7th of Janviay, 0000 AC

Morning

Noble Apartments, Freedom Avenue, Ravissant Brotherhood

A bird cawed right outside Jacques’ window, startling him out of his sleep. Disgruntled, he sat on his sun-drenched bed, finding his bearings. Looking at the calendar, he grinned in satisfaction. Today was the day that all the children of the Brotherhood were tested on their abilities, so that a suitable career path can be chosen for them.

Being 15 years old, he was one of the youngest children currently residing in the city. Since the tests were age-based, each age group had tests that got harder as the age increased.

Most of the children had already guessed which category they’re going to fall in, but it was compulsory to try out for all three.

Jacques quickly dressed up and went to the city centre, where many teenagers had gathered with their parents. Jacques’ father was late.

Bubbling with excitement, Jacques looked at the panel of judges for the tests. They were highly trained professionals in their fields, so they will be extremely strict. The sun was shining brightly, and most of the entrants were perspiring.

Wiping a bead of sweat out of his eye, Jacques spotted a group of 10 adults, dressed formally, approaching the centre. They were the top ten most influential nobles in the city. They were all highly skilled in all three categories. They were THE Ravissant Parliament.

Among them, Jacques spotted a silver-haired man wearing blue aviators. “DAD!” he shouted.

Pierre Rachine, the prime minister, and second-in-command of the parliament, waved at Jacques, and came towards him. “Sorry I’m late,” he grinned in a carefree way. “I was having a last-minute discussion with the MP’s.”

“Oh please,” Jacques grinned back. “I saw you watching the Grimowen finals in your office.”

“Guilty as charged,” Pierre laughed as he took his seat among the panel of judges.

The president, His Excellency Roi Knox, sounded a bell, and the entire centre went silent. “Welcome,” he began. “337 candidates have applied for this test, but only 25 will be selected for each category. The ones who failed can try again next year. So… the tests are:

1) Written Science paper (1h30)

2) Timed Parkour Obstruction Course

3) History of Ravissant paper (2h00)

4) One on One armed battles

5) Impromptu debating

6) Team challenge

Each age group will be judged by two professionals, and I would advise against cheating, as the penalty is that you’ll never be able to join one of the three categories.”

Pierre stood up, “Before we begin, there will be a small ceremony to honour the gods, so please, welcome the venerables.”

Three religious members climbed onto the stage and recited a prayer for the eight gods. Once the prayer was over, Pierre clapped his hands, “Let’s begin the tests. Good luck to all the candidates and may the best be selected.”