The morning sun barely warmed the streets of A1 City as Rajiv, Yokudo, and Liang Bai stepped out of the hotel. Their destination was clear—the Junior Soldier Selection Stadium. The weight of their decision settled in, but they pushed forward, ready for the challenge ahead.
As they approached the stadium gates, a familiar sight caught Rajiv's attention. Sogo stood behind a wooden stall, filled with plates, swords, and armor.
Rajiv raised an eyebrow. "Sogo? What are you doing here?"
Sogo smirked, arms crossed. "Selling gear, obviously. I need to make money somehow, or how else do you think I'll pay for that hotel room?"
Rajiv glanced at the finely crafted swords. "Wait… you make armor too?"
Sogo grinned. "I do now. I'm not just a cook, you know."
Yokudo chuckled. "You really are full of surprises."
Before Rajiv could respond, a loud shout echoed from the stadium entrance.
"RAJIV!"
Rajiv's eyes widened as he recognized the voice.
Yokudo grinned. "No way… That's—"
They turned to see a muscular man standing tall, his presence commanding attention. His dark hair was streaked with gray, and his sharp eyes held the authority of a veteran warrior.
Rajiv and Yokudo exchanged glances before saying in unison, "Our old gym teacher?"
The man smirked, crossing his arms. "So, you boys finally decided to become soldiers?"
He stepped forward and introduced himself.
"I am Kiran Das, once known as the Fastest Slayer in my prime. They called me Step-Slash Thunder for a reason."
Rajiv felt a chill. Their teacher had been legendary in their hometown. Seeing him here meant the competition was going to be far tougher than expected.
"Listen up, recruits!" Kiran shouted. "Your first mission begins tonight. This is no ordinary selection—your survival, determination, and ability to protect your team will determine whether you move forward. Select your squad wisely."
As Rajiv and his friends processed his words, two new figures approached.
A girl with dark hair and fierce eyes stepped forward. "I want in."
She folded her arms and looked directly at Rajiv. "You seem strong."
Rajiv hesitated. "Who are you?"
"I'm Soraya."
Before Rajiv could respond, a boy joined them. "Count me in too."
Soraya glanced at him. "You sure you can keep up?"
The boy smirked. "We'll see."
Rajiv nodded. "Alright. Welcome to the team."
Soraya gave a sly smile. "Oh? You didn't even hesitate? So you're just accepting strangers now?"
Rajiv blinked, unsure how to answer.
Yokudo laughed. "Don't worry, Rajiv. I think she's just messing with you."
With their team assembled, they followed Kiran into the stadium.
Inside, White Soldiers armed with katanas stood in formation. The tension in the air was thick.
Kiran spoke again.
"This is your first trial—the Tunnel Mission."
He pointed toward a massive tunnel entrance, glowing faintly with energy barriers.
"This tunnel is a maze. Your mission is simple: find the flag and return."
One of the White Soldiers added, "Be warned. Five soldiers have already disappeared in that tunnel. If you get lost, we won't be able to find you."
A chill ran down Rajiv's spine.
Yokudo took a deep breath. "Well… no turning back now."
As the gates of the tunnel creaked open, darkness swallowed them whole.
The trial had begun.