CHAPTER THIRTY TWO: UNWANTED ALLIANCES

Selena sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at her hands. They trembled, though whether from exhaustion or frustration, she wasn't sure. A deep sigh left her lips as she shifted her gaze toward the window, where the laughter of children echoed through the air. They ran freely, chasing each other without a care in the world.

For a brief moment, an old memory surfaced. She was a child again, small hands grasping onto Seth's as they walked through the golden fields of the Shadow Realm. The sun had been warm against her skin, and she remembered how safe she felt then—how simple life had been.

"Selena, do you know why the wind dances?" Seth had asked with his usual playful smile.

She had tilted her head, confused. "It doesn't dance. It just moves."

He had laughed, ruffling her hair. "It moves because it's free. No one controls it. It flows wherever it pleases. That's why it dances."

That memory, once comforting, now felt like a cruel mockery. She was no longer that carefree child. She was shackled by expectations, by failure, by loss. The wind might dance freely, but she was trapped.

Her body tensed as doubt crept in. Her first attempt at absorbing a shadow had nearly killed her. Was she truly capable of mastering it? If she failed again… she swallowed hard, her fingers curling into fists. She couldn't fail. She wouldn't.

Selena exhaled sharply and stood. Her legs still felt weak, but she ignored it. Weakness had no place here. If she wanted to reclaim her shadow, she had to fight for it. No more hesitation.

She turned away from the window, forcing the past to stay where it belonged.

The door creaked open, breaking Selena's thoughts. She turned as Sophia stepped inside, arms crossed, her piercing gaze sweeping over her.

"Oh, you're awake. Good," Sophia said, her voice calm yet firm. "I was starting to think you'd spend the whole day sulking."

Selena scoffed, masking her lingering frustration. "I wasn't sulking. Just thinking."

Sophia raised a brow. "Thinking doesn't change reality. Action does." She stepped closer, eyeing Selena's posture. "You still look weak. Are you sure you're ready to try again?"

Selena straightened, suppressing the lingering ache in her body. "I don't have a choice."

"You always have a choice," Sophia corrected, then exhaled. "But if you're determined, then we won't waste any time."

Selena met her gaze, steel in her eyes. "I am."

Sophia studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then get ready. We leave in an hour."

As Sophia turned to leave, Selena took a deep breath. The weight of failure still clung to her, but she refused to let it hold her back. This time, she would succeed.

This time, she had to.

As Sophia turned to leave, Selena hesitated before speaking.

"Have you heard how Ken is doing in the Academy?" Her voice was steady, but the question carried more weight than she intended.

Sophia stopped mid-step, then slowly turned to face her. She didn't sigh or scowl—just stared, her gaze unreadable.

"Focus on yourself for now," she said calmly. "You have bigger things to worry about."

Selena clenched her fists but said nothing. She knew Sophia was right, but that didn't make it any easier.

"Get ready," Sophia added, before walking out.

Left alone, Selena exhaled. She couldn't afford distractions. Not when she still had a battle to win—both inside herself and against the shadows waiting for her return.

Selena took a deep breath, steadying herself before following Sophia outside. The air in the Obsidian Wastes was thick, heavy with a lingering presence of shadows that slithered unseen beneath the surface. Every step forward reminded her of her failure—the way the darkness had nearly consumed her.

Sophia led her back to the center of the wasteland, the same spot where she had almost lost herself. The ground was cracked and lifeless, as if rejecting anything that wasn't born from the abyss.

"This time, you know what to expect," Sophia said, stopping in front of her. "But knowing isn't enough. You have to be stronger than it."

Selena's body tensed instinctively. She wouldn't fail again. She couldn't.

Sophia stepped back, arms crossed. "Whenever you're ready."

Selena sat down, placing her hands on her knees. The shadows curled around her like a living entity, drawn to her presence. The weight of them pressed against her skin, creeping up her arms like cold fingers.

She closed her eyes. The moment she did, the whispers started again.

You are weak.

You are nothing without us.

