(Ben’s POV)

We got separated after the shadows attacked each one of us. I don’t know what happened to Uno and to that girl. The shadows moved aggressively towards us and we had no choice but to fight. 

“Well well… it seems like a weak human like you won’t be able to survive!” The shadow who came out of the dagger said that and it seems to be picking on me. It feels like it’s testing my ability and patience. 

‘I need to calm down and don’t mind what it was saying’ I said to myself

I ran into places while thinking but a thunder struck my way. 

‘It seems like the shadow won’t let me think about a solution. I'm gonna die if it strikes me.’ I thought.

It’s hard to think of a way to avoid the thunder. But I need to beat it no matter what happens or else my efforts will be useless. 

When I run and see the dead end, I can’t think where I should go. I wonder my eyes everywhere to see things that I can use to the thunder. But I stopped thinking when a lightning strike hit me. 

*KABOOOM!

It struck me.

I felt my heart would stop beating. It only strikes me for a second but it makes my whole body numb. 

It’s hard to breathe. 

I lay on the ground while catching my breath. My visions got blurry and I can’t hear my surroundings. 

I saw a blurry black smoke coming up close. I know that, that was the shadow who's my opponent. 

‘Can I get through this? Am I gonna die here?’ I thought to myself

When I was about to give up, I heard a familiar voice.

The sweet voice that I can’t hear anymore suddenly flashes through me. 

Jenny….

I came to my senses when I heard that. 

My body feels a bit lighter. I tried to stand up on the ground even though it’s hard for me to move. My emotions are stable. It’s more calm than earlier. And I felt the eagerness to win.

“Not giving up, brat?” The shadow said

I position myself for an attack. 

I breathe in and out.

Then I ran towards the shadow.

I don’t know what happened to my body. I moved as if my adrenaline was high. I run as fast as I can and I don't mind any pain inside my body. I was focused on how to aim the shadow even if it's impossible. The only thing that was on my mind was to beat it. 

I saw his fast movements and followed him. When I followed its moves and was ready to stab it, I saw a smile. 

“Your eyes were desperate.” It says and I stab him. After that stab, a lightning struck on it and the dagger sipped the shadow into its blade. 

Now, the dagger I hold has the power of lightning. 

Once again, I breathe in and out.

“I made it, Jenny. Thank you.” I mumbled while smiling

My heart beat came back to normal. And I can breathe clearly now.

I looked at my surroundings and I saw Uno sitting on the floor thinking something. When he notices me, he smiles and runs towards me. 

“Beeeeeeennnnn !!!!!!! We woooonnn!” He shouted while crying.

I looked on the other side. I saw the girl who finished too. 

Uno hugged me tight and told me about how he is very scared of the shadows.

Suddenly we heard claps.

“Congratulations on passing this challenge.” Mr. Louise said

We stood up straight and looked at him. 

“I know it's not a very easy task but you made it. It seems like you are the chosen owners of the swords. But let me remind you about those swords you were holding…” he stopped and looked into our eyes.

“Don’t let it swallow your heart. Power is not always a good thing to people. Don’t let that power use you, instead, use it wisely.” He said.

What he said is like a puzzle to me. It feels like there’s a meaning behind it and they keep it away from us so we didn't need to know. 

“Tomorrow, we will discuss your next training. So you need to go to the training hall before sunrise, understand?” Mr. Fred announced.

“Yes sir!” The three of us replied

“Go to your colleagues now. They are waiting for you.” Mr. Fred said

We wondered whose colleagues he’s talking about.

“Uhmm .. sir?” Uno asked

“Yes?” Mr. Fred said

“May I ask whose colleagues you were talking about?”

“Huh? Your colleagues. The ones who fought before you.” He said while being confused

We looked at each other.

“They didn’t die sir?” The girl asked

“No one died.This is a test of bravery. The one who’ll last shall be accepted and the ones who turned their backs will be eliminated.” He replied.

“But.. What if the sword won’t accept us? Are we gonna die sir?” Uno questioned him.

“If the sword didn’t accept you to be its owner, then you can choose your sword on the other day until you find the right one for you. It’s a matter of trust.” He added.

We were glad that no one died here. This day was a very challenging day for us. 

After that, they gave us an opportunity to visit our loved ones outside. They gave us 5 hours to visit them and after that, no visitors were allowed and no letters until we became a full fledged monster slayer. 

I took this opportunity to visit Mr. Alfred who saved me back then. When I reached his place, I didn’t hesitate to come in.

“Mr. Alfred?!” I shout

“Not knocking on the door now huh, brat?” He said while smiling

I smiled back. 

I saw his things everywhere.

“Are you leaving Mr. Alfred?” I asked

“Yeah.. I have a mission to attend to.” He replied

“It seems you're gonna be away for too long.” I said sadly.

“Hmm .. it depends on how long this mission will take. But don’t be too sad. And I got the news kid. They said you passed on bravery. Congrats kid! You're gonna be busier than me in the upcoming days. So you don’t need to worry about me kid.” He said while patting my head.

I was silent for a few seconds. 

“I promise, I will be stronger and will be able to fight together with you.” I said

He smiled at me and he said “Don’t push yourself so hard, no one is pushing you to your limits. Take your time and figure out what you need to do and where you need to start. If you feel like you’re lacking at something, try to find it. Don't let other people choose your fate. Choose it for yourself. And don’t worry, I will wait for the time when we can fight together.” 

I'm so glad that I met Mr. Alfred. I learned some things from him. 

After that, we had a small conversation about what happened to me during training and how I got my sword.

Time flies and we need to say goodbyes. We parted ways with a smile.