Sage pursed her lips. She wanted to go but wasn't brave enough to leave. "Go, Sage. Have no regrets and walk whatever path you've set your mind on," Trent suddenly said. Sage turned around, her eyes tearing up as she choked, "Trent…"He nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be here to take care of Mother and Father. Participate in the selection, and promise me you'll do your best. We'll be here waiting for you."Trent gave Sage the greatest words of support he could possibly give. Sage cried and nodded. "I will. Thank you, Trent."She wiped her tears and decided not to give up on her hopes. She did not want to have any regrets in the future.After taking a deep breath, she started to walk toward Garret but then turned around. "Father, Mother, I'm sorry, but this has been my dream. I don't want to live my life without having done anything. I'm sorry for being such an ungrateful daughter."Sage turned around and forced herself not to cry, while Dahlia wiped her own tears in sadness. "Sag
“Give it your all and get into Wyvern Peak!”“Sage the fearless! She is the pride of Slip County!”Both sides of the road were filled with volunteers from Slip County's high school and university societies. There were also teachers, doctors, and firemen waving at Sage. "You're the best, Sage! We know you can do this!" "Do your best and not disappoint your village!""Good luck, Sage! Be fearless and brave, okay?""We'll all be waiting for you to come home!" They were all there to send Sage off, whose vision blurred with tears upon hearing their words of encouragement. She clenched her fists and put on a determined expression. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll make you all proud and perform well in the selection. I'll make sure everyone hears the name ‘Slip County!’" Thus, Sage left with the hopes of the people of her hometown as she strove toward her dreams. She remembered how her teachers told her to aim for the stars.***Sage was not the only one departing. The same scene wa
Five days later, candidates could be seen playing around the lake. The temporary accommodations prepared by Novemton headquarters were filled to the brim. Meanwhile, the hotels near Lake Solunar, temporarily reserved to receive candidates, were closed to outsiders.The time of the pep rally approached. The candidates gathered in groups and enjoyed themselves. The outlands learned of this spectacular scene and it got onto the news. The whole world now knew about the legate selection, and it shook everyone.At least one soldier from Wyvern Peak was stationed per meter to protect the candidates. These people would soon be accepted into Wyvern Peak as elites, with one of them becoming the new legate. Soldiers had also been stationed inside the hotels, patrolling every nook and cranny, even the washrooms. ***Juno, Elize, Felicia, and Penny were having fun at a drawbridge while waiting for the rally to begin. They seemed rather calm since they could see a lot of women participating i
"I'm Juno Byrd." The young girl shook their hands and said, "Hey, everyone. My name's Sage Hall. It's a pleasure to meet you all.""Sage?""Are you here to participate in the rally too?" Elize asked.Sage nodded and realized their boat had already reached the center of the lake. "I've also signed up for the selection. I only just arrived since I live quite far away. Would you guys like to be friends?"Felicia said, "Of course! Which school are you from? We're all from Azure Creek. We've never seen you before.""I'm from Southeastrive. I'm the only one of my year, so I don't have anyone here," Sage replied. "I see." Penny then asked, "You seem quite strong. Are you aiming to become the legate?""I thought about that, but there are so many other strong candidates this year. Still, I’ll do my best.""Wow! That's a huge ambition!” Elize exclaimed. The candidates present were not there to become legate. They knew they were not strong enough to take up the role. They simply wa
The girls returned to their hotel after a while.More candidates arrived one after another as the day of the rally approached. ***On the night before the rally, Adrian was sitting in his office, reading through the profiles of all candidates to understand each and every one of them.Raquel walked in and sat opposite him. "The rally takes place tomorrow. Do you need me to make any further arrangements?" Adrian looked up at her. "How's your relationship going? Will I be receiving your wedding invitation anytime soon?"Raquel was stunned for a moment before rolling her eyes. "Can you please focus here?"Adrian smiled. "Are all the candidates present? Is there anyone absent?""Majority of them are here. There are some who backed out at the last minute.""Really? Why?""They retracted their registration because their families are against the idea of them participating."This was understandable since many misunderstand what Wyvern Peak was all about.Adrian nodded. "We should
The emcee stood on the podium and said, "Dear candidates, you have all come from various corners of the country to embark on your dream. To find a place you can spread your wings and fly up high. War Legate Draco is currently backstage, preparing himself as we speak. In the meantime, I shall brief you on today's schedule. “First, War Legate Draco will give his speech, where we’ll learn more about Wyvern Peak's history. This will build up its heroic image in our hearts. The second part will be a Q&A session. You will have two hours to ask whatever you’d like to ask, and they’ll all be answered by War Legate Draco. Thirdly, War Legate Draco will be personally handing out badges of honor. Keep it close as you’ll be needing it later."After the emcee was done with the briefing, she announced, "War Legate Draco has arranged a performance for you before the speech takes place. With that, I'd like to invite Wyvern Peak's ten battle warriors on stage for their spectacular performance!"The
Everyone held their breaths and watched him as drones sent by the media recorded the whole scene. With solemn expressions, the candidates waited for Adrian to speak. He was meticulously reading through the profiles on the table. This went on for around ten minutes before he finally looked toward the candidates, who were all sitting ramrod straight."What's the matter? Why do you guys look so serious? Are you guys scared of me or something?""Hahaha!" The hall filled with laughter, instantly releasing the tension in the air. No one had expected War Legate Draco to start his speech this way. Everyone then quieted down.Still holding the files in his hand, he said, "I hold information about every single one of you. Would you believe me if I said that I've memorized it all?"The candidates exchanged looks. They were capable of memorizing a textbook after reading it through once, but none of them thought it was possible to memorize thousands upon thousands of profiles, including all t
The candidates were shocked. The atmosphere was originally cold and chilling, but it now took a huge turn. None of them expected Adrian to interact with them like this. After Reina sat down, another young man stood up and asked, "What about me, sir?""Linden Nox, nineteen, correct? Your parents passed away when you were little, leaving your elder sister, Diana, to raise you. Your greatest dream is to give your sister a good life, which is why your instructor gave you the codename Skywing, correct? You hope to spread your wings and soar through the sky."Linden nodded.Adrian was now two for two. He smiled and gestured for Linden to sit. "Each and every one of you has your own story and life experiences. After reading your profiles, I thought about how you're all here with your own dreams. You wish to live extraordinary lives and vanquish evil. You have a fire inside of you that makes you mature sooner than others. I'm glad to see that.” Everyone listened quietly as War Legate Dr