The day started with a beautiful sunrise, the air thick with anticipation and curiosity. Everyone couldn't stop talking about the contest to choose the third general. Whispers of doubt lingered—what if the chosen general wasn't suited for the role? But their worries were eased, knowing that Acki's presence meant that, if the wrong choice was made, he would fix it.

  As the day passed, the team trained harder than ever. The sounds of clashing swords echoed louder than usual, and sweat dripped from every face as everyone gave their all. The contest was on everyone's mind, and no one was holding back.

  Acki sat in the newly created conference room with Asha, Thorin, and Crimson, their conversation tense and important.

  Thorin spoke, his voice deep:

  "Chief, when will the contest begin? I can't wait any longer."

  Acki replied calmly:

  "It'll begin right after we're done with this discussion. As you probably already know, the third general can't be just anyone from our team. We're all suited for different tasks and responsibilities."

  Crimson, arms crossed, nodded:

  "I agree."

  Thorin chuckled, slamming his hands on the table:

  "Crimson, I've never seen a bigger suck-up than you."

  Crimson remained calm, though internally provoked by Thorin's jab.

  "Calm yourself, Thorin. We’re the generals now. We must act the part."

  Acki smiled, his words warming the atmosphere:

  "You two never stop amusing me, even in serious situations. It's truly a gift to have both of you by my side."

  Their pride swelled with his words, though Asha couldn't hold back.

  "We need to get serious. We don’t have time for nonsense anymore."

  Acki’s smile faded as he grew serious.

  "Yes, Asha’s right. We’ll leave the jokes for later. We need to focus on the contest rounds and how we’ll determine each participant’s score."

  Crimson was the first to speak up with an idea:

  "I think we should have three rounds of different tasks. The first could be something like 'Steal the Flag.' Thorin and I will each hide flags around the area, and the contestants must either work together or alone to steal them while we defend. Whoever secures a flag moves on to the next round."

  Acki’s interest was piqued.

  "I like that idea. Simple, but not easy. I’ll also get my own flag, and the one who steals it can skip the second round as a reward."

  Asha spoke up immediately, concern in her voice:

  "Acki, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re too strong—no one will be able to take it from you. You’d just be wasting your time."

  Acki glanced at her, unwavering.

  "Even if it is a waste of time, I want to see if anyone has the guts to try. I don't mind defending one flag."

  Asha, still worried, added:

  "What if someone gets badly hurt? Your healing magic might be needed."

  Acki reassured her:

  "I doubt it. Thorin and Crimson know how to hold back. And even if someone gets hurt, your healing magic is more than enough."

  Asha fell silent, knowing she couldn’t convince Acki otherwise.

  Thorin finally spoke, his voice eager:

  "I’ve got an idea for the third round. A 1v1 battle between the last two standing. It’d be the best way to determine who is the strongest."

  Crimson nodded.

  "Not bad. And for the second round, it should be a test of intelligence. We can’t afford to have another general who’s just...."

  Acki interrupted, smiling slightly:

  "I’m going to interrupt you right there, Crimson. While I agree that the second round should test intelligence, strength alone is not enough. That said, the rounds are decided. Let’s head out and start the contest."

  Thorin grinned, eager.

  "Finally, time for some action!"

  The air grew thicker with anticipation as they all stood, prepared for what was to come. Crimson, Thorin, Asha, and Acki were ready for the contest, their determination evident.

  As they made their way to the training grounds, the tension mounted. When they arrived, Crimson and Thorin stood beside Acki while Asha remained a step behind. Acki took a deep breath before announcing loudly so his voice could reach everyone.

  "The contest for the third general will begin! Anyone who wants to participate, group up in front of me and get ready for one hell of a fight!"

  As Acki’s voice echoed across the large training grounds, the murmurs began. One by one, participants started gathering in front of him, a total of 15 standing before him. Acki stood tall, proud, seeing his team come together stronger than ever.

  Acki:

  "Before we begin, let me explain the contest rules and how each round will work the contest will have three rounds, each testing a different set of skills."