Selena gritted her teeth. She wouldn't listen. She wouldn't let them in.

The shadows pressed harder, tightening like chains. The pressure built, her heart pounding as if trying to fight its way out of her chest.

And then—pain.

A sharp, searing agony that shot through her veins, burning from the inside out. She gasped but didn't break concentration. She would master this.

No matter what.

The moment Selena steadied herself, the darkness surged, its presence suffocating. Her breath caught as an unseen force wrapped around her consciousness, tugging at her very essence. The shadows' grip was stronger, more determined than before. They weren't just trying to consume her; they were trying to become her.

Her chest heaved as her body began to feel foreign, like she was unraveling thread by thread. Panic's icy fingers gripped her heart. No. She clenched her fists, the physical sensation grounding her. Losing control again would be catastrophic.

Invisible claws raked across her skin, leaving trails of fire. A war raged inside her mind—a battle of wills. The shadows hissed, their voices a chilling whisper: You are ours. Let go.

Selena's jaw locked, her teeth gritted. "I am not yours," she snarled, her voice raw and defiant. The shadows twisted, their resistance fierce, but she stood firm.

She focused, reaching deep within herself for a spark of power. It flickered, then roared to life, coursing through her veins like liquid fire. With a surge of determination, she turned the shadows' strength against them, bending the unruly force to her will.

A pulse of energy rippled through her, and the oppressive weight lifted. The voices silenced. Selena opened her eyes, her chest still heaving. The shadows no longer felt like a threat; they felt like an extension of herself.

A small, triumphant smile played on her lips. She had won.

Selena stood still, her body feeling foreign—heavy, yet strangely light at the same time. It was as if her very being had shifted, like something new had taken root inside her, altering the balance she once knew.

She clenched and unclenched her fingers, watching as the shadows responded, coiling around her arms like smoke, pulsing with a life of their own. It was exhilarating… but also unsettling.

Her breathing was slow, measured, as she tried to ground herself, but the weight of the shadows clung to her, thick and suffocating. She felt powerful, yet vulnerable—strong, yet overwhelmed. Is this what it means to wield true darkness?

Footsteps approached.

Sophia stopped a few feet away, her violet eyes gleaming with satisfaction. A slow, approving smile spread across her lips.

"You did it," she said simply. "You took control."

Selena exhaled, dragging a hand through her damp hair. "It feels… different."

"Of course it does," Sophia said, stepping closer. "The shadow you absorbed isn't just energy—it's alive. It will take time for it to fully submit to you."

Selena frowned, shifting her stance. The darkness slithered at her feet, eager yet restless. It was as if the shadows were still testing her, waiting for the slightest weakness.

"So, I'm not done yet?" she muttered.

Sophia chuckled softly. "Not even close."

Her gaze darkened slightly, and she placed a hand on Selena's shoulder, firm yet reassuring. "This was only the first step. You may have claimed the shadow, but it hasn't fully claimed you. It will whisper, push, and tempt you. If you let your guard down, it will consume you from within."

Selena's jaw tightened. She had fought so hard for this moment—she wasn't about to let it slip away.

"I won't lose," she said, conviction burning in her voice.

Sophia's smile deepened, but her expression remained unreadable. "Good. Then let's see how far you can go."

Sophia led Selena through the winding paths of the Shadow Realm, past the Obsidian Wastes and deeper into the heart of the land. The terrain shifted subtly, the oppressive darkness giving way to something more ancient, more controlled. The air was thick with power, the very shadows humming with restrained energy.

They arrived at a secluded place, a vast circular platform of smooth black stone, untouched by time. At its center stood a raised pedestal with intricate carvings glowing faintly in the dim light. The atmosphere was different here—heavier, sacred.

"This," Sophia said, gesturing around them, "is where the Guardian comes to strengthen the protective barrier of the Shadow Realm. It is a place of balance. A place where the shadows yield… or consume."

Selena studied the platform warily, feeling a strange pull toward it. "And you brought me here because…?"

