms.
"Kay is number 106, and Mira is number 105. Here are your badges. Spectators go left, competitors right."
"Thank you!" both said in unison.
They entered the building.
"Can you carry him by yourself?" Rem asked.
"Yeah. Now it's just a matter of waiting for him to wake up," said Mira.
"He should wake at some point. Grab his badge. I'm off to the stands."
They split up. Mira carried Kay over her shoulder.
"Please don't be mad at me. This was Mom's idea..." she whispered.
A few minutes later…
"Why is this hallway so long?" Mira muttered.
"Tell me about it! I'm Thais, number 107," said a girl approaching them.
"I'm Viviane, number 108! Nice to meet you!" said her friend.
"I'm Mira, 105. This is Kay, 106."
"Is he... drunk?" Thais asked.
"Not exactly," Mira replied.
"Making a girl do all the work — typical guy!" said Thais.
"He's just sleeping, not drunk," Mira explained.
"Sleeping?!" Thais and Viviane exclaimed.
Mira took off Kay's sunglasses.
"Whoa. That's a deep sleep," said Thais.
"Long story," Mira said.
"Need help?" Thais offered.
"No, thanks. I can see light at the end of this tunnel!" Mira said.
"You talk like you're dying," Thais laughed.
They continued walking.
"This is our first test! What about you?" asked Thais.
"First time for me too," Mira said.
"Are you sure you don't want help? You look exhausted," said Thais.
"I'm fine," Mira replied.
"If you say so. Wanna be friends?" Thais asked suddenly.
"Friends?" Mira repeated.
"Yeah!"
Viviane nodded enthusiastically.
"Sure!" Mira smiled.
She seems determined, but I doubt she'll last long, Thais thought.
They reached the arena, filled with competitors.
"Finally!" said Mira, leaning Kay against the wall.
"You did it!" Thais clapped.
Mira sat down to rest.
"Why's he got a staff?" asked Viviane.
"It's his weapon," Mira replied.
"A staff? What can you even do with that?" Thais scoffed.
"He's good with it," Mira said simply.
"This isn't a place for losers," said a voice.
Thais and Viviane stepped aside.
"Who was that?" Mira asked.
"You don't know her? That's Ravena — daughter of an Imperial Army general. She's been trained since childhood. One of the top prospects this year," Thais explained.
"Too bad her ego's even bigger than her skills," Viviane added.
"Then why isn't she in the Imperial Army?" Mira asked.
"You really don't know? The Imperial Army is for rejects. Everyone there was turned down by the Liberation Army. If you want to make a name for yourself, the Liberation Army is the place," Thais said.
"A name?" Mira looked puzzled.
"You're not from the capital, huh? That explains it," Thais said.
"We're outsiders," Mira admitted.
"This test has some serious talent. It's gonna be tough to stand out," Thais said.
My daughter already made new friends, Rem thought from the stands, smiling.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric. One hundred and fifty competitors gathered, all buzzing with tension. A tall man in an immaculate uniform entered the center of the arena, commanding attention.
He was a soldier from the First Division of the Liberation Army, known for his battlefield victories and leadership.
"Good afternoon. I am Vice-Captain Arion of the First Division. It is an honor to lead today's selection tests."
"A vice-captain?!" murmured shocked competitors.
"That's unexpected — but considering the level of talent here, it makes sense," Thais said.
"A vice-captain... His presence alone changes the mood. Incredible," Mira whispered.
Arion continued:
"The tests will be divided into three parts: First, a physical trial to assess combat skill and endurance. Second, a written exam to test your tactical and strategic knowledge. Finally, a team challenge to evaluate cooperation."
"We will begin with the written test. This will give time to prepare your battle gear for the later stages.
"I wish you all the best. May those who shine today shine even brighter tomorrow. Please proceed to the first phase and follow all instructions from the army officers."
A passage opened, and the competitors moved forward.
"Still refusing help?" Thais teased Mira.
"Sorry... Please, I accept," Mira said, slightly embarrassed.
Thais and Mira supported Kay, and Viviane carried his staff.
Did I overdo the sleeping potion? Rem wondered from the stands, concern flickering in her eyes.
"All tests will be displayed on the big screens!" Vice-Captain Arion announced, leading the group forward.
The passage closed behind them.