CHAPTER 8

Chapter 8: The Weight of a Title

The cold night wind blew across the desert, carrying the weight of unspoken words. The students stood in silence, the realization of their new reality sinking in. They were no longer just eight students from another world. They were now princes and princesses of the Dark Nation.

The Minister of the Nation let the silence linger before speaking again.

"Your titles are not just for show. As royalty, you will have duties. You will be expected to lead, to fight, and to protect this country. That is why your training will be harsher than anything you have ever faced before."

Kazuki scoffed, crossing his arms.

"You make it sound like we have a choice. What if we refuse?"

The Minister's expression didn't change. He simply replied,

"Then you will remain weak."

Kazuki clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. The idea of being weak was something he could never accept.

Aya, standing nearby, asked hesitantly,

"And what exactly does this training involve?"

The Minister turned, his cape swaying in the wind.

"Follow me. You'll see for yourselves."

With that, he began walking into the darkness. The students exchanged uneasy glances before following.

---

The Trial Begins

After an hour of walking through the endless desert, they arrived at a vast canyon. The ground beneath them trembled as torches lit up the stone walls, revealing a massive underground training ground. Warriors clad in black armor stood in perfect formation, their expressions unreadable.

The Minister stepped forward.

"This is where you will train. This is where you will learn to control your powers. And this is where you will prove yourselves as true heirs of the Dark Nation."

Suddenly, a loud horn echoed through the canyon.

"Your first trial begins now."

From the shadows, dozens of monstrous creatures emerged—each one larger and more terrifying than the last. Their eyes glowed in the darkness, hunger and rage evident in their movements.

"Survive."

That was all the Minister said before stepping back.

The students barely had time to react before the creatures charged.

Ryo's heart pounded. This was different from before. This wasn't just about awakening his power. This was life or death.

Kazuki grinned, cracking his knuckles.

"Finally, a real fight!"

Aya took a deep breath, focusing her mind.

Yuma cursed under his breath, raising his stance.

Sachiko's hands trembled, but her eyes burned with determination.

This was it.

Their true battle had begun.

End of Chapter 8.