Chapter 21: The Gathering of the Strongest

Aeris stood in the bustling academy square, his gaze scanning the area as he took in the sight of the other teams. The square was alive with students preparing for the upcoming graduation exam, and there was an unmistakable air of tension mixed with excitement. Teams huddled together, whispering among themselves, and the crackle of magic being tested echoed in the distance.

Aeris felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This was no ordinary exam. This was the culmination of everything they had worked for, and the competition was fierce.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm the rising unease. His gaze swept over the strong-looking teams in the square, each one more imposing than the last. It was hard not to feel a little apprehensive.

The first team that caught his eye stood off to the side, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. They were a group of five—four men and one woman—all in perfectly synchronized motion as they conducted their pre-exam drills. Their leader, a tall man with a deep scar running across his cheek, had an aura of quiet confidence. His weapon, a massive sword adorned with intricate runes, gleamed with deadly intent.

Aeris recognized them immediately. The Thunderstrike Legion. Known for their lightning-fast combat styles and near-perfect teamwork, they had been top contenders in every exam they'd participated in. Aeris had heard whispers of their uncanny ability to predict their opponent's moves, almost as if they could read their minds.

A little further away, another team stood huddled, their focus absolute. The leader was a woman with short, platinum blonde hair, wearing an unassuming cloak that hid her battle-ready attire. She carried no weapon—just a series of magical artifacts strapped to her body. Despite her calm appearance, there was a sharp intensity in her eyes.

The Silent Wardens. Their strength wasn't in brute force, but in their mastery of magic. Their leader, known only as "Lira," was a prodigy in illusion magic, and her team was renowned for using misdirection and stealth to defeat their opponents. They had never lost a match in the history of the academy.

Aeris shifted uneasily. He knew that Lira's team was dangerous. While they might not have the raw power of some of the other teams, their ability to deceive and outsmart their opponents could be a devastating advantage.

Nearby, a third team stood in a loose formation, all wearing matching black and red uniforms. Their leader, a tall man with a cold, calculating gaze, exuded an aura of cruelty. He was armed with a whip-like weapon, crackling with dark energy.

The Night Reapers. Aeris had heard whispers about them—dangerous individuals who specialized in assassination and silent takedowns. They were known for their ruthlessness and their ability to neutralize opponents before they even knew they were in danger. Their leader, Kaelen, was a master of dark magic, using shadows to obscure his movements and strike without warning.

The fourth team was a striking contrast—a group of loud, boisterous students who stood together with an almost unbreakable bond. They wore mismatched, colorful outfits, and their leader was a woman with wild red hair, her laughter echoing across the square as she teased her teammates.

The Iron Fangs. A team known for their overwhelming physical strength and unrelenting aggression. Their leader, Vera, was a powerhouse, wielding a massive, spiked gauntlet that could crush stone with a single punch. The rest of her team was just as formidable—each one stronger than the last. They fought with a raw, unrefined intensity that made them unpredictable and dangerous in close combat.

Finally, Aeris's gaze landed on the last team—a group of four students with an aura of quiet confidence. They weren't flashy like some of the other teams, but there was a certain calmness about them that was almost unsettling.

The Phoenix Circle. Aeris had heard rumors about this team, but he'd never seen them in action. Their leader, a young man with dark, almost unnaturally calm eyes, held a staff that glowed with golden energy. His teammates seemed to radiate a quiet strength, each of them seemingly unaffected by the noise around them. They were known for their mastery of elemental magic, particularly fire. The rumors said they could summon flames so hot they could melt stone.

Aeris swallowed hard.

"Are you alright?" Zord's voice broke through his thoughts.

Aeris blinked, turning to face his towering friend. Zord stood beside him, his new war club Mjolnir resting on his shoulder. Despite his usual carefree attitude, Zord seemed to sense the tension in the air.

"Yeah," Aeris said, his voice quieter than usual. "Just... taking it all in."

Zord followed his gaze across the square, his expression softening. "A lot of strong teams, huh?"

Aeris nodded. "Yeah... more than I expected. This is going to be tough."

Zord grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Tough? We've got this, Aeris. Don't worry."

But even as Zord said those words, Aeris couldn't shake the feeling of doubt gnawing at him. These teams weren't just powerful—they were experienced, battle-hardened. They had all the tools to win, and they weren't about to let anyone stand in their way.

Still, he knew one thing for certain—he wouldn't back down. Not now.

The headmistress, Elowen, stepped onto the platform at the center of the square, signaling that the exam was about to begin. Her voice rang out, firm and clear.

