CHAPTER THIRTY: RECKONING & RESISTANCE

The sun hovered just above the horizon, casting a golden glow over the academy's vast courtyard. Hundreds of students stood in formation, their eyes locked on the elevated stage where Helen stood, her presence commanding yet composed.

Behind her, the academy's banner fluttered in the morning breeze, the emblem of Ashwood Haven gleaming in the light. The murmurs among the students died down as she raised a hand, signaling for silence.

Helen's gaze swept over them, her expression calm yet firm. "Welcome, everyone. I know rumors have been spreading, so let me confirm it now—The Abyss Reckoning is officially happening."

Excitement rippled through the crowd, whispers breaking out. Some students grinned in anticipation, while others tensed, already feeling the weight of the challenge ahead.

Helen continued, "This tournament is unlike any other. It will push you beyond your limits, test your strength, your mind, and most importantly—your ability to survive. Only the best will earn the right to represent the academy in real-world missions."

The weight of her words settled over them, the previous excitement now laced with tension.

"The tournament will be divided into three rounds. Each round will challenge a different aspect of your abilities. Here's what you need to know—"

She lifted her hand, and a large screen materialized behind her, displaying the structure of the tournament.

Round One: The Trial of Tenacity

"The first round is an elimination challenge. You'll be thrown into a massive battlefield filled with obstacles, illusions, and dangerous creatures. The goal? Survive. Only those who endure to the end will move on to the next round."

Gasps echoed through the crowd. Some students clenched their fists in determination, while others exchanged nervous glances.

Round Two: The Forced Protection

"If you pass Round One, you will move to The Forced Protection. Here, you will be grouped into teams. The challenge? Protect a designated target while fending off relentless attacks. You will be tested not just on combat skills but also on teamwork and strategy."

Some students groaned at the mention of teams, while others seemed intrigued.

Round Three: The Abyss Reckoning

"The final round will be revealed only to those who reach it. But I will say this—it will be the most grueling trial yet. Only the strongest, the smartest, and the most adaptable will stand victorious."

Silence followed her words, the air thick with anticipation. Then, Helen's sharp gaze met the crowd.

"This is not a simple competition. It is a test to determine who is truly worthy of carrying the academy's banner beyond these walls." Her voice carried unwavering authority. "If you fear pain, if you fear hardship, walk away now. But if you believe you have what it takes—prove it."

A moment passed before an uproar erupted—cheers, shouts, and determined cries filled the courtyard. The challenge had been set.

Helen nodded approvingly before stepping back, allowing the excitement to settle. The tournament would begin in a few minutes.

........ ✍️

A thick, unnatural darkness hung over the Obsidian Wastes, swallowing the land in eternal gloom. Unlike the lush plains of the Shadow Realm, this place was barren—nothing grew, nothing thrived, only shifting, living shadows that slithered across the cracked ground like ink bleeding through stone.

Selena stood in the center of the wasteland, her arms crossed as she observed the eerie terrain. The oppressive silence made it feel like the shadows themselves were waiting, watching.

Sophia, standing beside her, gestured toward the swirling darkness surrounding them. "This is where the lost shadows roam," she explained. "Fragments of Tenebri long forgotten. They seek a host… but they will consume anyone who isn't strong enough to control them."

Selena met her gaze, unfazed. "Good," she said. "I don't want a weak shadow."

Sophia studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Then sit. Close your eyes. You must absorb the surrounding shadows and make them your own. But be warned…" Her voice dropped slightly. "They will fight back. They will try to break you. If you fail, they will devour you from the inside out."

Selena smirked. "Sounds like a challenge." Without hesitation, she dropped to the ground and crossed her legs, placing her hands on her knees.

Sophia sighed. "I hope your confidence isn't misplaced," she muttered before turning away. "You're on your own now." With that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving Selena completely alone in the Wastes.

The silence pressed in. The darkness thickened.

Selena took a deep breath and closed her eyes, reaching out with her mind, drawing in the shadows around her. At first, they slithered toward her eagerly, wrapping around her arms, her legs, her torso. But then…

A sharp pain shot through her skull. A deep, guttural whisper echoed in her mind.

You are unworthy.

Selena's body jerked as the shadows lashed against her, trying to force their way inside, clawing at her soul. Her breath hitched, but she gritted her teeth.

No. I will not lose.

The struggle had begun.

Selena's breathing grew ragged as the shadows wrapped around her like writhing serpents, sinking into her skin. A searing cold flooded her veins, spreading through her body like liquid ice. The whisper from before grew into a chorus of voices, each one clawing at the edges of her mind.

