They were led to a specific area of the enormous, open men's courtyard, illuminated by a full moon.
Full of newcomers, hundreds of them.
Some crying. Others nervous, others trying to appear strong.
Veterans merely observing, in a circle around them, like guards.
A veteran climbed onto a statue in the center of the courtyard; it was a representation of the figure of Astraeus Eldrath, the founder.
"WELCOME TO THE BAPTISM!"
Shouts, whistles, laughter from the veterans.
A veteran arrived and grabbed Haru, forced his mouth open, and poured liquid over it.
"Drink, damn it!"
"Why me!?" Haru almost spat it out.
"Your mana wasn't properly inhibited! They said you summoned a sword!"
Haru drank immediately, unable to resist.
"You got me..." he said, swallowing.
"Damn it, why did you drink!?" Golden complained. "That would be our trump card! We just had to pretend!"
"Relax..." Haru said.
"Relax!?"
"Relax. I have a plan."
