Three months of harsh training had passed, and Yamo had grown much fitter than before.
He wasn't at the level of the strong trainees yet, but he could finally feel that his body was no longer weak.
He spent most of his time with Raiki, the only one he had truly bonded with during this period.
One morning in the forest, where tall trees touched the sky and waterfalls roared in the distance, everyone gathered in a large clearing filled with tents — ready for the second phase of training.
A tall, stern-looking man stepped forward and said in a commanding voice:
> "I am Son, supervisor of the second training stage.
You've all completed the first phase, and your bodies are now able to endure the first level of Konka Energy. But…"
He paused, his eyes sweeping over their tired faces, and continued:
> "The second test isn't about physical strength — it's about mental strength."
A heavy silence fell. Faces tensed in confusion.
One trainee raised his hand and asked:
> "But how do we train our minds? They're not like our bodies!"
Son smiled faintly.
> "To awaken the Konka within you, you must have a vessel to contain its power — a ring, an earring, or a pendant.
And you must also envision the form you'll take upon transformation.
Whoever can see that image clearly in their mind…"
He gestured to a box before him.
> "...may choose what suits them."
The trainees stepped forward one by one.
Yamo chose a black ring with glowing sky-blue edges.
Koutaha picked red earrings with a bright yellow gem in the center.
Raiki selected a yellow-green striped ring,
and Ryomi took a golden pendant with a deep crimson jewel at its heart.
Once everyone had their magical artifact, they scattered through the forest to begin meditation training.
Yamo and Raiki decided to train together near a quiet waterfall. They sat in silence, listening to the flowing water, trying to focus.
After a few minutes, Raiki opened his eyes and smirked.
> "Impressive focus you've got there, Yamo…"
When he turned to look — Yamo was fast asleep.
Raiki yelled:
> "Yaaamo! We're training, not napping!"
Yamo groaned as he opened his eyes.
> "Alright, alright… no need to shout…"
Raiki suggested doing some physical training first to clear their minds. Yamo agreed.
After their exercises, they returned to meditation, striving to connect with their inner energy — for four whole months.
Deep within the forest, between roaring waterfalls and cold winds, the two slowly neared a breakthrough that would change their lives forever.
---
Four months later, Son stood in the clearing again, his booming voice echoing across the camp.
> "The second and final training phase… is over."
Faces around him twisted with exhaustion and anxiety.
He continued coldly:
> "This time, six of you have been eliminated — unable to control your Konka energy."
Yamo raised his head, frowning.
> "And where did those who were eliminated go?"
A brief silence followed before Son replied with chilling indifference:
> "We threw them into the sea."
Gasps filled the air.
Eyes widened in shock as Son went on without emotion:
> "Those whose power proves useless to the kingdom… will follow them.
Now — line up. When your turn comes, transform and explain your ability."
> "Yes, sir!" everyone shouted.
Ryomi stepped up first.
> "Transform — Level One!"
His body flared with crimson light. A dark red scarf appeared around his neck, and a golden hat with red streaks crowned his head.
He said proudly:
> "I'm a mage. I can conjure fire — darker and hotter than normal flames.
Once, I produced black fire… but I fainted afterward. That's all."
Son smiled faintly.
> "Useful to the kingdom. Stand behind me."
Next came Koutaha.
Her transformation was quick — she appeared in a red outfit traced with yellow lines along the edges.
> "I'm a sorceress. I can control all liquids… even blood."
Son looked impressed.
> "A rare ability. You'll serve the kingdom well. Behind me."
Then Yamo stepped forward calmly.
> "Transform — Level One!"
His appearance didn't change much — only his shoes turned pitch black, dark cloths wrapped around his arms, and two crossed swords appeared on his back.
He said seriously:
> "My power lies in these swords, along with these daggers — and a small gun I keep at my waist."
Son nodded.
> "Acceptable."
A man from the back spoke next, without transforming.
> "My power allows me to manipulate the minds of others."
Son replied immediately:
> "That's enough. Accepted. Next!"
Some trainees looked puzzled — but no one dared to speak.
Finally, Raiki stepped up.
> "Transform — Level One!"
His body shone with golden light. His clothes turned completely yellow, except for his green boots and emerald-colored hands.
His outfit looked mismatched — but his energy radiated pure strength.
He smiled and said:
> "I can control the forces of nature — lightning, water, trees, even natural disasters."
Son laughed mockingly.
> "Terrible fashion sense… but an excellent power. Accepted."
Then he shouted:
> "Anyone not accepted — throw them into the sea!
As for the rest of you, begin mastering your powers. In one month, the real test begins.
Pair up — and get out of my sight!"
> "Yes, sir!" they all roared.
---
After a full month of preparation, Yamo, Ryomi, Koutaha, Raiki, and Jian walked together — the air growing heavier around them with each step toward the Trial Arena