Chapter 8: Trial of Shadows

Apathy stood in the centre of the academy's sparring arena, encircled by other soul users of his age. Each of them possessed unique abilities, their soul energy radiating potential. The air crackled with anticipation, and the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of eager participants.

Sylara, the enigmatic woman who had guided him here, positioned herself at the edge of the arena. Her eyes, mysterious and deep, surveyed the assembly with an intensity that spoke of profound knowledge and experience.

"Today," she began, her voice laden with authority, "you will undergo the Trial of Shadows. It is a test of your abilities, your resolve, and your control over your soul energy. In this trial, you will face one another in combat, a challenge that will stretch your limits."

Sylara's words were accompanied by an enigmatic gesture, and the sparring arena buzzed with energy as participants readied themselves. Apathy's heart beat with an empty echo, void of emotion but filled with determination.

As the battles unfolded, Apathy was paired with his one of his peers they bowed to each other as everyone else sat in the stands a few meters away. they took some training weapons from the stand to the side, here apathy chose the longsword because it felt the best in his hands. he held the sword in his left hand as he exchanged a glance with his opponent who only scoffed. Apathy thought it was about time he humbled someone.

quickly the man looking over their match blew his whistle quickly his opponent closed the gap slashing forward, Apathy blocked rigidly causing his bones to creek but still he had his plain face, he reacted quickly weaving through an onslaught of attacks from his opponent quickly followed by a parry batting away his sword before a solid strike to the head completely breaking his nose quickly followed by a leg sweep quickly Apathy climbed on top of his opponent while he was gasping for air and dropped his weapon to pummel the boys face with his fists which lead to the referee to stop the fight. The boy half dead

Through the duels, Apathy felt his abilities evolving. He was learning to harness his soul energy more efficiently and to adapt to the unpredictability of his opponents. finally the final bout between Apathy and the other boy who was at the top of their group but as Apathy prepared for his next match in the sparring arena, a fellow participant named Roderic approached him with an air of arrogance. Roderic's soul energy pulsed with confidence, and his smug expression revealed his belief that he could easily defeat Apathy.

"You're my opponent, huh?" Roderic sneered, sizing up Apathy with a haughty demeanour. "I hope you're ready to be utterly crushed. You're looking at someone who's destined to be the strongest soul user here."

Apathy met Roderic's boastful gaze with his empty one. He remained silent, devoid of arrogance or insecurity. The void within him seemed to unnerve Roderic, who expected a more typical response.

Roderic scoffed, dismissing Apathy's lack of reaction. "You can't even put up a fight, can you? Just stand there and let me show you what real power looks like."

The match began, and as Roderic lunged toward Apathy with a burst of soul energy, he quickly realized that Apathy's emptiness held a depth he hadn't anticipated. Apathy moved with precision and grace, evading Roderic's attacks effortlessly. With a well-timed counter, Apathy sent Roderic sprawling to the ground.

Roderic, humbled by the defeat, struggled to regain his composure. He couldn't fathom how someone who appeared so empty could possess such formidable skills.

Apathy offered no words of triumph or condescension; he simply stood there, his emptiness contrasting with Roderic's shattered arrogance. The match had revealed that beneath Apathy's hollow exterior lay a reservoir of untapped potential, and the lesson was a reminder that true strength was not always worn on the surface.

Sylara approached Apathy, her eyes reflecting approval. "You have performed admirably, Apathy. The Trial of Shadows is a crucial step in your journey. It tests not only your strength but your ability to adapt and outwit your fellow soul users. This is a reminder that the world of soul energy is not only about confronting external threats but also understanding the complexities within."

Apathy's hollow existence remained unchanged, but he acknowledged the words with a nod, a mechanical response. "What is the purpose of all this? Why do we need to face each other in combat?"

Sylara's gaze held a profound wisdom. "The world of soul energy is a delicate balance between cooperation and competition. By honing your abilities and proving your strength against one another, you are preparing for the challenges that await in the tower and beyond. It is not only about mastering your own power but also understanding the power dynamics between soul users."

As Apathy absorbed her words, the emptiness within him remained, but he knew that the mysteries of his newfound power and the enigmatic tower were intrinsically linked to the complexities of the world itself. His journey, devoid of emotion but filled with purpose, had only just begun, and the revelations that awaited him were as infinite as the depths of his soul.