Chapter 23:Morning Resolve

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the stone walls of the dormitory. Axton stirred awake to the rhythmic toll of the academy's morning bell, its deep chime reverberating through the stillness. For a moment, he lay motionless, staring at the wooden beams above him, his mind replaying fragments of yesterday's trial. Every failure, every doubt—it all came rushing back in a tide of unease.

The bed across the room creaked as Elias groaned and turned over, flinging an arm over his face. "Is it just me, or do those bells sound more like funeral chimes every day?"

Axton snorted softly, dragging a hand down his face. "Just you."

The room was in its usual state of disarray. Elias's boots were haphazardly kicked into a corner, and his sword belt hung precariously off a chair. Axton's jacket was still crumpled on the floor where he'd dropped it last night, too exhausted to care. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, the cool stone floor grounding him as he tried to push past the lingering heaviness in his chest.

Elias sat up, ruffling his dark hair and yawning. "We should hurry. If we miss breakfast, I'm blaming you."

"Breakfast…" Axton repeated, his stomach churning at the thought. The cafeteria would be crowded, filled with students loudly dissecting yesterday's events. He could already hear the whispers in his head:

"Did you see how Seraphina crushed that shadow beast?"

"Corbin's group didn't even break a sweat."

"Axton Backwood? Was he even there?"

Elias must've noticed his hesitation because he threw a pillow at him, hitting him square in the chest. "Come on, Axton. Don't overthink it. You'll feel better with food in you."

Reluctantly, Axton stood and began pulling on his uniform—a dark tunic with silver accents, its fabric heavier than it looked. The academy's insignia, a phoenix intertwined with a lightning bolt, was stitched into the chest, a reminder of the potential they were all meant to embody. Potential. The word sat bitterly on his tongue.

The walk to the cafeteria was brisk, the early morning chill biting at Axton's skin. The academy grounds were already buzzing with activity. Small groups of students strolled along the pathways, their conversations a mix of laughter, excitement, and tension. The towering spires of the main building loomed above them, their shadows stretching across the cobblestone walkways.

When they entered the cafeteria, the familiar scents of breakfast—freshly baked bread, sizzling bacon, and sweet pastries—filled the air. The hum of voices grew louder as Axton scanned the room. Students were packed into every corner, many of them animatedly recounting the trials as if they were already legendary heroes.

Axton followed Elias to the food counter, loading his plate mechanically: scrambled eggs, toast, sausages, and a handful of berries. His appetite was faint, but he knew skipping a meal wouldn't help.

They found a table near the edge of the room, away from the louder groups. Elias wasted no time digging into his food, but Axton hesitated, his fork hovering above his plate. Around them, snippets of conversation floated through the air.

"Marcus's fire spell was insane. Did you see the size of that flame?"

"Seraphina's team was flawless. She took down a golem by herself!"

"Corbin was practically showing off. He didn't even break a sweat."

Axton stared at his plate, his appetite vanishing.

Elias, noticing his silence, nudged him with an elbow. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Axton muttered, though the tightness in his chest said otherwise.

Elias set his fork down and gave him a look. "Listen, I get it. Yesterday wasn't exactly a walk in the park. But you're here, aren't you? That means something."

Before Axton could respond, Lira appeared at their table, her tray balanced with practiced ease. She slid into the seat across from them, her sharp blue eyes scanning their expressions. "What's with the gloom?" she asked, spearing a piece of fruit with her fork.

"Just the usual existential crisis," Elias quipped.

Lira snorted. "Well, at least you're consistent."

Darren joined them moments later, setting his tray down with a dramatic sigh. "I've decided I'm allergic to shadow beasts. Specifically the kind that nearly ate me yesterday."

"You mean the one you screamed at?" Lira said with a grin.

Darren flushed. "That was a tactical maneuver. You wouldn't understand."

The table erupted into laughter, and for a brief moment, Axton felt the weight on his shoulders ease. It was these moments—these fleeting, simple moments—that reminded him he wasn't alone.

But the reprieve was short-lived. A shadow fell over their table, and Axton didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Well, if it isn't the underdogs," Corbin drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. His entourage stood behind him, their expressions smug and amused.

Elias stiffened, his hand curling into a fist. Lira narrowed her eyes, and even Darren looked ready to retort. But Axton raised a hand, silencing them.

Corbin leaned in, his grin sharp. "You're awfully quiet today, Axton. Cat got your tongue? Or maybe you're just realizing this place isn't meant for people like you."

Axton met his gaze, forcing himself to stay calm. "Some of us don't need to brag to prove ourselves."

Corbin chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "Prove yourself? Is that what you think you're doing? Hate to break it to you, but yesterday's trial didn't exactly scream 'potential.'"

Before Axton could respond, a voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Corbin, don't you have anything better to do?"

The cafeteria fell silent as Seraphina approached, her dark eyes fixed on Corbin with an intensity that made even his bravado falter.

"Just having a friendly chat," Corbin said, though his grin had faded.

Seraphina crossed her arms, her presence commanding the room. "Friendly? Is that what you call it? Funny, it looks more like insecurity to me."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, and Corbin's expression soured. With a muttered excuse, he turned and stalked off, his entourage trailing behind him like lost puppies.

Elias exhaled loudly. "Remind me to buy Seraphina a thank-you gift."

Axton managed a small smile, but Corbin's words lingered. They stung not because they were cruel, but because they echoed the doubts already swirling in his mind.

As the conversation at their table resumed, the system's voice spoke softly in his mind. "Host's resolve is wavering. Focus is critical. Prepare for the upcoming trial."

Axton sighed. "Easier said than done."

Elias clapped him on the shoulder as they stood to leave. "Come on, let's hit the training grounds before class. No better way to shut people up than to prove them wrong."

Axton followed, a flicker of determination reigniting within him. Corbin's words could haunt him all they wanted. He wasn't done yet—not by a long shot.