Chapter 25 - The Arena Doesn’t Lie
Tave stepped out of the house, locking the door behind him as Fang bounded beside him with excitement.
Out front, as expected, stood Lily. Her short blond hair shimmered slightly under the early sunlight as she stood with her arms crossed, clearly waiting for him.
Tave offered a small, crooked smile and fell into step beside her as they began walking away from the house.
Today was the day. The Selection Test.
It would determine which of the new candidates would earn the right to become a Squire Knight, the first major step in the knightly hierarchy. But more importantly, it would also decide who among them would be granted access to the Tier 3 Rift Expeditions.
In theory, Tier 3 Rifts were meant for Gaia Guardians or higher. That was the general recommendation, based on risk, monster density, and energy instability. But in reality? The world didn't work on ideal conditions. Too many Knights were already burdened with responsibilities, and the ever-growing number of Rifts demanded more manpower than the system could provide.
So exceptions were made.
If a Gaia Apprentice could demonstrate they had the combat ability, monster knowledge, and survival instinct of someone far beyond their stage, then they could earn a spot. No shortcuts. Just raw capability.
And that's exactly where Tave stood.
Knowledge about monsters? He had plenty.
Combat experience? He'd survived near-death encounters that would've killed most.