ASTAKONA [COURSE EIGHT]
Chapter 11

The long-awaited day has finally arrived. Bhai had brought Zara to Nakasta one week earlier the trip to Nakasta took days. After a week-long voyage on board, they finally arrived at the port of Nakasta. That morning, the entire city hilariously welcomed the arrival of the new candidates of the academy. 

The streets are filled with a variety of interesting merchants and trades. Amazing shows are also held in various corners of the city. Nakasta Port was no less crowded, large ships came with passengers from eight different countries. 

Thousands of young people disembarked from the ships, including Bhai and Zara from Gunik, their homeland. The two brothers stepped out of the ship, carrying cloth bags behind them. Around him, passengers from other ships carried their own baggage.

Zara was so impressed by the atmosphere in Nakasta. This was the first time he had set foot in this city. Bhai smiled seeing the excitement of the village girl. "Fun, living in the city? All the colors and the life that has always been here" Bhai said.

Zara nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's so fun!"

Zara's eyes were fixed on a bakery, and she immediately ran over to him. He bought some bread and gave one to Bhai. "I wonder, how can you have money without working?" ask Bhai kepo.

Zara explained that the money came from her family's estate that was left behind since she was a child. The wealth is so abundant that it can suffice up to seven generations into the future. However, Zara's heart was sad because all her family members had died, so she never felt the affection of small children in general.

Bhai felt sympathy. She hugged Zara tightly and said, "Let's just say I'm part of your family now."

Highlight Zara's eyes beaming. Her tears flowed slowly, falling on the bread seeds she ate. "Thank you," Zara whispered with great feeling. Bhai's warm and affectionate feelings made him feel no longer alone.

Astakona Academy, a legendary and mysterious place, holds a myriad of secrets and wonders behind its magnificent gates. The tall tower that rises above the hill gives a beautiful view over the entire Nakasta, and when the announcement is made, the sound pours through the sky, reaching the ears of every citizen of the city.

With the heart pounding, the parents waiting outside the gate felt a tremor of excitement. Tenteen huge doors opened wide, inviting them to step inside and pursue their dreams. Zara and Bhai are among the people jostling in, eager to witness the magic of Astakona Academy.

After stepping inside, Zara's gaze was instantly swept away by the astonishing sight. It was as if he had entered the magical palace of fairy tales, majestic buildings and beautiful gardens greeted them. This academy was so vast, it was even larger than a city. Every corner of it is filled with life, art, and science.

"Bhai, look! This is awesome!" squeak Zara with sparkling eyes.

Bhai smiled with satisfaction at Zara's admiration. "Yes, it's amazing. We are at Astakona Academy, a place where talent and expertise are meticulously welcomed and honed."

They were all directed to the arena and enrolled there while being guided by senior students there.

They walk through corridors filled with beautiful murals that tell the stories of legends from the past. Along the way, they met with teachers and students who excitedly welcomed their arrival.

Arriving at the Arena Arena, a magnificent colosseum that became a registration container at the Astakona Academy, Zara and other prospective students enthusiastically enrolled. Their parents were directed to sit in chairs lined up like stairs around the arena, while the new participants had to wait their turn in different halls.

On that day, the number of registrants reached 5 thousand people, but the maximum quota received for one year was 3,200 people.

The first stage of testing begins. Each participant was challenged to capture as many mice as possible that were released to collect eyes. Those who fail or get the lowest eye will be eliminated at this stage.

The second stage is a more challenging one. Of the remaining 4,600 participants, only 3,000 made it through challenging obstacles, such as fire barriers, water barriers, and ground barriers. Many of them fell, were injured, or even gave up because of the difficulties they faced. However, Zara diligently went through all those obstacles without knowing fear.

When only 3,000 people remained, they were at the last stage where their astakona abilities were tested. Every village employee from boarding villages, such as White, Black, Blue, Mustard, Maroon, Seij, Purple, and Brown, must choose a suitable candidate to represent their village.

However, attention was drawn to a participant named Zara, the last participant of the day, who told him that he was just a Tias, a martial arts expert with weapons, who was a, but not a holder of astakona like other participants.

When this fact was revealed, everyone became shocked and confused because normally this academy only accepted participants with astakona powers. One of the village employees from Purple village even mocked Zara with a skeptical tone, "Choose you guys. I'm not gonna take a student like that."

At the same time, Bhai from a distance, he stood up from his seat and left the arena and walked out of the academy.

However, a village employee from Seij village, who had seen Zara's weapons and movements, felt like he had seen this figure before.

"Young girl. You realize that you are Tias. What's your motivation for coming here?" About officer Seij.

"I just want to get out of my finished zone and convince the world that I am a Tias who is not as weak as others thought. So I came here earnestly training myself day and night tirelessly to get here." Answer Zara.

Zara's spirit gave her confidence and the employee volunteered to be Zara's mentor. Although many other village employees were shocked by this decision, Seij's employees were convinced that Zara's expertise in weapons would be a valuable asset.

Seriously, the Seij official replied, "The strength of the astakona is not the only way to succeed here. Your ability to be proficient in weapons is much needed by our village. We want the healer to be able to fight even if he is just a healer."

The other village employees finally nodded in agreement with Seij's employee's decision, and Zara was accepted as a disciple of Seij village even though she was not the holder of the Astakona. This decision surprised many, including the other participants, but Zara felt very grateful for this opportunity.

After the event ended, Zara walked out of the board looking for Bhai restlessly. His heart rippled, as at least Bhai should have given his farewell before leaving.