A full fortnight passed by as Elijah and Niko created a routine of taking a mission every other day while roaming in between. The mission related to the traveling caravan of the goblins Elijah and Niko had first completed wasn't technically completed. Turns out, Songa was sticking her neck out for both of them when it came to, 'keeping it on the down low'.
The sixth fortnight consisted of Songa and Joffrey learning more about the true nature of Elijah's power. Of course, what he would tell them had nothing to do with his ability to fly. Niko, on the other hand, stayed in the shadows as a simple 13 year old with a fire affinity and no other notable aspects.
In truth, Niko's orange core had brought him new ways to use his cloning and illusion ability to the point where he could control a clone from a distance — far more sophisticated than previously. Hand motions, changes of direction, facial expressions, and even running. All it takes is a large chunk of his mana that lays comfortably inside the empty vessel through which a communication is made between Niko and his clone.
At first, Elijah was keeping his abilities a secret as he was worried about being 'too special'. However, over the past fortnight, they had both come to a realization that it would be in their best interests to keep their secrets.
Being oblivious to the motives of the war, which also made them incapable of choosing a side.
The fortnight also gave more light to the abilities of Kithus who came along with them during every mission.
Per Songa of course.
Kithus was a very special case that required attention and careful grooming to the point that he would not even be taking the Academy Entrance Exam. The guy already has a guaranteed spot within the Northern Sefrah Academy!
Conversations about the Monolith of Power arose — a tall stone glowing monolith adorned with inexplicable writing that grants anyone who dares to touch it a chance at power.
Albeit, the power comes with a flaw – as it should for a concept as unnatural as, 'power'.
A flaw that could either be debilitating to the poor soul who desperately craves power, or a simple inconvenience to someone who doesn't care much for their life.
Kithus, is one of those people who had not a single care for his life while also taking every chance to gain power. By touching the monolith four times, he accumulated three flaws until finally receiving a power unlike any other seen before.
While Kithus did explain two of his flaws, he omitted the other two. Firstly, Kithus is very susceptible to bright lights to the point it has damaged his eyes and caused him to lose out on sleep. The thick goggles he had worn during his adventure exam now made sense. Then, there was the obvious inability to run. Something that brought about a terror in Elijah's heart once hearing it. The inconveniences and life threatening situations that would occur because of this flaw are unthinkable. Elijah had an idea of the third flaw, which relates to hearing the thoughts of anyone near him, or looking at him. While this is a power in of itself, the mental trauma it can cause when passing through the streets is something to make you regret your actions.
Born within the slums of Sontiad, Kithus clawed at every scrap of food his family wanted to give him. Stealing, venturing into the crop field to eat anything he could find, and making many long and grueling trips to the Garden of Lanc — where the Monolith of Power lays — waiting for its next victim.
And now…
With the power to explode any soul on contact, Kithus was immediately pulled into a life of chaos by Songa who had first seen him use his power. Immediately, he was put through many secret tests by Songa and her mentor as they figured out the potential of this power. Currently speaking, there is a silent agreement with the North Sefrah Academy President that entails a guaranteed spot within the advanced class, which Kithus explained to be a ranking system within the different years.
Ominously, his conversations with Kithus had made him question whether he has a flaw or not. Would being gifted a power by a dead god make him unaffected to the natural wordly balance?
By the end of the fortnight, Elijah and Niko had profited 9475 Genny between the completed mission of difficulty that resonated with their age and core level. The kingdom does not necessarily gauge the strength of an individual through the color of your core as there are extenuating circumstances of magitech and the natural power of an ability one might have. The moment you get lucky enough to receive a power, you have the chance of receiving one that would put you on the level to go against yellow core beasts! Of course, this is never done as the user has to become comfortable with such a power while also understanding their limits and mana capacity. But, talented individuals are nurtured by the kingdom quickly, especially the ones who get lucky.
Problems arose when Elijah and Niko found out the letter detailing his admission, and the place of examination that could not be delivered as no address was attached to Elijah and Niko's identities. From Elijah's experience with Saskia's father, he presumed his identity was now stored somewhere secure.
A trip to the academy building led them to a conversation of epic proportions. The lady known as Carissa was the attendant in the front of the rounded building. With a grueling amount of time using a runic communication device, she was able to confirm that these two did in fact not have an address attached to their name while also being eligible for the Paladin Entrance Exam.
Desperately, Elijah wished he could obtain a device like that. However, over the course of the Fortnite, he had done a deep dive into the potential magitech gear he would want to pick up in the future. A runic communication device was banned from being purchased publicly a very long time ago due to what the shop attendant had said was because of foreign spies. Only once you have proven yourself as a loyal citizen of the kingdom may you be given a chance at the convenience that comes with such a device.
After receiving the letter of admission that detailed his classes he chose and the location of the Paladin Entrance Exam, Elijah and Niko walked around the market district while stopping for lunch. With it being the last day of the sixth fortnight, the streets were crowded with people celebrating the day. Sundresses, formal dresses, flared suits, and a manner of conversation that flaunted everyone's fabulous efforts.
The location of the exam was quite the distance. Located in between Coriad and southern Sefrah was an open area of farmland and grassy plains. A large set of buildings said to house the large number of military personnel if a disaster were to occur on the coastline was used as the temporary camp to hold the exam. Over the course of four days, the potential prospects that would become the future of power would be decided through games and tests that would test their abilities.
Of course, these were mere thirteen year old children that chose the path of the Paladin. While the tests would be difficult, and even harmful — nothing would endanger their lives with the supervision from the great's
Although, for the past millennia, the kingdoms had been at war with each other — a cold war. Lately, the war had been escalating and putting everyone at edge. Finally, the time was coming where the people wanted an end.
Which is why the path of the Paladin has never been more popular.
Elijah, while knowing the kingdom was at war, did not know the reason for it. However, his experience so far has led him to believe it had something to do with The Void.
The question that Elijah needed to answer was the different sides at play, and what the Kingdom of Gion was fighting for.