Chapter 62 Ebony kings?
The elementary magic class which was for beginners like Kan himself were called up first to the test chamber. The path to the pit was lined by several more blue suit dressed men which were known as the school's knights. Event hosts as well as security was their main job.
Amongst the ten students that gathered the courage to proceed into the pit, Kan wasn't there. He had opted to stay behind along with the remaining twenty students from the elementary class who stayed behind as well, masking their anxiety in pretence as they clapped and cheered on their classmates who were brave enough to find out what their fate had in store for them.
The weight of the moment was finally beginning to settle in. Not like they were all born yesterday although considered young, they knew a fair deal of the hardship that may await them should the test results not turn out favourable.
Not only was their social life in jeopardy, but life outside of school wasn't one they could look forward to. Everyone besides kan held this feeling of uncertainty in their minds.
[Why don't you seem bothered. You know, you have to take the test seriously, right? If you fall short of the average, you might be a handsome hunk but still, you would be overlooked by the ladies which isn't exactly ideal for you. Remember what your contract states?] Hela voiced out into kan's hearing.
"You know, you are extra annoying just when you want to pass a message across by force and can tell I'm not too eager to listen. Now tell you what? I'm going to go in there and with your help, I'm sure it should be a walk over, right?" Kan said in reply to Hela's warning.
However, a reply from Hela was stopped as a hand tapped on kan's shoulders. Kan turned to see it was miss Katherine. She stood behind him, her hands folded against her chest, partially squeezing her melons. Kan found her to be gorgeously tempting, delicious even.
"Are you okay? You seem a little bit lost," miss Katherine asked. This was a rather odd question to ask, Kan thought as he looked around to see if no one else was seeing miss Katherine's hand still placed on his shoulder.
But from the looks of it, no one seemed to care. It wasn't that this was the most absurd thing he had seen the world offer in the first place. Besides, it wasn't all that bad to begin with.
"I'm fine, mam" Kan said reassuringly.
"Okay, then I guess it wouldn't be of much hassle if you meet me in my office after the test," miss Katherine said.
"Err..sure thing. I'd do anything for you,mam" Kan said. Miss Katherine nodded before walking away into the sea of students. As they saw her go, they each gave way for her. Once she was away, it was only Kan left standing and watching the event among his classmates. The others were too busy discussing strategy on how to last longer in the pit.
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Ten students from the elementary class stepped forward, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anxiety and determination. As they approached the tunnel path leading to the pit, they chose to embrace the challenge ahead and confront the Flames of Tenacity.
Down the tunnel path they went, stepping into the pit where an unexpected sight awaited. Along the walls of the pit stood several knights in their characteristic blue velvet suits. The assembly of these knights added an air of authority and solemnity to the trial.
Around the hall, other students gathered at the railing, creating a distinct demarcation between them and the pit. The students about to undergo the trial were guided by the knights, each finding their designated position within the pit.
The instructions echoed through the chamber, a final reminder of the safety precautions they needed to follow. The knights emphasized that the flames emitted heat rather than causing burns, assuring the students of their safety.
With the rules reiterated and safety ensured, the students were poised to begin the trial. The knights exited the chamber, the doors sealing the tunnel entrance behind them. The students were now alone with the impending challenge.
As the doors sealed, a resounding mechanical buzzer echoed through the chamber, marking the commencement of the test. The anticipation was palpable, and the students awaited the emergence of the first flame.
A burst of energy materialized as the indigo flame rose from the pit. It surrounded each student's platform, creating an ethereal yet intense aura. Above them, holographic displays showcased the passage of time, a digital reminder of the trial's duration.
The air was charged with a blend of nervous energy and focused determination. Each student stood ready, their expressions ranging from concentration to resolve. The indigo flame was a manifestation of their first steps in this journey of magical discovery.
Amidst the buzz of the chamber, the ten students braced themselves for the challenge that lay ahead. The Flames of Tenacity awaited, and as the holographic timer ticked away, the trial had officially begun.
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Standing amidst the crowd, a group of boys watched the scene below in the pit as it played out before them.
These boys were six in number and stood although close to one another, they established reasonable distance amongst themselves.
These boys were well around the ages of twenty plus.
They all seemed to have one thing common about them and that was the black and white scarf tied around their necks.
Amongst them was a significantly taller and more muscular one. He went by the name Ralph. He signalled behind him to one of the boys dressed just like he was to come over.
"I still don't see what you are taking about here. These are all bunch of wannabes. There's no talent here!!" Ralph spat with anger in his voice.
"I get what you mean, boss. But you have to understand that the event is just starting. Besides, you know how these things work. If we are not here to pick out the strong ones now, they'd come together and think they are worth shit! Or worse, they get nabbed by the rival gangs," The boy who Ralph called responded. His name was Jerry, he was Ralph's close subordinate.
"Now we have claimed stake here, no other gang would want to come here and even if they do, look around and see our members already in position, they'd rethink their plans. The Ebony kings will reign supreme!!" Jerry said with confidence.
While Ralph was much bigger than Jerry in sheer body size, Jerry significantly held a higher reach that Ralph.
He also wore a dark sunshade even though the atmosphere in the hall and entire mood was dark on its own.
"Well then, let's watch. There better be some new bloods that can join the gang otherwise this would just be a waste of time," Ralph said.
Ralph then got up and looked around, his gaze landing on a figure standing far away from him.
"Jerry, take care of things for a while. If things get bad, you know what to do. I'll go relax a bit now. I don't particularly think these elementary class guys can do anything to impress," Ralph said, spitting to the ground before walking away.