Chapter 3- Soul Test (Part 1)
Jack had heard a lot about the world outside through the tales of the travelers that come to Magalia for trading. Since citizens here weren't allowed to travel without a legitimate reason, all he could work with was tales.
However, that was alone to captivate him beyond comprehension. Not only was the world outside extremely vast, but it was also magical in every possible way.
He heard about floating cities, structures so large that they would dwarf this very Lighthouse, powers so strong he can't even begin to imagine them, people of all races and kinds. It stimulated the curious kid within him, the one who wants to explore, go on adventures, and experience the thrill of living a free life.
He wanted to go wherever he wanted, do whatever he wanted, and just be him. He knew that it was only possible once he left this Lighthouse. So, even though he pretended like the Soul Test wasn't that important to him, he still held a deep wish within him that he would get to leave this place.
The easiest way was to naturally try and become a candidate for the Soul Monarch Academy. That will finally allow him to sail away from the Lighthouse and start his journey into this world.
After closing his eyes, Jack found himself drifting to sleep quickly. He was feeling oddly tired that day, so he only opened his eyes again when he felt his head shaking violently.
"Wake up! Jack! Wake the hell up!"
"H-Huh?" He frowned as he opened his eyes.
"I knew you wouldn't even put an alarm! We need to leave now! The test starts in 15 minutes!"
Wiping his eyes, Jack rose up from the bed as he stretched. "Good morning to you, too."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just get ready quickly."
"Relax, Emi. Everything is going to be fine." Jack smiled.
"Relax?! Relax?! I'm panicking! The realization of what is going to happen just sank in!"
Pacing around the room, the young man looked like he was close to a full mental breakdown. Jack laughed before he walked out and washed his face, and changed his clothes. After that, he walked back to Emilio.
"Well, ladies first." He said as he jokingly opened the door to his friend.
"Screw you."
Without wasting more time, Emilio rushed outside, and Jack followed him. It was still early, so the world was still a bit dark. However, surprisingly, the city was bustling with movement.
Everyone had woken up early for this historical day. The Soul Test. Parents and families wanted to be there for their young children for their test. It was the biggest day of their lives and a moment where everything could really change.
'Everyone looks quite excited.'
"Hurry, Jack!"
"Yeah, I'm here!"
The two ran through the streets, heading to the city hall. They passed through countless groups of people heading there, too.
The city hall was the biggest building in the entire city. It was mainly used for huge events, and it had the capacity of almost 200 thousand people. It was the perfect place for such a prestigious test.
Reaching the area, the two young men had to pass through wave after wave of people who blocked the path.
"Jack! Are you still there?!"
"Yeah! Just keep moving!"
After a hard struggle, they eventually popped out on the other side, where they finally found the barricaded gates and the guards standing around, stopping everyone from just flooding in.
"Every candidate must show me their ID! I repeat! Every candidate must show me their ID!"
There was a long line of people standing there. They were all Jack's age, 17-20 years old, young people who wanted to try their luck.
"Fuuh, we're right in time, I think." Emilio exhaled a sigh of relief.
"Woah, look there. Isn't that…"
"He's so handsome~"
"Hey, Jack~"
Almost immediately, Jack started grabbing the attention of everyone present there.
"Hey there, ladies." He winked at them casually. "I hope you're having a fine day, like all of you."
His sweet words made them blush and look away.
"Aren't those… married women?" Emilio asked as he blinked a few times. "They're old!"
"Aaaah, my poor friend Emi. There is no such a thing as an old woman, for a female's heart stays young forever."
"... I will never be able to understand you."
"Haha…"
As the two bantered around, the line kept moving as the candidates walked in one by one. Eventually, it was their turn.
A tall and muscular man stopped them and eyed them coldly. One could tell he was a very serious and tough man from his glare.
"You." His eyes landed on Jack. "You're that weird kid who keeps blowing up things, aren't you?"
"That is me~" Jack shrugged.
"No funny business here, boy. If you try to do one of your stupid tricks, you will deeply regret it. The people who will supervise the test are people from the outside who came here specifically for this."
"Oh? Outsiders? That makes things even more fun." Jack rubbed his chin. "Don't worry, I don't have any plans to do anything weird. I'm just here to test myself, like everyone else."
The two stared at each other in silence for a good few seconds before the man finally gave up. "Give me your IDs."
After checking them with his device and seeing the green light, the duo finally walked in. The hall inside was quite spacious, with all kinds of facilities. Food courts, bathrooms, booths for all kinds of other goods, and even games.
On the other side were the doors that led to the main arena. Most candidates gathered there, getting in one by one.
"I'm so hungry." Holding his stomach, Jack felt it growl. "Go ahead first, I'm going to get some food."
"... You're seriously the most carefree person in the world. I'm so nervous, I couldn't even eat."
"I will get you something, just in case."
Tapping his friend's shoulder, Jack walked away toward the food area. Not many people were standing there. He assumed most were feeling so stressed that food wasn't an option anymore.
'Makes sense why the bathroom looks more active.' He mused.
Reaching a random stall selling sandwiches, he bought one.
"Chicken hot sauce, and veggies. Mmmm, nothing can rival such a creation." He giggled to himself as he quickly started devouring the sandwich. As he was eating, he stood near a wall, watching people coming and going. His eyes traced their faces, their expressions, their body language, and everything about them.
The atmosphere inside was quiet and nervous, but still filled with that palpable hope. Everyone felt like they were special, like they were the destined ones.
'What a bunch of fools. I admire their foolishness.' He laughed. 'Being accepted or not, this isn't the end of the world. These walls won't bind me even if they wished for it. I will blast my way through a dozen times over if needed.'
"Hm?"
As he was like that, Jack's eyes wandered to a silhouette in the far distance. It was a very brief glance before it disappeared, but he sensed it… And it immediately stood out to him.
'Who was that?' As he continued munching on his sandwich, he stared at the spot where he last saw the silhouette. 'That was a woman. But… Hm, weird.'
"Message to all the candidates: Please gather in the arena. I repeat. Message to all the candidates: Please gather in the arena." A voice spoke through the large microphone.
"Well, hnng, time for the show, I guess. It will be quite fun."