  Round 1 – Steal the Flag

  Thorin and Crimson will each have multiple flags placed in different locations. Contestants must either work together or go solo to steal them while Thorin and Crimson do everything they can to defend them. If you secure a flag, you move on to the next round.

  To make things more interesting, I’ll also be participating. I’ll have my own flag, and whoever manages to steal mine will be allowed to skip the second round entirely as a reward.

  Round 2 – Trial of Intelligence

  Those who pass the first round will be tested on their wits and problem-solving skills. This round won’t be about brute strength—it will challenge your ability to strategize, think under pressure, and adapt to unexpected situations. Details will be revealed when the time comes.

  Round 3 – Last Man Standing

  The final round will be a one-on-one battle between the remaining contestants. This will determine who is truly worthy of the title of Third General. There are no tricks, no gimmicks—just you, your strength, and your skill in combat.

  Follow the rules, give it your all, and prove that you have what it takes. Let the contest begin!

  the group of 15 cheered their eximent was like no other though one female was the only one that wasnt cheering she was just standing there looking like she was preparedd for anything and everything acki noticed this and couldnt shake off a weird feeling its as if he had never seen her in the group though he brushed it off thinking he just had a bad memory

  As the contestants spread out, getting into position for the first round, Acki's eyes briefly flicked back to the mysterious female. She stood perfectly still, her gaze sharp and unwavering, as if she had already knew she would win. He shook off the feeling once more. There were more important things to focus on.

  Acki: "Alright! The contest starts now. You have thirty minutes to steal a flag. Get ready!"

  The tension in the air was thick as the group scattered in all directions, each contestant setting their sights on a flag. Thorin and Crimson moved to their positions, keeping a careful watch on the participants, their hands resting on their weapons.

  Acki turned his attention to his own flag, placed in the farthest corner of the field. He would give them a chance to try; after all, that’s what the contest was about. He wasn’t going to make it easy for anyone, but he wanted to see who would rise to the challenge.

  The sounds of footsteps and rustling leaves filled the air as contestants strategized. Some ran straight toward their target, while others tried to circle around the defenses. Acki could see Thorin engaging with a few, his massive frame knocking others back with sheer strength. Crimson, though more agile, was using his speed to harass the would-be flag stealers, keeping them on edge with every feint and fake attack.

  As Acki kept his focus, a sharp movement to his right caught his eye—the female he had noticed earlier. She wasn’t charging for a flag like everyone else. Instead, she moved slowly, deliberately, her eyes scanning the field like a hawk. It was like she wasn’t even looking for a flag, but was analyzing the entire field and everyone on it, calculating each potential move.

  Acki furrowed his brow. There was something different about her. She wasn’t just participating—she was studying. The others were rushing in, focused on their individual goals, but she was playing the long game.

  Before he could think on it further, a shout broke his concentration.

  Crimson had injuered a contestant on acciedent

  Acki turned to see Crimson holding one of the contestents trying to tend to his wound

  Thorin: you dumbass we were supposed to go easy on them

  Crimson worried but luckily asha was near and took the contestent away to tend to his wound

  Crimson disapointed in himself had no other choice but to contined guarding his flags

  As the first round went on, the number of contestants slowly dwindled. Acki observed closely, noting who was quick, who worked together, and who had the strategy to stand out. Eventually, after some tense moments and a few close calls, only five people remained. Among them was the quiet female, still calm and composed, and she had successfully secured a flag without drawing attention to herself.

  Acki’s curiosity about her grew with each passing minute. There was no sign of panic or hesitation in her movements. She looedd as if she had been preparing for this moment her for a long time.

  As the buzzer for the first round sounded, signaling the end, Acki called everyone back into the center of the field.

  Acki: "Alright, those who secured a flag, step forward. The rest, you’re out of the contest."

  One by one, the successful contestants stepped forward, and to no one’s surprise, the female was among them. She didn’t smile, didn’t gloat—she simply stood there, watching Acki, waiting for the next step.