Sophia turned to her, serious. "Because the shadow you absorbed is still foreign to you. It lingers on the edge of your soul, waiting for a moment of weakness to take control. If you don't rein it in, it will consume you."

Selena swallowed, a cold sensation crawling up her spine. She had won the battle, but the war wasn't over yet.

"I'm ready," she said, stepping forward.

Sophia nodded approvingly. "Then sit. Meditate. Let it settle into you, but do not lose yourself in it."

Selena lowered herself onto the platform, crossing her legs. The moment she closed her eyes, she felt it—the shadow stirring, restless. It whispered at the edges of her consciousness, twisting and curling, testing her resolve.

Sophia's voice reached her, distant but clear.

"Control it, or it will control you."

Then silence.

Selena focused, steadying her breath. She had fought too hard to let it take her now. The shadow was powerful, wild, but it was hers.

And she would make it submit.

As she sat in deep meditation, the weight of her new shadow pressing against her very being, the world around her felt still—yet restless. The sacred chamber hummed with ancient power, whispering warnings she refused to heed.

Meanwhile, back at the academy, anticipation crackled in the air like an oncoming storm. Students gathered once more, their murmurs filled with speculation and tension. Helen stood at the podium, her gaze sweeping over them with measured authority.

"The first round tested your strength," she began, her voice calm yet commanding. "The second round will test something far more crucial—your ability to survive."

A hush fell over the crowd as Helen's words settled in. The true trial was about to begin.

Helen let the silence stretch, letting the weight of her words settle over the students. Then, with a slow, deliberate breath, she continued.

"The second round will last three days. You will be thrown into an unforgiving environment where only those with skill, strategy, and resilience will emerge victorious."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, students exchanging glances—some excited, others wary.

"This round will not be fought in the arena. Instead, you will be placed in a location where you must endure, adapt, and overcome whatever challenges arise."

The tension thickened. The unknown was always more terrifying than any battle.

Helen's gaze sharpened. "There will be no rest. No food provided. You must secure what you need. Those who fail to meet the required criteria by the third day… will be eliminated."

A low chuckle broke through the tension. My arms crossed, I smirked from where I stood. "So it's a glorified survival game," I muttered under my breath.

Helen's lips curled slightly. "You could see it that way, Liam. But be warned—this isn't a game."

The flicker of amusement in my eyes faded. Helen never spoke without purpose.

"Prepare yourselves," Helen concluded. "You leave at dawn."

The crowd erupted into whispers, students exchanging theories about what awaited them in the second round. Some were visibly excited, others anxious.

Mack scoffed, crossing his arms. "Three days in an unknown location? This is just a way to weed out the weak."

Reyna smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Survival of the fittest. You better not embarrass yourself again, Mack."

Mack clenched his jaw but said nothing. His loss to me still burned.

Nicole, standing a few steps away, looked thoughtful. "We don't know what kind of environment they'll throw us into. It could be anything."

Ken chuckled, adjusting his gloves. "That's the fun part."

I remained silent, my gaze locked on Helen. I wasn't worried about survival—I had lived through worse. But I hated uncertainty, and Helen's cryptic words made it clear they weren't just going to be dumped in a forest to fend for themselves.

Helen clapped her hands, calling their attention back. "Your groups will be revealed tomorrow. Use the rest of today to prepare."

The students began to disperse, some heading to train, others forming alliances. The tension in the air was palpable—everyone knew this round would be far more than just a test of strength.

I turned on my heel, walking away from the crowd. I had no interest in making allies or strategizing with anyone. All I needed was to be ready for whatever Helen had planned.

I had a feeling this round was going to be more than just survival. It would be a battle of endurance, and only those willing to push past their limits would make it through.

As the crowd thinned out, Ken fell into step beside me. "So, what do you think? Three days in the unknown… sounds like a blast, right?"

I shot him a bored glance. "Get lost."

Ken smirked. "You really have no enthusiasm for anything, do you?"

