The First Mission

Chapter 3 – The First Mission

The morning sun cast golden rays over Emberreach, signaling the start of a new day. But for Kairo and Raizen, today was different.

They stood before the Hall of Trials, a towering obsidian structure that housed the region's most skilled warriors. This was where young warriors received their first missions—real tests that separated the strong from the weak.

Kairo adjusted the straps of his combat gear, feeling the weight of his upcoming task. His body still ached from his battle with Raizen, but his spirit burned brighter than ever.

Beside him, Raizen cracked his knuckles, his confidence unshaken. "You ready, Phoenix boy?"

Kairo smirked. "Always."

A deep voice interrupted them.

"Good. Because this mission isn't a game."

The two turned to see General Varos, Raizen's father and one of the Three Guardians of Solara. His presence alone commanded respect. His armor, lined with black dragon scales, gleamed under the sunlight.

"Your mission is simple," General Varos began. "Survive in the Ghostfang Woods for five days and return with proof of victory. If you fail, you will not be considered warriors."

Kairo and Raizen exchanged glances.

Ghostfang Woods wasn't just any forest—it was infested with wild, untamed Beastborne, creatures that had lost control of their power. Many warriors had entered, but few had returned.

And those who did… were never the same.

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Entering the Woods – A Dangerous Beginning

Hours later, the two arrived at the edge of Ghostfang Woods. Towering trees stretched into the sky, their twisted branches clawing at the heavens. A thick fog coated the air, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.

Kairo took a deep breath. The air reeked of blood and decay.

"Smells like death," Raizen muttered, gripping his sword. His Stormfang Dragon growled lowly, its piercing blue eyes scanning the darkness.

Pyra, perched on Kairo's shoulder, let out a soft caw, flames flickering around its body.

They stepped forward.

Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. The trees groaned as if whispering warnings. The ground beneath them was damp, the moss-covered terrain swallowing their footsteps.

Then—

A low growl rumbled through the mist.

Kairo's body tensed. "Something's watching us."

Raizen smirked, drawing his blade. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

A pair of crimson eyes glowed in the darkness. Then another. And another.

From the shadows, Ghostfang Wolves emerged. Their fur was dark as the night, their bodies unnaturally thin, but their eyes burned with a hunger that sent a chill down Kairo's spine.

There were at least five of them—and they were closing in fast.

Kairo clenched his fists. "Looks like we're starting early."

Raizen grinned. "Then let's make this fun."

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Battle in the Mist – The First Kill

The first wolf lunged, its fangs bared.

Kairo sidestepped, fire erupting around his arm as he drove his fist into the wolf's ribs. A burst of golden flames engulfed its body, sending it crashing into the ground, twitching in agony before it stilled.

Raizen, meanwhile, vanished in a blur of movement, reappearing behind another wolf. His blade flashed—a single precise strike—and the creature's head hit the ground before its body realized it was dead.

The remaining wolves hesitated.

Pyra screeched, its wings igniting in golden fire. Kairo extended his arm, and the phoenix flapped its wings, releasing a wave of flames that incinerated another wolf on impact.

Three down.

The last two wolves howled—but instead of attacking, they fled into the mist.

Kairo exhaled, lowering his fists. "They're running?"

Raizen sheathed his sword. "No. They're calling for reinforcements."

Kairo's eyes narrowed. He could feel it too. A presence… something far stronger than the wolves.

Then, from the depths of the mist, a deep, guttural snarl echoed through the forest.

Raizen's smirk faded. "And here comes the real test."

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The Alpha of Ghostfang Woods

The ground shook as something massive stepped forward.

The mist parted, revealing a colossal wolf, its fur stained with old blood, its eyes glowing with pure malice. Deep scars covered its body—a sign that it had killed countless challengers before.

The Ghostfang Alpha.

It let out a growl so powerful that the trees shook, its killing intent crashing over Kairo and Raizen like a tidal wave.

For the first time, Kairo felt true danger.

Raizen clenched his fists. "Now this… is going to be fun."

The Ghostfang Alpha charged.

Kairo and Raizen had no choice but to fight.

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To be continued-

Next Chapter – Trial by Blood