You are weak.

You are nothing without your father's name.

You cannot control us. We will consume you.

Selena clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as she pushed back against the invading force. She could feel them testing her, searching for cracks in her resolve, for fear, for weakness.

I won't lose.

Her own voice echoed in her mind, but the shadows snarled in response, tightening around her like a noose.

You will break.

A sharp pain stabbed into her chest. It felt as though icy talons were sinking into her heart, trying to rip her apart from the inside. For a split second, she felt her own strength slipping.

Memories she had long buried resurfaced against her will—Seth's warm laughter, his hand ruffling her hair, his voice calling her his "little warrior." Then his lifeless body, blood staining his clothes, his scythe slipping from his grasp.

A violent force crashed into her mind, drowning her in an ocean of whispers.

You are not worthy.

You are weak.

Submit.

Selena gritted her teeth, gripping onto her willpower. "No," she hissed. "You will obey me."

The shadows twisted around her, seeping into her skin. A sudden, piercing cold flooded her veins, and pain exploded in her chest as if her very soul were being clawed apart.

Her breathing hitched. Too much. It's too much.

The whispers turned into laughter, mocking her, suffocating her.

Then the voices changed.

Seth's voice.

"You can't handle this, little warrior."

Selena's eyes widened in horror. "No... that's not—"

"You've always been chasing my shadow, haven't you?"

A sharp, searing pain tore through her mind. Her body convulsed. The shadows were taking over, swallowing her whole.

I can't…

Darkness engulfed her vision. Her heartbeat slowed.

Just as she was about to lose herself completely, warmth enveloped her. A force pulled her away from the abyss, tearing her from the clutches of the shadows.

The next thing she knew, she was gasping for air, her body trembling violently. Strong hands steadied her, and a familiar voice spoke above her.

"Breathe, Selena. You're safe now."

Sophia.

Selena's vision swam as she found herself in Sophia's home, lying on a soft bed. The agony had subsided, but the humiliation burned just as fiercely.

She had lost.

.... ✍️

The Abyss Reckoning Begins

The tension in the air was thick with excitement. Hundreds of students had gathered in the grand training grounds of Ashwood Haven Academy, forming a semi-circle around Helen, who stood elevated on a stone podium. The morning sun cast long shadows over the field, but all eyes were fixed on her as she raised a hand for silence.

"The Abyss Reckoning… begins now," she announced, her voice carrying through the grounds. A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd.

Helen continued, "This tournament will test your strength, strategy, and teamwork. It is not just about individual skill but about learning how to rely on those beside you. The first round is a battle of endurance. You will face relentless, shifting challenges designed to push you beyond your limits. Only those who prove themselves worthy will advance."

I stood among the contestants, arms crossed, my usual scowl in place. Ken stood beside him, hands in his pockets, looking relaxed but alert—he's been hovering around me like a fly ever since our first meeting. Nicole, on the other hand, practically vibrated with anticipation.

New faces filled the grounds—students of varying strengths, all determined to prove themselves. Among them, a few stood out:

Darian Volk – A tall, broad-shouldered fighter with dark, stone-like skin that gleamed under the sunlight. A user of Granite Flesh, an ability that made his body nearly indestructible.

Sylvaine Oris – A girl with silver hair that flowed like liquid mercury, her sharp eyes analyzing everyone. She wielded Eclipse Chains, which could wrap around opponents and drain their energy.

Rael Myrick – A slim, roguish-looking boy with a permanent smirk. His ability, Specter Stride, allowed him to phase in and out of reality for brief moments, making him nearly impossible to hit.

As Helen finished her speech, the students were given time to survey their opponents before the round began. That's when one of them approached me—exactly what I wanted, I sigh

A tall figure with jet-black hair and piercing golden eyes stepped forward, his movements deliberate. His aura carried an unmistakable presence of power, and as he stopped in front of me, a slow smirk played on his lips.

"You're Liam, aren't you?" His voice was smooth, almost amused.

I met his gaze with a bored look as I gnored his question.

The boy tilted his head. "I've heard a lot about you. Some say you're a prodigy. Others think you're just a reckless brute riding on past glory."

Ken raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange. Nicole stiffened slightly.

My jaw tightened but I still say nothing.

The boy chuckled. "I'll be watching you closely. Try not to disappoint me."

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Ken leaned in, grinning. "Looks like you've got a fan."

I exhaled sharply and yawned widely.

From above, Helen observed everything, her eyes sharp. The tournament had only just begun, but the undercurrents of rivalry were already in motion.

