The city didn’t sleep.
As the sun climbed higher, Moniyan only grew louder.
People moved like waves, and Liebe barely kept up with the boy ahead.
“Don’t fall behind,” he said without turning.
“I’m not,” Liebe replied quietly.
The boy smirked.
“They all say that at first.”
They turned off the main street into a narrower alley.
The noise faded, but the tension grew.
“You’re really not from here, are you?” the boy asked.
“…No.”
“Yeah.
Thought so.”
He stopped and turned toward Liebe.
“Then remember this.
In Moniyan, no one helps for free.
If someone helps—you should wonder why.”
Liebe said nothing.
“My name’s Kai,” he added after a moment.
“No need to introduce yourself.
I heard it at the gate.”
“…Liebe.”
“Right,” Kai nodded.
“So you’re looking for the Order of Light.”
He glanced ahead.
“Then first—you need to prove you’re worth their time.”
“How?”
Kai smirked.
“Simple.”
He gestured forward.
At the end of the alley, a small plaza opened up.
In the center stood a stone pillar marked with a glowing circular symbol.
People gathered around it.
Some armed. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Some in armor.
“This is…?”
“Selection,” Kai said.
“Not official.
But if you get noticed—you might get a chance.”
Liebe stared at the plaza.
His heartbeat quickened.
“What do I have to do?”
Kai shrugged.
“Win.”
A pause.
“Or at least survive.”
Liebe stepped forward— but Kai stopped him.
“Wait.”
Liebe looked at him.
“What?”
For a moment, Kai’s expression changed.
“This isn’t village fighting.
And not forest beasts.”
He leaned closer.
“These are people who’ve already killed.”
Silence.
Liebe tightened his grip on the wooden sword.
Fear returned.
But alongside it— light.
“…I’m not leaving.”
Kai studied him for a second.
Then smirked.
“Yeah… figured.”
He stepped aside.
Liebe stepped onto the plaza.
The noise faded.
Or maybe it just felt that way.
Eyes turned.
People noticed him.
“A newcomer…”
“With a wooden sword?”
“Is he serious?”
Liebe stopped in the center.
His hands trembled.
But he didn’t step back.
“Who’s next?!” a voice rang out.
A tall armored man stepped forward.
His gaze locked onto Liebe.
“You?”
A pause
“Yes.”
Silence— then a smile.
Not a kind one.
“Let’s see how long you last.”
Liebe raised his stance.
Wooden sword forward.
Heart pounding.
And deep within— the light answered.
Faint.
But ready.
The first step had been taken.
There was no turning back now.