The moment Jabari made his choice, an uneasy silence settled over the arena.
Dozens of eyes bore into him, a mix of disbelief, confusion, and outright scorn. The invigilator had made it clear, he could choose anyone – including the Supreme Elder – to be his personal mentor. And yet, instead of selecting the most powerful warrior in the Western Branch, he had chosen…
A complete unknown.
Many of the other seeded students, who had hoped to claim the Supreme Elder as their mentor, subconsciously sighed in relief. To them, Jabari's decision was nothing short of madness, but it was a good thing for them.
Heba frowned. She couldn't understand what he was thinking. This wasn't just some trivial decision – his sister's life was on the line. But she knew Jabari well enough to trust that he wouldn't make such a choice on a whim. Even if she didn't recognise the man he had chosen, there had to be a reason.
The invigilator's expression darkened. Unlike the audience, he did know the identity of the crimson-eyed man. He was no Elder of the institute – he was an overseas guest, present today as a formality, nothing more. Allowing someone of Jabari's potential to be trained by a foreigner?
That was unthinkable.
Kwame hesitated, then glanced toward the Supreme Elder and Grand Elder, silently seeking guidance. But before they could respond, another Elder stepped forward, his tone firm and decisive.
"Mr Aziz is merely a guest of the institute, not an official Elder. Since you were unaware of this, we will allow you to choose again."
Jabari turned toward the speaker – Elder Bamidele.
He recognised him from Heba's profile cards. A renowned swordsman, famed for his blinding speed, and widely regarded as the strongest Elder beneath Grand Elder Nala. But he hadn't made Jabari's shortlist for one simple reason – rumours suggested he held a deep bias against those from the slums.
Jabari's gaze flickered toward the Supreme Elder and Grand Elder. Neither corrected Bamidele's statement.
The invigilator exhaled in relief, clearly eager to move past the situation. "Jabari, please make another selection," he urged.
Jabari turned his attention back to 'Mr Aziz,' his crimson eyes unreadable, then slowly scanned the other Elders.
He could easily choose someone else. It would make everything smoother. More acceptable. But when he remembered why he was working so hard, why he had pushed himself beyond his limits – he knew he couldn't afford to take the easy route.
The truth was, unlike when he examined the other Elders, when he had focused his spirit on the crimson-eyed man, something… reacted.
His very essence seemed to pulse under the man's presence, as if sensing something beyond his understanding. He didn't know what it meant exactly. But if he wanted to succeed in his all but impossible mission, he had to be willing to take risks.
Taking a deep breath, Jabari met Kwame's gaze.
"Sir, didn't you say I could freely choose anyone on stage as my mentor?"
Kwame hesitated. "...Yes, but-"
"And didn't you also say I wouldn't be able to change my decision once it was made?"
"I did, but as Elder Bamidele explained-"
"Sir," Jabari interjected firmly, "I understand that you're doing this with my best interests at heart. But as a new student, how could I allow the institute to make exceptions just for my benefit?"
The words were chosen carefully – polite, yet resolute.
"I've made my decision," Jabari continued. "And I will take full responsibility for it, no matter what comes in the future."
It was a perfect response – respectful yet unwavering, ensuring that none of the Elders felt slighted.
But what Jabari underestimated… was just how much they valued him.
"Brat, I already told you to pick again." Elder Bamidele snapped, his frustration mounting. "So pick again!"
Jabari frowned. He had no desire to offend an Elder, but this was his future – his only chance to secure the best possible path forward.
"I'm sorry, sir," he said evenly. "I've made my decision. Unless Mr Aziz refuses to take me as his student or the Supreme Elder declares it's not allowed, I won't change my mind."
His words sent a ripple of shock through the arena. The other Elders exchanged glances, the spectators murmured among themselves, and even Mr Aziz raised an intrigued brow.
Elder Bamidele, however, took the defiance personally. His face darkened with fury, his voice rising.
"You ignorant little brat! You dare-"
"That's enough, Bamidele."
The sharp yet composed voice of Elder Zaire cut through the tension like a blade.
Bamidele turned, his nostrils flaring. "I was trying to help him! But not only did this brat reject my goodwill, he actually dared to show me attitude!"
"The child has made his choice." Zaire remained unfazed. "And as he said, it is not your place to interfere."
"You-!" Bamidele clenched his jaw, barely restraining himself. He felt the public reprimand was nothing short of humiliation, but before he could lash out further, a deep voice finally broke the standoff.
"Enough."
The Supreme Elder's words carried no weight of anger, yet the sheer authority behind them silenced the discussion instantly.
"Choosing a mentor has never been fair," the Supreme Elder continued, his tone neutral. "Those from powerful families often receive detailed information about the Elders, allowing them to make informed choices. Meanwhile, those from the slums must rely on instinct and luck to secure the best available mentor.
"Despite this obvious imbalance, the institute has never changed the rules. The lesson we seek to impart is simple – life is not fair. All you can do is make the most of the circumstances you are given.
To that end, this pairing will proceed."
A heavy silence settled over the arena as the Supreme Elder turned toward Aziz.