I ignored him, my eyes set ahead. I wasn't interested in pointless chatter, especially from someone I didn't even acknowledge as an equal. The tournament wasn't a game to me—it was just another obstacle to bulldoze through.

Nicole caught up to us, arms crossed. "I doubt we'll be just camping out in the wilderness. If the first round was about one-on-one combat, then this round has to be different. Maybe objectives, maybe something else."

Ken nodded in agreement. "It's not just about survival. There has to be some kind of challenge beyond staying alive."

I remained quiet. I didn't care about their theories. Whatever came next, I would deal with it alone.

Mack, standing a distance away, sneered at them before turning and walking off. Reyna, still by his side, whispered something that made him tighten his fists.

Ken noticed and let out a low chuckle. "That guy really has it out for you."

I smirked. "Let him try something. I'll enjoy putting him in his place again."

Nicole sighed. "We shouldn't underestimate him. He's probably training harder than ever after that loss."

I rolled my eyes. "If he wants another beating, I'll be happy to give it to him."

Helen's voice echoed from a distance, speaking with a group of instructors. Whatever she was planning, it was clear she was expecting something more from this round.

Ken stretched his arms. "Well, since we don't know what's coming, I'm gonna train." He glanced at me. "You coming?"

I stopped walking and turned my head slightly. "I don't remember putting myself on the same level as you." My voice was sharp, uninterested. "Don't talk to me like we're allies."

Ken only chuckled, shaking his head. "Cold as ever."

Nicole frowned but didn't say anything.

I turned and walked away without another word. I had no time for distractions. The tournament wasn't about making connections—it was about winning. And I had no intention of letting pests like them slow me down.

Ken watched as I walk away, shaking his head with an amused smirk. "Man, he really doesn't hold back."

Nicole remained quiet, her arms crossed, eyes fixed on my retreating figure. A shadow of frustration flickered across her face, but she quickly masked it.

Ken glanced at her. "You're still expecting something from him?"

Nicole's fingers tightened against her arm. "It's not that…" she muttered. "He doesn't even acknowledge me. Not once."

Ken exhaled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "That's just how he is. He doesn't care about anyone."

Nicole's gaze hardened. "Then I'll make him recognize me in the next round."

Ken raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Heh. That's the spirit." He turned to leave. "Well, I'll be off. Gotta get some training in."

Nicole nodded but didn't respond. As Ken walked away, she remained still, watching the fading sunlight stretch across the academy grounds.

From a distance, Helen observed us, a knowing smile playing at her lips. One of the instructors beside her spoke. "They're all quite driven."

Helen's eyes lingered on Nicole before shifting toward my direction. "Yes. But only one of them will shape the future."

The instructor hummed thoughtfully. "And if he refuses?"

Helen chuckled. "Then we make sure he doesn't have a choice."

The academy buzzed with restless energy as the sun dipped beyond the horizon. The second round was coming. And for some, it would change everything.

The morning sun barely kissed the horizon when students began gathering at the academy's central courtyard. A tension-filled excitement crackled in the air, whispers of speculation spreading among the competitors. The second round was here.

At the raised platform, Helen stood with her usual composed smile, surveying the students before her. Beside her, a few instructors held thick scrolls—likely detailing the matches and rules of the round.

Helen raised a hand, and silence fell like a heavy curtain. Her golden eyes swept over them, sharp yet unreadable.

"Congratulations," she began, her voice effortlessly carrying through the courtyard. "You've made it through the first round. But that was merely a test of your combat capabilities. The real challenge starts now."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, some shifting on their feet in anticipation.

"This round will last three days," Helen continued. "It is a survival round. You will be placed in an isolated field outside the academy, a territory designed to test your endurance, adaptability, and teamwork. There, you must survive against both the environment and each other. Your goal? Accumulate as many points as possible before the time runs out."

Ken, standing toward the middle of the crowd, exhaled through his nose, intrigued. Nicole beside him had her arms crossed, already strategizing. I stood a few feet away, uninterested, my expression unreadable.

