Chapter 5: The tests begin

But common sense has no place here.

In a world inhabited by gods, a battle for survival begins.

Allies, enemies, trials, legends…

It all starts with a single step from the boy.

Welcome to the Trials of the Gods.

It had been a week since the ritual.
The wounds had healed, the muscles had stopped trembling, and the energy that once overflowed inside Eden now rested within him like a sleeping beast.

Tenzak walked him to the door with a faint smile on his lips.
“Good luck.”

“Thanks for everything. Really.”

Shun crossed his arms, impatient.
“It’s time to go.”

Eden nodded and gave a quick wave goodbye.
“See you, Tenzak.”

“Take care, Eden.”

Shun raised one hand toward the empty air.
“Spatial Technique: Gate of Cerberus.”

A rift tore open in the space before them. From it emerged a colossal structure—an ancient gate of black stone, etched with golden symbols that seemed to burn with life itself.

“You ready?” Shun asked as the air vibrated around them. “Once you cross this, your entire concept of the world will change.”

Eden swallowed hard, but didn’t hesitate.
“Yes. I decided that… that night, six months ago.”

Shun studied him in silence, then nodded with a faint smile.
“You’ve grown.”

“Just noticing?”

“I wasn’t talking about height. When you first arrived, you looked like you had a firm resolve… but it was just arrogance. Now, you’re still arrogant—
but at least it makes some sense.”

“Idiot pink-hair.”

They both stepped through the gate.

And then—
the sight overwhelmed them.

A city of white marble, golden towers, living statues, canals that sparkled beneath an artificial sky, and a coliseum floating in the air.
Grek, the capital of the Greek gods.
Home of the GODS Academy.

“This is… incredible,” Eden whispered, unable to look away.

“Welcome to Grek,” Shun said in a solemn tone. “Here is where future deities are trained… and where it’s decided who deserves to be remembered.”

Eden walked as if passing through a dream.
“My teachers spoke of this place… as if it were a myth.”

“Maybe it is, in your world. Here, legends walk as people. And the whims of the gods… become landscapes.”

“It’s like they’ve trapped time—like they’ve held on to everything our history forgot.”

“And that’s exactly why… we take it for granted. When you know something is eternal… you stop valuing it.”

“I suppose you’re right…”

“You can explore the city if you want, but first I have to—” Shun reached out a hand to stop him, but Eden had already vanished.

“…warn you that no one here speaks your language.”

He sighed and shrugged.
“Well… he’ll figure it out on his own.”

The streets were alive. Merchants shouted their offers in ancient tongues, mythological creatures strolled about as if they were ordinary citizens, and endless columns supported bridges suspended above colossal temples.

It’s like being in a dream… Eden thought. None of this makes sense. It’s beautiful… but chaotic. And worst of all… why can’t I understand anyone?

A woman shouted from a fruit stall, but the words were nothing but noise to him. An impossible language—it sounded like Greek, but older, more melodic.

Should’ve taken those Greek classes…

Lost in thought, he bumped into someone. The impact was hard.

“Sorry,” he said automatically.

The girl glared at him with fury, speaking rapidly and sharply. He didn’t understand a single word.

“Eh?! What are you saying!?”

The argument escalated in seconds. She grabbed him by the neck with unexpected strength and slammed him to the ground. Dust rose between them.

She was about to hit him, but a figure stepped in, catching her attack with a firm hand.

“Easy,” the newcomer said. “I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose. He didn’t understand what you were saying.”

Eden got to his feet, brushing off his clothes.
“Even if that’s true, I don’t think going around choking people is the best reaction.”

“I get it. She… has a complicated temper.”

The girl looked him up and down with disdain.
“First of all, you shouldn’t be bumping into people like an idiot.”

“What…? It was an accident!”

“And it just had to be with me? Were you trying to hit on me?”

“Hit on you?! I’d never do that with such an ugly girl.”

“…What did you just say?”

“Ugly.”

The shouting began again.