  Acki looked at the five who remained, a smile creeping onto his face. “You’ve all earned your place in the second round. But don’t get too comfortable. This next round will test your minds, not your strength. Get ready for the Trial of Intelligence.”

  The remaining contestants murmured among themselves, some looking excited, others uncertain. But for the quiet female, there was no change in her demeanor. She simply nodded once.

  Acki locked eyes with her for a moment, something about her unsettling calmness sending a small, inexplicable shiver down his spine. He dismissed it. The remaining contestants gathered in a tense circle, waiting for the next round to begin. Acki stood in the center, his expression unreadable. The quiet female was already staring at him, her eyes sharp and focused, but there was something else about her, something different from the others.

  Acki: "Round two begins now. This round will test your intelligence and adaptability. I’ll create a scenario in your minds. It will feel as real as the battlefield itself, and your task will be to navigate through it using only your wits and your ability to strategize. There are no physical weapons here, just your mind and your instincts. If you fail to make the right decisions, you’ll be out. Understood?"

  The contestants nodded in agreement, though there was a palpable tension in the air. Acki closed his eyes, drawing on his magic. His aura flared briefly, and before anyone could react, the world around them began to warp and twist.

  The training grounds vanished. In its place, a vast battlefield stretched before them—smoke rising from smoldering ruins, the sound of distant screams echoing in the air. The contestants were no longer in the field; they were standing at the frontlines of a war facing an enemy they couldn’t see but knew was there. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the air felt thick with the weight of danger.

  Acki: "You are soldiers on the verge of battle. Your army is outnumbered, and your objective is clear: break through enemy lines and take control of the strategic position ahead. There are obstacles, traps, and ambushes waiting. You can choose to fight, strategize, or even retreat—but each choice you make will have consequences."

  The contestants stood still, looking around as the world solidified around them. The female’s expression didn’t change—she was already analyzing the terrain, her eyes darting between points of cover, assessing the best path forward.

  Acki looked intensly. She had the look of someone who had been in this kind of battle before. The others, on the other hand, were still adjusting to the sudden shift in reality. Some looked around confused, others clutched their weapons tightly, unsure of where to go.

  Acki: "The clock is ticking. Choose wisely."

  The challenge had begun. The contestants quickly scattered, some rushing forward toward the open field, others searching for cover. Acki’s eyes followed the female, who took a different approach. She moved with calm precision, her eyes focused on the surroundings as if she had seen it all before. She crouched low, taking cover behind a rock, her movements deliberate.

  Meanwhile, a few of the others faltered. One contestant attempted to charge headfirst into the enemy lines, only to be ambushed by an invisible foe, falling to the ground with a sharp cry of pain. Another hesitated, unsure of where to go, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden pressure. One by one, they were eliminated as they made poor decisions under the mental strain.

  Acki watched, intrigued, as the female contestant moved with deadly accuracy, bypassing traps, and sensing the danger before it even struck. She avoided the major ambushes, using stealth to advance while others blundered ahead recklessly. Her focus remained unbroken, her mind seemingly unaffected by the chaos unfolding around her.

  As the battle raged on, Acki noticed another contestant, who had been on the edge of failure, suddenly find his footing. He wasn’t as sharp as the female, but he displayed resourcefulness, using the environment to his advantage. He, too, found a way to the objective, overcoming the odds with quick thinking.

  Acki: "Time’s up!"

  The battlefield dissolved just as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving the contestants standing in the center of the training ground once more, breathing heavily as they came to grips with the mental exhaustion.

  Acki surveyed the group, his eyes narrowing slightly as he examined the results.

  Acki: "Those who were able to adapt and make the right choices—step forward."

  One by one, the remaining contestants took a step forward, but it was the female who moved with the most confidence, her calm demeanor unshaken. The other contestant who had displayed resourcefulness, though not perfect, stood with her, his expression resolute.

  Acki looked over them both, a small grin appearing on his face.

  Acki: "You two passed the Trial of Intelligence. The rest... you’re out of the contest."