Helen continued, "Points will be awarded based on combat performance, resourcefulness, and completion of hidden tasks scattered across the field. However, losing a battle will cost you points. Drop below a certain threshold, and you will be eliminated."

More murmurs. Some confident, others nervous.

Reyna leaned toward Mack, smirking. "Looks like you'll have to do better than your last performance"

Mack gritted his teeth but didn't reply, his gaze fixed on me, who remained unfazed.

Helen's eyes gleamed as she addressed them again. "Oh, and one more thing. Unlike the first round, this one isn't just about individual strength. There will be… unexpected elements introduced throughout the three days."

I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Unexpected elements?"

Helen's lips curled into a sly smile. "You will find out soon enough."

With that, she raised her hand once more. "Prepare yourselves. The second round begins at sunset."

A hush settled over the courtyard before students slowly dispersed, each mind filled with their own thoughts—strategies, rivalries, and the unknown challenges ahead.

I turned on my heel, heading off without a word.

Ken stretched his arms behind his head, glancing at Nicole. "Three days of survival, huh? Sounds fun."

Nicole exhaled, determination flashing in her eyes. "It's more than just survival. It's our chance to prove ourselves."

Ken smirked. "Yeah… and for some, it's a chance for revenge." His gaze flickered to Mack, who was already walking away with clenched fists.

As the academy prepared for the second round, in another realm entirely, Selena stood before a sacred altar, her pulse steady yet heavy.

Her own battle was just beginning.

Selena stood in the heart of the sacred chamber, her breathing slow and measured. The walls pulsed with an eerie glow, ancient symbols flickering in and out of existence. It was a place only the Realm's Guardian—or those chosen to walk its path—could enter.

Sophia stood beside her, arms crossed, her usual calm demeanor unwavering. "You did well absorbing the Shadow," she said, her voice steady. "But you're not done yet."

Selena exhaled, rolling her shoulders. She could still feel the weight of the foreign Shadow inside her, shifting like an untamed beast beneath her skin. It didn't belong to her yet. It was resisting.

"This part is the hardest," Sophia continued. "Assimilating a Shadow means making it one with your body, your soul. If you fail, it will consume you from the inside out."

Selena didn't flinch. She already knew. She could feel it clawing at the edges of her mind, trying to overtake her, to reshape her into something else.

She moved toward the center of the chamber, where a stone dais awaited her. As she sat cross-legged atop it, the glow of the room intensified, shadows rising from the ground like living smoke, circling her body.

Sophia stepped back, watching carefully. "Clear your mind. Rein it in. Control it before it controls you."

Selena closed her eyes and focused inward.

Darkness surrounded her, wrapping around her limbs, pressing against her chest. The Shadow pulsed within her like a second heartbeat, wild and unpredictable. It whispered, tempting her with its strength, its hunger.

Let go. Give in.

Her hands clenched. A sharp breath left her lips.

No.

The darkness twisted violently, trying to seep into her bones, to consume her entirely. But Selena had fought against weakness her entire life. She wouldn't lose to something like this.

She grit her teeth, forcing her will upon the Shadow, shaping it instead of letting it shape her. The pain was unbearable, as if her entire body was being rewritten. But she endured.

Minutes passed. Then hours.

And finally…

The Shadow stilled.

Selena's eyes snapped open, glowing faintly in the dim chamber. She exhaled slowly, the heavy feeling in her chest easing.

Sophia's lips curled into a smirk. "You did it."

Selena didn't answer. She simply sat there, catching her breath, her body trembling with exhaustion.

Sophia placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not over yet. But you've taken the first step."

Selena nodded, her resolve hardening.

This was just the beginning.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the academy in twilight, students stood in clusters, waiting. The tension in the air was thick, anticipation building as Helen took her place on the platform once more.

The moment had arrived.

Helen raised her hand, and a large, glowing sigil appeared in the sky above them. The second round was about to begin.

