Chapter 33: The Path to Strength

The weight of the previous night's events lingered in Axton's mind, but there was little time to dwell on it. The academy had erupted with rumors, whispers of an attempted assault and an unknown savior spreading like wildfire. Axton remained silent, keeping his head low as he moved through the halls. He wasn't seeking recognition—what he had done had been necessary, and that was enough.

Yet, in the back of his mind, the thought nagged at him.

Had anyone seen him?

The air in the academy felt different today. The usual rhythm of classes and training had been disrupted, replaced by an undeniable tension. It wasn't just the aftermath of the incident—it was the announcement of the Academy Selection Trials.

Axton and Elias sat at their usual table in the cafeteria, though neither of them was eating much. Around them, students buzzed with anticipation.

"I don't like this," Elias muttered, leaning forward. His sharp gaze darted around the room, watching the nervous chatter of their peers. "It feels like the instructors are pushing us into something bigger than we realize."

Axton nodded, stirring his untouched meal with his fork. "They are. Salazar wouldn't announce something like this unless there was a reason. And if this test is as important as he made it sound, then it's not just about ranking up."

Seraphina joined them, setting her tray down with a sharp clatter. She looked unusually serious, her crimson eyes scanning their surroundings. "Have you heard? Classes are canceled for the next few days."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Everyone's expected to train on their own," she continued. "Or with whoever they want. The instructors won't be helping. They want us to prove we can prepare ourselves."

Axton frowned. That was strange. The academy prided itself on structured learning, yet now, just before an important event, they were cutting students loose?

"It's a test," Axton said slowly. "Not just of combat skill, but of discipline. They want to see who's willing to push themselves without guidance."

Elias scoffed. "Or they want to see who fails without help."

Axton couldn't argue with that.

Across the room, Corbin and his usual group of followers were huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. The smug expression on Corbin's face made it clear—he was confident.

Axton's fingers curled into a fist. He couldn't afford to lose focus now.

Training Begins

The academy grounds were transformed. Without formal lessons, students filled every open space, practicing magic, sparring, and testing their abilities against one another. The tension was palpable—everyone knew that the Academy Selection Trials were more than just a competition.

Axton, Elias, and Seraphina found a secluded training area, an open courtyard surrounded by towering stone walls. It was quiet, away from the chaos.

"So," Elias stretched, rolling his shoulders. "What's the plan?"

Axton considered for a moment. He had improved, but not enough. His Lightning Affinity had increased to 30%, and with it, his control had sharpened. But he was still too slow in a fight. He needed to react faster, hit harder.

"We focus on speed and precision," Axton said. "I need to be faster, more efficient. You—" he looked at Elias, "—need to work on endurance. You're strong, but you burn out fast."

Elias grinned. "You just want an excuse to make me suffer."

Axton smirked. "Maybe."

Seraphina crossed her arms. "And what about me?"

"You?" Axton studied her. "You're already strong, but you rely too much on your fire magic. You should diversify—use your lightning more."

Seraphina hesitated, then nodded. She was keeping something from them, but Axton didn't press. Everyone had their secrets.

The training began.

Elias sparred against Axton, forcing him to use his agility to dodge heavy blows. Seraphina practiced precision with her fire and lightning, aiming for pinpoint accuracy rather than raw destruction. And Axton pushed himself harder than ever, his body faster, sharpening his reactions.

Hours passed. Sweat dripped down Axton's face, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But he could feel it—he was getting better.

The Rising Tension

Three days passed in a blur of training and preparation. The academy was alive with energy, but beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of unease.

Axton sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the glowing screen of his system interface.

[Axton Backwoods - Status]

Level: 4

Rank: Novice

Points Available: 450

He debated how to spend them. He could buy something from the shop, something useful for the Academy Selection Trials. But for now, he chose to focus on his attributes.

Attributes:

• Strength: 55 (+25)

• Agility: 50 (+20)

• Endurance: 54 (+25)

• Perception: 45 (+25)

• Dexterity: 37 (+15)

• Vitality: 37 (+15)

• Wisdom: 17 (+7)

• Intelligence: 18 (+8)

• Control: 16 (+10)

Specialized Stats:

• Lightning Affinity: 32% → 40%

• Lightning Mastery: Level 2

Skills:

• Lightning Spark – Level 2

• Lightning Dash – Level 2

• Silent Step – Level 1

• Thunderclap – Level 1

• Storm's Eye – Level 1

[System Message: "Congratulations, you survived. Barely. Try not to fry yourself next time."]

Axton rolled his eyes. Sarcastic as ever.

Late at night, when the academy halls were silent, Axton moved swiftly through the corridors, his Silent Step ability reducing his footsteps to mere whispers. His cloak concealed most of his figure as he navigated the academy, heading toward a place few visited alone—the Elemental Chambers.

Arriving at the entrance, he placed his hand on the crystal terminal.

[Would you like to enter the Lightning Chamber?]

Yes | No

Axton exhaled and confirmed his selection.

As soon as he stepped in, a wave of raw electricity surged through the air. The chamber was massive, its stone walls covered in crackling arcs of lightning that lashed out unpredictably. The floor bore blackened scorch marks, evidence of students who had tested their limits here.

BOOM!

A bolt of lightning struck him like a hammer. His muscles locked up, his breath catching as pain coursed through him. For a second, his vision blurred—he had no control over it. The energy surged wildly, threatening to tear through his body.

No. He had to control it.

Gritting his teeth, Axton focused. He guided the energy into his core, absorbing it instead of resisting. It burned through his veins, but he pushed past the pain.

Seconds turned to minutes.

Minutes stretched into an hour.

Then—he felt it.

Axton raised his hand. Electricity crackled between his fingers. It felt sharper, more responsive. More alive.

[Affinity Increased!]

Lightning Affinity: 40% → 50%

A slow grin crept onto his face.

As he slipped back into the academy, one thought remained clear in his mind—he was getting stronger.

And no one knew just how fast.