CHAPTER 6: ONE-STEP CLOSER

On the third day of training, we were then put to more physical training like holding one position for hours while carrying a lot of heavy materials. Good thing I did not gain bulky muscle. They look disgusting for me. One thing I like about Aeolous is that he does not have bulky muscles, to me he was visually pleasing to the eyes.

On the fourth day, it was a never-ending magic training. The exam master made use our magic to withstand a magic attack, we were not allowed to attack but only defend. All of us were defending our own lives while the Knights do everything they can to make our defenses wither.

On the fifth day, the arena was field with water, the water reached until below my belly button, and we had to run around the arena continuously. Might I just tell you that it was grueling. Everyday we would go back to the dormitory completely forgetting to eat. We’re so tired that even eating is such a bother. After training, all we would do is drink water and sleep to prepare ourselves because next day is another worst day.

The following day we had a break. We had the whole day for ourselves. The three of us ate to our heart’s content and slept for the rest of the day. I woke up at ten in the evening and I strolled down on the busy streets with Gilda. I also bought a few stocks of fruits so I could at least eat it when I am too tired to go out to eat. I mean, if I want to survive this training and pass the exam, I need to eat. It would be embarrassing to not pass because I got sick due to not eating properly and not because I was weak, I mean my magic.

A few more days of extreme cruelty from the exam master passed. On the ninth day of our training, we were put in a magic ball, individually. There were ten magic knights that had the power of wind, they made a magic ball for each and every one of us. d Inside, our magic can’t be activated. We were magicless and as minutes pass, the air we breathe started running out. A lot of us has gone insane. They couldn’t control their power after running out of breath. That day, everyone who failed to control their magic and gone berserk was kicked out of the training. “Do you think that you can just take the exam? No! You have to survive the training first. I did not kick out any trainees the past days since you were all doing great, but now? That’s not the case anymore. Everyone who weren’t able to win against their magic can now go home. You can come back after ten years if you still want to become one of the Kingdom’s Knights. Train hard. Farewell!” that was the Exam Master’s exact words. I think everyone that were able to stay did not exceed 30 mages. That was really heartbreaking, ten years, that’s how long before they could try again.

Days passed. A lot has happened. We have undergone several extremely exhausting trainings. The trainings abut our magics was tiring and it exhaust our magics but nothing beats physical trainings. A lot of mages was strong in terms of magical abilities and skills but to be able to continue sharpening our skills, we must have extremely strong muscles, minds and hearts.

That night, again, I woke up in the middle night. I saw Aeolous with the other three, heading down. They did not see me since they did not bother to lit the hallway. I wonder where they are going. Are they going to eat? But its passed one, stores are closed already.

“They’ve been going out since day one” someone spoke behind me. I recognized the voice, it was Esco. I faced him with puzzled face. They have been going out since the first day? Why? Where do they go every night?

“Why? Where are they going late at night? I’m sure by this hour, all the stores are already closed” I did go out a few times myself, but most of it, the streets are still bright and busy. I only head out really late, once. And I did not continue since the stores are already closed by that time.

“They’re spending a few more hours, training” my forehead creased. Are they not tired at all? I mean, sure its good that they are working really hard. But their body might not be able to take all those working hours. Their body might shutdown in times they need it most. They should let their body rest. Well, if that’s what they want to do, I don’t have any reason to come their way. I mean they aren’t exactly cheating since there are no rules that we can’t practice outside training hours. I hope they would be fine.

“Let them be. That’s what they want to do. How about you? Are you going to train too?”

“No! I just ate fruits that I brought one time. I want to stroll around to digest the foods better”

“Well, what a surprise! I’m planning to do the same thing. Mind if we go together?”

“Nope. Not at all. Shall we?” we laughed and we went to the lift that would take us down. I just realized that none of us have ever took the stairs. Its understandable since we’re on the last floor. We’re already tired from training and using the stairs would just add to our body’s stress.

“Are we taking the horse or not?” Esco asked as the lift slowly descend. Aeolous and his friends are probably training already. I really hope that they rested for a bit before training.

“Let’s not. Its better to walk, that way we’ll digest the foods we ate, better.” As far as I know, walking is one of the best activity to digest foods better. And besides, our horses is probably asleep. I don’t want to ruin their slumber just because I want to stroll down the city.

“Oh! Okay. Let’s do that then” he smiled. We stepped outside as the door to lift opened.

We strolled around and talked about random things. I never really knew Esco but since I met hi during the registration, I knew that he was a good person. I feel like we got closer now and I won’t hesitate to count him as my friend.

The next day, the last day of training, we had a counseling. They asked us for our reason of joining the knights.

“At first, its all because my parents push me to become the next Magic Leader. But as I spend more days here in the city, I realized that I want to protect and help everyone that can’t do it for themselves. I can always help them even if I did not become the leader but there are certain things that I want to change and I can only do that when I become the Magic Queen. I’m doing this mainly for my parents but I’m starting to think that this is actually the right path for me” I answered truthfully. If they would kick me out because of my answer, I wouldn’t mind. I’ll just face my parent’s and hope they would understand. They would be really mad but I think they would spare, I’m their only child after all.

We gathered in front of the Exam Master after everyone was done with counselling. It did not took too long since the counselor was direct to the point. “CONGRATULATIONS! You made it this far. From more than a hundred trainees down to twenty-eight. Congratulations! All twenty-six of you will take the exam three days from now. You have two days to spend to your home and come back here after two days. Rest, so you can give your all on the exam. Of course you all know that you’ll have two main part of the exam. I will explain it further on the exam day. But for now, rest. You need it. Again, congratulations. We already invited spatial mage to take you home. They’ll also escort you back here. Now, pack your bag and head home” everyone plastered a smile on their faces after hearing those words. We’re qualified to take the exam three days from now. We’re definitely one-step closer to our goals.