  The eliminated contestants nodded solemnly, some glancing at each other, while others stared at the two who had succeeded, wondering how they had done it. The female simply gave a nod, acknowledging the result with no further emotion.

  Acki stood still, his gaze sharp as he looked at the final two contenders. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the sound of the crowd seemed distant, almost muffled. He didn’t need to say much; the time for words had passed. Now, it was just about strength, willpower, and survival.

  Acki: "Its time for the last round show your willpower and fight until one of you can’t continue."

  The male and female exchanged a brief glance, their expressions unreadable. They both knew the weight of this battle.

  Acki: "Before the fight, I want to hear why you think you deserve to be the Third General. Tell me your names."

  The male was the first to step forward. His presence was imposing, his voice steady and sure, as if he’d already made up his mind.

  Luther: "I’m Luther. I’ve fought through every challenge thrown at me. I’ve seen what it takes to lead, and I’ll fight to protect this team. I deserve this title."

  There was no hesitation in his words, but a slight undercurrent of urgency, as though he wasn’t just fighting for a title, but to prove something more.

  Then the female stepped forward. Her expression remained calm, her body language controlled. She didn’t show the same fire as Luther, but her focus was unwavering.

  Nora: "I’m Nora. I’m here to protect the people Ive found in this new life. This isn’t about glory—it’s about ensuring the safety of the people I fight with. I’ll do whatever it takes."

  Acki studied them both for a moment, weighing their words and the silent resolve in their stances. He gave a slight nod.

  Acki: "Let’s see if you can turn those reasons into the strength to win."

  With a swift motion, he dropped his hand, signaling the start.

  Luther charged first, his steps heavy and deliberate. His fists were ready to strike, and the force behind them was like a battering ram. Nora, however, stayed calm. She watched him closely, her movements fluid and measured. When he reached her, she sidestepped and grabbed his wrist, twisting it and using his momentum to throw him off balance.

  Luther recovered quickly, his face hardening, but he didn’t hesitate. He came at her again, faster this time, throwing quick jabs. Nora dodged with ease, her eyes cold and calculating. She wasn’t trying to overpower him—she was controlling the pace of the fight, forcing Luther to chase her.

  Each time he attacked, she was a step ahead, her movements precise. Luther’s frustration grew as he couldn’t land a single hit. His breathing was heavier now, his muscles starting to burn with the effort. But he wasn’t about to give up. He feinted a punch, causing Nora to dodge, then quickly swept low, aiming to knock her down.

  Nora’s eyes flickered, and in an instant, she executed a flawless counter, flipping him onto the ground with a swift motion. The crowd gasped, but Luther didn’t stay down. He pushed himself up, sweat dripping down his face, his fists clenched.

  Luther: "I’m not done yet!"

  He came at her again, more determined this time. Nora stood her ground, her eyes steady, her expression unreadable. She didn’t rush, didn’t falter. She moved with the same calm precision, always one step ahead.

  The fight went on, a battle of two skilled fighters. Nora wasn’t just fighting to win—she was dismantling Luther’s strategy, forcing him to exhaust himself while she conserved her energy. With each move, she proved that it wasn’t just physical strength that mattered—it was control, intelligence, and timing.

  Nora: "You’re slowing down."

  Her words were almost casual, but they hit their mark. Luther’s frustration reached its peak. His next attack was wild, a desperate flurry of strikes that lacked the precision of earlier. Nora evaded them easily, waiting for the perfect moment.

  When it came, she struck swiftly, locking him in a hold that left him no room to escape.

  Acki watched silently, his gaze unwavering as he observed every movement.

  It was clear who the victor of the third round was—and who would be the Third General. Nora stood her calm and controlled movements having outlasted and outsmarted her opponent. The outcome was undeniable.

  Acki stepped up

  Acki: "You’ve earned it. From now on, you are the Third General of Crownless Unity."

  Nora gave a brief nod, acknowledging the title but showing no sign of celebration. She was focused, her mind already on the challenges ahead.

  Nora: "Thank you."

  Without another word, Acki turned and walked away, leaving Nora to face the cheering crowd.