"Let the first trial begin," she declared, and with a single gesture, the arena transformed.

At Helen's command, the ground beneath us trembled. The once-flat training field twisted and morphed, rising into jagged cliffs, sinking into deep pits, and splitting into treacherous platforms barely held together by thin, shadowy bridges.

"Welcome to the Trial of Endurance," Helen announced. "Your task is simple—survive for one hour. The environment will shift, dangers will emerge, and if you fall or concede, you're out."

The air crackled with anticipation. Then—

BOOM!

The ground erupted. Giant spires of darkness shot up from below, forcing students to scramble for balance. Some barely managed to leap in time as the terrain shifted unpredictably. Others were thrown off immediately, swallowed by the abyss below. They reappeared moments later outside the arena, disqualified.

I barely moved. I stood firm as the terrain changed around me, studying my surroundings. Ken, standing nearby, exhaled in amusement. "Not bad. This might actually be fun."

Nicole, however, was already on the move, hopping across the unsteady platforms with a nimble grace. She turned back toward I and Ken. "Come on! We can't just stand here!"

I ignored her. My eyes flicked across the battlefield. I wasn't interested in rushing anywhere—I was watching the competition.

Darian Volk slammed his fist into the ground, causing the stone beneath him to harden and reinforce his footing. His Granite Flesh made him immovable, even as the terrain tried to shake him off.

Sylvaine Oris lashed out with her Eclipse Chains, using them to latch onto floating debris and swing from platform to platform.

Rael Myrick blurred in and out of sight, dodging collapsing ground with ease.

And then, there was the one who had approached me earlier—the boy with golden eyes. He stood completely still as a crumbling ledge beneath him gave way, allowing himself to fall… only for tendrils of darkness to catch him and pull him back up.

I narrowed my eyes. The boy has control over the shadows too.

A sudden roar filled the air. From the depths of the shifting battlefield, massive shadow beasts emerged—nightmarish creatures formed from living darkness. Their hollow eyes gleamed as they turned their attention to the students.

A panicked scream rang out as one of the creatures lunged, grabbing an unfortunate contestant and hurling them out of the arena.

Helen's voice echoed above them. "Ah, I forgot to mention—surviving also means not getting devoured."

I scoffed. "Of course."

Ken cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Alright, let's get to work."

Nicole readied herself, determination flashing in her eyes.

I exhaled, my fingers twitching as shadows curled at my feet.

The real test had begun.

The battlefield descended into pandemonium as the shadow beasts surged forward. Students scattered in every direction—some fighting back, others desperately trying to survive.

Ken reacted first. With a swift motion, he drew his gun and fired, the bullets charged with electricity. The first beast recoiled as the shot struck its core, disintegrating into wisps of darkness.

Nicole, nimble and quick, leapt between platforms, her blade slicing through a lunging creature. "Liam, a little help would be nice!" she called out.

I didn't move. I stood perfectly still, observing everything—the shifting terrain, the students' reactions, the beasts' movements. I'm not here to show off. I'm here to win.

A guttural chuckle broke through the chaos.

"You don't look too worried," a voice remarked.

I turned m head slightly. The golden-eyed boy stood a few feet away, untouched by the beasts. Shadows curled around his feet, responding to his presence.

"You're an interesting one," the boy continued. "But I wonder… are you strong enough to survive?"

Without warning, he lifted his hand, and the shadows around him surged toward me like striking vipers.

I reacted instantly. My own shadow flared up, intercepting the attack mid-air. The two forces clashed, sending ripples of dark energy crackling through the battlefield.

Ken whistled. "Well, looks like Liam made a friend."

Nicole frowned. "That guy… he's dangerous."

I remained silent, my eyes locked onto my opponent. I wasn't sure who this guy was yet, but one thing was clear—this wasn't just a game to him.

This was a challenge.

And I never back down from a challenge.

I deflected another wave of shadows, my scythe cutting through the tendrils with precision. My opponent stood firm, golden eyes burning with confidence. The way he wielded the darkness—it wasn't just skill. It was instinctive, controlled.

I narrowed my eyes. No outsider should be able to manipulate shadows like that.

"Who the hell are you?" I asked, irritation lacing my voice.

The boy smirked, twirling a strand of darkness between his fingers. "Mack," he said. "Mack Remmick."

My grip on my scythe tightened. "Remmick?" My tone darkened. "You expect me to believe that?"

Mack let out a low chuckle. "Believe it or don't, I don't care. But we share blood, however distant." His smirk widened. "Though, unlike you, I was actually raised with our family's legacy."

