First Evaluation Tests
The party had come and gone without much significance.
Fenix had enjoyed himself for the most part, though nothing particularly remarkable had happened.
One thing he did notice was that Dante and Mira seemed to have grown closer.
It wasn't anything overt—no grand confessions or obvious moments—but Fenix could tell by the way they talked, the way Dante leaned in just a little more when Mira spoke, the way she smiled more often around him.
Nothing had been made official, but there was definitely something there.
Still, it wasn't something he had any particular investment in—he had his own matters to deal with.
Because tomorrow would mark a turning point.
The academy wasted no time in launching the final written and theoretical exams.
Fenix found himself struggling with certain subjects—particularly those that required rote memorization, like tactical warfare strategies, historical Awakened conflicts, and advanced magical theory.
The practical subjects were a different matter.
Survival, in particular, was where he shined.
The training he had received under Aldric Voss was more than enough to carry him through with ease.
Starting a fire with minimal resources? Easy.
Purifying water from any natural source? Done.
Identifying edible plants versus poisonous ones? No problem.
Basic first aid and wound treatment? Learned from experience.
Many students fumbled their way through the tests, but Fenix moved with practiced confidence.
Each time he passed a section, he could feel the approving gaze of Aldric Voss, watching from the back of the room.
Even so, it was clear to him that this was only a warm-up.
The real test was tomorrow—when they would finally enter the SoulRealm as a team.
Fenix woke up early the next morning, his nerves buzzing with anticipation.
He dressed quickly in his assigned academy combat attire, checking over the standard issue gear provided for first-year students.
Basic reinforced combat uniform
Standard-grade combat boots
A multi-purpose survival knife
A belt with pouches for supplies
He felt almost naked without a proper weapon, but this was just the start.
As he made his way toward the secured training ground, he noticed the sheer number of students gathering.
Hundreds of Awakened had assembled, standing in groups, their excitement and nervous energy palpable.
In the center of the area stood a massive Gateway, its swirling energy pulsing in a hypnotic rhythm.
It was unlike any ordinary portal.
This wasn't just a gateway to another location—it was a threshold into another world.
A man stepped forward, his imposing presence immediately silencing the crowd.
His voice was firm, authoritative—the kind of voice that commanded absolute attention.
"Today marks your first official mission."
He let the words settle before continuing.
"You will be sent into a designated zone within the SoulRealm. Each of you has been assigned a team of five. Your mission is simple: Hunt."
A ripple of whispers moved through the crowd.
Fenix listened carefully.
"Your assigned targets are classified as low to mid-tier beasts—suitable for this exercise. Your objectives are as follows:
Track and engage designated monsters.
Eliminate threats with tactical cooperation.
Survive and extract successfully.
This is not about who is the strongest. This is about efficiency, teamwork, and survival instincts."
The weight of the mission settled over everyone.
For some, this would be their first real hunt outside of their Trial.
For others, it was just another stepping stone toward their goal.
For Fenix, it was a return—but this time, he wasn't alone.
The Team Selection
A large holographic display flickered to life, showcasing the randomly assigned teams.
Fenix quickly scanned the screen, looking for his name.
TEAM 17:
Sylis of Arventis
Fenix
Irel Grayson
Elias Moreau
Rika Voss
The moment Sylis name appeared, murmurs rippled through the students.
It wasn't surprising.
She was a Legacy—one of the elite.
Fenix sighed internally. He already knew how this was going to play out.
When he approached his designated team, the three other Awakened were already focused entirely on Sylis.
Grayson Irel, a tall, broad-shouldered guy with short black hair, was the first to speak.
"Looks like we got lucky having an Arventis on our team," he said with a smirk.
Elias and Rika nodded in agreement, their expressions showing subtle admiration.
Sylis, of course, remained unfazed, her face unreadable.
Fenix exhaled sharply.
"Great. So I'm invisible, huh?"
It was predictable, though that didn't make it less annoying.
After the team assignments, the final call was given.
"Teams, step forward when ready."
One by one, groups moved toward the massive Gateway, their faces filled with anticipation and tension.
As Team 17's turn arrived, Fenix took a deep breath.
"Here we go again."
The moment his foot crossed the threshold of the Gateway, a wave of pressure hit him.
The world shifted, his vision warping—
—and then they were there.
The air was thicker, heavier, charged with an unnatural energy that buzzed against his skin.
The sky stretched endlessly above them, bathed in an eerie mix of violet and crimson, swirling with clouds that seemed alive.
The landscape was vast—a city with high walls and a massive tower in the middle, around the city jagged mountains, and twisted forests stretched as far as the eye could see.
Even though it had only been months since his personal Trial, stepping back into the SoulRealm felt both familiar and foreign.
This time, he was here as an Awakened, not just a survivor.
Fenix clenched his fists, his senses heightened.
He could feel something—a pulse in the air, a presence he couldn't describe.
Sylis stepped forward first.
Grayson let out a low whistle.
"Damn… this place is insane."
Elias looked around "Feels… off."
Rika frowned. "No, it feels alive."
Fenix remained silent, letting the weight of it sink in.
This was the SoulRealm.
The place where monsters roamed freely, where power could be seized, and where legends were born.
And this time, he was ready.