Chapter 26: Winds Before the Storm

The forest was quiet now. The unnatural stillness after the battle gnawed at Aren's nerves like a phantom whisper in the wind. The judge's voice still echoed faintly in his mind—announcing the conclusion of the first round, calling all participants to the central clearing.

But Aren wasn't ready to move just yet.

He stood at the edge of the battlefield where they had faced the corrupted beast guarding the ruins, staring down at the disturbed earth, littered with claw marks and shattered bark. The stench of ash, blood, and corruption still lingered in the air. His silver-furred companion, Sharu, perched beside him in calm silence, his eyes reflecting the scattered light like twin moons—watchful, unreadable.

A rustle of leaves behind him broke the moment.

"You alright?" Dorian Thorne asked, brushing off dirt from his shoulders. His Shockwave Lion, a proud beast with lightning-scarred fur and a tail like a whip of crackling static, sat nearby, breathing heavily but unharmed.

Aren nodded. "Just… thinking."

"You always think too much," Dorian said with a faint grin, but there was no malice in his voice. "We did well, yeah? No one's dead. That's a win in my book."

Lyra Stormcloud appeared next, silent as ever. Her Shadow Falcon circled above them, casting sharp shadows through the trees. Her eyes, dark and observant, studied Aren for a moment before giving a small nod. Approval, maybe. Or agreement. Hard to tell with her.

Then came Liora Frostwind and Aric Sunflare, the last to regroup.

Liora's Ice Wolf was calm and regal even after the battle, its fur sleek and slightly glistening with frost. She stood beside Aren, arms crossed, her posture stiff. "We pushed our limits. I admit… it was not a trivial encounter. That beast wasn't just corrupted—it was ancient."

"You felt it too?" Aren asked, glancing sideways at her.

She nodded once. "Something lingers in this forest. The ruins… they weren't ordinary."

Aric broke the mood with his usual warmth, clapping a hand on Aren's shoulder. "Hey, mystery ruins and ancient monsters aside—we survived. I call that progress." His Fire Salamander sat at his feet, licking its scorched claws contentedly.

"Not just survived," Aren said. "We worked together. That matters."

There was a pause.

They had been forced into unity through the battle, yes—but now, in the lull, something else formed. Understanding. Respect. A bond beyond strategy.

"We should head to the clearing," Lyra said quietly, voice cutting through the moment.

They began walking. The path was more familiar now, but the weight in the air remained thick. Every crack of a branch or flutter of wings overhead put them on edge. Though the judge had announced the end of the round, none of them trusted the forest to obey that declaration.

As they neared the central glade, other teams filtered in from various directions—some injured, some limping, some down to only one or two members. Aren scanned the crowd.

Donas Brim, the heavy-set boy with the Mossy Turtle, trudged in with a bloodied tunic but a triumphant grin. His turtle, though slow, bore marks of battle and a cracked shell that pulsed faintly with healing moss.

Kael Rin, lean and quiet as ever, stood alone. His Shadow Serpent coiled lazily around his shoulders, fangs still dripping black venom. His teammates were nowhere to be seen.

Lance Vermilion entered next, his Gryphon regal and proud even with a bandaged wing. Velia Rune followed close behind, her Crystalline Fox gleaming in the afternoon light. They moved with the air of nobles used to command.

Aren's gaze swept the gathered students. Over thirty teams had entered the forest challenge—less than half now remained intact. The forest had done its job. Only the capable stood here.

Or the lucky.

The judge appeared moments later, stepping into the clearing. His beast, a massive wind hound with blade-like feathers, stood tall beside him.

"Congratulations," the judge began, his voice firm and resonant. "You have survived the first trial. Some of you did so through skill. Others through fortune. But all of you stand here now—and that alone is worth recognition."

A murmur passed through the crowd.

"But this is not the end."

The judge's eyes passed over each student, lingering on a few: Kael, Lance, Velia… and Aren.

"The next trial will push you further. Stronger enemies. Harsher terrain. Unforgiving conditions. But before that… rest. The academy awaits you. Medical aid, analysis, and your official rankings will be prepared based on your performances."

A hush fell.

Aren's heart quickened.

"We will reconvene tomorrow morning. Until then, you are dismissed. But remember—this was only the beginning."

As the judge turned, Aren looked at his team. They weren't smiling. They weren't celebrating.

They were readying themselves for what came next.

Sharu gave a low r

umble beside him, almost amused.

Aren smiled faintly. "Let's go."

---