I scoffed. "Tch. So you think that makes you special?"

Mack's golden eyes gleamed. "It means I don't waste my power." He raised his hand, and the shadows around him coiled and sharpened into jagged spears. "And I don't take it for granted."

With a flick of his wrist, the spears shot forward.

I reacted instantly, spinning his scythe to cut through the incoming projectiles. The impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, forcing nearby students to stagger back. Dust and shadow residue swirled, shrouding the two fighters in darkness.

Mack wasted no time. He lunged forward, his fists wrapped in pulsating black tendrils. He struck at my gut, but I twisted away, retaliating with a sharp swing of my scythe. Mack ducked just in time, his smirk never fading.

Ken, watching from a distance, let out a low chuckle. "Damn. This is the first time I've seen someone match Liam's movements."

Nicole's fingers tensed around her blade. "This isn't just some rivalry… This fight is personal."

I was growing impatient. I pivoted mid-air, bringing my scythe down with devastating force. Mack raised his arm, forming a thick shield of shadows to absorb the impact. The collision sent a violent gust across the field, forcing students to shield their faces.

Mack grinned through the strain. "Come on, cousin. You're holding back."

My eyes flickered with irritation. "We're barely related."

Mack shrugged. "Close enough."

Before I could react, Mack shoved his palm forward, releasing a concentrated blast of shadow energy that sent me skidding back.

I dug my heels into the ground, stopping myself.

I exhaled sharply, rolling my shoulders as the dust settled. I had been testing Mack's abilities, but now I have seen enough.

Mack stood across from me, smirking, confident. But there was a subtle shift in his stance—his breathing was slightly heavier, his fingers twitching as if preparing for another attack.

I grinned. "He thinks he's keeping up."

Without warning, I vanished from sight.

Mack's smirk faltered. His golden eyes darted around, searching for me, but before he could react, a sharp gust of wind slammed into him from behind. I was already there.

"Too slow."

Mack barely managed to twist away before my scythe slashed through where he had been standing. But just as he repositioned himself, I reappeared again—this time in front of him.

"What?!" Mack's instincts screamed at him to move, but he was a fraction of a second too late.

My fist connected with Mack's stomach.

The impact was brutal. Mack choked on his breath as he was sent flying back, skidding across the ground before slamming into the barrier surrounding the battlefield. The students gasped, eyes wide in disbelief.

Ken let out a low whistle. "Oh, now he's actually trying."

Nicole frowned. "Liam…"

Mack coughed, struggling to push himself up. His eyes burned with frustration.

I tilted my head, walking toward him at a leisurely pace. "What's wrong? You were talking a lot earlier." My voice was mocking, sharp. "Was that all you had?"

Mack clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. His shadows flickered, coiling around him like an angry storm.

I scoffed. "You've been raised with shadow control since birth, haven't you?" I spread my arms wide. "Yet even now, you're still this weak?"

Mack's jaw tightened.

I smirked. "Pathetic."

Mack's eyes darkened, and the shadows around him roared to life.

The fight wasn't over yet.

Mack's eyes burned with defiance, but there was no denying the difference in power. I was faster, stronger—my movements were sharper, refined. This wasn't just raw talent; this was experience.

But Mack refused to back down. His shadows lashed out, twisting into tendrils aimed at my legs, attempting to bind me.

I sighed. "Predictable."

In an instant, I disappeared from sight again. The next thing Mack knew, a force slammed into his back. His breath hitched as he staggered forward, barely catching himself before he collapsed.

I reappeared in front of him, staring down with a look of sheer boredom. "You're dragging this out."

Mack wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. His hands clenched. His pride, his training—none of it seemed to matter. But he refused to yield.

"You think you're better than me?" Mack growled, his voice shaking with rage.

I arched a brow. "No. I know I am."

Mack lunged, his shadows flaring. But I didn't flinch. Instead, I took a slow breath, my right fist curling as shadows coiled around it like a living entity. The air around me grew heavy, oppressive.

Nicole's eyes widened from the sidelines. "Wait… is he—?"

Ken smirked. "Oh, now this is getting interesting."

My fist pulsed with raw, condensed darkness—a technique I had crafted through grueling training under Seth. A technique designed to end fights.

Mack didn't even see it coming.

I shifted my weight, twisting my body as I drove my shadow-infused fist straight toward Mack's chin. The sheer force behind it caused the air to ripple, the ground beneath them cracking.

This is it.

And then—

DING!

The bell rang.

My fist stopped an inch from Mack's jaw. The overwhelming pressure vanished in an instant.

