After two days of walking, the brothers arrive at the base from where they departed — the same location where that trial had started. Both look quite exhausted from the journey.
— Finally… I couldn't walk anymore!
Kura said this to himself, quickly heading to one of the counters at the base to finally complete the first phase of the trial.
— Oh, I see you're still alive. Are you here to quit or move on to the next phase?
The instructor said that in a very ironic tone, just to provoke them.
— Why, you!
The hot-headed Arold was already quite stressed, not only because of the trial but also from the fatigue of the trip. But before his younger brother could do anything, Kura threw the bishop's head, which was inside a bag, onto the counter.
— My brother and I are moving on to the next phase... this head is enough for that, isn't it?
The instructor looked at the head and smiled broadly, handing two forms to both brothers.
— Congratulations for making it this far... I hope you didn't use the power of that...
Once again, he was provoking them, which made Kura quite irritated, but he only responded in a "peaceful" way:
— You think I'm a psychopath? I'm not some madman who uses a bazooka to hunt a rabbit!
The instructor was loving these answers, as they were signs he was getting under their skin.
— Alright, I get it... well, you can go to the infirmary to take care of your wounds, then take a shower and head to the auditorium.
The brothers left with all the joy they could muster, going to the infirmary and then to their room, where they took turns using the shower. After some time, they began walking to the auditorium.
— Man... we don't get a break...
The older of the two brothers said that, already entering the auditorium and sitting in one of the chairs, with Arold beside him, waiting for the announcement. They both noticed the auditorium was much emptier than the first time — from the initial 12,000 people, now there were barely 4,000 present.
— Good evening, everyone! You must be wondering why I've called you here tonight.
The one speaking was the director of that place; his voice echoed through the auditorium, and everyone present could hear it, growing anxious.
— Well, I called you here to congratulate everyone who made it this far. You may have noticed many weren't as lucky — either giving up or dying in the first trial.
The fact that many had died shocked some people greatly, but the director continued:
— Those who passed the first trial will now move on to the second and final phase before joining the army, so I ask you to take a number and wait your turn.
After that, each of them went to take their numbers. Kura's number was 54, and Arold's was 67. Many minutes passed. Kura even ate two coxinhas during that time, until it was his turn.
— Good luck, bro!
Arold shouted as his brother entered the room for the test. It was a dark room, with the only lights being over the chair and the table where the instructors and director sat.
— Sit in the chair of approval and tell us what you fight for. If it recognizes you as worthy, you will be approved.
The young man froze for a few seconds, but then walked to the chair, sat down, and remained there for a few moments. The chair recognized him as someone worthy of joining the army.
— Now, say out loud — what do you fight for?!
The director's voice echoed toward the young man, who took a few moments, looking at each of the instructors.
— I want to join the army to protect and help my family, especially to pay for my father and grandfather's hospital bills. The money the government used to give me wasn't enough.
He paused in silence for a few seconds, then continued in a strong, loud voice:
— I also want to join the army to finally be free!
Everyone there waited for the chair's response. It took about 30 seconds until it reacted, making a sound similar to a "plink," indicating he had passed.
— Oh... I see you're one of the few who passed with 100%... welcome, 3rd Sergeant Kura!
Upon hearing those words, the young man felt great relief in his heart. He left that room feeling lighter and happier, being one of the few to succeed so far.
— I passed, Arold!
Kura said that to his brother, eyes glowing with joy and a huge smile on his face.
— That's great, brother! I'll probably pass too!
Arold responded just as excited as his brother.
Time passed, and only a few people were leaving the room approved. Finally, it was Arold's turn. He entered the room.
Meanwhile, Kura walked to the hospital. Upon entering, he went to one of the rooms.
— They're going to love this!
Upon reaching the right room, he quickly opened the door, seeing his father, grandfather, and mother inside. Kura ran to them and embraced everyone, speaking excitedly:
— I did it... I finally joined the army!
The boy's eyes were full of tears as he said that. His father couldn't react much or speak due to his illness, but his grandfather spoke loudly while laughing:
— So you really did it? I'm happy. I still remember my time in it.
In the old man's mind, only memories of when he was a strong and fit man came to mind, along with his legendary survival feats.
— I was once considered one of the nine "Sekai no hakai dekiru"!
The old man said this proudly to his grandson, talking about the time he could still fight for days on end without rest.
— Oh, are the army girls still pretty? You need a girlfriend—
The sentence was interrupted by the black-haired young man himself, who simply didn't let his grandfather finish, as it hit a personal nerve. Arold also arrived in the room, looking quite sad and heading straight into his mother's arms. He revealed that he didn't pass the test with full marks, and because of that, he'd be ranked below his brother in the army.
— Don't worry, Arold! You made it in, so you can still rise through the ranks!
With the two brothers now finally entering the army — even if with different ranks — they knew that great adventures awaited them.