Sunlight poured into the small but tidy room as Marcus Graveblood opened his eyes. The soft rustle of morning bustle drifted in from the city below, mixing with the scent of fresh bread and street spices. He inhaled deeply, letting the new city's essence wash over him.
'It's a big day today. Gotta make it count.'
Marcus rose with practiced ease, his body still humming with the energy of rest and excitement. After a quick shower, he slipped into his freshly ironed navy-blue three-piece suit. It fit him perfectly, both comfortable and elegant—a gift from his late mother. He straightened the cuffs and admired himself briefly in the mirror, giving himself a confident smile.
Downstairs, the inn's dining hall was filled with chatter. Marcus greeted the old lady at the counter with a bright, "Good morning, Miss!"
"Well, good morning to you, young man. Off to somewhere important today?"
"Yes, ma'am! I have a test at the USA branch today."
"Oh my, best of luck then! Eat up, you'll need the strength."
He sat down with a plate full of eggs, meat, and crisp toast. As he cut into the food with practiced elegance, others around him glanced in his direction. His posture, his calm smile, and his polite demeanor made him stand out.
'I wonder how many people I'll meet today. I hope they're friendly...'
After finishing breakfast, Marcus bowed slightly to the staff and stepped out into the glowing city. The roads were alive with movement, a blend of tradition and tech. People rushed to work, vendors shouted for attention, and airships floated above like silent watchers.
When he arrived at the United Shield Authority's grand building, he was met by a young employee in a gray uniform.
"Welcome to the USA branch. Are you here for the Ruin Explorer License test?"
"Yes! Marcus Graveblood."
"Ah, right this way."
He was led through pristine corridors to a wide open test field surrounded by high walls. It looked more like a military-grade training ground than anything else.
A tall, lean man with short silver hair and piercing yellow eyes stepped forward. He wore a dark USA officer's uniform with a captain's insignia.
"Welcome, examinees. I am Captain Riven Dace, your proctor for today. You will undergo several physical tests followed by a Prana assessment. Let us begin."
One by one, the examinees were put through trials: sprints, vertical jumps, strength measurements, reflex tests, and agility circuits. Marcus, however, moved like a wind-carved blade—graceful, sharp, and efficient.
When it was his turn to run the high-speed dash, he blurred across the field. During the reflex test, he struck every target with precision so fast even the sensors struggled to keep up. The murmurs among the examinees grew.
"Who the hell is that guy?"
"He's like a machine..."
"No, more like a storm."
Captain Riven watched silently, arms crossed, his eyes narrowing.
'Interesting. Not just fast. Controlled. Efficient. And that suit... he didn't even take it off for the test.'
Marcus completed each phase with a calm smile. After finishing the last trial with perfect form, he brushed his suit casually.
'All that island training paid off. Thanks, Mom.'
Once the physical exams ended, only twelve candidates remained from the original fifty. Riven led them to a dim chamber with strange inscriptions on the walls. In the center stood a large black disk.
"This," Riven announced, "is the Prana Resistance Test. We will be projecting directed Prana intent and mental pressure at you. The goal is to endure it without collapsing. You may use your own Prana to resist. Begin."
As the test began, the air turned heavy like a storm rolling in. Marcus immediately sensed the change. The pressure came like a wave, hitting his body and spirit at once.
One by one, the others began to buckle. Some dropped to their knees, others passed out. Marcus stood firm, his posture straight.
'Breathe. Focus. This is nothing compared to punching trees under rainstorms back home.'
Riven glanced at the remaining examinees, eyes narrowed. With a smirk, he turned up the pressure.
"Let's see who can still stand."
Within seconds, the last of the remaining examinees fell, clutching their chests or panting on the ground. Except one.
Marcus.
The golden hue of Prana danced lightly in his eyes. Sweat beaded on his brow, but his gaze remained calm, burning.
'He's still standing? This...'
Riven poured more power into the projection, sweat forming on his own brow. But Marcus held on.
Just as Marcus began channeling his own Prana to enhance his stance, a firm hand landed on Riven's shoulder.
"That's enough, Captain," said a deep voice.
Riven jolted and turned. "Vice-General Solas! I-I didn't know you were observing."
Solas Zephyr stood tall, clad in a dark gray coat with red trim, his long white hair tied behind him. His eyes held the calm of a storm before it breaks.
"You're letting your pride interfere. The test was already passed."
Riven straightened. "Understood, sir."
Solas stepped forward to Marcus, who blinked and wiped his brow.
"Marcus Graveblood, yes? You've passed. In fact, you've exceeded every benchmark. Congratulations."
Marcus looked stunned. "I... really? I passed?"
"You didn't just pass. You stood alone. That speaks for itself. Go to the front desk. They will issue your license."
Marcus gave a broad, boyish grin. "Thank you, sir!"
He turned and walked out, light in his steps.
'Finally... I can start my adventure!'
Back inside the observation chamber, Riven stood silently as Solas poured tea.
"You did well, Riven. Don't blame yourself. His pressure was something else. Even I felt it."
Riven swallowed hard. "He was suppressing himself, wasn't he?"
"Yes," Solas said quietly, gazing out the window. "And yet, even restrained, he dominated."
Riven stepped back and saluted. "Awaiting further instructions, Vice-General."
Solas waved him off. As the door closed, he turned to the comms device on his desk. Pressing a button, the line rang.
A voice answered. "This is General Cassandra Albright. Solas?"
"Yes. We need to talk. We may have found one."
A pause. "Another candidate for the high trials?"
Solas' eyes narrowed.
"No. Possibly something greater."
The city was still buzzing, unaware of the force it had just welcomed.