Four years passed like the tides that shaped Solna's rocky shores.
The once small, clumsy children had grown into lean, hardened youths. Under the harsh sun and the stern discipline of Master Rylas, their bodies had been honed through relentless training. Bones strengthened, muscles thickened, and spirits sharpened—preparing them for the future challenges of cultivation.
Today marked the culmination of their efforts.
The open grounds of the training hall were crowded with villagers who had come to witness the graduation ceremony. Parents stood proudly, while others whispered bets on which of the young ones would shine brightest.
In one month's time, those who dared would journey to the Capital City Academy to face the entrance examinations. But first, one final trial awaited: a gauntlet of sparring matches to reveal the strongest among them.
Master Rylas stood before them, his voice cutting through the excitement.
"Today, you will fight," he declared. "Not to harm—but to prove your spirit, your strength, and your worth."
The battles began swiftly, fists slamming against flesh, grunts and cheers echoing through the air. Many fell quickly, overwhelmed by the fierce competition.
But three names rose above the rest.
Eryon Solaris—whose crimson hair and relentless drive had become a symbol among his peers.
Kael Veylan—the wiry, quick-witted boy who had turned his thin frame into a weapon of agility and endurance.
Ryn Veylor—son of Captain Veylor, bred for battle, whose strength and precision left few standing.
One by one, they overcame their opponents, each clash drawing louder cheers from the crowd.
Finally, the last round was called.
The three boys stood in the center of the arena, their bodies bruised but their spirits unbroken. Master Rylas raised his hand and then dropped it sharply.
"Begin!"
Ryn moved first, his fists a blur as he charged Kael, forcing the thin boy into a desperate defense. Kael ducked and weaved, using his speed to evade the worst of the strikes. Eryon watched carefully, his muscles coiled like a spring.
Seeing an opening, Eryon darted in, striking at Ryn with quick jabs, forcing the stronger boy to divide his attention. Kael seized the moment to sweep at Ryn's legs, but Ryn jumped back, using his superior strength to create space.
Kael and Eryon exchanged a brief glance—an unspoken agreement.
Together, they pressed Ryn, launching a coordinated assault. Kael's swift strikes harried him from one side, while Eryon's heavy blows sought to break his defenses from the other. For a moment, it seemed the two might overwhelm him.
But Ryn's endurance and battle sense shone through. With a roar, he caught one of Kael's punches mid-air, swinging him aside, and at the same time blocked Eryon's low kick with his knee.
Panting, Kael struggled to rise, his speed blunted by fatigue. Eryon launched another attack—a wild series of punches aimed at Ryn's torso and head. Ryn parried, absorbed the hits, and retaliated with a heavy blow to Eryon's ribs that knocked the wind from him.
Still, Eryon refused to fall.
They circled each other, fists bruised, eyes locked with fierce determination. Eryon lunged once more, aiming high, but Ryn anticipated the feint. With a sharp twist of his body, Ryn delivered a decisive strike to Eryon's chest, sending him sprawling backward into the dust.
Eryon tried to rise, stubborn pride burning in his veins, but Master Rylas stepped forward, raising his hand.
"Enough."
Silence fell.
Then, a roar of applause.
Ryn stood tall, victorious, but instead of gloating, he extended a hand toward Eryon.
Eryon grasped it firmly, pulled to his feet with a grunt. Kael limped over, a wry smile on his battered face.
The three stood together, bruised and bloodied, but unbowed.
Breathing heavily, Eryon looked at his friends, determination shining in his golden eyes.
"One month," he said, voice hoarse. "We pass the Academy tests together."
Kael laughed, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "We'll show them what Solna's made of."
Ryn smirked, clapping a hand on each of their shoulders. "We're not just going to pass. We're going to crush them."
Under the blazing sun, with the village cheering around them, the three made their silent pact—a bond forged through sweat, blood, and shared dreams.
Together, they would step into the wider world.
Together, they would chase a destiny that none of them yet fully understood.