Bab 2: Chapter 2: Real Test Begins: "Will Test"
The morning of the Academy Selections began with a crispness in the air that hinted at the significant day ahead.
The capital city was alive with activity, as families and candidates made their way to the test venue. Ruchir, standing tall and resolute, was accompanied by his family, who were equally nervous and hopeful. As they reached the mountain where the selections would take place, Ruchir felt a mix of excitement and trepidation.
"Remember, son," Raghav said, his voice steady despite the tension, "This is just another step. Stay focused and give it your all."
Mira, tears glistening in her eyes, embraced her son tightly. "We believe in you, Ruchir. Whatever happens, we are proud of you."
Leena, his younger sister, looked up at him with wide eyes filled with admiration. "You'll be great, brother! Show them what you're made of!"
Ruchir nodded, his heart swelling with determination and love for his family. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
As Ruchir joined the throng of other candidates following the examiner up the steep path to the mountain peak, the atmosphere was charged with a blend of excitement and anxiety. The air was thick with whispers of nervous anticipation, each candidate lost in their thoughts about the trials to come.
A boy nearby, with dark hair and eyes wide with apprehension, turned to his companion. "Do you think the test will be as hard as they say?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
His companion, a girl with her hair tied back in a tight braid, looked ahead with determined eyes. "It has to be," she replied firmly, her tone resolute. "They only want the best. We've all heard the stories. Only the most resilient, the most capable, can make it through."
Another candidate, a tall boy with sandy hair and a serious expression, overheard their conversation and joined in. "I can't believe we're finally here," he murmured, almost to himself. "We've been preparing for this our whole lives. All those years of studying, training, and dreaming about this moment... and now it's here."
The girl nodded, her expression softening slightly. "It feels surreal, doesn't it? Like we've been on this path forever, and now we're standing at the threshold of our dreams."
Ruchir listened intently, feeling a sense of camaraderie with these strangers who shared the same hopes and fears.He glanced around at the other candidates, each lost in their own thoughts. Some wore expressions of fierce determination, others looked anxious and unsure. They were all united by a common goal: to prove themselves worthy of entry into the Four Great Academies.
Ahead of them, the mountain path wound its way through dense forests, the trees standing tall and majestic like silent guardians. The higher they climbed, the more breathtaking the scenery became. Occasionally, the foliage parted to reveal stunning views of the capital city far below, its buildings like tiny dots against the vast landscape. The sky above was a brilliant blue, the morning sun casting long shadows and bathing the world in a golden glow.
As they ascended, the conversation among the candidates grew more animated. A boy with a confident stride and a mischievous grin caught Ruchir's attention. "I've heard the Will Test can break even the strongest of minds," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "They say you might find yourself in a paradise, but it's all just an illusion to test your resolve."
"Or in the worst possible nightmare," another girl added, shivering slightly. "Can you imagine facing your deepest fears, knowing it's all a test but still feeling every bit of it?"
Ruchir's mind raced as he absorbed their words. He thought of his family and their unwavering support. His father's steady encouragement, his mother's tearful pride, and his sister's wide-eyed admiration. He knew he had to stay strong, for their sake as much as his own.
"Whatever the test throws at us, we have to remember why we're here," Ruchir said, finding his voice. The others turned to look at him, curiosity and respect in their eyes. "We've trained for this. We've dreamed of this. We have to trust in our preparation and in ourselves."
The confident boy grinned wider. "Well said! Let's show them what we're made of!"
As they neared the peak, the path grew steeper and more rugged, but the candidates pressed on, driven by the shared determination to succeed. The trees thinned out, revealing a rocky landscape dotted with hardy shrubs and wildflowers clinging to the crags. The air grew cooler and fresher, filling their lungs with a sense of clarity and purpose.
When they finally reached the summit, they were greeted by the imposing figure of a elder, whose presence commanded attention. His yellow hair cascaded down his back, framing a face etched with the wisdom and scars of years past. His eyes, sharp and piercing like lightning, scanned the crowd with an intensity that made their hearts race. His posture was rigid, like a soldier ready for combat, exuding the aura of a war veteran.
The candidates fell silent, their earlier chatter replaced by a collective breath of anticipation. They had arrived at the starting point of their journey, ready to face the tests that would determine their futures.
"Welcome, young aspirants," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Elder Tian, and I will be overseeing your selection process. The path to greatness is not easy. It demands more than just intelligence and skill. It requires willpower, aptitude, and a righteous spirit."
Elder Tian's gaze seemed to pierce into their very souls. "The test you are about to undertake is divided into three stages: the Will Test, the Aptitude Test, and the Righteousness Spirit Test. Only those who pass all three will gain entry into the mandates of the Four Great Academies. The rest will be relegated to the normal classes."
The gravity of his words settled over the group, and Ruchir felt a shiver of anticipation. This was it—the true beginning of his journey.
"The Will Test will challenge your mental fortitude," Elder Tian continued. "You will be sent into an illusion array, where you will face various scenarios designed to test your willpower. You may find yourself rich beyond your wildest dreams, or impoverished and oppressed. How you respond will determine your fate."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Those who can maintain their integrity and determination despite the illusions will move on to the next stage. Remember, your attitude and resolve are being tested."
