CHAPTER ELEVEN

The climbing ropes were brutal.

The thick, coarse fibers bit into Kaidën's hands as he pulled himself up. His arms burned, his legs ached, and the weight of exhaustion tried to drag him down.

He grit his teeth.

This pain—this struggle—was nothing new.

Selene climbed ahead of him with calm precision, her movements almost effortless. Renji, on the other hand, was struggling below.

"Ugh, who—who made these ropes so damn long?!" he gasped.

Kaidën glanced down, noticing Renji's grip weakening.

If he let go, he'd fall hard.

Without thinking, Kaidën shifted his position and extended his foot.

"Grab on," he said.

Renji blinked in surprise, but quickly hooked an arm around Kaidën's leg to stabilize himself. "Man, you're way too cool for your own good."

Selene, who had been watching, raised a brow. "Unexpected."

Kaidën just grunted and continued climbing.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the top.

As they pulled themselves over the ledge, Renji flopped onto his back, panting.

"I… hate… this school already."

Kaidën exhaled, rolling his shoulders. His muscles screamed in protest, but deep down—he felt stronger.

Selene glanced at them. "You're not bad."

Renji lifted a hand. "Thanks, Princess."

She ignored him.

The students who successfully completed the strength trial gathered back in the training courtyard.

Master Juro surveyed them with a hard expression.

"Many of you struggled," he said. "Some of you nearly failed. But you did not quit."

He folded his arms. "That is the first step to true strength."

Kaidën let out a slow breath. His entire body ached—but he was still standing.

After going true all the grueling training late in the night he reached is mat and drifted off to sleep almost immediately