Helen let the moment stretch, allowing the weight of the second round to settle in. The sigil above pulsed with energy, casting shifting patterns of light across the academy grounds. The students stood in silence, eyes locked on the woman before them.

Then, she spoke.

"The first round tested your combat prowess in a direct fight," she began, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "But strength alone isn't enough. This round will test your endurance, resourcefulness, and ability to adapt in unpredictable situations."

The sigil above her shifted, revealing a massive, three-dimensional map of a vast, uncharted terrain—dense forests, towering mountains, and deep ravines stretching across an endless landscape.

"The second round," Helen continued, "will last three days. You will be transported to a special domain designed for this event. Your goal is simple: survive."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, some excited, others apprehensive. Helen let the whispers linger before raising her hand for silence.

"The environment will be unpredictable. The weather may turn against you. The land itself may try to swallow you whole. There will be creatures lurking in the shadows, obstacles designed to push you to your limits."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "And, of course, there will be each other."

My eyes narrowed slightly.

"You will be competing against fellow participants," Helen clarified. "There are two ways to ensure your advancement: secure one of the limited sanctuary spots hidden within the domain or eliminate enough opponents to earn a pass. The weaker you are, the faster you'll fall."

Her gaze swept across the students, her expression unreadable. "And remember, there are no second chances. If you lose, you're out."

The tension spiked. Even the most confident students showed flickers of unease.

Helen turned toward the sigil, and with a flick of her wrist, a large countdown appeared in the air.

One hour until deployment.

"Use this time wisely," she advised. "Rest, prepare, or make alliances—if you think you can trust anyone."

With that, she stepped down, leaving the students to process the information.

I crossed my arms, already tuning out the worried chatter around me.

Three days. I have survived worse.

A soft chuckle pulled my attention. Ken stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, amusement flickering in his gaze.

"So," Ken mused, "survive, fight, or hide. I guess we'll see who cracks first."

Nicole, standing beside him, glanced at the projected map, her brows furrowed in thought. "This is going to be rough."

Reyna, leaning lazily against a pillar, smirked. "For some more than others."

Mack, farther away but watching me with a dark glare, scoffed under his breath.

I didn't bother acknowledging any of them.

I wasn't here to form bonds. I'm here to win.

As the students processed the rules, a low hum filled the courtyard. A section of the academy's grand walls shimmered before shifting, revealing a sleek digital display. The names of participants flickered in rapid succession, sorting and rearranging as the system finalized the teams.

Then, one by one, the teams locked into place.

The murmurs grew louder. Eyes darted across the screen, some lighting up in excitement, others darkening with displeasure.

Ken's lips quirked upward as he read the list. "Well, would you look at that?"

Nicole's eyes widened as she spotted her name. "Oh."

My arms still crossed, exhaled sharply. My name sat beside two others I had absolutely no interest in working with:

Liam Remmick. Heinzeln Ken. Nicole Valtoria.

I barely had time to scowl before another name caught my attention.

Mack Remmick. Reyna Vael. Orin Graves.

Mack's mouth twisted into a sneer. "Hmph. Looks like I won't have to search for you. We'll settle this soon, cousin."

Reyna tilted her head, her violet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Finally, I'll get to see what she's made of."

The final name, Orin Graves, belonged to a tall, battle-worn student with dark, jagged markings running up his arms—a manifestation of his rare ability to manipulate decay. He merely cracked his knuckles, uninterested in their rivalry but more than eager for the upcoming challenge.

Meanwhile, I stared at my own team's names with unmistakable irritation.

"Fucking hell," I muttered.

Ken chuckled, nudging me with his elbow. "Come on, don't look so miserable. I promise not to slow you down."

I shot him a glare that could've melted steel. "That implies I even acknowledge your existence."

Nicole frowned, but determination flickered in her gaze. If I didn't respect her now, she would make sure I did by the time this was over.

Helen, watching from her position above, smirked slightly at my visible displeasure.

"Well then," she announced. "Looks like we're all set."

The countdown on the digital display ticked down, signaling the tournament's true beginning.

One hour until deployment.

********