In One Jewel Road of Swallowston, the family was enjoying a meal when Juno ran in with an information sheet in her hand. She said excitedly, “Guys, the six competition regions and rules have been announced.”Rue, Samantha, Gloria, and Adaline quickly looked toward Juno in surprise. “Let me see it,” said Samantha eagerly. Juno passed the information sheet to Samantha and sat on the sofa. Samantha read aloud, “The competition regions are Cawthorn County, Rusouth, Rivton, Drogoton, Dillonia, and Northbound. Will the prelims take place throughout the six regions simultaneously?”“Yes, the prelims will be followed by the challenger rounds, then the finals. The finals will be happening at Wyvern Peak’s headquarters. Just thinking about it is stressful,” said Juno smilingly.Samantha tutted. “The assessment will be using a cumulative points system.”“And the new leader of Wyvern Peak will only be qualified for the position through breaking at least three records set by the previous
Samantha pouted but stopped speaking. Gloria gave the information sheet back to Juno and said smilingly, “All the best, but don’t push yourself too hard either. Just do your best.”“I will.” Juno nodded heavily. “Please excuse me then. I have to study.” She then went to her room.***The rest of the candidates received the same information sheet. Professionals explained the rules of the assessment through the news, and there were even programs specially dedicated to this event. The goal was to ensure that all the candidates understood the rules quickly. The date of the assessment was approaching, so all the candidates were making the most of their time by studying and revising. A few days passed, and Adrian and Raquel arrived at Wyvern Hall in the outlands. Wyvern Peak was built on Mount Wyvern in the outlands at the coordinates of 697 and named after the location. The area within a few hundred kilometers of Wyvern Peak was primeval rainforests, mountains, and hills. A snowy mou
Adrian had long abandoned the first elder and third elder’s concern.He said, “This assessment will be quite different from the previous ones. I do not plan on holding the final spar in the sparring arena. I have a new idea.”The crowd looked at Adrian in puzzlement. “A survival challenge. To give everyone a chance, all the candidates will be released into the rainforest and they will have to make their way within a certain time to score points. If they fail to make it out within the set time, they won’t be given any points. We shall then choose ten finalists to spar on the cliff of Mount Wyvern. The champion will be the new leader of Wyvern Peak.”“Hmm…”The elders and the rest of the crowd were astonished upon hearing Adrian’s plan. There was a primeval rainforest surrounding Mount Wyvern. After crossing the rainforest, one would arrive at the border where Wyvern Peak’s troops were stationed. The rainforest was extremely dangerous, filled with difficult terrains and wild animal
Adrian always came up with ideas that were different from others. That was how he became a leader respected by many. Every member of Wyvern Peak knew that there was no problem that could not be solved as long as Draco was around. ***Adrian arrived at the rear hall. It was a locked grand hall known as the War Legate Hall. This was where stone statues of previous war legates were stored. Wyvern Peak would produce a statue of the legates throughout history and display them in order so that people could come and gaze upon them in the future.Commonfolk would find it hard to get into War Legate Hall. It would only be opened to certain people at a particular time. Only Adrian was allowed to access the hall at will. He walked in and shut the door. Numerous stone statues stood inside the enormous grand hall. These statues had different postures and styles, but they were all without a doubt Wyvern Peak’s legates. The only difference was that they were from different times. Due to the c
Adrian did not show, simply observing them from afar. Raquel knew he was feeling uneasy. He wanted to choose a perfect leader for Wyvern Peak but that was impossible. Hence, he changed some people, or rather he guided some people to the right path through his hard work and effort.Time passed, and a few days later, Novemton published the name lists for the competition regions and notified all candidates of their respective regions. When the notification letters were distributed, the candidates packed in preparation to head to the venues. As the date of the examination drew closer, Wyvern Peak requested that all candidates arrive at their respective venues two weeks in advance. This was to allow them time to mentally prepare for the assessment and familiarize themselves with the venue. The candidates headed off to their competition regions. Juno was all packed. She said to her family while waving the notification letter, “Guys, I’ve been assigned to Rusouth. I’ll head there now
The woman was Sierra Lane, Jerome’s high schoolmate. She had graduated two years earlier than Jerome and attended university in Gorgonshire. Jerome had always been a loner and did not have many friends back from high school. He never expected his high schoolmate to show up here on the eve of his departure.“Am I not welcomed, Jerome?” Sierra asked smilingly as she looked at the astounded Jerome. Jerome was not good at interacting with people, especially women. He was at a loss for words upon hearing her remark. Sierra covered her mouth and laughed at Jerome’s reaction. She clapped and called out, “Come on out, everyone!”Dozens of people suddenly emerged from all directions. Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!Confetti flew into the air and landed on Jerome’s head. “We wish you success in your endeavors, Jerome!” the crowd said in unison. Jerome was stunned by the sight of these people that had shown up out of nowhere. These were his high schoolmates, and he knew every one of them.“Guys
Jerome’s friends called out in unison, their voices loud enough to be heard far away. He turned around and discreetly wiped away his tears. He said, “Thank you for supporting me, everyone. Thank you so much. I was under the assumption that you hated me and felt that I’m overestimating myself by joining the selection.”His friends burst out in laughter. Sierra giggled as she covered her mouth. “Nonsense, Jerome. Only a warrior has the courage to pursue their dream. You’re a man who pursues his dream and has strong beliefs. Why would we mock you for that?”“She’s right, Jerome. You’re Jerome today, but maybe you’ll be Wyvern Peak’s new leader in the future. We’d want to be in your good graces when that happens, so why would we mock you?”“You’re overthinking it, Jerome. We’re extremely proud to have a selection candidate among us. You have to work hard and strive to become Wyvern Peak’s leader.”Jerome inhaled a deep breath and nodded heavily. “Thanks for your support, everyone.
Sierra’s promise filled Jerome with boundless joy. He sincerely hoped for the girl that had always been on his mind to watch his performance. Jerome inhaled a deep breath and raised his head to look toward the others. “Thank you, everyone. I understand what you’ve shared with me today. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down if I become Wyvern Peak’s leader. I will devote my life to Navia and will never betray the country.”He picked up the outfit his friends had bought him and got into the Department’s vehicle.Jerome left. Sierra and the others gazed after his car until he was far away. They only turned away after the car vanished. Sierra was relieved.One of the girls said, “That blockhead finally got the message, Sierra. I didn’t realize that he had feelings for you but was too scared to tell you.”Sierra sniggered. “He’s not a very proactive person. He’s destined to be unable to express his feelings like other boys because of his family background. I hope that he will fulfill hi