The First Trial

The ground trembled beneath Kael's feet as the massive iron doors groaned open, revealing a pitch-black tunnel. A chilling wind swept through the arena, carrying the scent of damp stone and something else—something primal.

Commander Ragnor stood with arms crossed, watching the new recruits. His gaze was sharp, assessing, searching for weakness.

"The first trial is simple," he announced. "Survive."

A flicker of amusement crossed his scarred face as he stepped aside, motioning toward the tunnel.

"Inside this corridor, you will face a beast—one born from the depths of the Abyss. It does not care for your strength, your dreams, or your ambitions. It only knows hunger."

A murmur spread through the students. Some glanced at one another with nervous energy, while others clenched their fists in anticipation.

Kael took a deep breath. He had fought before, but something about the oppressive air within the tunnel sent a shiver down his spine.

Commander Ragnor continued, his voice like thunder.

"You will enter in groups of five. You may use whatever weapons or abilities you possess. If you survive and subdue the beast, you pass. If you fail…" His eyes darkened. "Well, let's just say the Academy does not coddle the weak."

With a casual wave of his hand, he gestured toward the entrance.

"First group—step forward."

A handful of students hesitated before stepping up. Among them was a broad-shouldered boy wielding a two-handed axe, a girl with daggers strapped to her waist, and another who crackled with electric energy.

The moment they crossed the threshold, the iron doors slammed shut behind them. Silence stretched across the arena.

Then—

A bloodcurdling roar erupted from within the tunnel.

The ground shook, and faint flickers of crimson light illuminated the stone walls. The sound of steel clashing against something hard echoed from within. Then… nothing.

Minutes passed.

Finally, the doors creaked open once more. The students emerged—bloodied, panting, but alive. The boy with the axe had a gash across his arm. The girl with daggers was limping. But their eyes burned with triumph.

Commander Ragnor gave a satisfied nod. "Good. You may proceed to the next stage."

Kael exhaled slowly. So that's how it is…

He turned to the other recruits, scanning their faces. Among them, he recognized two figures.

One was a tall, lean boy with silver hair, his eyes cold and calculating. He carried no visible weapon, only a calm confidence that suggested he didn't need one.

The other was a girl with dark violet hair, her expression unreadable. She wore lightweight armor, and two curved blades rested at her back.

Kael stepped forward. "I'll go next."

The silver-haired boy smirked. "Looks like we're in the same group."

The violet-haired girl nodded. "Let's get this over with."

Two other recruits joined them—a muscular boy wielding a warhammer and a younger student who looked barely fifteen, clutching a spear nervously.

The five of them walked toward the tunnel.

As soon as they entered, the heavy doors slammed shut. Darkness swallowed them.

The Abyssal Beast

A faint red glow illuminated the corridor, revealing jagged stone walls slick with moisture. The scent of blood lingered in the air.

The group moved cautiously, weapons drawn.

Kael flexed his fingers, his Vanquish Armor tingling beneath his skin. This thing is close.

Then—movement.

A low growl rumbled from the shadows.

Something massive lurked ahead, just out of sight. A pair of glowing amber eyes appeared in the darkness, unblinking and filled with malice.

Kael's heart pounded. The beast was crouched low, its muscled form hidden in the shadows. Clawed feet scraped against the stone, and saliva dripped from its fanged maw.

Without warning, it lunged.

The massive creature shot forward like a blur, its claws slashing toward Kael's throat. He barely managed to twist aside, feeling the rush of wind as the claws scraped past him.

The warhammer-wielding boy roared and swung his weapon, but the beast was too fast. It vanished into the darkness and reappeared behind them, its tail whipping through the air.

The younger recruit with the spear panicked and thrust his weapon blindly. The creature dodged with terrifying speed, its amber eyes gleaming with predatory amusement.

Kael gritted his teeth. This isn't an ordinary beast.

The silver-haired boy suddenly stepped forward.

With a casual flick of his wrist, he raised his hand—and the air shimmered around him.

A split second later, the beast froze in place.

Its limbs twitched, struggling against an invisible force. The silver-haired boy's eyes glowed faintly, and a smirk played on his lips.

"My turn."

With a clenched fist, he twisted his fingers—and the air around the beast compressed violently.

The creature howled in rage as it was slammed into the stone floor. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ground from the impact.

Kael's eyes widened. What kind of power is that?

The silver-haired boy exhaled, wiping imaginary dust from his sleeve. "It's called Graviton Manipulation. Handy, don't you think?"

Kael didn't have time to respond.

The beast suddenly snapped free of the force holding it down.

A wave of raw energy exploded outward, sending the silver-haired boy flying backward. He crashed into the stone wall with a grunt.

The violet-haired girl didn't hesitate. She vanished in an instant, her form blurring.

A split second later, she reappeared behind the beast, her twin blades slashing through the air.

The creature howled as steel bit into its flesh, but it wasn't done yet.

Its body morphed.

The once-flesh-like texture of its hide hardened into obsidian-like armor, deflecting the girl's second strike.

Kael's mind raced. It can adapt?!

The beast roared, swiping its tail toward the girl. She barely managed to dodge, flipping through the air with agility that defied logic.

Kael activated his Armor.

A golden aura flared around him as energy surged through his limbs. He launched himself forward with inhuman speed, clenching his fist.

BOOM!

His punch connected—sending a shockwave through the tunnel. The beast staggered backward, cracks forming in its hardened hide.

Kael grinned. Vanquish Armor is more than just defense.

The warhammer-wielding boy saw the opening and charged, bringing his weapon down with all his strength. The impact shattered part of the beast's armor, exposing raw flesh beneath.

The younger recruit, still trembling, thrust his spear into the opening.

The beast howled in agony, thrashing wildly.

Kael didn't hesitate. He channeled every ounce of energy into his fists, his Vanquish Armor roaring to life. His knuckles glowed with golden power.

He lunged—

And with a final, devastating blow to its skull, the beast collapsed.

Silence filled the tunnel.

The group stood panting, their bodies sore and bloodied.

Then—

A loud clang echoed through the chamber.

The iron doors at the far end of the corridor swung open.

They had passed the first trial.

Aftermath

Kael and his group stumbled back into the arena, where Commander Ragnor stood waiting.

His expression was unreadable as he looked them over. Then, finally—

"Not bad."

Kael let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

The silver-haired boy smirked despite his injuries. "That was… interesting."

The violet-haired girl simply nodded.

Ragnor's gaze lingered on Kael for a moment before turning away. "You may proceed to the next phase."

Kael grinned.

This was only the beginning.