Step. Step. Step.
Silence.
Complete and utter silence.
The hair on the back of Samuel's neck pricked up while his back tensed, leaving him in an awkward position. Such... presence.
Trying to peer his eyes across the room, Samuel could see how no boy present had their head lifted up.
Diallo, the energetic and talkative boy beside him, was frozen in fear. Droplets of sweat dotted the ground beneath the poor participant.
Who could this be? I've never felt such intimidation. It was true, throughout his 13 years of living, Samuel had never once felt an aura this compressing. It was like the entire hall was being flattened by the backside of a skillet.
A loud thud was heard a couple rows away. Fallen — was a boy, crimson liquid trickling out of his nose and mouth.
The boy had dark brown hair that covered his forehead; his eyes, covered by closed eyelids, were blue and dainty. He had the exact same outfit as every other participant: a black tracksuit.
The applicants next to him jumped back in shock; some had mixed expressions, not knowing whether to be happy or sad.
He fainted? Samuel tried to deduce what had happened from the little leeway of vision he had.
"T-This... This is too much!" A bold declaration was made towards the back. A boy, one with jet-black hair, green dilating eyes, and high cheekbones, panicked as he flailed his hands. "Someone's already f-fainted!"
All this happened in a matter of seconds.
The steps continued.
The boy who screamed noticed no one was responding to him. So, after contemplating frantically, he grabbed his belongings and sprinted out of the hall.
After a short while, two officials who probably worked for the Protector's committee followed him.
Their exit was quiet and planned; only a few noticed. One of them being a boy with light brown hair and a deadpan expression.
I thought everyone here wanted to become a Protector? Leaving only after someone fainted... Samuel didn't know what to think.
The steps continued; this time, a silhouette was visible.
Looking towards Diallo, Samuel noticed his neighbor trembling. What's wrong with Diallo? Is he sick?!
Slowly, as the steps got louder, more and more boys fainted. The number of participants dwindled from 100 to 81.
It was a sad sight to see the next generation of Protectors fainting before the exam had officially commenced. As they left, the grand hall had turned silent.
Finally, the figure reached the podium.
Placing her hands on the wood in front of her, the woman silently watched the frozen applicants. A soft, seemingly unnoticeable smile spread across her lightly tanned, freckled face. Blonde, silky hair cascaded just past her shoulders. Beautiful blue eyes glimmered in the sunlight while her white and black suit fit her appropriately.
After surveying the participants, she spoke in a cold, domineering tone. "Good day, gentlemen."
The pressure that was emitted previously had lifted significantly. All members felt a relaxation spread throughout their lower backs. Numerous exhales filled the hall.
In unison, they all replied. "Good day, madam."
The lady's smile grew wider, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.
"A reply in unison. I like that." She said with a strange tone. After covering her mouth with a closed fist and coughing lightly, the powerful woman spoke once more.
"I am Carmel Haidar, the headmaster of the Protector's examination this year. The previous headmaster, Orian, was sadly stripped away from life, so I had to fill in on short notice."
Her tone had no hint of somberness nor regret.
"You may also know me as one of the Salients of Omniscience." Pride was integrated heavily in the latter half of the sentence.
The Salients of Omniscience were a group of individuals who are the most important people in Lebrad, besides the royal family.
"I understand that it is quite strange to have someone of my caliber be here today, but please understand."
Looking over at Diallo, worry began to shy its way into Samuel's eyes as he watched his partner freeze permanently. However, he couldn't talk to Diallo while the headmaster was talking, so all he could do was pray that Diallo return to his right conscience.
There was not a single voice nor murmur that dared show its face while Carmel talked. Her presence demanded power and influence.
"You are all here for the Protector's examination, am I correct?"
Before the crowd could reply, Carmel answered her own question. "Of course I am. I'm never wrong."
She continued. "I hope to assume that you all have been made aware that this particular exam will last three months." Carmel turned to her side and began to move around the stage, leaving the podium.
"The Protector's exam will have two parts: a written portion, one that you will complete shortly, and the larger portion, the physical exam. I will also assume that you have studied for your written portion."
Four months back, applicants received a handbook, one as thick as a tree trunk, which they had to thoroughly study. Samuel himself made sure, whenever he wasn't taking care of Heart, to focus in heavily on the components. Failing the written exam would not be acceptable.
"The physical portion will take the majority of the total time. This year, my team has made slight adjustments during the little time we had to make this exam more... fun."
What does she mean by 'fun'? Samuel's head involuntarily tilted when hearing what the Salient of Omniscience had to say.
"Contrary to the past tests, where you had to pass a set of physical requirements like swimming, mountain climbing, and wooden sword fights, we have come up with a better solution. This year's physical examination will make you split up into predetermined teams of two and fight each other... to the death. The remaining two groups will be crowned victors and will become interns to His Majesty's royal guards until they can be the sole protector."
....What?!