Bab 29: The Selection Test Begins
That morning, gentle sunlight seeped through the gap in my bedroom curtains, waking me slowly. Without opening my eyes, I felt the comforting warmth, signaling that today was important. The Regalizen Commander 9 selection test I had been preparing for was about to start.
I sat on the edge of the bed, taking deep breaths to calm myself. I knew how crucial this day was, not just for me, but also for Lily and Arianne who had always supported me. Slowly, I stood up and walked toward the door. As my hand touched the doorknob, I heard Lily's peaceful breathing from her bed. A faint smile appeared on my face. I turned the doorknob carefully, closing it silently. However, the movement was enough to wake Lily.
"Sister Ellora..." Lily whispered sleepily, her voice always warm.
I looked back, giving a small nod and a smile. I walked back to Lily, gently brushing her tousled hair. Now fully awake, Lily sat up and looked at me attentively.
"You're going for the selection today, right?" she asked softly.
I nodded in response.
Without saying much, Lily wrapped her arms around my neck, giving me a tight hug. I hugged her back gently, savoring the moment. After a few seconds, Lily let go of me and smiled widely.
"Let's have breakfast, Sister Arianne must have prepared something delicious."
"Alright, let's go," I replied with another nod.
Together, we headed to the dining room, where Arianne was waiting with breakfast already set on the table. Arianne greeted us with her usual warm smile.
"Good morning, Miss Ellora. Good morning, Lily," Arianne said gently.
"Breakfast is ready. I hope this gives you the energy you need for today."
"Thank you, Arianne."
"Thanks, Arianne!" Lily responded cheerfully.
As I ate, my mind wandered back to my strategy for the test. Even though I rarely spoke, my mind was busy running through various scenarios. With my mastery of space and time magic, I could create confusing illusions of movement for my opponents, as well as basic magic for defense and offense. The sudden knock on the door broke my concentration.
"Hello, Ellora? Are you up yet?"
A man's voice from outside, someone I knew well.
It was Nero.
I glanced at Arianne, and she understood immediately, moving toward the door to open it.
"Ah Arianne, good morning. Is Ellora ready?"
"Good morning, Mr. Nero. Actually, Miss Ellora and Lily are having breakfast now. Would you like to come in?" Arianne asked politely.
"Sure," Nero replied casually.
"Good morning, Ellora," Nero greeted in a calm voice, his sharp eyes briefly meeting mine before shifting to Lily sitting next to me.
"And good morning to you too, Lily."
Lily, sipping her warm tea, immediately replied.
"Good morning, Nero!" she replied eagerly.
Arianne, standing in the corner, gave a respectful nod to Nero.
"Would you like some breakfast as well?"
Nero shook his head lightly. "Thank you, Arianne. I've already had breakfast. I'm here to pick up Ellora. Today is an important day."
I looked at Nero with a small nod, indicating that I was ready to leave at any time. But before I could stand, Lily grabbed my hand.
"Ellora, can I come along too?" she asked with a worried tone.
Hearing this, I turned to Nero, and Nero, understanding my gaze, responded with a small nod.
"Of course, I'll be with them the whole time to watch your selection, Ellora."
Arianne, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, stepped forward. "In that case, I'll join as well. I'll make sure Lily stays safe."
I looked at Arianne and Lily, feeling a bit more relieved knowing they would be close by.
"Thank you, Arianne, Lily."
After everyone was ready, the four of us left the house. Nero opened the car door for me, and after I got in, Lily and Arianne followed. The comfortable Regalizen car smoothly made its way to the headquarters, bringing us closer to the selection test that would determine me and Lily's futures.
Inside the car, Lily, sitting next to me, looked excited, while Arianne sat quietly, keeping Lily calm. Nero, driving, occasionally glanced at us through the rearview mirror.
"Ellora," Nero suddenly called, breaking the silence.
"Have you thought about your strategy for the test today?"
I looked at Nero through the mirror and nodded. Of course, I had considered various scenarios and how I would handle them. But explaining everything now wasn't necessary.
Nero seemed satisfied with my nod, then refocused on the road.
"Remember, Ellora. This test isn't just about strength, but also about wit and composure. Don't rush, and don't hesitate to use all of your abilities."