The young man who had stepped in sighed with a forced smile—then, without warning, smacked them both on the head.

“Alright, enough, both of you!”

“Yes…” they said in unison, rubbing the lumps on their heads.

At that moment, Shun appeared, walking calmly.
“Ah, there you are. Why do you have a bump on your head?”

“Long story…” Eden muttered. “By the way, why the hell didn’t you tell me no one here speaks my language?”

Shun just laughed.
“You didn’t give me time to tell you!” he protested between breaths.

Eden frowned at him, still catching his breath.
“Now that I think about it… when did they start speaking my language?”

The two strangers who had helped earlier—a hot-headed girl and a calmer young man—stood frozen, jaws slightly open, as they looked at the newcomer.

“What is it?” Eden asked warily.

The young man took a step back, visibly shocked.
“What’s the legendary warrior Shun doing here…?”

“Legendary?” Eden repeated, confused.

As if those words were a spark, the entire crowd around them began murmuring. The voices grew louder, swelling like a tide whipped by the wind.

“Damn… I forgot about this,” Shun grumbled with resignation.

A moment later, they were surrounded.
Dazzled eyes, magical phones, glowing scrolls, even floating petals filled the air as the crowd surged forward like a wave about to break.

“Eden…” Shun murmured without looking back.

“Yeah?”

“I think we should run.”

“Huh?”

There was no further explanation. Shun grabbed his arm, and the two of them took off through the chaos—amid shouts, gasps, and flashes.

“It’s him! It’s Shun! The Pink Warrior is here!”
“Don’t let him get away!”

Minutes later, both of them lay sprawled on the rooftop of a house, clothes a little dusty, chests heaving as they tried to catch their breath.

“Can you explain what the hell just happened?” Eden asked, still lying on his back.

“Yes… but let me catch my breath first…”

They sat up, backs against the wall, taking in the view of the city from above.

“What’s this ‘legendary warrior’ thing? Why was that crowd chasing us? And more importantly… why do you have so many fans?”

Shun narrowed his eyes. That’s what he’s most concerned about?

“Let’s go in order. First: the language thing. Remember how those two suddenly understood what you were saying?”

“Yeah, that was weird…”

“That’s a function of your Zenka energy. If it flows through certain parts of your brain, you can understand any language—and they can understand you too. It’s not that they’re speaking your language… it’s that their brains, like yours, are translating everything.”

“That explains why your lips were saying something different from what I was hearing.”

“…Were you reading my lips? That’s kind of disturbing.”

“Next point,” Eden pressed. “Why do they call you ‘legendary’?”

“Ugh… that. Years ago, there was a war between the gods. I fought on the side of the current King, and he gave me way too much credit for the victory. The rest… turned into mythology.”

“I see… So that’s why you have so many—”

“Are we back to that again?!” Shun snapped. “The legends also exaggerated my… appearance.”

“Oh, I get it. You used to be handsome, and then you got cursed and ended up looking this ugly, right?”

“…What kind of logic is that?!”

“Just connecting the dots,” Eden said with a shrug.

A deep rumble shook the city.
A loud horn echoed between the towers.

‘The call for participants in the GODS Institute Trials has begun. Please proceed to the combat arena.’

“What did it say?” Eden asked.

“That it’s time to register for the trial,” Shun replied. “But first…”

Without warning, he flicked Eden on the head with two fingers.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“Just helped your Zenka flow better. You’ll thank me later.”

Then he grabbed Eden by the legs.

“…What are you doing?”

“Bon voyage.”

And he threw him.

Eden soared through the air, screaming curses all the way to the arena.

In one of the nearby towers, several figures watched the scene.

“I’d heard the rumors, but I thought they were just stories,” said a tall, muscular young man with bronze skin. “The great Shun has returned home.”

“No need to flatter me so much, Heracles,” the man himself replied, appearing at his side without effort.

“Still as egocentric as ever,” Heracles scoffed.

