After collapsing in the office, everything went dark for Aryan.
When people finally reacted, he was already unconscious, his body unable to handle the strain and the hidden injury from the monster's attack earlier that morning.
Aryan slowly opened his eyes.
The ceiling above him was unfamiliar. For a moment, he stayed still, trying to gather his thoughts before turning his head slightly to look around.
"This place…"
He was lying on a bed inside a quiet room. It looked like a rest area inside the Council Office.
"You're awake."
Aryan turned toward the voice and saw a familiar face.
Alena.
She stepped closer with a small smile. "It's evening now. You've been unconscious for hours."
Aryan blinked, still confused. "What happened? Why am I here? I was submitting the form… where is it?"
"Relax," Alena said calmly. "Officer Roy has your form. He'll be here soon."
Aryan let out a small breath, but before he could ask anything else—
Knock. Knock.
The door opened.
Officer Roy walked in, holding a paper in his hand.
"So, you're finally awake," Roy said, glancing at him. "You collapsed earlier after getting injured by a monster while saving a kid."
Aryan stayed silent, listening.
"You passed out right after submitting your form," Roy continued. "But don't worry—it's been accepted."
He tossed the paper slightly forward.
"Congratulations. You're officially a participant. Do your best in the exam."
Aryan nodded. "Thank you, sir. Then… I'll take my leave."
He slowly got up, preparing to leave.
"Wait."
Aryan stopped.
Roy raised his hand slightly. "Don't you want this?"
Aryan turned back.
In Roy's hand was a locket.
Aryan's eyes widened instantly.
"…That's mine."
It was the last thing his mother had given him.
He stepped forward quickly, reaching for it—but Roy pulled his hand back slightly.
"I'll give it to you," Roy said calmly, "on one condition."
Aryan frowned. "Condition? What condition?"
"I'll train you for the exam," Roy replied. "Agree to that… and this is yours."
Aryan stared at him for a moment.
Then he scoffed lightly. "Train me? I think I'll manage on my own."
Without waiting, he tried to grab the locket by force.
But Roy moved effortlessly.
Aryan missed completely.
A faint smirk appeared on Roy's face. "So this is how you plan to train?" he said. "Don't make me laugh."
Before Aryan could react—
Roy kicked him.
Hard.
Aryan's body slammed into the door behind him, the impact sending a sharp pain through his back. He winced, barely managing to stay on his feet.
Roy looked at him calmly.
"Tomorrow morning," he said, "Velmora Ground. That's where your training begins."
He turned and walked toward the door.
"If you don't come… forget about the locket."
With that, Roy left the room.
Silence filled the space.
Aryan stood there, still processing what had just happened.
"…What the hell…"
He clenched his fist slightly.
"He's strong."
There was no denying it.
Alena moved toward the door as well. "You should think about it," she said before leaving. "He doesn't offer help like that to just anyone."
The door closed behind her.
Aryan was left alone in the room.
His gaze lowered slightly as his thoughts began to race.
Why was Roy acting like this?
And more importantly—
Why did he have that locket?
Aryan's expression hardened.
"…Looks like I don't have a choice."
....
A/N: I hope you like this novel, Support by adding to your library and giving power stone one or two. Thankyou.