X. A New Dawn

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The grinding halt of the metallic elevator brought Roku's ascent to an abrupt stop, leaving him suspended between the worlds he knew: the oppressive depths of the underground and the elusive surface above.

The doors slid open, unveiling a breathtaking sight—the dawn's first light filtering through the towering buildings of Mitras, the bustling capital nestled within Wall Sina.

For the first time, Roku basked in the warmth of the rising sun. Its golden hues cast an otherworldly glow over the city, illuminating the vibrant bustle of the waking metropolis.

The energy pulsating through the streets was a stark contrast to the weary life he'd led underground. People moved with purpose, their enthusiasm infectious, a stark departure from the wary denizens of the subterranean world.

Navigating through the labyrinthine streets, Roku noticed that he was being watched by some soldiers along the way, after some walking Roku found himself at the doorstep of the office designated for candidates seeking to join the esteemed ranks of the Training Corps.

As he announced his intent to register, the registrar's reaction was peculiar. He was asked to wait indefinitely due to a "special order" from the higher-ups, leaving Roku frustrated and stranded in a state of limbo.

Hours passed in a blur, the incessant ticking of the clock marking the passage of time. Finally, the registrar beckoned Roku forward, subjecting him to a bunch of tests.

From physical evaluations to mental assessments, Roku found himself navigating each challenge with surprising ease. His results surpassed even his expectations, a testament to the knowledge and resilience he'd amassed during his time in the underground, he used to read some books when he had free time.

Upon the conclusion of the exhaustive tests, the registrar handed him a stack of papers and instructed him to return in a week's time. Roku felt a mix of relief and anticipation—a blend of fatigue from the day's trials and an eager expectation for the future that lay ahead.

Night descended upon the city, casting a veil of tranquility over Mitras. Exhausted and without a place to rest, Roku trudged wearily through the streets, his fatigue weighing heavily upon him.

It was in this wearied state that an offer emerged—a half-aged woman offered him a night's stay for a price that would empty his meager pockets.

Roku, with little choice, accepted the offer and sank into the bed, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the unknown journey ahead.

As the day drew to a close, Roku lay on the makeshift bed, contemplating the whirlwind of changes that had swept him from the depths of the underground to the lively capital.

The promise of joining the Training Corps, juxtaposed with the strangeness of the bustling city and the uncertainties of the future, brewed a storm of conflicting emotions within him. It was a precipice—a moment where past and future converged, leaving Roku poised on the brink of a new and enigmatic chapter in his life.

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End of the Chapter