"Teams, the time has come. Prepare yourselves. The final trial of your journey starts now."

Aeris took a deep breath, steeling himself. The uncertainty remained, but he knew that as long as he and Zord were together, they had a chance. It wasn't about raw strength alone—it was about resilience, ingenuity, and heart.

And that was something the other teams couldn't take away.

As Elowen's voice echoed across the academy square, a sudden stillness fell over the gathered students. She raised her hand, and the professors began to move, each of them holding a small, sleek object in their hands—something that looked like a simple, enchanted stone. The soft hum of magic radiated from the objects as they were handed out to each team.

Aeris frowned, instinctively taking the artifact from the professor who handed it to him. It was smooth, like polished obsidian, and had a single glowing button in the center.

"What is this?" Aeris asked quietly, glancing at Zord, who held his own artifact with equal curiosity.

"It's a surrender token," Elowen explained, her voice cutting through the murmurs. She stood atop a raised platform, her eyes scanning the students below. "Each of you is now in possession of a unique magic artifact. If, during the exam, you feel that victory is no longer possible, that you are in danger of losing your life, or if you wish to withdraw, you may activate this artifact by pressing the button. Doing so will instantly end your participation in the trial, and you will be safely teleported out of the arena."

The crowd grew quieter as the implications of her words sank in.

Aeris felt his stomach twist. While the token offered a way out, it felt like a cold reminder that failure in this trial was an option—a dangerous option, but still an option. It wasn't the kind of thing he liked thinking about, but he understood the purpose. It wasn't about surrendering to the challenge; it was about preserving life. Still, the thought of having to use it made his blood run cold.

Zord, on the other hand, gave the artifact a bemused look. "So, it's like a panic button? Can't say I'm a fan of giving up that easily, but I suppose it's better than nothing."

Aeris nodded, still staring at the artifact. "We're not going to use it," he said quietly, more to himself than to Zord. "This isn't about surrendering—it's about proving we can make it through. No matter what."

Zord grinned, giving the war club a playful tap. "You've got it, Aeris. We're going to smash our way through, no matter who stands in our way."

As Elowen continued explaining the rules, detailing how the artifact would activate in the event of surrender, Aeris couldn't shake the feeling that the presence of these tokens made the stakes all the higher. To have an escape route, even if it was just an illusion of safety, could lead some to give in too easily. But to him, it was a reminder: only by pushing past the limits would they truly grow stronger.

The pressure was on now. And Aeris had already made up his mind—there was no turning back.

The tension in the air was palpable as Elowen's commanding voice rang out across the academy square.

"Begin!"

In an instant, the entire square seemed to pulse with a surge of magic. Vibrant, glowing circles of runes appeared at the feet of every participant, spinning rapidly as they hummed with energy. Aeris felt a brief, electric tingle as the magic surged around him, his heart racing in his chest. Zord shifted beside him, his grip tightening around the handle of his massive war club, ready for whatever came next.

The magic circles blazed brighter, and before anyone could fully register what was happening, the world seemed to dissolve around them. The square, the academy, even the distant mountain range—it all vanished in a flash of light, replaced by a dizzying swirl of color.

Aeris felt his stomach lurch as the magic circles teleported them away, the sensation of shifting through space almost disorienting. When the swirling light finally cleared, they found themselves in a vast arena—massive stone walls rising high into the sky, the ground beneath their feet firm and uneven, scattered with rocks and patches of wild grass. The air felt heavier, the atmosphere thick with a sense of competition. This was no mere training ground; this was a battlefield.

"Welcome to the Arena of Trials!" Elowen's voice boomed from seemingly every direction, amplified by magic. "The event begins now. Only one team can come out victorious. Fight with all you have!"

Aeris took a deep breath, steadying himself as his gaze swept over the surroundings. The area was open, but scattered with natural obstacles—boulders, outcroppings, and high cliffs in the distance. This was no ordinary field. It was a place that would test everything—their strategy, their strength, and their ability to adapt.

Zord cracked his neck, already eager. "This place looks like it's built for a fight," he muttered. "Let's give 'em a show."

Aeris nodded, his thoughts already racing through potential strategies. "Stay sharp. We don't know who we'll be facing first. Keep your guard up."

As the final echoes of Elowen's announcement faded, the sounds of distant clashes and the movement of other teams filled the air. Aeris quickly scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of movement. They were not alone.

The trial had begun, and now, they were no longer just participants. They were competitors—thrust into a battle for survival.