“And you, Aphrodite?” Shun said, turning his head. “Weren’t you supposed to be mentoring the first-years this year?”

A woman of impossible beauty smiled from the balcony.
“Yes… but I had to see with my own eyes that the handsome pink-haired warrior was really here.”

“Always so considerate,” Shun said with a wink. “You could learn from her, Heracles.”

“Shut up.”

“So, tell us,” Aphrodite said, curiosity in her voice. “What brings you here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Shun shrugged. “I brought my apprentice to sign up.”

Heracles let out a laugh so loud it rattled the glass in the hallway.
“You… with an apprentice? Don’t make me laugh.”

A new voice joined in, calm and quiet, from a figure leaning against a column:
“I don’t think he’s lying…”

“What do you mean?” Heracles asked, frowning.

Hermes didn’t take his eyes off the horizon.
“I was just informed that a student was seen flying through the air in that direction.”

“Thank you for confirming my honesty,” Shun said with a cheeky smile.

“I’m not doing it for you,” Hermes replied dryly. “Just stating the facts.”

“Why is everyone so grumpy this morning?” Shun muttered with a shrug.

Aphrodite sighed with elegance.
“I don’t think that question needs an answer, Shun.”

“You’re right.”

“What does intrigue me,” she added, folding her arms, “is your real reason for having this apprentice.”

“Let’s just say… he’ll be able to change everything,” Shun said with a cryptic smile.

Aphrodite narrowed her eyes.
“Coming from you, I can’t tell if that’s a promise… or a threat.”

“Who knows…”

On the far end of the campus, a smoking crater marked the exact spot where Eden had landed.

Amid the rubble and dust, the boy slowly got to his feet, rubbing his neck.
“Ow… Still in one piece. I guess that’s a win,” he muttered.

A familiar face approached, offering a hand.
“Are you all right?”

Eden recognized him immediately.
“Yeah, thanks… you’re that guy from earlier. What was your name again?”

“Sorry for not introducing myself before. I’m Shu Sagesse.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Eden Yomi.”

“Yuki Tsuka,” came a sudden voice from the side, belonging to the young woman who joined them, arms crossed.

“Eh?”

“That’s my name,” Yuki clarified, showing little emotion.

“Oh… uh, nice to meet you, I guess.”

“By the way,” Shu asked with curiosity, “Eden… how do you know Shun?”

“You could say the pink-haired guy is my master.”

Yuki let out a dry laugh.
“That’s impossible.”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“I don’t know… take it however you want.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Easy,” Shu stepped in. “I understand why she’s reacting like this.”

“So now you’re defending her?”

“No. I’m just saying it sounds improbable. Even the most influential families have tried to hire Shun as a mentor, and he’s turned every single one of them down.”

“I don’t know how much people think they know about him… but I’m not lying.”

A new face appeared beside them, holding a clipboard and looking rushed.
“Sorry to interrupt, but… are you here to sign up for the trial?”

“Yes,” Shu replied. “Right now.”

Both he and Yuki stepped toward the registration desk. Eden followed, still a bit indignant.

“Please,” the registrar said, flipping through his list. “Full name and master’s name.”

“Eden Yomi. Apprentice of Shun.”

Silence fell like a stone.
Whispers began to spread behind him, building like a storm in seconds.

“Is this some kind of joke?” the registrar asked, glaring at him.

“No. I’m telling you the truth.”

“Last chance to take it back.”

“I’m not taking it back. It’s not a lie.”

With sudden force, the registrar grabbed him by the neck and lifted him off the ground.
“I don’t tolerate jokes like this. And I won’t let a liar taint this trial.”

A voice cracked through the air like a whip.
“Olivio. You’d better put my idiot apprentice down. Now.”

The man froze. He knew that voice.
“Shun…” he muttered, releasing Eden immediately.

The boy dropped to his knees, coughing.
“I… I’m sorry…”

What the hell is wrong with people here? Eden thought, glancing around. It’s like just mentioning the pink-haired guy makes everyone lose their minds… Who are you really, Shun?

