Marcus wandered through the hallways of his father's library, filled with ancient books, scrolls, and manuscripts that spoke of bygone eras and past wisdom. At that moment, he didn't care for any of them. His eyes searched relentlessly for one answer, one piece of knowledge that might offer him hope, something that could pull him out of the darkness in which he found himself. The world he had always seen was no longer enough.
With every turn of the page, he delved deeper into the system his father controlled. Yet, there was something missing. He knew a little about "power" — the power that granted authority to the few fortunate enough to master it. But he felt there was more. He had overheard whispers about the "Test of the Walkers" and those who could pass it to earn a "License" for power, but he didn't know how to get to that test.
In that moment, he made a decision: he would ask his father, even though he knew it would be risky. His father had always kept silent about these mysterious matters surrounding the system of power, but Marcus was determined to know more.
He entered his father's study, where the man sat at his desk surrounded by piles of old papers. He paused for a moment, looking at him, then spoke, his voice tinged with anxiety:
"Father, how can I access the Test of the Walkers? Who can take this test?"
His father looked at him deeply, as if the question had struck a chord within him. He answered quietly:
"Not everyone can take this test, Marcus. There are conditions that must be met. You must find a teacher who agrees to train you, or you must possess exceptional traits in certain areas of life. It's not just about power; it's about understanding the laws that govern this world."
Marcus wanted to ask more, but his father raised his hand to stop him, saying:
"The test is not for everyone. You can't just ask for it and search for it. It's a long journey that begins with learning the laws of power, but in the end, it could lead to chaos if not controlled."
Marcus paused, then asked quietly, "But how will I know when I've completed this journey?"
His father replied, looking away as if gazing into the unknown: "Those who truly seek real power do not ask how to attain it. If you're ready for it, you will find the way."
Marcus was not satisfied with the answer, but he felt there was something larger hidden behind his father's words. He would have to discover it for himself. After that moment, Marcus decided to set out in search of the "Walkers," and perhaps that was the path that would offer him more answers than he had heard thus far.