Chapter 154: ***Spoilers, title at the end*** (1/2)

To not much of a surprise, two black plated knights stepped forward and took their places in front of Aiden.

The one on the right pulled the large full body length broadsword from his back with such momentum that a small gust of wind reached Aiden and fluttered the side of her hair. The one on the left also grabbed the huge, towering shield and equipped it with his left arm. As he put the huge steel door down to the ground, it actually blocked almost 90% of his body, even with his broad physique. On his right, a simple, iron longsword was ready to slice and thrust ahead.

Once they got ready, they did not say a word, nor did they make any sudden movement. They kept staring at the much smaller boy in front of them. Despite their terrifying presence this youth didn't seem to be affected even by a bit, he kept looking at the hooded figure, the leader of the examiners on the upper floor.

There were no words exchanged for a while, yet the atmosphere became tenser by the moment. After a while, the unarmed man to the left of the leader yelled out towards the boy.

”Get ready you runt, what are you waiting for? They are your examiners, you have to face them, otherwise, don't even dream of becoming an official adventurer of the guild!”

Aiden did not even look at him, much less answer him, he kept his piercing gaze on the hooded figure. Suddenly his eyes began to emit a golden hue, his expression became fiercer.

The group on the stand could feel the pressure behind his gaze. The unarmed-looking man to the right yelled out again.

”What are you doing, brat?! Do you want us to-” However, he was silenced when the hooded figure raised its right arm. Immediately the pressure they felt from the boy, lessened and gradually disappeared.

The figure slowly lowered its arm. Finally, its unnatural heavenly voice could be heard all across the room.

”I do apologize for the inconvenience we may have caused you, young Aiden. We simply wish to test your potential, there is no ill-will here. Let me offer you this. If you can defeat these two fine knights, not just your exam will be successful, I will immediately give you a 2-star rating. You will start as a Rank 2 adventurer on the spot.”

”But Leader, we can't-” The man to the right tried to speak again but was silenced by the raise of the right arm again. Nobody else dared to speak up in the group after that.

After a momentary pause, he continued.

”But do not be afraid. If you fail to overcome this increased challenge, we will still give you the usual 1-star, and you can start just like everybody else. Think of this test as an extra, I myself would like to see how much potential you have inside you.”

Although the offer did sound nice, Aiden didn't smile, nor seemed satisfied by his words. With a calm tone, he asked.

”Why is this beneficial to me? Honestly, I don't see the point. What do you want?”

”What do you not understand brat! You can be a Rank 2 from the start! Every newcomer's dream would be this, yet you are asking why is it good?!” The man to the right angrily yelled out. This brat couldn't understand and appreciate the gift he is bestowed upon, and even dared question his leader's good will!

Actually, it wasn't just him finding the boy's words offensive, almost the entire group frowned and looked at the boy with contempt and disdain.

The man could barely contain his anger anymore and not explode on the spot. He turned towards the hooded figure and asked.

”Leader, allow me to teach this brat a lesson, he doesn't even understand how lucky he is…”

Raising its arm for the third time, the leader silenced the grumbling group.

”No. His concern is understandable, we are in the wrong here for putting him through such trouble with no explanation.”

Then turning towards Aiden, the figure spoke with an apologetic undertone to the heavenly melody it emitted.

”My apologies for the inconvenience, Aiden, but let me refrain from answering your questions for the time being. After you pass this hurdle and complete the test ahead of you, I promise I will give you a proper explanation. Would this work?”