“Olivio, register him and give him his number.”

“Yes… Eden Yomi, number twelve.”

“Eden,” Shun called from a distance. “Come here a sec.”

The boy obeyed, still rubbing his neck.
“Mind telling me what the hell you are to these people?”

“Sorry about that. That guy’s my younger brother. He’s… a bit overprotective. Thinks if someone uses my name, it might damage my reputation.”

“Since I got here, I’ve been getting hit or threatened just for existing. A girl tried to punch me for bumping into her. Some guy tried to kill me for saying you were my master… This place is insane.”

“Ordinary is boring, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, but in my life, ‘ordinary’ seems to mean bumping into someone and almost dying afterward.”

Shun burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny about that?”

“Nothing… Just thinking I didn’t make a mistake choosing you as my apprentice. I’m going to have a lot of fun with you.”

“That sounded extremely creepy, you know that?”

“You’re right… I should choose my words more carefully.”

“So… what happens next?”

Shun looked up at the clear sky, where a flock of birds crossed the sun.
“I’d say… a lot of surprises. Exciting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah… but don’t forget my goal,” Eden said, eyes fixed on the horizon.

“I won’t. If you do your part, I’ll do everything I can to get information and find them,” Shun replied, his tone carrying an unusual seriousness.

Eden lowered his gaze for a moment.
“Thanks…”

Shun raised an eyebrow.
“That’s odd…”

“What is?”

“This is the first time you’ve thanked me sincerely.”

“Shut up,” Eden grumbled, turning his back. “I’ll see you later… when I get into GODS.”

“Yeah. Good luck.”

Eden stepped through the threshold into the grand combat arena.
A pair of towering gates swung open with a solemn creak.

“Welcome,” said a guard clad in golden armor. “What’s your number?”

“Participant number twelve.”

“Number twelve… Eden Yomi. Proceed to the room on your left. You’ll be notified when it’s time to go out.”

“Yes, thank you.”

The hallway was silent, lit only by floating torches that burned with blue fire. Eden entered a small chamber with stone benches, a hovering lamp, and an ancient mirror. He was alone. This was his moment.

He sat down slowly, breathing deeply. The room smelled of wet stone and smoke.

“At last… Grandpa, I swear I’ll grow stronger here… and then… I’ll come for you.”

His eyes rested on the hilt of the sword strapped to his back—his grandfather’s sword. He could almost feel its weight, not just in the sheath, but in his soul.

“Will I be strong enough to wield it…?”

As he bent down to check his bag, he noticed a small black box and a neatly folded letter placed beside it.

“What’s this?”

He unfolded the paper.

“I know that idiot Shun probably forgot to tell you that you need to bring armor and a weapon for the trials, so inside this box I’ve put everything you’ll need.
Just use a bit of Zenka energy to open it.
—Tenzak.”

Eden smiled warmly.
“Thanks, Tenzak…”

He placed his palm on the box and let his energy flow. It reacted instantly. A soft purple glow enveloped the surface before it cracked like glass and bloomed open in petals of light.

Inside lay a set of dark leather armor with metal reinforcements on the shoulders, and a black, curved-blade sword—elegant and deadly.

Without hesitation, he put on the armor. The leather fit perfectly to his body, as if it had been tailor-made. Then he gripped both swords: the inherited one and the new. Two paths, one purpose.

The door shook with a loud knock.
“Participant number twelve. It’s time to step out,” came a firm voice from the other side.

Eden took one last breath, adjusted the straps on his swords, and walked forward with steady steps.
“Yes.”

As he slowly climbed the stairs toward the coliseum, his mind swirled with determination and broken promises.

“This will be my first step toward becoming stronger… there’s no turning back.”

The light outside blinded him for a moment.

And then he saw it.

The combat arena opened before him like a world of its own. Thousands filled the stands. Flags waved. War drums thundered in the distance.

The trial was about to begin.