Lily, listening attentively, looked at me.
"Sister Ellora, I'm sure you can do it! I'll be there to support you!"
I gave a small smile and nodded again, feeling a bit stronger with their support.
Soon, we arrived at the Regalizen headquarters. The grand building loomed before us, creating a suddenly more serious atmosphere. Nero parked the car, and we all got out together.
Lily and Arianne stood by my side, while Nero walked ahead, leading the way to the selection room. Each step felt heavier, but I knew I wasn't alone. Behind me, I could feel the support from Lily and Arianne.
When we reached the large doors of the selection room, Nero stopped and turned to me. "Remember, Ellora. Stay calm and focused. We'll be watching you from the observation room, and there will be family members of other participants there too."
I nodded, then glanced at Lily and Arianne. Lily gave me an encouraging smile, while Arianne nodded slightly, offering her support.
"Thank you, everyone."
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. In my heart, I felt more ready than ever. With the support of my family and loved ones, I was prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
***
(Third person viewpoint)
Nero, Lily, and Arianne walked through the grand halls of the Regalizen headquarters toward the observation room where they would watch and oversee the selection test. The atmosphere there was heavy with authority, reflecting the power inherent in this elite force. Nero led the way with a commanding presence, while Lily and Arianne followed closely behind.
As they arrived at the large doors of the observation room, Nero knocked firmly. The doors opened immediately, revealing a room filled with the most respected commanders of the Aurelius kingdom.
Inside, several commanders were already seated. Astrid Lorelei, Commander of the 7th Battalion, sat near the door. Her friendly face and gentle smile radiated the warmth of a seasoned illusionist. Beside her was Cassandra Vermillion Rosenfelt, Commander of the 3rd Battalion, with her fiery red hair and eyes full of hidden plans. Gilbert Rhanes, Commander of the 4th Battalion, was a large man with an aura of unstoppable natural strength. Lastly, Frey Ireshia, Commander of the 6th Battalion, a woman of graceful appearance yet holding formidable power.
In front of them all stood Valeria Aurelius, the princess of the Aurelius kingdom who was leading the meeting. Valeria was a striking figure with long silver hair and sharp blue eyes, exuding the authority of a true leader, dressed in the elegant attire of royalty.
As Nero, Lily, and Arianne entered the room, the commanders stood and saluted Valeria.
"Your Highness," Nero greeted respectfully, bowing deeply. Lily and Arianne followed suit, bowing with respect.
Valeria gave a small nod in return, her smile calm yet full of strength.
"Nero, it's good to see you here. How is Ellora?"
"She's ready, Your Highness. She will give her best in this selection test," Nero replied with confidence.
Astrid Lorelei, with a soothing and gentle smile, spoke up with a friendly yet firm tone.
"Ellora is a promising candidate, Nero. I hope she can show her best abilities. After all, I'm here to see her myself."
Nero nodded. "Thank you, Senior Astrid. Ellora has prepared herself well."
Cassandra Vermillion Rosenfelt gave a thin smile, her gaze shifting to Lily standing beside Nero. "And you, little girl, must be proud of your sister, but it seems the candidate I'm backing might be even better, considering Charlotte is my family."
Lily, usually full of energy, simply bowed politely. "Of course, Miss. My Sister Ellora is the best."
Gilbert Rhanes, with his deep voice, added, "I hope Gareth can show the same spirit as the other Regalizen leaders. But this is a selection, and only the best will emerge as the winner."
Nero responded with a respectful nod. "Of course, Commander Gilbert. Only the best deserve this position."
Frey Ireshia, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "We all understand the pressure on the candidates, especially those from prominent families. But remember, it's not just about strength, but also intelligence and courage. I nominated Chris for a reason, hehe."
Valeria, who had been listening, finally spoke with a calm yet authoritative tone. "We are all here to support them, but also to ensure that only the most worthy will lead the 9th Regalizen Battalion. I hope you all can work together to see the best outcome."
The commanders nodded in agreement. They all recognized the significance of this selection test, not only for their families but for the future of the kingdom.
Valeria then turned to Nero and said, "I believe that candidates not from hero families also have their own merits, Nero. I'm confident she will demonstrate the qualities we all expect."
