Chapter 48- Courage & Chaos

The air was thick with magic and fear.

But the horn had sounded. The trials had begun.

The 100 contestants, hand picked from thousands of applicants, now stood across a massive open arena carved from crystal and marble, surrounded by enchanted forest on three sides and the castle looming behind them like a protective beast.

Despite the chaos above, Reyna stood at the center, crown gleaming, her arms raised high.

"The gods don't care if you're scared," she called out, voice laced with fire. "And neither do I. Nobility is forged in chaos. Begin!"

The first trial hit like a storm, The Trial of Balance. Magic, might, and mental warfare. Contestants had to walk a series of levitating platforms that twisted mid air, rained fire, spat illusions of lost loved ones, and attacked their worst fears with stunning accuracy.

Some screamed.

Some cried.

Some walked forward anyway.

POV – Taela Virel, Elf-Tide Oracle

Taela wiped blood from her lip, blinking against the illusion of her dead brother calling her name. The wards above her flickered with firelight, and she could hear the distant echo of battle magic far beyond the arena.

"Focus," she whispered. "You already buried him once."

She dropped to a crouch, summoned her tide bond magic, and shot forward on a slick trail of summoned water. Her gown tore on the edges of a burning platform, but she made it across with fire in her eyes and seawater on her heels.

"Bring me a bigger fear," she snarled at the platform spirits. "I've already survived worse."

POV – Darnik of Hollowdeep, Dwarf Rune-Warden

Darnik grunted, slamming his war pick into the stone wall beside him to keep from slipping off a twisting ledge.

"Tricky bastards," he muttered.

The illusion of his dead daughter shimmered before him, but he spat toward it and stepped through. "You don't own me anymore. My grief doesn't make me weak, it's why I'm still here."

He slammed his gauntlet down, activating a rune that shattered the illusion in a flash of blue flame.

Faenet lost its collective mind.

💬 "WHO IS THAT DWARF???" 💬 "Sir, yes, punch that grief!!" 💬 "He just tanked an illusion like it owed him money!"

Rhiannan's breath caught as she watched from the private viewing balcony of her chambers, her hands clenched white around the edges of her chair. Her babies kicked, like even they were watching.

"Look at them," she whispered, eyes locked on the field. "They're fighting for something real."

Elisha nodded beside her, his hand firm on her thigh. "They're fighting for you, moonfire. For this kingdom."

Reyna stood atop her crystal dais, power pulsing from her fingertips. "One trial down," she declared. "Two more to go. Let's see what kind of spine our future nobles really have."

Trial Two: The Trial of Burden.

Contestants were tasked with carrying their wounded comrade through an obstacle course built of flaming debris, water walls, and binding shadows. The "wounded" were enchanted training dummies, but the emotional toll was real.

POV – Halarae of the Skylands, Shifter Nomad

Halarae, chest heaving, dragged her dummy over the final wall with blood dripping down her arm and rage in her throat.

"This is for every time they said I wasn't noble blood," she snarled.

When she collapsed, the crowd roared.

Faenet erupted,

💬 "Halarae is a fucking beast!" 💬 "That was a WALL of FIRE and she still made it???" 💬 "If this woman isn't a Lady of the Realm, I will RIOT."

Reyna leaned into the crystal mic and smirked. "One more trial, darlings. Let's see what's left of you after this."

Trial Three: The Trial of Mercy.

They were told to stand in front of a bound enemy, someone who "attacked their family," and were given one choice: kill, or spare.

A test of character.

Of judgment.

Of truth.

Some swung their blades.

Some broke down in tears.

Some walked away.

And Reyna watched them all with oracle born eyes, cataloging every decision.

Back at the castle gates, the wards crackled, fixed and glowing with new runes. General Thorne stood with his officers in the treeline, whispering to his mate Masaila, "Let her come again. We'll be waiting."

By sundown, only 30 remained standing.

As the sun set over the castle, only thirty contestants remained. Bloodied, exhausted, and proud, they stood before the crystal dais where Reyna waited, flanked by Rhiannan and the royal court.

"You've all earned your place," Reyna said, her voice echoing across the courtyard and through Faenet's live stream. "But now the real work begins."

She turned toward the crowd. "There are five villages in our kingdom. Three built, Emberreach, Thornhelm Vale, MoonHollow. Two more coming, Starlight Ridge and Hillshire Plains. Each village will have one Lord or Lady, voted by you. Beneath them, three nobles. And each noble will have their own team. Ten others will serve as noble support staff."

Nobles (15 Selected)

1. Sirea Moonshade – Fae herbalist with a brilliant mind for potions and politics.

2. Jakren Firehand – Fire-elemental shifter known for his battlefield strategy.

3. Taliya Crestwind – Aerial scout commander, hawk shifter, fiercely protective.

4. Orren Stonefist – Dwarven artisan and architect, built Emberreach's northern gate.

5. Velari Swiftstep – Elven thief turned commander with a code of honor.

6. Nimya Skywhisper – Sky dancer fae with an unmatched memory and wisdom.

7. Tharn Blackroot – Former bone collector turned kingdom loyalist, loyal and brutal.

8. Deshira Flamesong – Siren bard and historian, trained in political diplomacy.

9. Jorik Fenwalker – Iceborne hunter with unmatched tracking skills.

10. Meira Glowthorn – Dryad healer specializing in battlefield recovery.

11. Dravos Redvein – Blood mage turned protector, fierce and loyal.

12. Kaela Dunecrest – Desert born warrior, fast, deadly, and highly tactical.

13. Lurik Stonesinger – Dwarven rune master, expert in magical defenses.

14. Zeena Vahl – Former pirate queen turned protector of coastal trade.

15. Revian Dawnspear – Knight errant with phoenix blood and healing fire.

Lord or Lady Finalists (One per Village)

1. Halarae of the Skylands – Nomad shifter, fierce and wise, proven through brutal trials.

2. Darnik of Hollowdeep – Veteran dwarf rune-warden, calm, strategic, battle-tested.

3. Isira Thornveil – Shadow mage with a sharp moral compass and loyal following.

4. Calen Sunroot – Fae diplomat who united feuding villages with negotiation.

5. Bryla Emberforge – Blacksmith turned leader, known for her compassion and grit.

Reyna stood proud, her eyes gleaming.

"Voting is now open for 24 hours. One Lord or Lady will be chosen by the people per village. These five will serve up to two five year terms if re-elected. Nobles will serve one term only to prevent corruption and ensure fresh perspectives."

Rhiannan clapped slowly, a tired but proud smile on her face. "Let the people choose their future. And may the best leaders rise."

Faenet exploded.

💬 "HALARAE FOR MOONHOLLOW!!!" 💬 "Bryla saved my ass in trial two she has my vote!" 💬 "Darnik is hotter than a runeblade. Lord Hollowdeep for Thornhelm!"

The future was taking shape.

And the people would decide who stood at the helm.