The next couple of weeks were filled with vigorous training. In Noboru's mind, they went by in merely the blink of an eye. Either he trained or he rested intensively for the next training session with Yori.
His combat skill quickly improved due to this constant training.
Noboru's defence saw the most improvement by far, exactly as Yori wanted it to.
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Noboru's sleeping form was hit by the rays of light emitted from the illuminating stones on the ceiling of the first stronghold, gently waking him.
He took his time getting up slowly, doing some light stretching before anything else. He knew exactly that Yori would arrive soon, announcing the next training session.
His stretches took a few measly minutes. The feeling right after a stretch was a peaceful one to Noboru.
After getting dressed, he gazed out of the window, relishing in the view of the first stronghold.
His apartment in the central building was as beautiful as the view he had. It was larger than the house he used to inhabit; far safer and more comfortable too. The decorations like the pictures on the walls gave a sense of comfort.
It was a calm moment. A tranquil one.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Noboru! It's time for you to train!"
Yori arrived already, leaving out any warning.
Noboru went outside of his apartment and greeted his master shortly before they both headed downstairs which took a short while, because his apartment was on a rather high floor.
"I won't train you like I usually would today. You've learned enough. You trained hard and well. I'm convinced you're ready for the next step."
"Does that mean I will get to ascend?"
"Maybe. It depends on your performance."
"I see."
Noboru could tell by the mischievous and excited smile that Yori displayed on his face; the old man would not tell him what would happen just yet.
The both of them walked past the training room they usually used, making Noboru wonder what was going to occur soon even more.
Yori walked Noboru through the central building and into a garden. One that he had yet to see. The garden was as gorgeous as every other one of the central building. A neatly cut lawn with the occasional small tree and walls, protecting it from the gazes of onlookers.
In this small, enclosed garden, two dozen young mortals kneeled quietly. They were all about Noboru's age with some being a few years older.
These were all servants, most likely Yori's. They were evidently no slaves for they had no mark burned onto their skin.
Young mortals in the first stronghold often do the dirty work for Enlightened or become their servants to earn a good amount of money.
Their role only differed from being a slave because they did whatever was asked of them willingly and earned money for it.
To Noboru, there was no real difference. Neither were truly free.
"Noboru, I am sincerely impressed by the progress you've made in a short amount of time. That on top of your other previous feats such as holding off that monster back then, ignited confidence in me. Confidence in you."
"I am almost completely certain that you're ready for your ascension."
"I have but one more test for you."
"If you successfully defeat all of these 24 servants - without hurting them excessively, without killing them and within my time limit of five minutes - then I will allow your ascension."
"They must all be unconscious. If they are not unconscious, they are not defeated."
"I want you to be as gentle as you can and as rough as you must be. Show mercy and kindness even in such a situation."
Yori gave Noboru a reassuring smile, believing that he must feel nervous.
It was the first time that he was mistaken about Noboru. He felt no nervousness or uncertainty. He knew well that he could win. Thus, he hesitated no longer.
"I'm ready, master. Thank you for believing in me."
"Of course!"
Old man Yori laughed happily as he gestured his servants to get up and start the test. They all obeyed quietly and simultaneously, circled Noboru quickly and moved in steadily.
Yori sat down in a lotus position, acting as the judge and referee at the same time. His gaze was observant and all seeing.
Noboru felt no uncertainty nor fear as he was encircled. Already, he had found a multitude of ways to get out of this predicament.
One girl, 4 o'clock from where he was facing, emitted a strong aura of fear and carefulness. She was an easy target. Her guard wasn't even remotely proper either. If Noboru were to charge at her, she could only escape from being knocked unconscious if she would be saved by others.
The same goes for a small boy, 8 o'clock from where he was facing, and a few other mortals. He decided on taking out the small boy quickly, dashing towards him and delivering a few quick strikes. One to the liver, one to the nose and one to the sternum.
He was out of the battle immediately, making the amount of enemies left 23.
He was far more agile than the bunch of them. As soon as he was out of the circle, he knocked out every single mortal that he deemed weak. Either they were small and had no muscles or they gave off a fearful aura.
He knocked them all out with painful and precise strikes, controlling his strength enough to ensure their safety nonetheless.
The onlooking Yori sat quietly in amazement.
"Two minutes and fourteen seconds left to go. It's not won just yet…"
He mumbled quietly.
The onslaught continued. Reducing the amount of enemies on the field was a wise choice.
Noboru could attack with more freedom now. Although only the strong remained, his rate of knockouts per minute increased drastically.
These mortals were thougher, meaning that he could act rougher without remorse. Any mortal that got even just a jab or kick off was quickly blocked or dodged before they were sent unconscious to join the rest.
Noboru was panting and sweating, yet, he was relaxed and at complete ease as the amount of enemies was reduced to one.
The last mortal foolishly charged right at him, trying to jab at Noboru's throat. His attack was redirected. A kick to his stomach followed shortly.
Suddenly, Noboru stood amongst 24 unconscious bodies, calmly gazing at Yori, expecting and anticipating his reaction.
He was certain that he passed the test. He didn't worry about the five minute time limit one bit.
"I didn't expect a different result from you, Noboru. You had twenty three seconds left to spare. You did well."
"Rest up now. I will take care of the youngsters. Tomorrow, you shall ascend."
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ascend."
Noboru felt ecstatic inside and he couldn't help but silently grin. Meanwhile, Yori's pride was as obvious as the giant smile he had plastered on his face. His voice reflected his joy and pride as well as every single cell in his body on top of that.
He rose slowly and started making sure no one was seriously injured by his apprentice.
Noboru left the scene silently.