Nero bowed deeply in respect. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will continue to support her with all my abilities."
Valeria then directed her attention to Lily and Arianne. "You two must also ensure Ellora feels supported. Sometimes, the greatest strength comes from the support of those we love."
Lily nodded enthusiastically, while Arianne responded politely, "Of course, Your Highness. We will do our best."
Afterward, they all took their seats, and Nero, along with Lily and Arianne, was given a place to wait for the results of Ellora's selection test. Although he spoke little, Nero felt a sense of calm knowing they were there, providing the much-needed support for Ellora as she faced this trial.
The room was filled with a mix of power and tension, but also with respect and the assurance that the best would be chosen to lead. With Valeria as the leader, there was no doubt that the selection results would be fair and bring a bright future for Regalizen.
***
As Ellora entered the selection room, the atmosphere instantly grew tense. The large room was adorned with Regalizen emblems on its walls. Five candidates were already waiting, Madalyn Naventhius, Gareth Rhanes, Chris Ireshia, Cestine Van Helden, and Charlotte Vermillion Rosenfelt.
The sound of Ellora's footsteps echoed in the room, drawing the attention of five pairs of eyes. There were no greetings, only a heavy silence as they sized each other up.
Standing in the center of the room was Ausbay Lorelei, a tall man in a black cloak that added to his mysterious aura. He was the overseer and the one responsible for this selection test, and his sharp gaze made it clear that he would not tolerate any imperfections. As Ellora took her place among the other candidates, Ausbay began to speak.
"Welcome to the selection test for the 9th Commander of Regalizen," he said, his voice resonating through the room.
"You have all proven yourselves as exceptional wizards by receiving recommendations from Regalizen Commanders themself. However, only one of you will emerge as the winner and lead the 9th Battalion."
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.
"Each of you will fight using your best magic. You will be tested not only on your strength but also on your ability to think strategically, control your emotions, and adapt to your environment. This test will reveal who truly deserves to be the commander."
Chris Ireshia, always eager for a challenge, grinned with confidence. "I'm ready anytime. Anyone who wants to try to beat me, feel free," he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Gareth glanced at Chris briefly before turning his attention back to the room, seemingly uninterested in engaging in arguments.
"We're all here to see who's the greatest, not to have fun," Cestine retorted promptly.
Charlotte gave Chris a gentle but meaningful smile. "Cestine is right. We're here to prove who truly deserves the position, not just to talk."
Ellora remained silent, observing their interactions with a calm demeanor. She felt a flutter of anxiety inside but, as always, kept it hidden. While others debated and competed openly, Ellora knew that true strength lay in tranquility and focus.
Madalyn, who had long viewed Ellora as beneath her, sneered at her. "Don't think that just because you're here, you'll win. My family's name is the greatest, and I'll make sure you don't outshine me."
Ellora merely stared at Madalyn, showing no reaction. She understood that Madalyn was a formidable opponent, but she refused to let verbal threats disrupt her composure.
Ausbay, unimpressed by the exchange, continued. "Now I will read out the rules for this test."
"As per Madalyn's suggestion yesterday, the selection will be a free-for-all battle. Your goal is simply to survive until the end. The last one standing will be the winner. It's simple, but therein lies the key point, as this test evaluates not only your strength but also your vigilance and situational analysis. There are no restrictions on the magic you can use; you're free to use any magic you like because you will be fighting in a realm created by my magic. There will be no death, but you will still feel the pain from your opponents' attacks."
He looked at them one by one, ensuring they understood the gravity of the situation. "Are there any questions before we begin?"
"Can we form teams?" Chris asked.
"Of course, there are no rules against it, but remember, only one person can win. I advise you to fight alone, but the choice is yours."
Chris, glancing at Madalyn, received a small nod indicating they had their own plan.
"Anything else?"
No one responded. The silence in the room indicated that all the participants were ready for whatever was to come. They knew this was not just a regular test; it was a trial that would determine their futures.
"Alright, the signal to start will be my illusionary magic to create your fighting arena. Good luck."
"Purple Magic: Illusionary Domain Expansion."
As Ausbay cast his spell, the entire room suddenly transformed into a vast, barren desert arena, signaling that the battle had begun and the participants could start at any time.
***
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone