The morning sun bathed Mailie Town in a warm glow as Pearl walked back to her shop, shaking her head at Solis's reckless nature. Taking the Rank D exam today? Just like that? She sighed. That guy really doesn't think things through.
Still, something about his confidence reassured her. He's changed. The scrawny, fast-footed trainee who once relied on speed alone had transformed into someone stronger—physically and mentally.
As Pearl entered her store, she glanced at the row of supplies on the shelves. "Guess I'll have to restock some potions again," she muttered to herself before setting to work.
Meanwhile, Solis made his way toward the infirmary, his boots crunching against the cobblestone streets. The building stood tall, its white walls a symbol of care and recovery. He hesitated for a brief moment at the entrance before pushing the door open.
Inside, the scent of medicinal herbs and antiseptics filled the air. Elizabeth stood near a counter, sorting through some files. She looked up when she heard him enter, a brief flicker of surprise crossing her face before she smiled.
"You finally decided to show your face," she remarked.
Solis rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… I figured I should check in before doing something reckless."
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "Let me guess—you're taking the Rank D exam today?"
He blinked. "How did you—?"
She chuckled. "Pearl came by earlier. She mentioned it."
Solis let out a breath. "I see."
A moment of silence passed before he shifted, his expression growing more serious. "Elizabeth… I never got to say this properly, but I'm sorry."
Elizabeth tilted her head. "For what?"
"For Tedric…" Solis swallowed. "For not being strong enough to—"
"Stop."
Her voice was firm but gentle, carrying the weight of unspoken grief.
"Tedric made his choice," she said. "He was a Postknight, just like you will be. He knew the risks. Blaming yourself won't bring him back."
Solis clenched his fists. "I just—"
Elizabeth stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me, Solis. We all lost someone that day. But if you keep carrying that burden alone, you'll break under it. Tedric believed in you. Don't let that belief turn into guilt."
Solis looked down, processing her words. After a moment, he exhaled and nodded.
"…Where are Ada and Vaidya now?" he asked.
Elizabeth smiled. "They both passed their Rank D exams three months ago. They're out on their first assignments."
Solis's eyes widened slightly. They already made it that far?
Elizabeth gave him a knowing look. "If you want to catch up, you better get going."
Solis straightened. "Right. What do I need to do?"
Elizabeth smirked. "Go to Mailie Postknight HQ. Find Captain Collins. He'll be overseeing your exam."
Solis nodded. "Got it."
As he turned to leave, Elizabeth called out, "Solis."
He glanced back.
"…Make sure you come back in one piece."
A small grin tugged at his lips. "I will."
---
Mailie Postknight HQ: The Rank D Exam
The Mailie Postknight Headquarters stood as a towering stone fortress at the heart of the town. Its large iron gates bore the insignia of the Postknights—a symbol of duty, honor, and perseverance.
As Solis approached, he spotted a group of trainees practicing in the courtyard. Some paused to glance at him, murmuring amongst themselves.
"That's Solis, right?"
"The one who disappeared for months?"
"He looks… different."
Ignoring the whispers, Solis stepped into the main hall, where a tall, broad-shouldered man stood reviewing paperwork. His dark green cape, draped over his silver armor, signified his status. Captain Collins.
"Sir," Solis called.
Collins glanced up, his stern eyes narrowing slightly before a smirk formed on his face. "Well, look who decided to return."
Solis stood firm. "I want to take the Rank D exam."
Collins folded his arms. "Today?"
"Yes. I'm ready."
The captain studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, kid. Follow me."
---
Eventide Cove: The Test of Endurance and Strength
The examination site was none other than Eventide Cove—a rocky shoreline where the waves crashed relentlessly against jagged cliffs. It was a brutal location, chosen specifically to test both endurance and strength.
Solis stood at the designated training ground, where wooden pillars jutted out of the ground. Each pillar had a heavy boulder tied to it by thick ropes.
"Your task is simple," Collins explained. "Break through the obstacles while carrying a weighted pack. The catch? The tide rises fast here. If you're too slow, you'll be fighting against both the current and the terrain."
Solis nodded. "Understood."
Collins threw him a heavy leather backpack filled with sandbags. "Strap that on. Your time starts now."
Solis secured the pack and immediately sprinted toward the first obstacle. His body moved with precision—his months of training in the forest had paid off.
Collins watched closely, arms crossed. He's different. More controlled. More powerful.
As Solis reached the first pillar, he crouched low before launching himself into the air, twisting mid-jump to deliver a powerful axe swing. CRACK! The pillar splintered instantly.
Collins raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Impressive."
Solis landed gracefully, already moving toward the next challenge. Each step was calculated, his stamina unwavering. As the tide rose, waves slammed against the rocks, soaking the ground beneath him. But Solis didn't falter.
Collins smirked. This kid's got potential.
Within minutes, Solis had destroyed the last obstacle. He stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily but standing strong.
Collins clapped his hands together. "Well, damn. You made that look easy."
Solis wiped sweat from his brow. "So… did I pass?"
Collins chuckled. "Oh, you passed. No doubt about it."
Solis exhaled, relief washing over him.
"Come on," Collins said, motioning for him to follow. "It's time to make it official."
---
Meeting Commander Cassandra
Back at the HQ, Collins led Solis to the main hall. At the center of the chamber stood a tall woman with long brownish hair and piercing blue eyes. A heavy blue cape flowed behind her, and a longsword rested at her hip.
Commander Cassandra.
She turned as they entered, her gaze sharp as a blade.
"This is the new recruit?" she asked.
Collins nodded. "Solis. Passed the exam without a hitch."
Cassandra stepped forward, studying him. "I've heard about you," she said. "You've been training alone for months. Tell me—why do you wish to become a Postknight?"
Solis met her gaze. "To protect others. To become strong enough that no one else has to suffer."
Cassandra held his stare for a moment before nodding. "Good answer."
She turned to a nearby officer, who presented a gold medallion engraved with the Postknight insignia.
"Kneel," she commanded.
Solis did as told, lowering himself onto one knee.
Cassandra raised the medallion. "Solis, do you swear to uphold the duties of a Postknight? To deliver not only letters and goods, but hope and protection to those in need?"
"I swear," Solis said firmly.
"Do you vow to never abandon your comrades, to stand resilient in the face of danger?"
"I do."
"And do you promise to uphold the integrity and honor of the Postknight name?"
"I promise."
Cassandra leaned forward, placing the medallion around his neck. "Then rise, Solis—as a Postknight of Prism Kingdom."
Solis stood, gripping the medallion tightly.
The journey had been long, but this moment—this vow—was just the beginning.