As Mandal Jia said, an elderly person truly appeared in the sky a few moments later. Everyone began whispering among themselves in excitement and curiosity.
"I've heard his name long ago."
"Who's that person?"
"He's really a third-dimensional Dimen Human!"
The murmurs grew louder as the elder descended slowly, his robe fluttering in the wind. He wore a white and red robe that covered him completely, his presence calm yet powerful.
The elder looked over the crowd and spoke, his voice echoing through the air.
"Go rest. Five days later, the test will begin."
After saying that, he disappeared in a flash of light.
Everyone sighed and started leaving the Red Flower Dimen Association.
"What a business," Lalin Fie said in a mocking tone.
"They clearly could start the test today," Niear Cia replied, his voice also filled with sarcasm. "But they delayed it just to steal money from us."
"Haha, maybe," Mandal Jia said with a grin. "But it's beneficial for me and my family."
Niear Cia laughed softly. "Ahh, if they don't start it after five days, I'll become poor!"
"You'll only become poor," Lalin Fie said jokingly. "But I'll lose everything!"
"Ohh, your everything too? Hahaha!" Niear Cia laughed even harder.
"By the way, brothers," Mandal Jia said proudly, "I can arrange a hotel for both of you at a low cost. My family owns a few in this city."
"Really?" Niear Cia asked.
"Of course," Mandal Jia said with a wink.
---
A day later…
"Did you know?" Mandal Jia said with excitement as they walked through the city. "Many people from the Red Flower Dimen Association are here, and even more who want to join!"
"So what?" Lalin Fie replied lazily.
"They're all trying to build connections," Mandal Jia said. "We should go too!"
"Then, alright," Lalin Fie said finally.
Mandal Jia turned toward Niear Cia, who was eating an ice cream nearby. "Niear Cia, do you want to come with us?"
Niear Cia looked up and smiled. "Okay."
The three of them entered the city park together. The entire place was glowing like a festival — lanterns hung from trees, and lights decorated every path. People from Fesian empire had gathered, laughing and talking, building new friendships.
Niear Cia looked around quietly. It's beautiful… he thought. Seeing how many people respected Mandal Jia and how connected he was, Niear Cia couldn't help but feel grateful. I'm lucky to have met him. Maybe this is the result of my good deeds from the past two years.
But, unfortunately, he was wrong.
Mandal Jia had befriended him because he thought Niear Cia was a rich person. Yet even after finding out that Niear Cia was not wealthy, Mandal Jia still chose to stay close to him — not for money, but for something else.
Firstly, their personalities matched perfectly. Mandal Jia genuinely enjoyed Niear Cia's company; it was rare to find such an easygoing and kind friend. Secondly, Niear Cia's noble aura and gentle behavior made everyone around him feel calm and respectful.
(But who would know — Niear Cia truly was from a noble family.)
---
"Do you all know?" Mandal Jia said proudly in front of Lalin Fie, Niear Cia, and two others as they sat together in a circle of chairs with a large table in the middle. "I even have a connection with Green Garden Faction's third senior!"
The other two were new friends they had met earlier — Hifie Sit and Noman Yef.
At first, when they all met, the atmosphere felt awkward. But after some casual talk and jokes, everyone started to feel comfortable with each other.
"Is he really present at this convention?" Hifie Sit asked.
"He's lying to all of you," Noman Yef said with a grin.
"Yeah, right! I've known him since childhood," another teased.
"Wait, isn't Green Garden Faction ranked third?" Lalin Fie added.
Mandal Jia crossed his arms with a proud smile. "He's here, I'm telling you! If you all call me father, I'll introduce you to him."
Everyone's faces darkened.
"Please, brother, I'll even pay you! Just let me meet him!"
"What you say, I'll do — just don't make me call you father!"
"How do we even know you're telling the truth?"
Mandal Jia laughed mockingly. "If you don't believe me, fine. But if you want to meet him, say father. Otherwise, I won't take you."
After a few minutes of playful arguing, they all gave in, saying one by one: "Father!"
"Hahaha! Alright then!" Mandal Jia said proudly and stood up. "Wait here, I'll find him first!"
The group followed him through the crowd, searching for the man. It was difficult — they couldn't use spiritual sense inside the area, as it was forbidden.
After some time, they finally found the person Mandal Jia was talking about — a handsome man with long hair, sitting calmly and drinking tea. His robe was red and white, glowing faintly under the light.
He was Sunari Rei, the third senior of the Green Garden Faction.
"Hello, Senior Sunari Rei," Mandal Jia said respectfully.
Sunari Rei looked up and smiled faintly. "Ah, Junior Brother Mandal Jia. How have you been?"
When Mandal Jia realized that Sunari Rei still remembered him, he turned back with a smug smile toward Niear Cia and the others.
"We want to join the Red Flower Association, Senior," Mandal Jia said politely. "Please guide us."
Sunari Rei nodded. "Sure. If you wish to specialize in fighting, join the Light Flower Faction. If you want to master refinement, go for the Shining Water Faction. And if you wish to learn healing and nature, join my Green Garden Faction… and so on."
He explained for a while before leaving them with a few words of encouragement.
The group returned to their seats and began discussing seriously which faction to choose — except Mandal Jia, who was still busy bragging.
"Brother Mandal Jia, which faction will you choose?" Lalin Fie asked with a teasing tone.
Mandal Jia froze for a moment, his flex vanishing instantly — then he straightened up and said proudly, "Of course, the Red River Faction!"
Some people looked impressed; others disappointed. Then everyone turned to Niear Cia.
"Brother Niear Cia, which faction will you join?"
"Please say Light flower Faction!" Hifie Sit said eagerly.
Niear Cia smiled lightly. "Hmm… definitely, I'll join the Light Flower Faction."
Hifie Sit's eyes widened with happiness. "Really?! I'm joining that one too!"
"Why that one?" Noman Yef asked.
"Because it sounds cool," Niear Cia said playfully.
Everyone burst into laughter.
---
Their chosen factions:
Mandal Jia — Red River Faction
Lalin Fie — Red River Faction
Hifie Sit — Light Flower Faction
Noman Yef — Dark Sea Faction
Niear Cia — Light Flower Faction
---
Four days later…
The test day finally arrived.
By now, their friendship had grown stronger than ever — especially between Lalin Fie, Mandal Jia, and Niear Cia...