Party Invitation

Fenix strode across the academy grounds, his mind occupied with a single thought—he needed to improve.

It had been two weeks since his humiliating defeat against Garrick Drakar, and every moment since, he had been training. His strength had grown. His stamina had increased. He had pushed his body further than he ever had before.

And yet, it wasn't enough.

'I got destroyed in that fight. Not just because Garrick was stronger—but because he was better.'

Garrick's mastery of swordplay and martial arts was undeniable. Strength alone wasn't enough to bridge the gap between them. If Fenix wanted to stand a chance in future battles, he needed skill.

But where the hell was he supposed to learn?

Most students who specialized in close combat had been trained since childhood. Some were nobles who had access to the best instructors, while others had spent years mastering their techniques.

Fenix had none of that.

And that's why Aldric Voss was the perfect choice.

The man was a survivor, a warrior, and a teacher. Unlike most instructors, Aldric had real-world experience—not just theory. He had fought in the SoulRealm, clashed against powerful creatures, and lived through battles where hesitation meant death.

If anyone could help Fenix bridge the gap between raw strength and technique, it was him.

And so, with that conviction, Fenix made his way to the academy's training grounds.

He needed to convince Aldric to teach him.

Fenix found the survival instructor near the academy's training grounds, leaning against a wall with arms crossed, watching a group of students spar.

Aldric Voss was a man of war.

His rugged features, scar-lined arms, and the intensity in his gaze told the story of someone who had seen more battles than he cared to admit. His experience in the field was unmatched.

As Fenix approached, Aldric raised an eyebrow.

"Kid, you look like you've been through hell."

Fenix smirked. "Garrick Drakar."

Aldric let out a low chuckle. "That explains a lot. What do you need?"

Fenix didn't hesitate. "I want you to teach me how to fight with a sword."

Aldric studied him for a moment before sighing.

"I figured this was coming." He rubbed his temples. "Look, Fenix, I'll teach you. But not now."

Fenix frowned. "Why not?"

Aldric gestured around him. "Because the Evaluation Exams are coming. I don't have time to take on another student right now. Once the exams are over, I'll consider it."

Fenix crossed his arms. "That could take a month. Maybe two."

"Exactly." Aldric shrugged. "Be patient. You've already lasted this long."

Fenix wasn't happy about it, but he understood. The exams were going to be brutal. And their final test?

A gateway to the SoulRealm.

Aldric continued, sensing Fenix's frustration.

"You're gonna have bigger things to worry about soon, kid. The exams aren't just written tests."

Fenix narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"The last trial is a real mission. You and your team will be sent through a gateway to the SoulRealm for the first time."

Fenix tensed. He had heard rumors about this, but having it confirmed was different.

A gateway was a dimensional rift, a passage between the human world and the SoulRealm.

"Once inside," Aldric explained, "you'll be tasked with claiming a stronghold."

Fenix frowned. "A stronghold?"

"They're human settlements within the SoulRealm. They serve as fortified refuges, research centers, and strategic bases for Awakeneds. Some are abandoned. Some are contested. Either way, your job will be to take one and claim it as a safe zone."

Fenix processed the information.

'So this isn't just an exam… it's a real mission.'

Aldric patted his shoulder. "Rest while you can, kid. Once the exams start, you won't have time to breathe."

Fenix sighed. "Guess I don't have a choice."

"That's the spirit." Aldric smirked. "Now, go enjoy your break or something. You won't get many more of them."

As Fenix left the training grounds, his mind was still racing with everything Aldric had told him.

The evaluation exams were going to be far more intense than he had expected. The fact that they would be sent to a real stronghold in the SoulRealm changed everything.

"We won't just be tested on combat—we'll be given real missions. If we mess up, we won't just fail. We could actually get killed."

He wasn't sure if he was ready.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed when two familiar voices called out to him.

"Fenix!"

Turning, he spotted Dante and Mira making their way toward him.

Dante, as usual, was full of energy, throwing an arm around Fenix's shoulder with a wide grin. Mira, walking beside them, had a knowing smirk on her face.

"Where have you been?" Dante asked, nudging him. "You've been avoiding us or something?"

Fenix scoffed. "I've been training. Unlike you two, some of us actually have things to improve on."

Dante let out a dramatic gasp. "Are you implying that I, the future legend of Lux Aeterna, have no room for improvement?"

"Yes," Fenix deadpanned.

Mira chuckled. "Alright, enough messing around. We actually came to find you for something."

Fenix raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Dante pulled out his phone and waved it in front of him. "Tomorrow night. Academy Party. You're coming."

Fenix blinked. "What?"

"It's a tradition," Mira explained. "Before the exams start, the academy third-year students throws a massive party for all first-year. Everyone is going to be there."

Fenix frowned. "Not interested."

"Too bad, because you're coming," Dante said without giving him a chance to refuse.

Mira crossed her arms. "Yeah, you need to unwind a little. Training all the time isn't going to do you any good if you burn out."

Fenix sighed. "I just don't see the point—"

"But Sylis will be there."

Fenix froze.

Dante grinned. Mira's smirk widened.

Fenix cleared his throat. "And? What does that have to do with me?"

Mira leaned in, her voice teasing. "Oh, nothing. It's just funny how you reacted just now."

"I didn't react."

"You definitely did."

Fenix clicked his tongue, rubbing his forehead. "You two are insufferable."

"Yet here we are, still your friends," Dante said cheerfully. "So, does that mean you're coming?"

Fenix let out a long sigh, already regretting his decision. "Fine. But if it sucks, I'm leaving early."

Mira shrugged. "Fair enough."

Dante grinned. "Good. I'll send you the details tomorrow morning."

With that, the two walked off, whispering and chuckling among themselves.

Fenix stood there for a moment, watching them go before exhaling sharply.

"What the hell did I just agree to?"

The party was tomorrow.

And for the first time since entering the academy, he would experience something other than training and survival.

Whether that was a good thing or not… he still wasn't sure.

Lying on his bed later that night, Fenix stared at his phone.

Sylis of Arventis.

That was the name displayed in his messages. He had exchanged a few texts with her over the past weeks, but they hadn't spoken much since their encounter in the library.

'Should I text her about the party?'

He hovered his thumb over the screen, hesitated for a moment… and then locked his phone.

"Whatever," he muttered. "I'll see her tomorrow anyway."

He rolled over, closing his eyes.

Tomorrow would be his first real taste of the academy's social life.

And he had no idea what to expect.