Chapter 8:The Road to the Academy

The morning air was crisp as the chosen candidates gathered at the edge of the village. The excitement from the previous evening had dulled into a nervous anticipation. The academy representatives stood at the front, their serious expressions a stark contrast to the candidates' mixed emotions.

Axton adjusted the straps of the small bag slung over his shoulder. It carried everything he owned, which wasn't much—a couple of worn shirts, a water flask, and a carved wooden figure his foster father had given him as a boy.

"Ready?" Elias Thorn's voice broke through his thoughts.

Axton glanced at his best friend, whose pack was slightly bigger but just as modest. "I don't think anyone's ever ready for something like this."

Elias smirked. "Fair point. But hey, we made it. That's got to count for something."

The silver-haired woman, who had yet to introduce herself, raised a hand, calling for silence.

"The journey to the academy is not a simple one," she began, her voice as sharp as ever. "We will pass through dangerous terrain. Stay alert, follow instructions, and do not stray from the group. Is that clear?"

A chorus of murmured agreements followed.

Axton glanced around at the others. Gavin Stormholt stood a few paces away, his muscular frame and confident stance drawing attention. Lila stretched her arms, her lithe form radiating energy. There was also Kael , a tall boy with sharp features and an intense gaze, whose water abilities had impressed everyone in the elemental trials.

"Let's move," the silver-haired woman commanded, turning on her heel.

The group set off, leaving the familiar comforts of the village behind. The dirt path wound through dense forests, the towering trees casting long shadows over the trail. Birds chirped overhead, their songs occasionally interrupted by the rustle of leaves in the wind.

Axton walked near the middle of the group, Elias at his side.

"Ever wonder what it'll be like at the academy?" Elias asked, his voice low enough not to attract attention.

"All the time," Axton admitted. "But I doubt it'll be anything like the village."

Elias chuckled. "That's for sure. Do you think the city kids are already looking down on us?"

"They probably started the moment they heard 'villagers.'"

Ahead, the silver-haired woman and the other representatives spoke in hushed tones. Their voices didn't carry, but their occasional glances at the group hinted at more than just casual conversation.

Hours passed, the path growing steeper as they climbed into the hills. The sun was high overhead when the silver-haired woman called for a halt.

"We'll rest here for a while," she announced. "Stay close. The forest isn't as safe as it looks."

Axton and Elias found a patch of grass to sit on. Lila joined them, her usual confidence softened by fatigue.

"Think we'll have to fight monsters on the way?" she asked, pulling out a small loaf of bread.

Elias grinned. "If we do, I'm hiding behind you."

Lila rolled her eyes but smiled. "Figures."

Nearby, Gavin leaned against a tree, his arms crossed as he watched the others with a smug expression. Kael Rivers sat alone, his eyes closed as if meditating. Axton couldn't help but notice the way Kael's fingers occasionally twitched, tiny streams of water dancing between them before evaporating.

"Show-off," Elias muttered, following Axton's gaze.

Before Axton could reply, a distant howl echoed through the trees, sending a chill through the group.

"What was that?" Lila whispered, her eyes darting toward the sound.

The silver-haired woman stepped forward, her hand resting on the hilt of a dagger at her side. "Stay together," she ordered, her voice firm. "Do not panic."

Another howl followed, closer this time. The academy representatives exchanged a glance, and one of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, drew his sword.

"Everyone, on your feet," the man barked. "We might have company."

The candidates scrambled to stand, their earlier fatigue forgotten. Axton's heart raced as he scanned the trees, his mind replaying the woman's warning about the dangers of the forest.

"Stay behind us," the silver-haired woman instructed. "And whatever happens, do not run off."

The group formed a tight circle, the candidates in the center with the academy representatives on the outside. The howls grew louder, joined by the sound of snapping branches and heavy footsteps.

Axton's palms grew clammy as his eyes darted around, searching for the source of the noise. Beside him, Elias gripped a sturdy branch he'd picked up earlier, his jaw clenched.

The first creature emerged from the trees, its massive form covered in matted fur. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and it let out a low growl that sent shivers down Axton's spine.

"What is that?" Lila whispered, her voice trembling.

"A dire wolf," the scarred man replied grimly. "And it's not alone."

More wolves appeared, their eyes glowing like embers in the shadows. The academy representatives moved into defensive stances, their weapons gleaming in the dappled sunlight.

"Stay together," the silver-haired woman repeated. Her gaze flicked to Axton, her eyes narrowing for a brief moment before she turned back to the wolves.

Axton swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. This was no longer a trial or an illusion. This was real, and the stakes were higher than ever.