Despite El’s endless attempts to keep his daughter at bay, Ariana couldn’t hold back her excitement.

Could you even blame her? The city was buzzing with life!

On both sides of the main stony road, you had these rows of shops, selling everything from fresh veggies to exotic spices, meats and other sorts of products. The vendors were loud and proud, shouting their deals to anyone who'd listen. 

And boy, did they know how to pull a crowd! countless people were piling up in front of their stands.

From what I understood from asking Ada, the system here was the same as back in Silvermill, 100 coppers for 1 silver coin, 100 silver for 1 gold coin.

“2 coppers for one stone of lamb!”

“Fresh apples ! come on “

“Pineapple for the men! Buy one today and make her sway! “

Wait.. what? 

Anyways..

It wasn't just one road, though. Nope, the city had this whole network of streets, each with its own vibe. Take a turn to the right, and you'd find yourself surrounded by weapon and armor stands, as well as blacksmith shops with a nauseating rusty scent oozing out of them. On the left, There was a line of fancy jewelry stores.

With the clouds covering the sun, I tilted my head back. It was my chance since the sun was blinding !  

The buildings were high, higher than those in Silvermill. With ropes extending from the left building to the right, hanging from each were small triangular flags with the dragon crest painted on them. I guessed they were Inns or apartments as there were multiple open windows with people talking to each other through them. 

“Are you coming today?” said a lady on the left side

“Well OB-VI-OUS-LY !  I can't wait to see sir Julian! aaaaaa”

“AAAAAA I wish my husband was like Julian!” 

Poor husband.. 

Moments later, the carriage stopped in front of an inn. 

We've reached the travelers' inn, Gav" said the man riding the carriage.

“Alright then, let’s hop off" said Gav as he handed the man a silver coin.

After we emptied the bags from the carriage, we entered through a large wooden door.

The aroma of tasty meals and aged wood filled the air. The interior had a cozy feeling to it, with the light rays coming from the windows crisscrossing the ceiling, and a fireplace at the end of the room warming the atmosphere. 

A black bearded innkeeper with a huge figure  greeted us with a smile, his apron had stains all over it.

“Ai! Welcome, travelers! Come to rest after a tiring journey, have you?" 

“Yeah, one room of three and another for two” said Gav

“Alrighty then, first floor, second and third room to the right. two rooms next to each other, a service on the house”

“Mind telling me where the nearest barn is?” 

“Ai! just in front of the inn, you can’t miss it”

“A couple pints to ease the heads, Ai?

“Spot on” replied Gav as both of them bursted laughing.

As we started moving our belongings to the rooms, the old man said “You lot here for the exam, aI?”

“Yeh, it’s my son’s first time” 

“That tiny lad? He old enough?”

“Six years old” replied Gav with a wink as he waved his hands at us to move.

The old man stood there, frozen in time with an open mouth and wide eyes,  as he was trying to grasp the situation.

Since the exam wasn’t till the next morning, we each took the time to rest. Then, Gav and El went to the bar, while the rest of us took the chance to explore the city more. Honestly, it was one way for me to take my head off the test and all.

The next day, we marched to the entrance of the arena. 

It was giant. the outer walls towered over us, it was like a fortress with its aged stone.

It kind of makes you feel overwhelmed.

As we got closer, a distant sound of the crowd echoed through the air.

“Alright, Lu let’s go to the participants entrance” said Gav

“No no I’ll go alone, it’s okey” 

Well, I can’t let them see me accompanied by my dad can I? 

As I separated from my family, I got quite nervous. Well, more like excited ! 

“Good luck, Lu!!!”  I heard Ariana as she was waving her hands with her little jumps.

I waved back at her with a smile and went to the entrance. 

“Name, age and current rank” said a grumpy man at the door.

“uuh.. Luka Glynn, six years old, this is my first test” 

“si..six??” 

“yes sir” 

“Alright go ahead!, Here put this emblem on” 

As I entered through the entrance, in a large courtyard, filled with participants of all ages, sizes and ranks. Some were chatting nervously with their companions, while others were stretching and practicing their combat moves.

The crowd stretched all around, filled to the very last seat. 

Suddenly, the courtyard went quiet. The air felt thick as the tension rose. 

Then, a loud trumpet blast signaled the start of the exam, and the participants began to make their way towards the entrance of the arena.

The one thing they didn’t tell us was when our fights would begin, or at the very least how long do fights generally last.

“I wonder when…”

“Ladies and gentlemen, warriors and knights, for the very first spar of the exam we have a surprise for you ! A one in a thousand! A prodigy ! Please welcome the little neophyte three. THE SIX YEAR OLD LUKAAAAAAAA GLYYYYYYYYYYYNNN-euuuuuu” 

Come again? right off the bat?

I quickly reentered the courtyard. The cheers were loud.

“He’s young..” “Holy guardians…” “Am I drunk?..” The screaming of the spectators was all over the arena.

“Lukaaa, good luck lu!!” I lifted my head up to see Ariana and Ada waving at me! 

Ahah it sure felt good to have people supporting me.

“And on the other side, the fierce, the monster, The neophyte two, BaRRRRRRRage Molderrrrrrr!” 

I swear this announcer is really good at making anything seem dramatic. A neophyte can't be a mo…

Suddenly, a shirtless giant bursted from the gate and stood in front of me. From the look of it, his palm was larger than my entire head. 

A neophyte with muscles as big as his? a brainless meat loaf I assumed.

Then, he turned to the left, and bowed!

..huh?

I turned to the announcer and he was doing the same.

“Bow to the king kid!” 

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