In the quaint village of Kethril, nestled on the easternmost edge of the grand Empire of Arkhemia, lived a boy named Kayden. Kethril was a place where the sun’s first light kissed the land, and the whispers of the Shadow Border were a constant reminder of the dark worlds beyond. The village, though small, was rich in culture and tradition, with its people known for their resilience and warmth.
Kayden, a spirited and determined boy, had always dreamt of proving himself. In Arkhemia, the IMPERIAL TRIALS was a rite of passage, held twice in a child’s life—once at the age of 15 and again at 18. This test was not just a measure of knowledge and skill but a gateway to greater opportunities within the Empire.
From a young age, Kayden had shown a keen interest in learning. He would spend hours in the village library, poring over ancient texts and practicing his skills. His parents, though humble farmers, supported his ambitions wholeheartedly. They believed in his potential and encouraged him to chase his dreams.
As the day of the entrance test approached, Kayden’s excitement and anxiety grew. He had worked tirelessly, preparing for this moment. The test site was located in Ducan, the bustling city to the west, known for its grand academies and scholars. The journey from Kethril to Duncan was long and arduous, but Kayden was determined.
On the morning of his departure, the entire village gathered to see him off. Elders blessed him, and his friends cheered him on.
“Kayden, remember, no matter what happens, we are proud of you,” his mother said, her eyes glistening with tears.
“I won’t let you down, Mother,” Kayden replied, hugging her tightly.
His father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’ve worked hard, son. Trust in yourself.”
With a heart full of hope and a mind brimming with knowledge, Kayden set out on his journey. The path to Duncan took him through diverse landscapes—lush forests, rolling hills, and the vast desert city of Hekra in the south.
Finally, after days of travel, Kayden reached Duncan. The city was a stark contrast to the serene village of Kethril. It was alive with activity, its streets filled with people from all walks of life. The test site was a magnificent building, towering over the city, a symbol of knowledge and power.
As Kayden stood before the entrance, he felt a surge of emotions. This was the moment he had been preparing for. With a deep breath, he stepped inside, ready to face the challenges ahead.
The entrance test was divided into three parts. The first part was a written exam, testing the candidates’ knowledge of history, mathematics, and the sciences. Kayden’s hours in the library paid off as he confidently answered the questions.
The second part was a practical test, where candidates had to demonstrate their skills in various disciplines such as archery, swordsmanship, and magic. Kayden excelled in archery, hitting the target with precision, and his basic magic skills impressed the examiners.
The final part of the test was the most daunting—sparring with a knight. The candidates were led to an arena where they would face off against seasoned knights. Kayden’s opponent was Sir Aldric, a towering figure known for his strength and skill.
As they faced each other, Sir Aldric smirked. “So, you’re the boy from Kethril? I hope you didn’t travel all this way just to embarrass yourself.”
Kayden tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding. “I won’t back down, Sir Aldric. I’m here to prove myself.”
The knight laughed, a mocking sound that echoed through the arena. “We’ll see about that.”
YOU ARE READING
The Last Survivor Of East
Fantasy**Summary:** In the kingdom of Arkhemia, Kayden dreams of becoming a knight but is rejected due to his lack of talent. Disheartened, he returns to his village only to find it devastated by a monster raid, with no reinforcements coming to their aid...
