The next test is about knowledge of the kingdom.

"Argh!!! This test is so difficult. There's a lot I don't understand." Ryan was overwhelmed by the third test and he didn't pass either.

The last test is to carry out the mission of taking documents with a strict guard by warriors. It doesn't stop there, in different rooms being watched by each knight who has a high level. Those who are caught by warriors will be disqualified.

"So, we're going head-to-head with the warriors. Let's cheer up. Whoever among us is accepted, we must encourage each other." I said to the other participants.

" Yeah!!! " They answered.

******

Each participant is given a map. Earlier, the silver-haired man had told Taddeus to arrange for the map in the room he was guarding to be given to Ryan.

Conversations between participants...

"This palace is spacious. We enter through here."

"Hey, the room is over there."

"Look at there! It's them!" Shouted the warrior.

"Argh!! Run away."

"Why are they going that way or am I misreading the map?" I muttered alone as they took the opposite direction to mine.

Hmmm, it seems I was in the wrong direction because the warriors were chasing them. Means I must go there and take a detour.

I sneaked around and found a room. "Ah!! It looks like this."

I entered the room which looks like a workspace with a table by the window and bookshelves. "Where are the documents? Uhm. This is weird. There's no one here. Could it be that there's no guard?"

Before I thought this was a trap, someone in the back put a small knife to my neck.

"In this position what should I do? Come on think, Ryan." In my mind.

When I was about to elbow him in the abdomen, he swiftly held my hand.

I immediately stepped on his feet and when he was off guard, I grabbed his wrist, so he dropped the knife, and I turned my body quickly to free myself from his grip.

"Ouch."

I saw he had silvery blonde hair wearing an all-black mask and costume.

"Are you looking for your comrades?"

"Uh, he knows?" In my mind.

"They've been caught and defeated in each room."

"So, I'm the last one? I don't think the document ever existed and it's your plan."

"You're pretty smart too."

"That means I only have to fight you!"

"Yes, like that."

We fight each other. But his martial arts are way above mine. He looked like he was just messing with me. All my moves are read. I fell and he held it up with his right hand. I looked into his eye through his mask and I immediately took off the mask. His blue eyes were seen. He's not a stranger to me. He is the person I met two weeks ago who offered this exam!

I was a little impressed with him. When I tried to get up and keep my distance from him, he wanted to catch me again and accidentally grabbed my hair tie and untied it. He looked at me with long black hair.

I turned to him and put on alert.

"Yes, it may sound naive, but that's what was on my mind when I decided it. I hope my voice is heard by the king. That's why I worked hard to get here, and I will not give up."

"Okay. That's enough." He clapped his palms.

"Hah???" I was confused.

The bell ring, which is a signal for the end of the exam.

"Please gather in the hall. We will announce it," said the inspector.

The candidates gathered in the hall and a look of relief appeared on their faces because of having completed the exam.

"Finally, our struggle is over. Whatever the result, we must accept it gracefully." That's what I said.

After the discussion, the final decision came out. One of the knights announced who was accepted as a warrior.

I was nervous too. Full of hope that I can be accepted. But what can I receive? Until the last name is called, my name is not heard. "Ah. I should have known it would end like this."

My legs are weak. I don't think I want to linger there. Disappointment and despair have enveloped me.

The participants who failed then walked to the back.

********

"Prince Claes. It's time for you to attend the ceremony for acceptance of the new warriors," said Taddeus

"Okay."

Prince Claes headed to the hall. At that time, I was there and was surprised to realize that he was a prince.

"The prince is truly authoritative," said the person next to me.

The despair I felt was not over yet, but it was punctuated by shock at what I saw. I was stunned and still can't believe it.

"Thank you for your participation. And congratulations to you who have been chosen as warriors for this kingdom.

I was mesmerized by his attractive speech. Without realizing it, my disappointment lessened for a moment. Earlier I said, whatever the result we must accept gracefully, but when I found out that I failed, I became discouraged, because my strong hopes to enter as a warrior don't come true.

This recruitment was closed by the king with a great show. In the excitement of this show, my heart is gloomy again.

Finally, I go home with Helcia. She tries to cheer me up all the way.

********

That night in his room lying on the bed, Prince Claes looked up at the ceiling of his room which was made of glass so that he could see the view of the starry night sky. He also remembers what happened in the meeting room.

In the meeting room, there is a discussion to choose who deserves to be new warriors. The average elite didn't approve of Ryan being recruited as a warrior.

"Why? What's the reason?" Prince Claes asked.

"He has insulted the nobility."

" Yes. " "Yes." Said the other elite.

"He's not insulting the nobility, but he's just pointing out one person who defames the nobility," replied Claes.

"Prince, judging by his knowledge test scores, he didn't pass."

"Truly!!!"

"What about his martial arts? He's won both tests and I've assessed his ability directly."

"It was just a coincidence, prince."

"Are you doubting my martial arts, Sir Dion?" replied Claes with an annoyed face.

"Please attention." said the king. "We vote. The most votes will be chosen."

"But it's not fair, Your Majesty."

"Enough prince." replied the king.

*****

"I'm sorry Ryan. I still don't have enough power in this kingdom." Then, the prince recalled the incident with Ryan in the workspace and a certain feeling arise that was hard to describe.

"Ah... What's wrong with me?"

What story will happen next?