Ark enters the imposing blue gate of the festival, the wind hitting his worn dark blue hoodie that covers his slim chest. His loose light blue pants swing with his legs, and his worn brown shoes squeak on the polished stone. His calloused hands, marked by years of training in the Blue State, tremble slightly — not from fear, but from urgency. "I can't lose," he murmurs, his brown eyes fixed on the crowd ahead. He adjusts his hood, feeling the weight of each step.

  The Chiulrom festival pulses with life: voices echo, torches glow on the blue pillars, and the smell of damp earth fills the air. Ark knows this place — he was born here, grew up hearing about the Chi, the energy that runs through everyone. But today isn’t about studying. It’s about Imi.

  A figure dressed in black cuts through the crowd, stepping onto a stage. The man pulls off his hood, revealing a stern face, short blonde hair, and sharp eyes. "Welcome to the Chiulrom festival," he says, his voice sharp as a blade. "I’m Jion, Toker Sentinel." He clenches his fist and punches the air. A shockwave explodes from the blow, shaking the ground and raising dust. Ark’s eyes widen, his heart racing — he’s never seen the Chi so raw, so alive. The crowd murmurs, some retreating, others applauding.

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  Jion crosses his arms, his black cloak flowing. "This is the test for anyone who wants to become one of us. Show your worth." He steps off the stage, and the participants stir, forming lines. Ark takes a deep breath, his thoughts returning home — to the simple room in the Blue State, where Imi lies bedridden. The Ultra Cancer has been devouring her for nearly a few weeks, stealing her legs, filling every movement with pain. The healing Tokers say no one survives that long, but she still fights, her weak eyes begging him not to give up.

  "If I pass, I become a Toker. I can take her to the Magistral City," Ark thinks, clenching his fists. The cure is there — it has to be. He straightens his shoulders and steps forward into the line, the echo of Jion’s punch still buzzing in his ears. This is not just a festival. It’s the chance to save Imi.