Then—

BOOM!

The wall behind Mack shattered. Cracks spiderwebbed outward before the structure collapsed, reduced to nothing but debris. The students gasped, their eyes darting between the destroyed wall and the two fighters.

Mack stood frozen, completely still. His body refused to move.

I clicked my tongue, stepping back. "Tch. Lucky you."

Mack didn't respond. He couldn't. His breath was shallow, his fists trembling at his sides.

The round had ended and Mack was utterly defeated.

The tension from the last fight still hung in the air as Helen stepped forward, standing before the gathered students. The destroyed wall behind her was still being assessed by the academy staff, but she didn't seem fazed. If anything, there was a ghost of a smirk on her lips.

"Well," Helen's voice rang out, commanding the attention of every student. "That was quite the display. If the first round is anything to go by, then I expect the rest of The Abyss Reckoning to be... eventful."

Murmurs rippled through the students, some excited, some nervous.

Helen clasped her hands behind her back. "Now, for those who made it past Round One..."

A scroll materialized in her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, it unfurled.

"Heinzeln Ken," she called first.

Ken smirked, stretching his arms lazily. "Obviously."

"Nicole Valtoria."

Nicole clasped her hands together, beaming with pride.

"Liam Remmick."

I huffed, rolling my eyes. Not that I expected anything less.

"Mack Remmick."

Mack's jaw tightened, but he stepped forward without a word, his eyes briefly flickering to me.

Helen continued down the list:

Reyna Vael – A silver-haired girl with daggers strapped to her thighs, known for her dual-wielding combat style and incredible agility.

Zephyr Kaine – A tall, lean fighter who manipulated wind currents, giving him the ability to increase his speed and disrupt enemy movements.

Orion Stroud – A quiet, calculating combatant whose ability to manipulate gravity made him a formidable opponent.

Viola Leclair – A strategist known for controlling her own blood as a weapon, forming sharp tendrils and blades mid-battle.

As the names were announced, some students cheered while others sighed in disappointment, having been eliminated.

Helen lowered the scroll and looked at the remaining competitors. "The next round will be even more challenging. Rest while you can. In two days, Round Two will begin."

Her eyes lingered on me for a brief moment before she turned on her heel and walked off.

The tournament was far from over.

And for some, it was only just beginning.

As Helen dismissed the victorious students, the murmurs of excitement and frustration filled the academy grounds. Some celebrated their hard-earned victories, while others nursed their wounded pride, already vowing to train harder. I barely acknowledged the noise around me, my mind lingering on his match with Mack Remmick—I have a thing or two to say to that damn Headmistress.

But while the academy brimmed with energy, a stark contrast lay in the Shadow Realm.

A heavy stillness hung over Sophia's secluded home, where Selena stirred weakly in bed. The dim glow of shadow lanterns cast flickering patterns across the walls as she struggled to push herself up, exhaustion weighing her down like iron chains.

Darkness clung to the corners of the dimly lit room as Selena's eyes fluttered open. A dull ache pulsed through her body, and exhaustion weighed down on her limbs like lead. She inhaled sharply, recognizing the faint scent of herbs and incense.

She was in Sophia's home.

The last thing she remembered was the shadows devouring her from the inside, clawing at her soul with whispers of madness. And then—nothing.

A warm presence stirred beside her. "You're awake," Sophia said, her voice steady but laced with concern.

Selena tried to push herself up, but a sharp pain shot through her chest, forcing her back down. She winced.

"Easy," Sophia cautioned, pressing a gentle hand to her shoulder. "Your body has been through hell. You need rest."

Selena exhaled through gritted teeth. "I failed, didn't I?"

Sophia didn't answer right away. Instead, she poured a cup of tea from a nearby pot and handed it to her. "Drink."

Selena took it reluctantly, the warmth spreading through her fingers as she brought it to her lips. The bitterness of the tea made her frown, but she swallowed it down.

"You didn't fail," Sophia finally said, watching her closely. "You survived."

Selena scoffed, looking away. "Barely."

Sophia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "The Obsidian Wastes are unforgiving, Selena. The shadows there are older than any of us, and they do not submit easily. Your first attempt was reckless—you tried to dominate them without understanding them. But you are not weak. You just need time."

Selena clenched her jaw. She hated feeling like this—helpless, broken. "So what now?"

Sophia stood, walking toward the open window where the eerie glow of the Shadow Realm's endless night seeped through. "Now, you recover. And when your strength returns, you will try again."

Selena gritted her teeth but said nothing. She hated waiting.

But she hated losing even more.

**********