The week before the exam passed like a blur.
Stephen barely slept. Between the long hours of training and the constant hum of Ironveil City outside his window, every night bled into the next. The room he'd rented above the inn was small, barely enough for a bed, a table, and the soft glow of a single lamp—but it was all he needed.
When the city quieted past midnight, Stephen sat cross-legged on the floor, breathing steadily as he refined the transcendent energy that drifted faintly through the air. Threads of silvery light coiled into him, guided carefully into his soul sea.
Inside, the blue sprout pulsed gently, its glow deepening from pale azure to a richer blue. But beneath that light, unseen by the world, another presence stirred — the faint, transparent image of the Azure Sparrow. Its wings shimmered faintly each time the sprout grew brighter, as though feeding quietly on the same stream of energy.
Stephen didn't fully understand it yet, but he could feel the connection between them. The two Aspect Souls pulsed in harmony — one rooted, calm and steady; the other light, elusive, but fiercely alive. Together, they formed a rhythm within him, like two heartbeats perfectly aligned.
The training was grueling. Every swing of his light sword left his arms trembling, every refinement cycle drained him to the bone. But he never slowed down. His father's words kept him anchored:
"If you can still breathe, you can still fight. And if you can fight, you can still grow."
On the sixth night, his efforts finally bore fruit.
A sudden warmth surged through his chest, filling every corner of his being. The training bracelet on his wrist pulsed, runes lighting up one by one.
Level 10 achieved.
Stephen exhaled shakily, a small smile tugging at his lips. Inside his soul sea, the blue sprout shimmered like morning dew, and for the briefest moment, he could swear he saw the outline of the Azure Sparrow flicker above it, letting out a faint trill before vanishing once more.
It wasn't just progress — it was evolution.
By dawn, Ironveil City had awakened to chaos and anticipation. The streets were filled with carriages and young aspirants, their faces glowing with a mix of hope and nerves.
Stephen stepped out of the inn, tightening the strap of his sword sheath. His bracelet blinked softly, displaying:
Name: Stephen StormcloudLevel: 10Rank: NoviceMerit Points: 180
He'd earned the extra points through careful hunts in practice rifts. Small beasts, yes — but every victory had taught him something that no book or teacher ever could.
The Federation's grand plaza loomed ahead — a sprawling expanse surrounded by banners and shimmering energy spires. Hundreds of aspirants stood gathered, forming neat lines under the watchful eyes of Federation instructors.
Stephen joined one of the groups, his expression calm. The others chatted nervously, showing off weapons that gleamed with new polish and family crests engraved into their hilts. He didn't bother comparing. His own sword wasn't ornate, but it had been forged with purpose — and that was enough.
A sudden stir rippled through the crowd. Turning slightly, Stephen caught sight of a crimson carriage entering the plaza, escorted by guards in gleaming armor. The emblem of a blazing spear marked its side — unmistakably that of the Blaze Clan, one of the Emperor Clans.
And there she was.
Lyra Blaze.
Her scarlet hair glimmered like fire under the morning light, her spear resting against her shoulder as she stepped down from the carriage. Her expression was calm, distant — the poise of someone raised under the weight of expectation.
Their eyes met for only a second, but that was enough to bring a flicker of memory back to life. She didn't smile; she didn't need to. The faint recognition in her gaze said enough — she remembered him, even if she wouldn't acknowledge it here, not with others watching.
The examiner's amplified voice echoed across the plaza.
"Welcome, aspirants, to the Ironveil Entrance Examination. Your future as hunters begins today. May your souls prove worthy of the power you seek."
Stephen's hand brushed his sword hilt as the crowd hushed. The runes on the testing platform began to glow softly, the air thrumming with transcendent energy. His heartbeat steadied.
Within him, the blue sprout and the hidden sparrow pulsed once — in unison, like two flames answering the same call.
Whatever waited beyond this point, he was ready to face it.