Chương 75: The Second Day of Tests – Part 2/4

While Kuroe left the room with a serious expression, the individual tests were coming to an end. Most of the candidates had already gone through Master Thalor's room. The atmosphere in the courtyard was heavy. Many were sitting in silence on the ground or leaning against the walls, clearly shaken by what they had faced. Joker and Harley remained in the same spot as always, leaning against the stone pillar.

Harley slowly swung her pink hammer with one hand while Joker watched the candidates with that lazy expression that didn't reveal much of what he was thinking. After a few minutes, Harley broke the silence: — It was harder than I imagined. Joker agreed with a slight nod. — They're not just testing power. They're testing what we feel inside. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Harley stayed quiet for a moment, then spoke more softly: — Astrid's test was heavy. Rina's too. I saw their faces when they came out. Joker didn't respond immediately. He simply kept looking at the courtyard, where Lirien and Marina were sitting together on a stone bench, talking quietly. Sylvara was a little farther away, sitting on the ground with her back against the wall, still looking thoughtful. Kuroe was standing alone, gazing at the cloudy sky.

Harley took another sip of water and commented: — I think everyone came out different from how they went in today. Joker finally spoke, his voice low: — Yeah. This test wasn't made to measure strength. It was made to see who can still stand even when something messes with us from the inside. The two fell silent again. On the other side of the courtyard, Master Thalor and Aria were talking quietly while checking the parchments. Occasionally, a candidate was called back for a quick conversation with them.

The day was clearly coming to an end. Harley sighed and spoke, almost to herself: — Tomorrow is the last day of tests… right? Joker nodded slowly. — Yeah. And after that… we'll finally know if we really passed. Harley looked at him sideways and gave a tired but still characteristic smile. — Whatever comes tomorrow… we'll face it together. Joker didn't answer with words. He simply reached out and interlaced his fingers with hers for a few seconds, without saying anything. The second day was ending.

And even without anyone saying it out loud, everyone could feel that the tests were becoming increasingly difficult — not just on the body, but also on the mind and the heart. End of Part 2/4