Now, only the children hostages remained on the training ground. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and fear. Stone Ox, the imposing commander, stepped forward and threw a large iron slab onto the ground with a resounding thud. The slab stood tall and formidable, a testament to the challenge ahead.
"One by one," Stone Ox announced, his voice booming across the training ground, "you will come forward and hit this iron slab with all your might. It doesn't matter if you punch it, kick it, slap it, or poke it. If it responds with the specific frequency upon being hit, that means you have achieved the first stage of the muscle strengthening and bone forging realm."
A murmur of unease rippled through the children. No one wanted to go first, but a thunderous strike from Thunder Palm sent a shockwave through the ground, jolting everyone into action. The children began to move, their steps hesitant but determined.
"Move it, you little rats!" one of the guards barked in a harsh voice. "Show us what you've got!"
The adult hostages, locked away but still able to watch, exchanged nervous glances. "Come on, kids," one of them whispered, their voice filled with hope and fear. "You can do this."
One by one, the children approached the iron slab. Some punched it with all their strength, their small fists connecting with the cold, unyielding metal. Others kicked it, their legs swinging with as much force as they could muster. The sound of metal clanging filled the air, each strike echoing with a mix of hope and desperation in the ground and the valleys.
Some passed, their strikes eliciting the specific frequency that signaled their achievement. These children were moved to the side, their faces filled with relief and pride.
The commanders watched with keen eyes, their expressions inscrutable.
"Good job, kid," one commander muttered under his breath as a child successfully passed the test.
Pass!" the guard announced loudly, moving the successful child to the side.
Others failed, their efforts met with silence from the iron slab. The guards swiftly took these children away, their faces a mix of disappointment and fear. The adult hostages watched in horror as their hearts ached for the children who didn't make the cut.
"No, not him too," an adult hostage whispered, tears welling up in their eyes as another child was taken away.
"Fail!" the guard announced, his voice cold as he ordered the guards to take the child away. The child's cries echoed through the training ground, a haunting reminder for others of the stakes at hand.
Next, it was Kai's turn. As the group leader, all eyes were on him. He approached the slab with a confident stride, his face determined. With a powerful, precise strike, he hit the iron slab. The slab responded with the specific frequency, the sound ringing loud and clear.
"Pass!" the guard announced, moving Kai to the side.
The training ground, once full, began to empty. The iron slab stood as a silent judge, its verdict determining the fate of each child. Some of the hostages were exceptional, their strikes forming cracks in the iron slab. These children were met with awe and admiration from their peers, as well as the commanders.
"Impressive," Stone Ox remarked, a hint of approval in his voice as he brought a new iron slab. He glanced at the other commanders with a smug look on his face and declared, "I personally trained that kid. Let's see who else can match that."
The test began once again. One by one, the children stepped forward, their hearts pounding with each step. Now, Joon Ho approached the slab with his face a mask of determination.
With a powerful punch, he struck the iron slab and the sound of metal rang through the air. The slab responded with the specific frequency, signaling his success. He was moved to the side, his face filled with satisfaction.
"Pass!" the guard announced as he moved Joon Ho to the side.
"Yes, Joon Ho!" Soo Min cheered from the side, her voice filled with excitement.
More children followed, each with varying degrees of success. Then came Jon Soek, who also passed the test with a resounding strike.
"Pass!" the guard announced, moving Jon Soek to the side.
Time was passing so quickly for them. None of them wanted their turn to come. The training ground echoed with the sound of metal clanging and the murmurs of the remaining children.
"Keep it up, kids," the adult hostages called out, their voice filled with encouragement.
Soo Min stepped forward, her small frame trembling with nerves. She took a deep breath, composing herself before striking the iron slab with all her might. The slab responded with the specific frequency, and a collective sigh of relief washed over the crowd. Soo Min was moved to the side, her face beaming with joy and relief.
"You did it, Soo Min!" Joon brothers exclaimed, their voices filled with pride. They had worked hard to train her.
After a few more people, it was Rin's turn. She had just achieved the first stage, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her. She hadn't slept at all, and her body was still recovering from the intense 'training'. Liam watched from the side, his heart pounding with anxiety. The Joon brothers and Soo Min encouraged her, their voices filled with support and belief. But she wanted Liam's encouragement.
"You can do it, Rin!" Joon Seok called out.
Rin slowly walked towards the slab, her steps measured and deliberate. She took a deep breath, her eyes focused on the iron slab before her. With a determined expression, she raised her fist and struck the slab with all her might. The sound of metal clanging filled the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Then, the iron slab responded with the familiar chime, the sound echoing through the training ground. The sound was lower than the others, but Rin had passed the test.
"Pass!" the guard announced, moving Rin to the side.
"Yes, Rin!" Liam whispered under his breath, a wave of relief washing over him.
The test continued, more children stepping forward to face the iron slab. Finally, it was Liam's turn. He approached the slab with a confident look on his face. He had achieved the first stage and he knew it was going to pass. But, he was somewhat nervous. He knew he had to pass this test, not just for himself, but for Rin and the others who were counting on him.
Come on, Liam," Rin called out, her voice filled with encouragement. "You can do this."
With a deep breath, Liam raised his fist and struck the iron slab with all his might. The sound of metal clanging filled the air, and then, everything fell silent. The cheers and murmurs ceased to exist as everyone held their breath, waiting for the chime of the specific frequency.
Seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Liam's team, especially Rin, watched with bated breath, their hearts pounding with hope and fear. But even after a few seconds, nothing happened.
The silence was deafening, leaving his team, especially Rin, in tears.
"No, it can't be," Rin whispered as her voice choked with emotion. "How is this possible? Liam, you have to pass."
However, even after ten seconds, nothing happened.