Five days passed. Eldric trained relentlesslymastering kai , martial arts, and other combat techniques under the guidance of the old man. With each sunrise, his body and spirit grew sharper.
On the sixth morning, the old man stood with a wooden staff in hand. "Now, let's see what you've got," he said.
Eldric sparred with him, blocking, dodging, countering with speed and precision. When the match ended, Eldric stood firm, breathing heavily but proud.
"I'm changed," Eldric said.
The old man nodded. "Good. Because now comes the real test. It's time for the argonauts Entrance Exam."
Eldric blinked. "Entrance exam?"
"Yes. A real fight. If you win, you become an official argonaut. If you lose… you'll have to wait another year."
Eldric tightened his fists. "Then I'll go now. Tell me where."
"It's 10 kilometers away, in the city of Bosco."
Eldric packed a small bag some water, food, and a determined heart. "Take care of Raphael for me."
"Wait," the old man called as Eldric turned to leave. "Don't forget the beer."
Eldric grinned. "I'll earn it."
He set off through his home village, Savio, its fields lush with green grass and clear rivers. Children played freely under the morning sky. Eldric looked around fondly, but he knew the longer route would delay him. He turned toward the forest instead.
The trees were thick, the air still. Then ROAR! A beast leapt out of the shadows. It had a tiger's face, long tail, and stood on two massive legs with claws raised to strike.
Eldric froze.
Thwip THUD!
An arrow pierced the beast's head. It collapsed in front of Eldric.
"Huh?!" Eldric gasped.
A voice rang out from a nearby rock. "Yes! I finally killed one!"
A boy jumped down, beaming with pride. "Did you see that? Perfect shot."
"You almost let me die, dumbass!" Eldric snapped.
"Hey, I saved your life, kid."
"I'm not a kid!" Eldric shouted.
"What's your name?" the boy asked.
"Eldric. You?"
"Muscle!" the boy grinned.
Eldric raised an eyebrow. "Muscle? What kind of name is that?"
Muscle shrugged. "Suits me."
"Where are you going?"
"To the argonauts entrance exam" Muscle replied.
Eldric smirked. "Oh really? Well, you better head home, kid. Argonauts need real power."
"What did you say?! I'll kill you!"
They argued and scuffled playfully. Eventually, they calmed down.
"Let's settle this after the exam," Eldric said.
"Deal."
As they walked, Eldric asked, "Show me your neck."
"Why?"
"I want to see your kai symbol."
Muscle turned. A glowing fist was etched on his neck.
"Super strength," he said proudly.
Eldric showed his symbol: a giant number 7 with massive wings.
Muscle's eyes widened. "That's… weird. What is that?"
"I don't know. The old man called it Mythical kai or something."
"Mythical kai? That's the rarest and strongest kai!"
"Maybe. I still don't understand it fully."
They reached the city of Bosco towering buildings, busy streets, and people everywhere.
Eldric looked around in awe. "It's huge… I barely remember it from my childhood."
At the heart of the city stood the argonauts Castle, grand and gleaming with energy.
"This is it," Muscle said.
They entered. The hall was packed with candidates young warriors, all staring, all ready.
A tall man walked to the center. "Welcome to the Entrance Exam of argonauts," he announced.
Eldric clenched his fists.
This was the beginning.