Degrade from Nobility to a Humble Slave

Paved with ordinary limestone slabs and decorated with neatly trimmed verdant grass on both sides, it looked like any other road in the empire. The road turned and twisted, stretching away as far as the eye could see.

Participants who had registered for the initial exam seemed pretty confident and relaxed as they stood in line. Refining had strengthened their body, so for them, running was child's play. Most of them were quite sure that they would breeze through the exam.

The white-bearded old man gave a signal, and the exam began.

All candidates broke into a run. Just then something strange happened. The lead runners stumbled and sank to the ground, making a perfect pratfall.

Only a few people reacted quickly enough to recover their balance. They pulled themselves together and carried on running forward.

This incident gave the others an indication that there was something unusual about this road. They were more careful where they set foot on the road. Although no one else fell, since the candidates were being careful, their speed reduced. It looked as if they were carrying a thousand pounds of weight.

After the first few batches set off on the road, it was Zen's turn.

He approached the edge of the square and stepped out slowly. Instantly he felt an invisible pressure. As he tried to lift his foot, he found that his legs felt leaden.

It was an odd feeling.

stepped on to the road, the pressure encased him completely. Every inch of his skin

normal, the air pressure seemed much

able to control his breathing. With enough food to supply his body with energy, he could

him out quickly. He wasn't sure how long he would last. Since he had lit up two dragon scales and his body had been

a light cry he mustered every ounce of strength, tightened

pressure almost instantly. They continued to run at a brisk pace as

participants were unable to

strength after only three hundred feet. As their bodies gave up, they fell on the road. They were so exhausted

panting and staggering. The effort to maintain their pace against the invisible pressure was clearly visible. It appeared as though they would drop at

or eight miles, Zen noticed that some participants began to drop back as time wore on, and the

as this was

"Zen!"

to him. It was Nory, the boy he had met the day before. His

Zen replied with a smile.

Even though you are running under such