Chapter 3: First Trial: Retrieving an artifact

The Academy's grounds were both a marvel and a mystery. Sprawling courtyards lined with enchanted flora, shadowy alcoves that whispered forgotten secrets, and granted arenas designed for rigorous training stretched as far as the eye could see. Everywhere Amelia looked, there was a sense of ancient power, it was stunning. But she couldn't bring herself to admire it.

Not when Kael Blackthorne was always there, a looming shadow in her peripheral vision.

Amelia stepped into the arena for the morning assembly, her hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of her sword. The assembly was a formal introduction to the trials–a series of grueling tests designed to assess strength, skill and adaptability. It was the heart of the Academy's purpose, a proving ground where alliances and rivalries were forged in equal measure.

Students gathered in a semi–circle around the central platform where the headmistress stood, flanked by instructors from each kingdom. Amelia scanned the crowd, taking in the sea of faces–humans, witches, and demons, all watching with varying degrees of anticipation and tension. Her gaze lingered on Kael, who stood with the Envidalian contingent, his expression unreadable.

"It's like he doesn't even care," Serah muttered beside her, following her gaze. Her dormitory mate, apparently a witch.

Amelia forced herself to look away. "Let him be. The less attention we give him, the better."

Serah didn't reply, though her uneasy glance back at Kael said enough.

The headmistress raised her hands, and the murmurs died down. Her voice, smooth and resonant, filled the arena. "Welcome to the first trial of the Academy. Today's test is simple–survival. You will be placed in teams of six, randomly assigned across kingdom lines. Your task is to navigate the shadow woods, retrieve the artifact hidden within, and return to this arena. The first three teams to succeed will be awarded points towards their standing. The rest…will learn the cost of failure."

A ripple of unease passed through the crowd. The Shadow woods was notorious. A sprawling forest that bordered the Academy, it was steeped in ancient magic, known for its ability to warp reality and test even the strongest minds.

Amelia straightened her posture, her resolve hardening. She had faced countless challenges as the crown princess of Gilmoria. She would face this one, too.

The headmistress began calling out names, forming the teams. Amelia listened intently, her heartbeat quickening as each name brought her closer to her own.

"Team twelve," the headmistress announced. "Amelia Ashbourne. Kael Blackthorne."

Amelia's heart sank. Why does it have to be him?

Serah gasped. "No way."

The headmistress continued, naming four students–two witches, a human boy, and another demon. But Amelia barely heard them. Her gaze darted to Kael, who was already looking at her. His expression was calm, almost smug, as if he had expected this.

Amelia clenched her fists. Of course. It's like her fates are playing some cruel jokes.

"Meet your teams and prepare," the headmistress commanded. "You have one hour before the trials begin."

Serah said in an encouraging voice "At least we are in the same team, you got this girl."

The tension within team twelve was immediate and suffocating. Amelia stood stiffly at the edge of the group, keeping as much distance as possible from Kael, who leaned lazily against the stone wall, his arms crossed.

The other members introduced themselves cautiously. Eryk, Serah twin brother, matching dark brown hair and sharp features. Their calm, aloof demeanor made them hard to read. The human boy ,Marcus, was clearly nervous, his hands fidgeting as he spoke. And another demon, a brooding figure named Tairin, radiated a quiet menace that rivaled Kael's.

"We need a plan," Amelia said, addressing the group. She kept her voice steady, authoritative. "Shadow woods is unpredictable. We should prioritize teamwork and keep a close formation." 

Tairin snorted. "Teamwork? That's rich, coming from a human."

Amelia glared at him, but before she could respond, Kael spoke. "She's right."

The group fell silent.

Kael lazily stepped forward, his stormy grey eyes sweeping over the team. "The Shadow woods will try to separate us. If we let it, we're as good as dead. Stay together, follow orders, and we might make it out alive. Simple "

Amelia frowned, surprised by his agreement. She wasn't sure whether to be relieved or wary. 

"Fine," Tairin muttered. "But if you get into trouble, human, don't expect me to save you."

Amelia did not dignify that with a response.

The Shadow woods were alive.

That was Amelia's first thought as the team stepped into the forest. The trees were impossibly tall, their twisted branches forming a canopy that blocked out the sun. The air was heavy, thick with an unnatural energy that pricked her skin. Shadows flickered at the edges of her vision, moving too quickly to be natural.

"Stay close," she ordered, her hand on her sword.

The group moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the dense undergrowth. Every sound–every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig–felt amplified, as if the forest itself was watching them.

"It's quiet," Amelia whispered.

"Too quiet," Serah added, her voice barely audible.

A low growl echoed through the trees, and the group froze.

"What was that?" Marcus asked, his voice trembling.

"Nothing good," Kael replied, drawing his twin blades.

The growl came again, louder this time. The shadows seemed to coalesce, forming a shape–a massive, wolf–like creature with glowing red eyes and jugged teeth. Its fur shimmered like liquid darkness, blending seamlessly with the forest.

"A shadow beast," Eryk whispered, his face pale.

"Ready yourselves!" Amelia commanded, unsheathing her sword.

The creature lunged, and chaos erupted.

Amelia moved instinctively, her sword slicing through the air to deflect the beast's claws. Kael was beside her in an instant, his movements fluid and deadly. Together , they pushed the creature back, their attacks synchronized despite the lack of coordination.

The rest of the team held their ground, casting spells and striking with precision. It was a chaotic dance of light and shadow, steel and magic, but eventually, the beast dissolved into nothingness, its form scattering like smoke.

The group stood in silence, their breaths heavy.

"That was just the beginning," Kael said, his voice calm but edged with warning.

Amelia met his gaze, her grip tightening on her sword. She hated to admit he was right. The Shadow woods were testing them, and it wouldn't stop until it had broken them–or they had proven themselves worthy.

"Let's move," she said, her voice steady despite the unease coiling in her chest. "We have an artifact to find."