A few hours later.
Ichiro entered the gates of the Fortress, where dozen people were already waiting for him.
''Ichiro,'' Peter said with a smile. He rarely does genuine smiles because he has to kiss his superior's asses, so he learned the art of fake smiling, but only with his wife and daughter he can genuinely smile.
But, this time, he smiled after seeing the black-haired youth coming back safely.
''Peter.'' Ichiro nodded and shook his hand.
Peter instantly widened his eyes in shock. With only a handshake, he can feel Ichiro's strength.
'Martial Commander!' Peter thought, and his face almost turned into worship.
Ichiro entered the fortress, leaving shocked Peter behind.
He entered his living quarters and took a shower first time in a few weeks.
After that, he brushed his teeth and washed his face.
It was time to leave the Frozen Island, he came here to reach Martial Commander, and he did that successfully.
And... He is starting to miss the black-haired cutie in the Coldland.
He looked at the mirror one more time. His black eyes seemed strangely different than before.
Ichiro didn't notice it before, but it looked like there was a tinge of silver on the pupils, but only very little.
''Weird...'' Ichiro thought aloud— he washed his hands and left the bathroom.
His preparations are done, and it was time to leave.
He took his bag from the inventory so that they don't think that he left his bag here or something.
After that, he left the living quarters and started walking towards the exit of the Fortress.
During the walk— he felt an intense gaze coming from one of the buildings.
Since he reached Martial Commander, he feels like his instincts are on overdrive all the time.
He turned his head and saw the girl he remembered from the registration desk looking at him from one of the balconies.
Penelope turned around and left the balcony.
Ichiro shrugged and left the fortress.
...
A pair of man and woman reached a particular mountainside.
On top of the mountain, a temple was located.
The temple looked quite humble with walls made of wood, and the floor creaked from every step.
But, this temple is very special.
It is a place where The Test is going to be held.
Around the temple, a massive forest and mountains was surrounding the temple— it was a perfect place to hold the Test.
The man and woman who entered the temple were the ones Ichiro met. Sin and Suna.
In the middle of the Temple's room, dozen monks was seen praying towards a stone statue.
Sin and Suna waited patiently. These monks might look frail, but they are one of the top combat powers in the entire world.
Soon, the monks stopped praying.
The monk in the middle turned around and smiled gently.
He was bald with yellow robes covering his skinny figure. There was also a sign of wisdom on his face— he was the Dharma Teacher of this temple, Shinu.
Shinu put his two hands together and bowed.
Sin and Suna copied him— they put hands together and bowed.
''Mister Sin, Miss Suna. What a pleasant surprise.'' Shinu said and pointed towards one of the tables.
Sin and Suna nodded and sat down in front of the table.
Shinu sat as well and poured them tea.
''Thanks.'' Sin said respectfully and took a sip from the tea.
He widened his eyes in amazement— he still can't act naturally in this place. It feels humble and cozy, but it is far from it.
''What is the purpose of this visit?'' Shinu asked gently.
Sin nodded and gave him a paper.
Shinu took it and looked at the name with surprise, ''Kurogami Ichiro.''
''He is my third choice.'' Sin said with a confident expression.
Suna still couldn't believe that this was happening. They went to Frozen Island to train because they were near that place, but in the end, her father wound his third and last choice for The Test.
She was, of course the first choice, her cousin was the second, and now... Some random black-haired boy received the third.
Once her relatives hear about it... There will be mayhem. The number of people who tried to be the third choice was not low amount. Being able to join The Test is an incredible honor.
Shinu gave the paper to one of the monks, who put it on the bowl, where a dozen papers was already placed.
And just like that, Ichiro is part of the top geniuses in the world.
Shinu took a sip from the tea and said shortly afterward, ''I have heard about this... Young man.''
Sin looked surprised, ''You have?!''
''Wait... You don't know who he is, and yet you made him your third choice?'' Shinu raised an eyebrow, but he also looked amused.
Sin scratched his head— he is known to have made impulsive decisions.
''Who is he?'' Suna asked with a respected tone.
''He is the one who defeated Avery,'' Shinu replied.
''What?!'' Sin and Suna exclaimed.
Avery was almost certain to enter The Test as well, but his defeat in some random Battle of Cities made his reputation very bad.
''Kurogami Ichiro is a young man with talent and no talent.'' Shinu took a sip from the tea and continued, ''He is Master of Martial Arts, but also immature with strength.''
''He knows his weaknesses but also isn't aware of his biggest weakness.'' Shinu sighed and looked towards the sky, which seemed very nervous for some reason.
''He is one to be feared, but he is also one everyone can rely on.''
Sin and Suna gasped.
They have never seen The Dharma Teacher Shinu talk about someone in such way.
Even about the Greatest Genius of this generation, the one in Global Talent List Number 1 spot. Even about him, Shinu only said a few words.
He only said that he is talented and is destined for great things. But, he isn't the only one who received those words.
Ichiro might be the first one Shinu talks so much about, and his words hold a lot of weight.
Sin isn't aware yet what kind of monster he invited for The Test!
Shinu first time in a long time, became excited about The Test.
After The Test... The Younger Generation might have a new leader.
