Chapter 45: The Road Beyond the Walls

A year had passed.

From the moment the newest batch of first-years set foot on the sacred stone paths of the Primordial Academy, time had moved both swiftly and with weight. What once felt like a world of mystique and uncertainty had become, over the months, a forge. A place of silence, sweat, and will.

But the peace was ending.

As Solara had just appeared on the sky, declaring its dominance, the great bells of the academy rang thrice—a rare call. All students, from fresh-eyed first-years to the quiet legends of the third-year cohort, gathered in the central training grounds. The space, vast and echoing, had been prepared specially for this moment.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Whispers passed between students as they speculated. Even the senior-most students wore guarded expressions, some curious, others solemn. Though each year followed tradition, the details of the coming event were shrouded in secrecy until the moment arrived.

Thousands of students stood in formation. Yet, by the end of the announcement, only a fraction of them would be moving forward.

Instructor Valeris stepped forward, flanked by Aeliana and the other faculty members. His cloak stirred faintly in the wind, but his gaze remained unmoving.

His voice, when it came, cut cleanly through the murmurs.

"Today marks the final arc of the first year. Your year of foundation, of sharpening. For many of you, this has been a time of inner growth. For some, it has brought pain. For all, it has changed you."

He paused, letting his gaze pass across the crowd.

"But change, when kept within these walls, is not yet real."

A quiet hush settled across the students. Eyes sharpened. Breaths held.

"An event takes place every year. A trial. A challenge. A gathering. Its location changes with every cycle—rotating across the great Dukedoms. This year, it will be held on the borderlands of the Verdant Ember Duchy."

A map shimmered into projection above them—lush, wild forests spanning jagged terrain. Mountains curled along the edge like slumbering beasts. Even from the magical display, one could feel the primal energy radiating from it.

"There lies a wilderness," Aeliana continued, stepping beside Valeris. "Mystical fields woven with ancient power. Creatures touched by the old world. Echoes of the celestial past."

She let the silence linger, then added:

"That is where you will go."

Shock rippled.

"Not all of you," Valeris said. "Participation is earned."

He turned slightly.

"First-years, only those among you with six halos or more will be allowed to attend."

Gasps and sighs moved like wind.

"Second-years must have achieved their seventh Mark, and be an Elite to qualify."

"Third years, none other than Champions are allowed to attend. For Champions, participation is mandatory."

The weight of the announcement settled like lead. Eyes turned inward. A few proud gazes lifted—those who had met the requirements. Others looked devastated.

The list was read, and confirmed. A few hundred students remained. Some looked proud. Others stunned. A few hung their heads in quiet disappointment.

But those who had passed the threshold? They stood straighter now.

Cedric, standing among them with a tense jaw, said nothing. Gary offered a small nod to Ingrid and Dawn. Their group remained whole.

Luna stood apart from students, serene as ever, her presence quiet yet monumental.

Valeris looked upon them all. "You will not be alone. Other academies will be present. Your peers. Your rivals. Your competition."

Luna stepped forward then, adding coolly, "Not all institutions will send their best. Some will test their lesser talents. Others will use it as a stage to showcase dominance. Either way, we will not represent the Primordial Academy as anything but what we are."

She glanced to Dawn, who stood among the chosen first-years.

"Be Prepared."

Dawn didn't respond. He didn't need to.

Valeris continued. "The nature of your task will be revealed upon arrival. As always."

Another instructor added, "This event is more than a challenge. It is an opportunity. The Wilderness has remained as one of the biggest mysteries of the Past. So, whoever goes there will not return empty handed. That is, if they return!"

The bluntness sent a ripple of unease across the field.

One first-year, barely past seventeen, raised a hesitant hand. "Instructor... how are we to reach a distant dukedom by tomorrow?"

Valeris smiled faintly.

Aeliana stepped forward. Her expression betrayed nothing.

"That," she said, "is something you will soon see."

And just like that, the mystery deepened.

A heavy pause settled.

The students looked toward the great gates of the academy—sealed tight.

The instructors gave no further explanation.

But something was coming.

Something that would carry them far from the academy, into the unknown.

And for the first time in nearly a year...

The world beyond the walls was calling.

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To be Continued