Trial of Blood and Iron (2)

"Why is he here?" Seth wondered, momentarily stunned by the presence he had thought was nothing more than a myth just moments ago.

"Oh? So these are this year's trial candidates… None of them seem promising," Evander remarked, with no effort to lower his voice.

"Let's get this over with. I have more pressing matters to attend to," he added, his interest in the young hopefuls already waning as he rested his fist against his cheek, propped up by the arm of his chair.

Acknowledging with a curt nod, Sir Vince stepped forward to address them.

"You are about to enter the Thornspire Forest, so there are key things to remember," he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the vast clearing, as if amplified.

"First off, most of the more dangerously powerful beasts have already been dealt with by the knights of the clan, so nothing too overwhelming should be present. However, do not let that make you complacent. Even though the truly lethal monsters on the forest outskirts have been quelled, underestimating what remains will get you killed.

A barrier imbued with 'sword intent' has been placed to prevent the monsters from the forest depths from reaching the trial area. If you encounter it, turn back immediately and head in the opposite direction.

Since none of you have mastered internal force yet, you will quickly and inevitably lose your sense of direction the moment you step into the forest. This is a unique phenomenon of the Thornspire Forest, and since your main objective is survival, you shouldn't waste energy worrying about it.

Vince spoke with firm authority, his words holding the rapt attention of the young challengers.

"Now… to pass this trial, you simply need to survive in the forest for three full days," Vince continued. "Don't worry- once the trial ends, designated instructors will be sent to retrieve you."

He paused before adding, "But that's not all. Hidden among a limited number of beasts in the forest are badges bearing our clan's crest. Successfully retrieving one will grant you a single request from the first layer of the clan's vault- anything you desire."

The trainees' eyes widened in shock, but they quickly composed themselves in the presence of the patriarch.

"So, I urge you- do whatever it takes to obtain them."

Seth didn't miss the intent behind Vince's final statement. He was indirectly encouraging them to fight their fellow trainees if necessary to claim the badges. But this didn't surprise him- this was Blackthorn, a clan of warriors who upheld the ideals of absolute strength. And what better way to achieve it than by weeding out the weak?

"Young master, we'll need to be careful," Emily whispered, having caught on as well.

After Vince finished addressing them, a few more instructors arrived, bringing several racks filled with weapons of all kinds- though most were rusted or worn from years of use.

"Those of you without weapons of your own, choose one from here," an instructor announced, gesturing toward the racks.

The commoner trainees wasted no time complying, while the noble children remained still, having already brought their own weapons.

Hearing this, Seth swiftly stepped forward to make his selection. He chose a crossbow- a weapon he had trained tirelessly to master. Weighing it in his hands, he let a satisfied smile cross his face before rejoining Emily.

"Well then, you may begin!" Vince signaled once everyone was ready.

With that, the Trial of Blood and Iron began. Youngsters, both noble and commoner, rushed into the harrowing forest- some hesitant, others eager to put the results of their weeks of training to the test.

*****

Evander gazed at the surging crowd of youngsters as they rushed into the forest, his thoughts unreadable. He remained silent and aloof, watching until the last of them disappeared into the depths of Thornspire Forest.

Only then did he finally speak.

"Why are you here?"

His words were not directed at Sir Vince, nor at the instructors or knights stationed for protection. Instead, despite maintaining his relaxed posture- his head resting against his fist- his blood-red irises were fixed on the woman standing beside him.

She remained silent for a few moments before finally responding, her voice eerily sweet and soothing.

"Though I usually keep to my quarters, my lord, is it really so strange that I would come to witness our bright young talents carrying out tradition?"

Her tone was fluid and composed, oddly lacking the reverence most people displayed when speaking to him.

"You know that level of deception won't work on me, Natalia," Evander said, his gaze still fixed on her.

At his words, Natalia smiled- or at least, it seemed that way, though her face remained obscured by the veil extending from her hat.

"My lord is truly wise," she replied smoothly. "The truth is, my interest was piqued..."

Her voice carried through the air like a melody, yet this time, it elicited a reaction from the instructors. Only the knights, including Sir Vince, remained unaffected.

"Oh? And what could possibly pique the interest of someone like you?" Evander asked, his tone indifferent. "Please, do tell."

In response, Natalia turned to face him directly.

"Just as you said, that level of deception won't work," she said, her voice suddenly losing its soothing quality, turning cold and sharp. "You already know exactly why I'm here."

Evander held her gaze for a moment before shifting his attention back to the Thornspire Forest.

"Do what you want," he said dismissively. "It doesn't concern me."

"That's the thing, my lord- it does concern you," Natalia said with a hint of amusement. "But as I mentioned, I'm only here to observe… If you don't mind, I'll be taking my leave."

With that, she turned gracefully and made her way toward the carriage that awaited her.

"Vince."

At the sound of his name, Vince appeared beside Evander in an instant, as if he had teleported from his previous position.

"Keep a close watch on her," Evander commanded, his gaze still fixed on the forest. "We can't let her pull something like she did on the Night of the Purple Sky."

"Yes, my lord," Vince responded before vanishing from sight.

*****

Seth was among the many youngsters who felt a sense of trepidation as they approached the forest. However, upon noticing the fearless expression Emily wore, he couldn't help but feel somewhat reassured.

At least, that was the case until he actually stepped inside.

The moment the young half-blood crossed into the forest, his five senses- or rather, six, in his case- went into overdrive, all of them screaming the same command: flee.

The cacophony of sounds from the wildlife rang in his ears, an overwhelming, maddening symphony that made his skin prickle. Every hair on his body stood on end. But that wasn't what unnerved him the most.

As he fought to steady himself against the disorienting sensation, he suddenly realized- Emily was no longer beside him. More than that, the large crowd of trainees who had entered the forest with him had

vanished.

He was completely alone.