Chapter 1: The First Test
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Sohan woke up very early today, although the morning felt like any other. Yet this was no ordinary day — it was the morning of the most important test of his life, the Hero Exam.
Through the window of his tiny room, golden rays of the sun streamed in, carrying the soft fragrance of flowers. Sohan picked up his katana and, as he drew the blade slightly from its scabbard, spoke in a trembling voice,
"Today I must prove that I can do this too… that my strength is no lesser than anyone else's!"
From downstairs came the voice of his aunt,
"Sohan! How much longer? Remember, today is your exam! If you can't win the chip contest, you won't be able to move forward!"
Hurrying out of his room, Sohan descended the stairs, memories of a dark and sacrificial past swirling in his mind...
His father, Kashem, was an A-6 ranked Nature Control hero — a legend who mastered the elements of fire, wind, water, and lightning. But many years ago, the villain organization FAW had struck, and Kashem gave his life fighting them. Sohan was very young and helpless then.
With a shaking voice, Sohan promised inwardly,
"Father… I swear I'll protect this world from darkness, just like you!"
Standing by the door was his aunt, twisting her hands, a mix of fire and affection in her eyes.
"Sohan, your father was the best of the best in this exam… you carry his flame and the soul of his blade. Remember — every step you take today will write the story of who you are!"
Sohan met his aunt's gaze quietly, then sheathed his katana and slung it over his shoulder.
"I can do this, Aunt," he replied, voice burning with conviction.
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⚔️ Arrival at the Exam Ground
As Sohan arrived in the city center, he witnessed a scene of sheer chaos and anticipation — thousands of young competitors filled the area. The tension was palpable: some sparked flames from their hands, others tested strange weapons or unsheathed their swords for a quick flourish.
Standing in the middle of the crowd, Sohan searched for familiar faces… and found them: Rakib, Sharif, Rajib, Tisha, Isha, and Lamia. All of them were here on this field, ready to become future comrades!
Then, the chief examiner stepped onto the stage, his voice sharp and commanding:
> "Listen up, everyone! Today, 600 competitors stand before me. From this group, only 30 will survive and claim the right to be called heroes. Remember — this is not just a competition. This is a trial by fire that will define your very being!"
Sohan clenched his fist, resting it on the hilt of his katana, and promised to himself:
"Father, Aunt, and the world that lies ahead… today, let my flame and blade speak for me!"
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⚔️ The Chip Contest Begins!
Each contestant felt a sting as the chip embedded in their forehead and hand lit up with a fiery glow.
> "Chip Contest — Begin!"
In an instant, the field erupted in chaos — flames, swords, and weapons clashed in every direction. Even before Sohan could draw his blade fully, a stream of blazing fire surged toward him from the right.
With lightning precision, he ignited his katana with a mix of wind and flame, slashing through the stream of fire. Leaping into the air with a burst of wind, he promised himself:
"No matter what it takes, I will make it through this chip contest!"
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