Chapter 13: Taste

Lucian stepped into the combat simulation realm, the eerie silence of the empty arena pressing against him. The air felt thick, as if charged with the weight of unseen eyes watching. It wasn't just a test of his strength; it was a test of his willpower, his mind, and his ability to survive.

The Headmaster's voice echoed through the space, a warning to all:

"Survival is the key. Only those who can endure will progress."

Lucian swallowed hard. His heart raced, but the cold sweat on his palms was the least of his worries. He had no battle experience, no tactical skills, and his mana was meager at best.

The first beast appeared.

A massive rhino-like creature, its body armored in thick, gray scales, with vicious tusks protruding from its mouth. The ground trembled as it charged, the creature's roar shaking Lucian's resolve.

Lucian barely had time to react. His legs felt heavy as if the very weight of the simulation was trying to hold him in place. The beast charged, and he stumbled backward, trying to regain his footing. His thoughts raced, but his movements lagged behind.

No!

The rhino's tusk scraped his side, sending a shock of pain through him. He gasped, feeling the sting of the wound as if it were real. The world around him seemed to blur, but the pain remained sharp.

"Focus, Lucian!" Nyx's voice rang in his mind, urgent. "Move! It's going to kill you if you don't act!"

His legs screamed, but Lucian forced himself to his feet, clutching his dagger. With shaky hands, he barely avoided another charge, rolling out of the way just in time. But the pain from his side—the fresh, burning wound—slowed him down.

How do they do it? Lucian thought, frustration bubbling to the surface. How do they fight with so much power?

The rhino turned, its tusks aimed once more at him. Lucian gritted his teeth, praying he could just land one solid blow. He couldn't rely on the fairies; not in this moment.

"This is your fight, Lucian. Only you can survive it," Sylphira's voice came through. "You've been through worse. Don't let it break you."

With no time to waste, Lucian sprinted forward, darting between the creature's massive legs. He slashed at its underbelly, his dagger sinking deep into the thick hide, but it barely did any damage. The beast roared in fury, swinging its tusks wildly.

Lucian barely avoided one tusk that grazed his shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground. Pain shot through his body, and for a moment, his vision blurred. No. He couldn't lose now.

With everything he had left, Lucian scrambled to his feet and dove between the beast's legs, this time aiming his dagger upward. The blade sank deep into the soft underbelly of the rhino, and for a split second, he thought he had failed. But then, the beast staggered, blood pouring from the wound.

It collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Lucian's knees gave way, and he fell beside the massive corpse, breathing heavily.

"One down," Nyx whispered. "But don't get cocky."

Lucian could barely stand, the pain from his side making it nearly impossible to move. His body felt heavy, sluggish. The next fight would be even harder.

Barely catching his breath, Lucian was thrust into the second fight. A giant, hulking bear appeared in the arena—its fur thick and black, its claws longer than Lucian's forearm. Its eyes gleamed with hunger as it prowled toward him.

The moment it saw him, the bear lunged with terrifying speed, its claws slashing at the air. Lucian barely managed to jump back, but the momentum sent him crashing into the ground. His head spun.

The beast roared, swiping again, but this time, Lucian was ready. He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding its deadly claws. The arena trembled as the bear turned, roaring in anger.

Lucian's mind raced. Think! What could he do? He had no experience, no skills, just his instincts and the pain coursing through him. He was already at a disadvantage.

With the bear charging again, Lucian realized too late that he was cornered. The bear's massive paw swiped across his chest, sending him sprawling backward, his dagger flying from his hand.

The pain was unbearable. Lucian gasped for air, clutching his chest as his body screamed in agony. He had to survive—he had to keep moving.

"Get up!" Sylphira shouted, her voice laced with concern. "This isn't over."

But Lucian's body didn't want to listen. His movements were slow, sluggish. The bear advanced, its claws ready to end it all. Lucian reached out blindly, his hand finding the hilt of his dagger, and with a desperate, final surge of strength, he lunged.

He drove the dagger into the bear's throat, but it wasn't enough. The bear swiped again, knocking Lucian across the arena. He could feel his ribs crack. His vision swam, and for a moment, he thought he might pass out.

But Lucian didn't. He couldn't.

With every last ounce of strength, he lunged once more, this time slashing the bear's eyes. It howled in pain, thrashing around, and in that moment of chaos, Lucian drove his dagger into the beast's heart. The bear let out one final, blood-curdling roar before collapsing, dead.

Lucian collapsed beside it, his body wracked with pain.

"Two down," Nyx said, though her voice was faint. "Just one more."

Lucian could barely move, each breath bringing more pain than he thought he could bear. But there was no time to rest.

The final beast emerged: a massive, armored dragon. Its wings beat the air with tremendous force, sending gusts of wind that nearly knocked Lucian off his feet. Its golden scales shimmered as it bared its teeth, and the heat of its breath scorched the air.

Lucian knew this was it. This would be his final test.

He staggered to his feet, barely holding onto his dagger. His mana was almost drained, his strength gone. His only hope was sheer determination.

The dragon charged, its maw wide open, flames licking the air. Lucian tried to dodge, but the pain from his wounds slowed him down. The flames hit his side, and he screamed, the heat searing his flesh. He fell to the ground, unable to rise.

His head spun, his body going numb. He couldn't see straight.

"Lucian… Focus!" Sylphira's voice rang in his mind, and somehow, it reached him through the haze of pain.

The dragon roared as it prepared for another attack. Lucian knew it would be his last if he didn't act.

With what little mana he had left, he hurled a rock at the dragon's eye, momentarily blinding it. That was all the opening he needed. Lucian scrambled forward, his dagger still in his hand. The world around him spun, but he didn't stop.

With everything he had left, Lucian thrust the dagger deep into the dragon's heart. The beast let out a deafening roar before crumpling to the ground, lifeless.

Lucian fell to his knees, his body wracked with pain. His vision blurred, and he couldn't even bring himself to stand. The world seemed to spin around him, and he could barely hear Nyx's voice through the ringing in his ears.

"You passed. Just barely."

Lucian was barely aware of his surroundings as he was led out of the arena. His body felt like it was breaking apart, but he had survived.

Later, he stood in the class assignment hall, his chest still aching from the battle. The Headmaster stepped forward, giving a stern look to the group of students.

"You all have passed. But let me be clear: Lucian Ashford, your performance was… subpar."

Lucian's heart sank. He had hoped for more.

"You will be placed in the Standard Class—not the worst, but not the best either. It's a place for students who are struggling to find their footing. Hopefully, you'll learn more in time."

Lucian bowed his head, accepting the verdict. It wasn't what he wanted, but it was better than failing entirely.

His journey at Celestia Academy was just beginning. And he would have to fight every step of the way if he wanted to prove he belonged....