TEST OF STRENGTH AND WILL

Chapter 59: The Survival Island Trial – A Test of Strength and Will

The halls of Eldoria Academy were filled with an electric tension. Fourth-year students, now recognized as experts, stood before the towering figure of Headmaster Varian Drakos Eldoria and their newly assigned instructor, Lady Seraphine Eldoria. The announcement of their first major test as upperclassmen had spread like wildfire through the academy—

A five-day survival trial on Verdant Fang Isle.

For the first time, students wouldn't just be fighting duels or training in controlled environments. They would be tested against real, wild mana beasts—forced to survive alone against threats that did not care for noble bloodlines, reputation, or past victories.

This was the first true battlefield that would forge them into warriors.

The Fourth-Year Uniforms – A Mark of Advancement

As experts, the fourth-year students had shed the colors of their younger selves.

They now wore midnight-black uniforms, streaked with silver and deep blue accents—a representation of their increased skill and status. Unlike previous years, their outfits were reinforced with layered robes and tunics, allowing greater mobility and durability in battle.

Kael Veyrin, now 15, wore a long black coat that split at the sides for movement, fastened with silver clasps shaped like arcane sigils. His family crest—Veyrin's twin dragons—was embroidered in silver on his sleeve.

Lucian Eldoria retained a regal aura, his coat lined with draconic embroidery, symbolizing his royal lineage.

Mira Valcroft, the only commoner in the top rankings, had a simpler design but held herself with equal strength.

Selene Duskbane carried herself with cool efficiency, her black-and-silver cloak shifting with her every step.

Evelyne Grimthorne's uniform fit her muscular frame, reinforcing her Titan's Resilience, while her greatsword rested effortlessly on her back.

Darius Zephyrion, Cassian Duskbane, Leonel Faelwyn, Damien Nocturne, and Rael Varros completed the top ten, each clad in their own variations of the uniform—some with high collars, some with armored bracers, but all signifying their place among the academy's elite.

The once-children of Eldoria Academy had grown. Their bodies had matured, muscle replacing softness, their gazes sharper, their presences more commanding.

And soon, they would be tested in ways they had never faced before.

The Headmaster's Announcement

The Great Hall fell silent as Headmaster Varian Eldoria stepped forward, his towering figure exuding an overwhelming aura of authority.

His golden eyes, carrying faint traces of draconic power, swept over the assembled fourth-years.

"This is the year where you stop being children."

His voice, though smooth, resonated through the hall like a distant thunderclap.

"You have spent the last three years perfecting your techniques in controlled environments—dueling one another, fighting opponents who pull their strikes, and battling with the comfort of instructors watching over you."

His gaze hardened, cutting through any illusions of security.

"That ends now."

A low murmur spread among the students, but none dared to interrupt.

"This trial is different from anything you have faced before. You will be dropped onto Verdant Fang Isle, a land untouched by civilization—where mana beasts roam freely, and the only law is survival."

Gasps filled the room.

Some had expected a test—but not a full-blown survival mission.

The headmaster continued, undeterred.

"For five days, you will be on your own. No instructors. No medics. No backup. If you cannot handle this, then you are not fit to call yourselves warriors of Eldoria."

Silence.

Then, a single voice—bold and unwavering.

"What are the conditions for success?"

All eyes turned to Kael Veyrin, standing near the center of the hall. His crimson eyes met the headmaster's gaze, unflinching.

Varian let a small smirk touch his lips before answering.

"You will be graded on four factors: survival time, number of beasts defeated, combat efficiency, and adaptability."

At that moment, Lady Seraphine Eldoria stepped forward, her high-level enchanted sword resting on her hip. The moment she moved, a few students instinctively tensed—her presence was sharp, refined, and merciless.

"As fourth-years, you are expected to perform at a level that surpasses the academy's lower ranks."

Her voice was strict, elegant, and unwavering.

"This is not a duel where you can surrender. If you hesitate in battle, you will die."

The chilling reality of her words settled over the students like frost.

The Rules of the Survival Island Trial

No Teams at the Start – Students will be dropped randomly across the island.

Survive for Five Days – No outside assistance will be given.

Defeat Beasts – Points are awarded based on the rank of the mana beast defeated.

No Killing of Fellow Students – Duels are allowed, but lethal force is forbidden.

Hidden Rewards Exist – There are rumored ancient ruins on the island—finding them may grant bonus points.

Avoid the Alpha-Class Mana Beast – There is one undisputed ruler of the island. It is not meant to be fought.

The Beasts They Will Face

The students were strong—but so were the monsters that roamed Verdant Fang Isle.

Feral Beasts → Lesser threats, useful for early warm-ups.

Lesser Mana Beasts → Somewhat intelligent, can use basic elemental magic.

Greater Beasts → Deadly foes, requiring strategy and skill.

Alpha-Class Beast (??? Unknown) → The island's ruler. To be avoided at all costs.

For many of the noble-born students, this was not their first time hunting mana beasts.

Lucian Eldoria, Kael Veyrin, Selene and cassian Duskbane, Evelyne Grimthorne, Darius Zephyrion, and Leonel Faelwyn had all trained in real combat situations. They had fought beasts outside the academy, honing their instincts beyond the controlled environment of Eldoria.

But there were two notable exceptions—

Damien Nocturne, who, despite his powerful Veilcraft illusions, had never dirtied his hands fighting a true monster. His arrogance made him believe his magic alone was enough.

Mira Valcroft, who, despite her incredible combat skill, had never been allowed near mana beasts. As a commoner, she had never received the same training or opportunities the nobles had.

For these two—this trial would be a true awakening.

Varian's gaze swept over the fourth-years one last time.

"This is your first step into true strength. This is not a game, and you will not be coddled. You will either rise—"

His golden eyes flared briefly.

"—or you will fall."

His presence disappeared as he turned, walking away without waiting for questions.

Lady Seraphine stepped forward next, eyes cold and authoritative.

"The trial begins in three days. Use that time wisely."

And with that, the Survival Island Trial had officially begun.

As the students were dismissed, Kael's mind was already working through strategies.

He had experience fighting mana beasts, but what about the others?

Would he ally with anyone, or fight alone?

What secrets lay hidden on the island?

One thing was certain—this trial would change them all.

And Kael Veyrin had no intention of being left behind.