Chapter 1: Chapter 1

"City of Orario is one of the few free cities that has avoided any type of subjugation from any type of external forces. It is also the only city that has been built surrounding a dungeon (one of the most dangerous one at that), unlike the usual and not to say- logical trend to built away from it; gaining the reputed title of 'Brave city of Adventurers'.
Due to its unique feature -- adventurers, researchers, merchants, chambers of commerce and as well representatives of several/most religions had come to the city over time. One could find people of all races, religions, cultures and surprisingly, backgrounds too.
From last 10 years or so, Windson family is the ruling family in city, thanks to the Lord Windson for breaking through the 'Vaishya' realm and entering the half step boundary all the years ago. Lot of blood was spilled even then."

"Did you even ask them, why are they going to Orario?"

"What are you even talking about? Do we ever have tourists visiting in Orario, you little brat. Ofcourse they are here to try their luck with dungeon. Adventurers or travelling merchants, I dont care. If one wants to live in Orario, one deals with dungeon and the forces that crouch behind the walls."

*sigh*"Or they could be here for the admission trials that are going on for a month. Remember now, I told you before we left for our business. Tomorrow's the last day for trials to end."

*chuckle*"Don't worry about it. Although we are here for admission trials, it's still useful information your father is giving us."

"Mmhm"

*Thump*"See? So, as I was saying..."
As the old man kept up with his story, carriage slowly but surely drew closer to the gates of the Great City of Orario.

...

Great City of Orario, City gates

Infront of the mighty gate of Orario two entrances-- one for permanent residents and one for visitors were open. A long queue of shabby and grand carriages, mounts and people on foot could be counted in hundreds or even in thousands in front of the visitors entrance despite the fact that sun had started to slowly rise and soon will be at it's mightiest.

"I didn't think these admission trials were such a big deal," old man muttered.

"Of course they are, father. That is the reason they hold these events only in free cities; something about trials needing to remain unbiased," young man said.

"Aren't you a know-it-all."*thump*

"Is this the first time trials are being held here?" a curious voice reached the ears of father and young man from behind. 

"Yes. Although there are only few free cities across all the continents that's only true when said relatively. All the major academies and sects usually select one of the free cities every 5 years or so and hold trials there. While many would say that cities are chosen after a collective discussion, I am inclined to believe that they choose randomly, like a lucky draw."
Owner of these new voices are two 14 year old identical twins. Looking at the two, although they have same features like black hairs, same eye color and light skin tone; some minor distinguishing features could also be seen. Prominently, while one has sharp expression other had gentle expression. While one looked ready to kill, other had a charming smile.

"That's right. I am surprised you knew Saras," young man said.

"Don't be, he is the real know-it-all. I am surprised you kept it in and didn't spread your ocean of knowledge sooner, like a blabbermouth you are," other twin mocked Saras.

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"Don't mind my brother. Arthur's 'ready-to-kill' expression is only to hide the fact that he has poor social skills. A kind of a 'mask' if I must say," Saras countered.

"WHAT did you say, you blabber-mouth," Arthur shouted.

"Yelling in front of thousands of people around only proves my point you know," Saras spoke calmly.

"You, moth--"

"Whoa, whoa calm down you two," old man interjected. "Look the line has started to move, and rapidly at that. Tell me how much money did you bring."

"We have 50 bronze each," Saras said worriedly.

"That's way too less. Especially with the trials going on. Here take this as debt. I like you two a lot and I consider myself a good judge of character: so after two weeks of travelling I know I can trust you," old man threw a bag of coins towards Saras. "Your trials are these afternoon, right. Take my son with you, if you fail the trials come to my Violet chamber of Commerce, I sure can use some sturdy hands like you two. And if you do pass-- hehe, just add a 15% interest for one day. Return it back when you make it big."
Seeing the bag of coins a sigh of relief escaped Saras. Their pockets were already light as they were, and the long queue gave an omnious feeling to Saras' pockets.

"We have 100 bronze alr--"

"STFU," Saras glared daggers at Arthur. He then gave one of the brightest smile to old man and his young man and bowed respectfully, "We shall not forget your patronage, Uncle Yan."
Arthur followed suit.

"Hahaha... you better not," old man laughed loudly. "Well then, shoo off already now."
Old man rode his carriage away.

"He finally went, I thought he'd never," sighed Arthur.

"Wow, be a little more rude to our guide's father," Saras replied in sarcastic tone. "That way we are sure to reach our destination safe and sound."

*chuckle*"No worries. I know my father could be bit much on ears," said Ben (old man's son). "Let's go now."
Two followed Ben towards the queue which is growing shorter by the second. It's as if someone has opened an free entry without any restrictions.

"Isn't line moving way too fast not to mention steadily?" Saras asked eyeing the line of people getting shorter.

"Yes, and there is a reason for it. Don't ask I won't tell you, it is more fun if you don't now."
Saras and Arthur stared confusedly at each other but didn't ask any more questions.

After some 15 minutes or so, Saras saw an elderly couple at a distance. Their demeanor was extremely calm, a low smile hung on their faces as they simply stood there with their eyes closed. Somehow Saras got the feeling that the two are not what they seem and are extremely unfathomable. As Saras kept staring towards their faces with a questioning look, an eerie feeling of being watched all over even in his most hidden places enveloped him. Every ounce of his muscles tightened and all of his will was used just so he wouldn't shiver.

"Strong," looking at his side Saras saw Arthur mutter with a slight pale face.

'It is as uncle Robert said,' a determined look flashed in twins' eyes as their blood started to boiled with excitement.

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