THE BLOOD TRIAL

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE TRIAL...

Elias stood in the Academy's grand hall, surrounded by murmuring students. A massive golden banner hung in thr front, bearing the insignia of the Arcane Academy- a tower engulfed in swirling magical energy.

The tention in the air was thick.

Vladis Arcanis, the headmaster, stood on the raised platform, his silver Eyes sweeping across the crowd. His presence alone was enough to silence even the most arrogant students.

"The time has come," Vladis spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "The blood trial begins tomorrow."

A collective gasp rippled through the hall.

The blood trial.

It was the Academy's most grueling test, a rite of passage that separated the weak form the strong. A trial where failure meant disgrace, and victory meant ascension.

Elias felt his heartbeat quicken.

His first real test was here.

THE RULES OF THE TRIAL...

Vladis continued, his gaze unwavering.

"The blood trial is a combat tournament- one that will determine your worth as warriors of Arcane Crown Academy."

The murmuring grew louder.

"You will be placed in an arena-where magic, weapons, and strategy are your only tools for survival."

Elias clenched his fists, survival. That word again.

" But this year," Vladis's voice darkened, "We have changed the rules."

A chilling silence followed.

" This time, it is a free for all battle."

Eyes widened. A free-for-all?

Elias stomach Tightened. This meant dozens of student would fight at the same time- not in one-on-one duels but in a chaotic battlefield where Alliances and betrayals would decide the outcome.

Vladis smirked. "The last ten standing with pass. The rest...will be eliminated from the ranks of the academy.

The air turned suffocating.

Only ten. Out of hundreds.

LUCIUS'S PLAN FOR REVENGE...

Across the hall, Lucius Vorn's lips curled into a smirk.

This was his chance.

"Elias got lucky last time," he muttered under his breath, his golden eyes burning with hatred.

"But in a battle like this? He's already dead."

Lucius turned to his most loyal followers-elite students who had trained alongside him for years.

"During the trial, we take him out first. No hesitation."

They nodded.

Lucius clenched his fists, this time, Elias wouldn't walk away. This time- he would be crushed beyond repair.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIAL....

Elias sat alone in his dorm, staring at his hands.

The power Inside him was still unfamiliar, still raw. His training with Seraphina had helped, but he wasn't ready.

And yet, he had no choice.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.

Seraphina.

She stepped inside, arms crossed, her violet eyes searching his. "Nervous?"

Elias echaled. "Not nervous...just....uncertain."

Seraphina leaned against the doorframe. "Good. Overconfidence gets you killed."

She stepped closer, her gaze serious. "Listen, Elias in a free-for-all, there are no rules. Alliances form, betrayals happen. And there will be people-powerful people-who want you gone."

Elias nodded. "Lucius".

Seraphina smirked. "Among others".

A long silence stretched between them. Then, for the first time, her expressions softened.

"You're strong," she said. "Stronger than you think, just....don't die."

Elias blinked. Was that concern? From her?

Before he could say anything, she turned and walked away.

"See you in the arena, Nightshade."

THE BLOOD TRIAL BEGINS...

The arena was massive battlefield, surrounded by towering walls infused with Arcane runes.

Hundreds of students stood in a circular formation, each one ready to fight.

Above them, Vladis Arcanis watched from his throne-like seat eyes gleaming with intrigue.

"Let the blood trial begin!"

A loud gong echoed through the arena.

And all hell broke loose.

THE CHAOS OF BATTLE...

Elias barely dodged a lighting strike that shattered the ground where he stood.He spun, countering with a burst of dark energy, knocking an opponent backward.

"Go for Elias!" Someone shouted.

Lucius's plan was in motion.

Three barriers charged at Elias from different dierctions.

One wielded fire magic, sending a wave of flames towards him .

Another carried a war axe, swinging it with deadly force.

The third was a speedster, disappearing and reappearing like a ghost.

Elias's instincts took over.

He dodged left, narrowly avoiding the axe , then threw up a dark barrier to absorb the flames.

But the speedster?

Too fast.

A sudden impact slammed into Elias's side, sending him skidding across the battlefield.

He coughed, tasting blood.

"Tch. That all you got, Nightshade?" Lucius sneered, stepping forward.

Elias forced himself to his feet, his vision sharpening.

Lucius.

The real fight was about to begin.