"That is if you agree, Mr Aziz.
As a guest lecturer from abroad, I will not force you into such a commitment. The decision is yours to make."
All eyes shifted to Aziz.
The crimson-eyed man studied Jabari intently, as if trying to see through to the very depths of his soul. The weight of his gaze was almost suffocating, yet Jabari refused to look away. He held Aziz's stare, his own eyes unwavering – tinged with the slightest glimmer of hope.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a smirk tugged at the corner of Aziz's lips.
"I am here as an honorary Elder of your branch," he said with amusement. "Since taking on students is part of an Elder's role, it would be ignorant of me to refuse."
Then, with a slight chuckle, he added, "And who knows…
This could be fun."
Jabari exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Relief washed over him. He had gambled – and won.
The Supreme Elder gave a small, indifferent nod, signalling for the ceremony to continue.
Kwame, on the other hand, could only sigh helplessly. He believed Jabari had made a mistake, but what was done was done. There was no point dwelling on what he could not change. With a brief motion, he gestured for Jabari to step back in line with the other seeded students.
"August Owusu," Kwame announced, his voice steady. "Despite tying for first place overall with Jamal Marley at a total of 21 points, we have decided to allow you to receive your rewards next – due to your remarkable five-star score in the Test of Will, after reaching the 91st step."
The message was clear – Willpower mattered most!
Jamal, who had just been inwardly celebrating Jabari's 'stupid' decision not to pick the Supreme Elder, suddenly felt as though a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his head.
It still wasn't his turn.
Meanwhile, August, unfazed by the frustration radiating from Jamal, walked calmly onto the stage, his steps steady and unhurried.
"Just like Jabari, as a seeded student, you also have the right to choose a weapon to be forged for you. Do you know what you want, or would you prefer to wait before making a decision?" Kwame asked.
"Double-headed great battle axe," August replied, his voice as indifferent as ever.
Kwame simply nodded. "Due to your five-star result in the strength test, you are eligible to apply for a vial of beast blood of the fire element. You may claim it now, or you can wait to discuss the best option with your chosen mentor. The choice is yours."
A wave of envious murmurs spread through the crowd. The chance to become a Beast-Warrior was something most could only dream of.
Jabari, standing quietly among the seeded students, observed the exchange with a contemplative expression. He hadn't realised there were different types of Beast-Warriors. More importantly, he now understood that reaching a five-star ranking in at least one of the physical tests was a requirement for the transformation.
August, however, remained unfazed. He simply shook his head. "I wish to wait."
To many, his decision seemed foolish. Who wouldn't want to become a Beast-Warrior as soon as possible? But those with true understanding among those present nodded in appreciation. Patience was a rare trait among the young and ambitious.
Kwame continued, "Your final reward is the right to choose a mentor. You may select from any of the Elders present."
"Aunt Nala," August said without hesitation.
Gasps rippled through the audience.
Coming from a powerful tribe, it was expected that August would make an informed choice. The Supreme Elder was, without a doubt, the strongest warrior in the Western Branch – why wouldn't he pick him?
But then, many remembered the rumours.
August Owusu…
Originally from the Asare Tribe.
Grand Elder Nala Asare, a towering Amazonian woman, smiled gently at her nephew and nodded. She didn't speak, but the understanding between them was clear.
August, as emotionless as ever, simply returned to his place among the seeded students.
Jamal, who had been holding his breath in anticipation, exhaled in relief again. Without even waiting to be called, he hurried forward, clearly afraid his obvious choice of mentor would be stolen from under him.
"Which weap-"
"Sabre!" Jamal interrupted before Kwame could even finish, his eagerness undeniable.
Kwame shook his head with a helpless smile but carried on. "Due to your five-star result in the speed test, you are eligible to apply for a vial of Beast blood of the wind element. You may claim it now, or-"
"I want to apply for it now," Jamal said quickly, his gaze flickering toward August and Jabari.
It was obvious – he had already chosen his rivals. In his eyes, they were the only ones who could match him, and he wanted them to know he was already a step ahead.
"You will be able to collect it from your chosen mentor upon your arrival at the institute," Kwame confirmed before moving on. "Now, your final reward – who would you like to choose as your mentor?"
The moment the words left Kwame's mouth, Jamal immediately dropped to one knee, bowing his head in deep respect.
"Apprentice Jamal Marley greets Mentor, Supreme Elder Diallo!"
A charged silence filled the arena.
The Supreme Elder of one of the most prestigious organisations in the nation had been overlooked not once, but twice.
Jabari had refused him. August had refused him. As if he wasn't the most powerful warrior in the Western Branch. As if he wasn't one of the strongest warriors in the entire continent.
Diallo's face betrayed nothing, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. But deep down…
He felt it.
A flicker of resentment.
Still, when he finally rose from his seat, a small, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips. He nodded at his new apprentice.
"Since you will be my first apprentice since ascending to Supreme Elder," he declared, his voice steady but carrying a quiet intensity, "I intend to make you the greatest Beast-Warrior of your year."