As the candidates prepared for the first test, the air buzzed with nervous energy. Ruchir could feel his heart pounding in his chest. This was no ordinary test; it was a measure of his very character.
One by one, the candidates stepped into the array and were enveloped by the swirling mists of illusion.
A noble boy named Arjun found himself in a grand palace, surrounded by wealth and luxury. Servants attended to his every need, and he was lavished with praise and adoration. At first, he reveled in the experience, but as time passed, he began to feel the emptiness of such a life. Realizing that his true goal was not wealth but knowledge and honor, he rejected the illusion and maintained his focus, passing the test.
A commoner girl named Lila was thrust into a scene of abject poverty. She toiled day and night, struggling to make ends meet. Despite the harshness of her circumstances, she never lost her kindness and determination. Her perseverance shone through, and she too emerged successful from the array.
A young boy from a merchant family, Ravi, found himself in a scenario where he was unjustly imprisoned and oppressed. The illusion was so real that he almost succumbed to despair. But remembering his family's sacrifices and his own dreams, he rallied his spirit and broke free from the illusion, earning his place in the next stage.
However, not all fared as well. A noble girl named Priya, who had always been praised for her beauty and charm, found herself in an illusion where she was ignored and belittled. Her confidence shattered, she lost her composure and succumbed to the illusion, failing the test.
As the candidates emerged from the array, the results were clear. Some stood with newfound resolve, while others were visibly shaken, their dreams momentarily crushed.
Finally, it was Ruchir's turn. He took a deep breath and stepped into the array, the mists swirling around him. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he had the willpower to withstand whatever illusions lay ahead.
The world around him shifted, and Ruchir found himself in a lavish hall, dressed in fine robes. Servants bowed to him, and a feast was laid out before him. He was surrounded by opulence and luxury, but something felt off. He remembered Elder Tian's words and steeled himself against the illusion. He knew that true greatness lay not in wealth, but in the strength of his character.
As he navigated the illusions, he faced scenes of poverty, oppression, and temptation. Each time, he reminded himself of his goals and the love and support of his family. His will remained unbroken, and he pushed through each scenario with determination.
In one scenario, he was a beggar on the streets, ignored and scorned by those who passed by. The cold wind bit at his skin, and hunger gnawed at his stomach. But he refused to let despair take hold. "This is just an illusion," he whispered to himself. "Stay strong, Ruchir."
In another, he was offered power and influence, a position of great authority over others. Tempting as it was, he remembered his father's words about staying focused and giving his all. "True power comes from within," he reminded himself, rejecting the false allure of control.
The final scenario was the most challenging. He found himself back in his family home, but it was in ruins, and his family was nowhere to be found. Panic threatened to overwhelm him, but he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "This is not real," he told himself firmly. "I know where my heart lies. I know my purpose."
When the mists finally cleared, Ruchir emerged from the array, his heart pounding but his resolve intact. Elder Tian's piercing gaze met his, and a hint of a smile played on the elder's lips.
As the last candidate emerged from the illusion array, Elder Tian's piercing gaze swept over the group. He could see the mixture of relief and exhaustion etched on their faces. Clearing his throat, he addressed them, his voice carrying the weight of years of wisdom and experience.
"Congratulations to those who have passed the Will Test," Elder Tian began, his tone solemn yet encouraging. "This test is of paramount importance because willpower is the foundation of your journey. The illusions you faced were not merely figments of your imagination; they were reflections of your deepest desires, fears, and temptations. It is essential to understand that strength of character is the true measure of a scholar. Without unwavering will, even the most brilliant minds falter in the face of adversity."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "The Will Test is designed to strip away the superficial and reveal the core of your being. It challenges you to maintain integrity, focus, and resolve, regardless of the circumstances. Those who can do so are the ones who possess the potential for true greatness. Remember, this test was not about your physical abilities or intellectual prowess, but about your inner strength. Carry this lesson forward, for it will serve you well in the trials to come."
As Elder Tian's words settled over the group, a low murmur of conversation broke out among the successful candidates.
"I can't believe we made it," a boy with sandy hair exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and relief. "Only half of us advanced. It's incredible how many fell to the illusions."
A girl with her hair in a tight braid nodded solemnly. "It was brutal. The scenarios felt so real. I saw people who were usually so confident break down completely."
Another candidate, with dark hair and a determined expression, shook his head. "I saw friends crumble under the pressure. It wasn't just a test of will, but a test of who we really are inside."
Ruchir joined the conversation, his face reflecting the same blend of emotions. "The illusions were relentless. I kept reminding myself of my family, my dreams... that's what kept me going. But seeing so many not make it... it's sobering."
A girl, still trembling slightly, added, "It shows that willpower isn't just about facing external challenges, but also conquering our internal demons. I'm proud to have passed, but it was far from easy."
The group fell into a reflective silence, the weight of their achievement tempered by the realization of how many had been left behind. They knew the road ahead would be even more challenging, but they had already proven their mettle in the most profound way.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone