The First Trial- Combat Test

After a week of rest and quiet reflection, Lucian stood before the grand gates of Phoenix Academy. The journey from his homeland had been long and exhausting, but the rest had allowed him to collect his thoughts. His mind was set on the true purpose of his arrival: answers. The Phoenix Academy would be the place where he could uncover the secrets behind his parents' death.

The academy itself loomed ahead, its towering spires surrounded by magical shields that shimmered in the sunlight. Lucian felt the weight of the institution's reputation pressing down on him. He wasn't here for accolades; he was here for one thing: truth.

The gates opened with a low rumble, revealing a bustling campus filled with students prepping for the entrance exam. The trials were about to begin.

Lucian's fingers brushed the hilt of his dagger, the familiar weight offering a quiet sense of reassurance. The host—a tall, commanding figure—stepped forward with a booming voice.

"Welcome, candidates!" he called. "The first trial is the combat test, where you will face opponents to prove your worth. Victory means advancement, and those who fail will be sent home."

Lucian's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the competition. He wasn't concerned with the others, but he couldn't deny the urgency within him. The system's mission pulsed in his mind. He couldn't afford failure.

System Notification:

Mission Issued:

"Become 1st place in the entrance exam. Your abilities will be tested. Complete the task and earn a Lunar Wolf Cub as a reward."

Failure Penalty: Difficulty of the next mission will be doubled.

Lucian read the mission's requirements with cold precision, a sense of resolve filling him. The Lunar Wolf Cub would be a significant asset, but more importantly, it was a step closer to answers.

Trial 1: Combat Test

The arena buzzed with anticipation as the candidates entered. Lucian was paired against a fire mage with a cocky grin plastered across his face. His hands crackled with fiery energy, and he wasn't about to hold back.

The fire mage raised his hands, releasing a torrent of flame jets that scorched the air around Lucian. Without a moment's hesitation, Lucian activated his System Interface.

System Notification:

Skills Unlocked:

Shadow Step (Limited)

Shadow Binding (Limited)

With a quiet focus, Lucian activated Shadow Step. His body melted into the shadows as he disappeared in an instant, reappearing just behind the fire mage. The flames shot past him, singeing nothing but air. Before the fire mage could react, Lucian activated Shadow Binding. Tendrils of darkness shot out from his feet, wrapping around the mage's legs and holding him in place.

The fire mage struggled in panic, his flames sputtering out as he tried to break free. Lucian remained calm, his hand twitching towards his dagger. The system's telekinetic power was still locked for now, but he had enough control to use his shadow manipulation to disarm the fire mage with a quick swipe. The flames finally died down, and the mage fell to the ground, his pride shattered.

System Notification:

Mission Progress: You have successfully defeated your first opponent.

Reward: Telekinesis (Basic Level) unlocked!

Suddenly, Lucian felt a surge of new energy within him. A cold wave of power flowed into his mind, the system's interface flashing before his eyes.

System Notification:

Telekinesis Unlocked:

Description: You can now manipulate objects with your mind. Currently, you can lift and move one object at a time within a 5-meter radius, with limited control.

Current Level: 1

Lucian's gaze sharpened as he focused on a nearby rock. With a slight mental push, the rock lifted off the ground, floating inches above the arena floor. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He couldn't move anything too heavy yet, but the feeling of control was exhilarating.

System Notification:

Experience: 100 EXP gained for defeating your first opponent.

Current Level: 1

Lucian turned from the fire mage, his face as impassive as ever. The crowd's cheers filled the air, but Lucian only focused on the next trial. He wasn't here for praise. His mind was focused on the next step: uncovering the truth, and earning his reward.

Trial 2: Combat Test

Lucian's next opponent was a young girl wielding a sword of ice. Her weapon shimmered with cold light as she lunged toward him with grace. Her strikes were precise, and her speed was impressive.

But Lucian didn't need to rely on speed—he relied on his shadow step. As the ice sword sliced through the air, Lucian vanished into the shadows once more, reappearing behind her. The system guided him through his movement, but it still felt unfamiliar.

System Notification:

Skill Activation:

Shadow Step (Level 1)

Cooldown: 10 Seconds

Before the girl could respond, Lucian activated Shadow Binding once again. His tendrils wrapped around her sword, pulling it from her grasp with an ease she couldn't counter. She was left defenceless, trying desperately to regain her balance. Lucian had no time for mercy. With a well-timed strike, his dagger caught her on the shoulder, sending her stumbling out of the ring.

The second victory was his. Lucian's mind stayed focused. There were no distractions, no emotions that clouded his judgment. Every battle was simply another step toward his goal.

Trial 3: Combat Test

Next was a wind mage, a lithe boy who manipulated the air with practiced precision. He summoned sharp winds, using the gusts to create a barrier around him. The arena was quickly filled with whirling winds, and Lucian's shadows became harder to control.

Lucian knew he couldn't just shadow step through the wind. His next move had to be calculated, methodical. He reached into the system's interface once again, activating Shadow Binding. The darkness lanced out from the floor and grabbed the boy's feet, holding him in place. But the wind mage struggled, summoning a stronger wind to break free.

System Notification:

Skill Upgrade Available:

Shadow Binding (Level 2)

The upgraded Shadow Binding was stronger than ever, allowing Lucian to ensnare the wind mage with more force. In seconds, the mage was pinned to the ground, unable to fight back. Lucian walked over, calm and composed, and with a swift, deliberate strike, he knocked the wind mage out of the ring.

Trial 4: Combat Test

The final opponent was a massive earth mage—a hulking brute who seemed determined to crush Lucian with his raw strength. He summoned huge stones, hurling them with all his might, hoping to overwhelm Lucian.

But Lucian didn't panic. Instead, he used the shadows around him, slipping between the cracks of the earth and using Shadow Step to evade the incoming projectiles. Lucian wasn't just hiding; he was manipulating the shadows to break down the stone walls and redirect the earth mage's attacks. The system's interface helped him calculate the right moments to move.

System Notification:

Skill Available:

Shadow Step (Level 2)

Cooldown: 5 Seconds

As the earth mage summoned another massive boulder, Lucian used Shadow Binding to pull the rock out of his hands and send it back toward him. The earth mage tried to shield himself with his own magic, but Lucian was faster. A final strike from Lucian's dagger ended the match.

System Notification:

Mission Update: You have successfully completed Trial 1. You are one step closer to 1st place in the entrance exam.

Lucian stood victorious, his face expressionless as he walked out of the arena. The crowd's applause echoed around him, but Lucian didn't care. He wasn't here for praise. His mind was focused on the next step: uncovering the truth, and earning his reward.

System Notification:

Mission Progress: 1st Place - Combat Trial Complete.

Reward: Lunar Wolf Cub will be granted after completing all trials and securing 1st place.

Lucian was one step closer to his goal.

System Notification:

EXP Gained: 300 EXP

Level Up: Level 2 (Progress: 0/500)