The first stage of the examination began under the scorching sun.
At the center of the field stood three massive pillars embedded with crystal cores—designed to accurately measure physical force. Each candidate would step forward, strike with all their might, and have their power recorded for all to see.
Tension filled the air as the first few participants approached. Many failed to meet the minimum requirement of 300 kilograms and were immediately escorted off the field, their dreams shattered in an instant.
But soon, a ripple of excitement ran through the crowd.
A girl, slender and graceful, stepped forward. She looked to be around Eryon's age, perhaps a year older. What caught his attention immediately was her beauty—golden blonde hair that shimmered under the sunlight and eyes as blue and deep as the sea.
Eryon couldn't help but stare, captivated.
She raised her delicate-looking fist and struck the pillar with a sharp, focused blow.
522 kilograms.
The crystal core pulsed brightly, and a collective gasp rose from the spectators.
"She's incredible," Eryon muttered under his breath, still watching her as she returned to her place, her expression calm and composed.
But the surprises weren't over.
A massive boy—no, a giant—stepped forward next. He towered over the other children, easily 1.80 meters tall, with arms as thick as small tree trunks. His presence alone was intimidating.
He grinned widely before slamming his fist into the pillar.
1012 kilograms.
The crystal flashed so brightly that for a moment, it seemed to blind the crowd.
Cheers, whistles, and stunned murmurs erupted everywhere.
Eryon exchanged glances with Kael and Ryn. They knew immediately—this "bear" of a boy would be a fearsome competitor.
Soon, it was Kael's turn.
He approached the pillar, his lean frame tense but focused. He unleashed a sharp, precise punch.
401 kilograms.
Kael exhaled heavily and grinned as he returned to his friends. Physical strength had never been his greatest asset—his true talents lay elsewhere.
Then Ryn stepped forward.
With a low growl, he launched a devastating punch into the pillar.
812 kilograms.
A respectable result—and one that instantly placed him among the stronger candidates.
Finally, it was Eryon's turn.
He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, channeling every ounce of strength he had honed over the years.
With a roar, he struck.
752 kilograms.
The crystal pulsed solidly. Relief and pride surged through him. He wasn't as strong as Ryn, but he was close—and he'd earned every bit of it through blood and sweat.
As the first stage concluded, the provisional rankings were announced.
Both Ryn and Eryon had earned bonus points for their high scores, placing them comfortably within the top twenty candidates.
Kael, while not excelling in strength, remained safely above the elimination line—his true chance would come in the next stages.