The capital city of Korasium greeted them with astonishing liveliness. Towering stone buildings, bustling streets filled with merchants, soldiers, nobles, and common folk. The royal banners fluttered atop guard towers, and the city bells rang softly every hour.
Bima and his three friends—Togar, Rano, and Gito—stood in the middle of the crowd, slightly in awe.
"This is... a completely different world from our village," murmured Rano.
"If we're not careful, we could spend all our money just standing here staring," said Gito, clutching his small coin pouch tightly.
They decided not to stay inside the city walls due to the high lodging costs. Instead, they looked for an open space outside the capital's walls, near rarely used fields and bushes. There, they built a simple shelter out of wood and branches—just enough to shield them from the night wind. Gito designed the structure, Togar cut and carried the wood, Rano sped up the work, and Bima led with spirit.
Their first night in the city was spent under their handmade tent, gazing at stars far dimmer than in their village. But their hearts remained bright.
---
The next morning, they walked toward the Royal Soldier Recruitment Hall. The place resembled a fortress itself—large, solid stone, guarded by heavily armed sentries. Inside, thousands of prospective soldiers were already waiting for their turn. Some looked nervous, others confident.
After completing the registration process, they were given admission badges and directed toward a large arena resembling a coliseum. From above, it looked like a massive training field surrounded by high spectator stands.
An elderly man in a purple robe with a booming voice stood at the center.
"Welcome, sons and daughters of Korasium!" he announced. "Today you will be tested to determine your core abilities. We are not only seeking strength, but also perseverance, intelligence, and fighting spirit!"
Cheers erupted, but were quickly replaced by silence as the trials began.
One by one, participants were called to display their skills. Some showcased sword techniques, some threw spears with astounding distance, and others demonstrated remarkable agility with the bow.
When Bima's turn came, he stepped forward with a calm expression. He chose a wooden sword, took his stance, and executed a series of moves he had trained for years. Each motion reflected discipline and resolve.
"Focused, quick, efficient," muttered one of the trainers while taking notes. "Sword Camp."
Then Togar stepped up. He chose a large sword and a shield. His movements were slow but powerful, filled with raw strength. The thud of his footsteps alone shook the ground.
"Sword Camp. Strength Division," said another instructor.
Rano followed next. He didn't pick a large weapon—just two daggers and a strip of cloth he used for quick movement, darting and leaping like a shadow.
"Fast and agile. Suitable for assault and reconnaissance," said the examiner. "Spear Camp. Agile Unit."
Gito came last. He picked a longbow, took five arrows, and hit five targets in quick succession. All struck dead center.
"Archery Camp. Scout Division."
---
After the assessment, camp assignments were announced. Thousands of participants started moving toward their designated training areas. Smiles, nerves, and disappointment colored every face.
The four friends stood together in the middle of the crowd, exchanging glances.
"We're splitting up," Bima said quietly.
"For now," Togar patted his shoulder. "But our goal remains the same."
Rano chuckled. "Whoever ranks up first treats the others to a feast."
Gito smiled slightly. "Take care. We'll meet again."
One by one, they walked in different directions. Bima and Togar headed to the Sword Camp, Rano to the Spear Camp, and Gito to the Archery Camp. Their steps drifted apart, but their hearts stayed united by the same dream.
From that day forward, their grueling training began—testing their bodies, minds, and convictions.