Karyk couldn't avoid this unnecessary attention either. Even though he was supposed to look like a person who couldn't even use an ounce of magic, still, everyone was called forward.
In the end, he followed suit and stepped forward, getting slightly frustrated. It was good to get access to a General directly by winning the challenges. However, he couldn't do that without revealing his identity.
He knew that if that happened, then the guys who were looking in the secret realm as a form of entertainment were going to become alert. It was also possible that they were directly going to destroy this place.
Even though he could easily escape this place even if that happened, reaching the four Generals was going to become even harder then.
He didn't know what the contents of the challenges were. However, if they required him to use magic, then it was his early defeat.
Amongst the hundreds of youngsters that stepped forward, Karyk stopped in the back. Not many people paid attention to him. However, the ones who did notice him couldn't help but snicker.
Many people were looking at him with amusement, wondering where this person got the courage from, when he couldn't even use magic.
On the other hand, the Guard of the Captains also started paying some attention to him, as if he was really intrigued.
He knew what the contents of the trial was. It didn't really require the use of magic at all. It was to the point where even he was confused why the Four Generals would make a test which even a mortal had the potential to pass. However, he didn't have any right to question them.
Was a mortal really worthy of being their Disciple even if he passed the test? Unfortunately, he could only think such things and not say anything about it.
He clapped his hands once. It was as if an illusion started taking place, as soon as he clapped.
The surroundings initially appeared to be normal, until the sky suddenly changed. A bright light pierced through the clouds, creating a contrast with the colorful sky.
All the guests looked up, wondering what was happening. Some thought it was a sign from the arrival of the Four Generals, others thought it was a natural phenomenon, and others thought it had something to do with the test.
But as they watched, they saw something more amazing. A stairway of pure white light emerged from the opening in the clouds, spiraling down to the earth.
It was like a bridge between heaven and earth, a connection between the divine and the human. The stairway was so bright that it hurt to look at it directly, but it also had a soothing effect on the eyes. It seemed to radiate warmth and love, inviting anyone who wished to climb it.
The stairway was not solid, but made of light particles that shimmered and sparkled. It looked like a stream of stars flowing down from the sky.
The steps were smooth and even, creating a comfortable path for the feet. The stairway was wide enough for two people to walk side by side, but not too wide. The stairway was surrounded by a halo of rainbow colors, reflecting colorful rays in a dazzling display.
The colors changed with every angle and movement, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing spectacle.
The air around the stairway was filled with a gentle melody, as if angels were singing from above. The music was harmonious and uplifting, calming the nerves and soothing the soul. It sounded like a choir of heavenly voices, singing praises and blessings. The music also had a hypnotic effect, drawing people closer to the stairway.
The stairway seemed to offer a glimpse of paradise, a promise of peace and joy beyond this world. It was a beautiful sight that filled people with awe and wonder.
Some felt drawn to climb the stairway, hoping to reach heaven and reach the top. Others felt afraid to approach it, fearing that they were not worthy or that they would die. And others felt curious to know more about it, wondering what secrets and mysteries it held.
The stairway to heaven was a beautiful phenomenon that materialized in reality, changing the lives of many people who witnessed it. However, Karyk realized what it really was.
It wasn't actually a reality. There was no stairway to heaven in real life. Instead, it was just a treasure being used, that created this illusion which turned into reality in itself.
He didn't know what the purpose of this was, since he hadn't really seen that treasure even in the past. However, he was sure that it wasn't dangerous to the extent that it could kill someone.
"All of you can see the stairs before you? That's your test. If someone can reach the top of the Heavenly Stairs, then you'll naturally pass the test. However, let me remind you. You aren't allowed to use magic, since the stairs repel magic!"
Even though the stairs were looking fascinating, as people heard about the test, they were slightly relieved. If going to the top was the real test, then they could just fly to the top. Or so they thought, until they heard that flying or any form of magic wasn't allowed.
The Guard Captain also reminded them that the test had already begun. He didn't explain anything else, or even what the test was about.
As soon as the youngsters realized that the test had already begun, they rushed ahead without a second thought, as if they didn't want to be left behind.
Becoming a disciple of a Heavenly General was a temptation that many people could not resist. They felt a strong urge to climb the stairs and win.
They believed that the stairway was a test of speed, will and endurance, and that only the worthy would make it to the top. They ignored the warnings of their Elders who advised them to be careful on the stairs.
The youngsters gathered at the base of the stairway, rushing straight to climb, looking up at the spiral of light that seemed to go on forever, wondering what awaited them at the end. They felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, but also a sense of determination and confidence.
