Chapter 2: The Coin of Hope

The Kingdom of Elaris was alive.

Trumpets blared, fireworks sizzled in the sky, and the energy of a thousand hopes crackled through the air like magic. The arena—packed with over two hundred thousand citizens—rumbled from roars of excitement. Outside, merchants hawked their finest gear, taverns overflowed with wine and laughter, and the streets themselves seemed to vibrate beneath the boots of the excited crowd.

It was the day of the Squire Exams—a sacred event held only twice a year. For many, it was a stepping stone to glory. For one, it had just become a bitter end.

Kai stood outside the arena gates, numb.

His name was never called again.

He'd failed in the first round.

No money, no title, no squire's ranking. No transport. Just two coppers in his pocket and a heavy silence clinging to him like wet cloth.

He walked through the streets alone, his breath shallow, replaying every mistake. His parents had given him enough coin for two months. He'd stretched it to six. But this... this was supposed to be the moment it all paid off.

As he passed a corner near the market, a guard in modest armor stepped forward.

"Hey... kiddo."

Kai stopped, his eyes hollow.

"I saw you in the arena," the guard continued. "You've got potential. I mean it."

Kai gave him a dry look. "Don't butter my biscuit with that crap," he muttered, barely managing a sigh. "I've heard it before."

"No, listen," the guard leaned in. "I mean it. You moved like a knight born—even without K.I. That's rare. I'm Javeon. And I've got a contact—Sir Alexander IV. Ever heard of him?"

Kai's heart skipped.

"Take this." The guard handed him a bronze coin with Javeon's face engraved. "Show it to Alexander. He's at the pub tomorrow morning. It's his last day before heading to the capital to train new students. He's looking for talent. You show him that coin... he'll bring you with him."

Kai stared at the coin, trembling. "Thank you... this means everything."

"Don't mention it, kid—"

But Kai hugged him tightly before he could finish.

That night, in a dusty, rat-bitten tavern room, Kai clutched the coin to his chest like a sacred relic. His lips curved into a wide smile as he whispered to himself, "Sir Alexander IV... is gonna train me. This is it. I can't wait!"

Sleep wrapped around him, warm and heavy.

The next morning came with a pounding knock.

"Oi! Breakfast ends in ten minutes!"

Kai jolted upright. "Crap! What time is it?!"

He threw on his cloak, grabbed the coin, and sprinted through the streets like a wild flame. He couldn't be late. Not for this. This was everything.

"STOP!" a merchant screamed as Kai darted past, but he didn't even turn around. Then—

FWOOM!

Scorching fire blazed behind him—Patrol Knights. Four of them.

"Hey, kid! STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Kai pushed harder. "Not now! NOT TODAY!"

Then—THUMP!

He crashed into a red-haired girl holding a book, knocking her clean out.

"I—I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" he stammered, checking her unconscious body, but there was no time. "Please be okay…"

He ran two more blocks and skidded to the pub door, collapsing to his knees. Sweat puddled on the floor as he gasped to the barkeep, "C-Coin... Sir Alexander… please... tell him…"

The lady blinked. "Kid... you just passed him on the way in."

Kai's heart froze.

"…I'm joking!" she giggled. "He's right—oh. He was right there. He just left."

Kai's world collapsed.

He missed him.