The sun had just started rising, its first golden rays sliding silently through the cracks of the small wooden house. The air was still cold, the forest silent—almost too silent.
Elric slowly opened his eyes, his breathing calm but his mind already alert.As he turned his head, he saw a tall, firm figure standing outside his training hut.
Master Orin.
The old man's shadow fell long and sharp on the ground, like a blade pointing toward destiny itself.
Elric quickly stood up, his muscles still sore from the intense training he had gone through the day before. But pain didn't matter now. Not today.
"Good morning, Master," he said softly, his voice steady.
Master Orin looked at him, his sharp eyes narrowing for a second before a faint smile crossed his face."Well done, Elric," he said, walking slowly toward the stone training ground. "In all these years, no boy has ever managed to make such a clean cut through this rock."
He ran his fingers along the smooth line on the boulder Elric had sliced yesterday."Perfect… just perfect."
Elric felt a wave of pride inside him, but he kept his expression calm.
I did it… finally. This is the first step.
But Orin's tone suddenly turned serious, his smile fading.
"But remember," he said, his voice low and heavy like a storm brewing, "this was only the beginning. Now comes your final test. The real trial. One that can make you… or end you."
A cold wind passed between them, shaking the leaves nearby as if nature itself reacted to his words.
"If you pass this," Orin continued, "you will become a Slayer. If not… then your journey will end there."
Elric slowly raised his head, and a small, fearless smile formed on his lips.
"I'm not afraid anymore," he said, his voice filled with quiet fire. "Life or death… it doesn't matter. I'll destroy these cursed shadows no matter what."
Orin's eyes softened slightly. He reached inside his cloak and pulled out an old, folded map. The paper was worn out, but the inked lines on it were clear.
"Then this," Orin said, handing it over to him, "is the path to your final test. Follow it carefully. Beyond this journey lies your destiny."
Elric took the map with steady hands.Orin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Best of luck, Elric. From here on… your path is your own."
Without another word, Orin turned and started walking away, disappearing slowly into the misty forest.
Elric stood there silently, clutching the map.
This is it. The moment I've been waiting for.
"Thank you, Master," he whispered, even though Orin was already gone. Then, tightening the belt on his sword, he began his journey.
The days that followed were harsh.
For two days, he walked under the burning sun, every step heavy on the rocky paths. Sweat dripped down his forehead, his throat dry, but he didn't stop.And then, for two nights, he walked through bone-chilling cold, when even the air seemed to freeze inside his lungs.
Every moment tested him.
This is nothing compared to what I've faced inside… he thought, remembering the nightmares of the shadows, the screams, the darkness that once made him shiver. I won't break.
Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, Elric reached the place marked on the map.
It was at the top of a steep mountain. Mist swirled around like a silver veil, but through it, the sky looked brighter and more alive than anywhere he had ever seen.
The moment he stepped onto the flat ground at the summit, a strange warmth filled him.
This place… it's different.
The breeze carried the scent of thousands of blooming blue flowers surrounding the area. Their petals shimmered faintly under the sunlight, creating an almost heavenly sight.
"It feels like… paradise," Elric whispered to himself.
He noticed something unusual—despite being deep in the mountains, there was no trace of darkness here. No chilling aura. No shadow lurking.
Soon he understood why.
One of the contestants standing nearby whispered, "These blue flowers… Shadows can't enter this area. They're poisonous to them. This is the Slayer's Area. Safe. Sacred."
Elric's eyes widened a little.
So that's why it feels so calm… this place is protected.
As he walked further, he saw them. Dozens of contestants—around forty—standing in groups. Each of them carried a sword, their expressions sharp and focused. Some were nervous. Some were determined. But they all had the same fire in their eyes.
Forty of us… so many dream of becoming a Slayer. But how many will survive this test?
Before he could think more, four girls dressed in green uniforms stepped onto a small platform in front of everyone. Their presence was calm but commanding, their movements perfectly synchronized.
The one in the center spoke, her voice clear and steady.
"Welcome… to the Slayer's Area."
Elric raised his head slightly.
So this is it.
"You are standing in one of the only places where shadows cannot enter," she continued. "These blue flowers you see around you carry poison that destroys them. This is why this ground is sacred. This is where Slayers are born."
The crowd went silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Elric's heart beat a little faster.
I never imagined it would feel like this.
The girl's voice grew firmer. "This is your last chance. This test will decide if you live as a Slayer… or die as a failure."
A murmur ran through the crowd. But Elric didn't flinch.
He looked down at his hand, clenching it slowly into a fist.
I've come too far to turn back now. I'll fight… even if it costs me everything.
Around him, the other contestants began whispering, some confident, some afraid.
One boy beside him muttered, "They say only a few survive this test. Some don't even return."
Elric didn't reply. He just stared straight ahead, his jaw tight.
Let them talk. I'm not them.
His gaze wandered toward the flowers again, their blue petals dancing softly in the breeze. The scent of their poison carried a strange sense of calm, like the silence before a storm.
For the first time in a long while, Elric felt something unfamiliar—peace. But deep inside, he knew this calm wouldn't last.
Tomorrow… the real trial begins.
The four girls finished their announcement, their faces showing no hint of emotion. They stepped down silently as the contestants were guided to different corners of the area to rest and prepare.
Elric walked to a quiet spot near the edge of the field. From there, he could see the entire mountain range spreading endlessly beneath the golden sunset.
He slowly sat down, resting his sword on his lap.
Master Orin… I'll not let your trust go to waste.
He closed his eyes, letting the cold air touch his face.
No matter how hard it gets… no matter how much blood I spill… I'll end the Shadows.
Above him, the night sky began to turn darker, stars lighting up like tiny lanterns. The entire area was silent, but beneath that silence was a storm waiting to rise.
Tomorrow, the test would begin.Tomorrow, lives would change.
And as Elric's eyes opened again, the fire in them burned brighter than ever.
"I'm ready."