The Prodigy Exam was fast approaching. Only one month of preparation remained. With Areyos, Kaiser, and Yoko training at the Fire Temple, Erina training with her brother, and Oredys training with her grandfather, Keldo had no intention of wasting his time. He was determined to make the most of every remaining hour.
It was noon in Denov. Keldo and Verdy were in a spacious workshop not far from their homes. The place resembled a massive industrial garage, with several old vehicle frames piled up in the back, one on top of another like relics of a bygone era.
A bearded man wearing a worn-out cap greeted them warmly. His rounded belly stretched the fabric of his red plaid shirt, while his muscular arms firmly gripped a large wrench. With his imposing build and thick beard, he looked every bit like a modern-day Viking.
"Well, well! If it isn't my little Verdy! How are you doing, lad?" he called out in a deep, cheerful voice.
