— Hiruko, soon I won't be seen with you anymore. You have a talent for attracting trouble, scolded Selene.

— Don't be too hard on him, Selene, Uli tried to calm her.

— That goes for you too! Is the word "discretion" completely absent from your vocabulary? Frankly, you need to be aware sometimes! And you, Hiruko, you should be the first to know the difficulty that awaits us. Plus, it's certain that many of the candidates are highly experienced soldiers.

— Don't underestimate us, though, even in our class we were in the top 10, Uli defended.

— I confirm, assured Hiruko. And don't worry, we'll win all the trials as long as we stick together. Even if Konrad prefers to go solo, I'm not worried about him; he's still the top of our class, even if he only beats me by a little.

— He beats you by a long shot, idiot! Uli and Selene corrected him in unison.

— Wait until I properly master the ANIMA, you won't believe your eyes!

— Let's go, we mustn't linger here and risk missing the examiners' instructions, Selene urged.

— Shouldn't we grab a bite to eat first? Uli suggested.

— No, Uli.

At the Royal Palace, 12:30 PM

Under the capital's azure sky, the Royal Palace sparkled. Its walls, made of a gold stone so pale it was almost white, absorbed the sunlight and gave it back as a warm glow. Immense trees with deep green leaves, like living pillars, rose between the buildings, their branches supporting finely carved marble balconies and walkways. Wherever the eye rested, light played with the structures. It made the patinated bronze roofs glitter, cast sharp shadows behind the statues of heroes, and flooded the vast squares with its benevolent radiance. A light breeze, carrying the scent of flowers cultivated on high and the incense from the sanctuaries, gently rustled the leaves. It was a city of light and serenity, where every stone seemed blessed by the clemency of the sky.

Queen Adeline contemplated the sky through the window.

— I find this weather very gloomy and overcast. I who prefer to paint, I will lack inspiration today. What do you say, my boy?

— The weather is good, rather. I don't understand why I'm wasting my time here when there are more interesting and exciting things to do outside. Anyway, more than watching you paint. Even she agrees with me, right, Dorothy? said Gabriel.

— I don't care about your opinion, Your Highness. As for me, as long as there's creativity to contemplate, I don't mind, Dorothy replied impassively.

— Come now, I understand your youth. I know you'd still like to sneak out to see the mage competition, is that it? the Queen teased. It's just that this competition seems to interest you too much. Is it because it's in our kingdom? What has always interested you is science and alchemy, isn't it?

— No. Going to the preselection site, I saw fascinating candidates.

— I too have heard of an interesting candidate. According to people, he's the new Dorothy. Are we talking about the same person?

— But yes! I saw him face to face. And the way he gives his all to achieve his goals inspires me.

In one voice, the Queen and the Prince uttered:

— Kosuga.

— I knew it! And guess who helped him reach his level in such a short time? It was me!!! Gabriel exclaimed proudly.

— For several years we've seen talented candidates die just because they want to become heroes and Daimyos. And I feel the same thing again today, Dorothy murmured ominously.

— Why do you say that? And besides, you should be aware of the trials that have been prepared for them, right? asked the Queen.

— Yes. And that's precisely why I think they won't be up to the task.

Back at the Assembly Point

A royal guard announced in a loud voice that the examiners were about to make the announcement and asked the 300 candidates to assemble.

Goki observed the crowd with contempt. Most were veterans; he pitied the newcomers. The smell of blood clung to many of them, but that wasn't his problem. He needed to pass these trials quickly to find his brother.

As the candidates began getting acquainted, a man approached Goki.

— Hey, young man, I like your saber. Is it a Slaker? You know they're not authorized for beginners. Would you be a veteran who doesn't want to give the new generation a chance? he said, touching his shoulder.

— Take your filthy hands off me if you don't want to regret it, Goki growled with a look so hostile the other candidate recoiled, frightened.

— Okay, fine! I just wanted to be nice to you, the man stammered before quickly moving away.

The royal guards then announced the entrance of the examiner.

— The examiner is late. He should have been ready 2 hours ago, Goki grumbled.

— Finally, I get to see what the person testing us this time looks like, Uli enthused.

The guard's voice boomed, imposing:

— Please salute the entrance of your examiner: the Very Great and distinguished "DOROTHY KEYTELER"!

— What?? Hiruko exclaimed, petrified.

— Finally, I'll see her up close! She's always been my idol since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming like her, Uli gushed.

— Wow, she's got flow! Even her walk is imperial. Everything about her is magnificent, Selene added, mesmerized.

While other candidates commented on her fame and beauty, Hiruko felt fear grip him. Tamayo and his older brother Arima had strictly forbidden him from crossing her path before reaching the high ranks. If he was spotted, it was over for him.

— So, that's her. I didn't think she would come to such a mundane trial, even if her country is hosting it, Goki commented, more to himself.

— Hey, quiet! She's speaking. Let's listen, a voice ordered.