"You won't say you weren't trying to kill me now, will you?"

  The crack in the ground. My foot deviated from its target. He looks at me, his ferocious brown eyes preying on me.

  I bend, striking a right punch. He ducks, sweeping the floor in a rotational dancing motion, elegantly landing on his feet, placing himself back to his original stance.

  "I can see it clearly. You're scared of something, but that thing isn't me."

  What is he talking about?

  "I've been holding back because I thought it wasn't fair to bully the weak. But I made a mistake. You're not weak. You're dumb."

  Without waiting for a signal, he dashes forward, tearing the air apart. As he stands before me, his left leg forms an arc while his right leg plants firmly on the ground. His center of gravity lowers before I get struck by the arching foot.

  My head slams against the ground. I have no time to react.

  Just now, I couldn't do anything. If I lose...

  I try standing, but my face seems glued to the ground, its smell intruding into my body. My eyes lose focus. I can't move them.

  Am I unconscious?

  "Argghhh!" I burst awake.

  Melissa is squatting, looking at me in confusion. Number 202 stands close by.

  "You went out cold. Are you alright?" Melissa asks.

  "I'm not sure. My head hurts." I place my hand on my forehead, aiming an eye at the bystander.

  "Ah, him... well, he was kind enough to carry you here. He thought we were friends." She says.

  "That means I've lost." My body trembles. A shiver dries my throat.

  I'm going to fail...

  "Don't cry like that. Come again another time. I'm sure you'll be taken in." Number 202's voice comes out in a mentoring tone.

  "And when is that next time going to be? Remember? This recruitment has been done on a whim. When is the next time exactly?" My desperate voice echoes in my head.

  "You should've thought about that before training on a whim too. If you're going to participate in something like this, at least be more prepared than this." He turns, his eyes filled with fury. "I felt no discipline in your movements. You've rarely been creative in our fight, and your counters after your strategy fails are unserious. You most likely trained recently, whereas I've perfected my skills to this point. In comparison to you, my technique and willpower have been crafted. That's why I can't lose face over something this petty. I know I won't lose to someone like you because my body and mind would never betray me." He points his finger at me. "There's still one trial, but if you fail even that, then when you come back, remember the name of the future hero of the world, Jiaolong Wang." His smile matches his enthusiasm.

  "And who are you lecturing?" I face an equally convicted glare at him. "I'm going to be the hero..."

  He grins. "You see, there's still a fighting spirit in your heart. Cling to it like it's your last thread to life. But something is sure. I'll never lose to someone like you."

  "Don't regret those words later."

  "Not a chance." He turns, right hand in pocket, waving. "I'll leave you here. The final trial is about to begin."

  Melissa looks at me. "You sure make a lot of friends, don't you?" She looks back at him. "And this time it's someone as equally idiotic as you."

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  I smile shyly. "Now that I think about it, I didn't introduce myself... that's kind of mean, don't you think?"

  She stands up. "I think he has no intention of knowing you if he's not sure how far you'll go. He's certain he'll make it."

  "Is that so?"

  "I can say what I want, but this one is actually kinder than I thought. Two kids with the same delusional dream, and both have interesting traits. If I have to be selected with you, then I think you'll always make my day." A breeze sweeps her hair, putting into value her radiant smile.

  I struggle to get up. "The truth is I'm most likely going to lose the last trial. I hope he can keep you company and make your day." I walk past her, daring not to look her in the eyes. "Let's go. I think Mylo is about to announce the next trial."

  I'm not sure I can call this betrayal. After all, we just met. But still, it felt good to have someone to talk to at this place. I've never been hurt this way. I honestly hope it won't be recurrent if I get recruited.

  "Haha..."

  I'm even making jokes now. I'm insufferable.

  All the participants gather below Mylo, who comes closer to the edge for the next announcement.

  "This time, all you have to do is manifest your spirits. Line up in groups of ten and go in front of a supervisor to show it to them. After that, you can leave. Your addresses have been saved, so after two weeks, expect an answer if you're recruited."

  The lineup proceeds. Not wanting to waste time, I go first.

  I can see the supervisor getting impatient as I've been standing there for a while now.

  "Go ahead. Don't be so nervous."

  I think hard to remember that feeling... Drag, Drag, Draaaag!

  It's very funny. I'm the one who called him like that. I'm not sure that's even his real name. Haha, this has always been the meaning of that call, but I wanted to rush instead of knowing him...

  "Sorry, sir, it seems like it's ignoring me..." I smile nervously, eyes closed.

  "If that's the case, then don't waste my time and just move."

  I bow. "Sorry again for wasting your precious time, sir."

  I move toward the exit, hands in my pockets.

  What was I expecting? Thinking everything will go my way. That's a funny joke. Grow up.

  When my foot steps into the shadow of the exit, a wave of energy produces a strong breeze behind me. I turn around.

  Transparent scales extending all over to a head. Blue piercing eyes spreading its massive wings. It roars, the sound equally energetic.

  The supervisors drop their pens, everyone giving their attention to that scene. Even Mylo, who didn't seem to care at first, for the first time goes down into the arena. The sheer presence of that thing brings everyone to admire it, amazed by the presence of such a majestic creature.

  A dragon.

  My mind wanders. The way everyone looks at it. That could've been me.

  I look down at the person who manifested it... Jiaolong Wang.

  I understand it now. We're really similar, but one was way more serious than the other. I walk away through the exit.

  That was the final straw I needed to wake up to reality.

  Out of the arena, I walk down the hill to the street. I see children playing with a ball with their feet. What a strange way to do it.

  We used to throw the ball at each other.

  My attention elsewhere, I don't pay attention to where I'm stepping. I bump into someone, stepping on his shoe.

  "Sorry, sir..." I say without really looking at him. "Not only have I bumped into you, I also dirtied your shoe." I bend down in an attempt to wipe it.

  He pulls his foot to the side before my hand can touch it.

  "Don't worry. You can let me be." He says with a voice of disgust. "That plate armor. Are you a soldier by any chance?"

  I look up at him, realizing I left with the armor still on. Then I see his purple eyes on his tanned skin, taunting me. The way he looks at me... it's as if I'm a dead body.

  He has gray hair with two blue hair streaks on both the extreme left and right sides. He wears a long gray coat with black fur at its extremities, coupled with a black long sleeved under, black gloves, and black jeans. His shoes are black too, the kind that make you think he's someone important. The feeling of his attire gives all that impression.

  I stand up. "I was trying to get recruited."

  "Ah, I see..." He places his thumb on his mouth, thinking. "Why say 'was'?" His voice comes out gentle this time.

  I scratch my head. "Well, I've lost in a lot of trials."

  "That's it? The level of this city in terms of military is this incompetent?"

  I stare, perplexed. "What do you mean?"

  He speaks as if he knows something. What's his deal?

  His eyes turn surprised as he seems to look behind me. "Just know that if you don't get in, it's not your fault. Also, next time pay attention." He walks past me.

  I look back to see what caught his attention. A woman with blonde hair and red scarves runs toward him.

  "Master Decim, are you alright? I thought you got lost. What took you so long?" She says loudly, as if scolding him.

  Even the kids stop playing to watch the scene.

  "Just calm down, would you? I was just having a chat with someone." His voice turns nervous. "Also, you should lower your tone. Someone other than them might notice us." His voice drops low, but still, I'm able to hear.

  He takes her away. "Sorry for the tantrum." And he leaves.

  Master. He really was someone important.

  I smile at the kids looking confused before I leave for home.

  I feel comforted by his presence. Despite being hostile, it feels familiar.