Chapter 8: The First Gate – Trial by Three

The floating courtyard was silent again—too silent.

After the crowd cleared and the humiliated Riku Dawnblade was escorted away, Kazuki Ren finally had a moment to breathe. He sat on the white stone steps that curved along the eastern ridge of Starroot Academy, with Nyx curled beside him like a shadow-inked sentinel.

But peace wouldn't last long.

> [New Objective Countdown: 23:15:46 Remaining]

Mission: Starroot Trial Entrance Exam

Goal: Defeat 3 Ranked Beast Tamers

Status: Not Yet Attempted

Ren tapped the edge of the glowing interface. "Three ranked tamers in under 24 hours…"

A little ambitious, even for him.

> [System Analysis: Host is currently below average tamer rank, but above average in combat synergy and beast potential.]

[Estimated Probability of Success: 56%]

> Note: Success rate may increase based on target selection and tactics.

"Great. Barely a coin flip."

Nyx gave a low growl that Ren interpreted as: Challenge accepted.

Then—footsteps.

Two figures approached the edge of the courtyard. The taller one wore half-plate armor etched with gold, while the shorter was cloaked in mist-blue robes.

"Unranked or not," the armored one said, "you've caused a stir, newbie."

> [Tamers Identified:]

Name: Vayne Lith

Rank: D+

Beast: Thunderfist Ape – Earth-Lightning Hybrid

Name: Sela Arkwright

Rank: D

Beast: Mistshade Fox – Illusion/Spirit Type

Affiliation: Trial Proctors – Outer Ring Instructors

Ren stood.

"You here to throw me out or test me?"

Vayne cracked a smile. "Neither. We're here to explain the rules."

Sela raised a slender hand, conjuring a floating sigil in the air.

A circular arena formed around them—a barrier dome laced with runes and spiritual code. Inside, the air shimmered with suppressed force.

> [Arena Type: Triple Trial Field – Candidate Format]

Challenge: Defeat three ranked opponents of escalating strength.

Win Conditions: Knockout, Submission, or Complete Beast Collapse

Reward: Academy Core Badge, Access to Resource Pavilion, Official Ranking

Penalty: Temporary ban from Inner Sectors (7 days)

"First match starts now," Sela said coolly. "Opponent: Kairon Vell."

A platform opened across the arena.

A boy no older than Ren strode in—cloak flowing, a saber at his hip, and a sly grin on his lips.

"Let's see if the puppy bites."

> [Opponent Identified: Kairon Vell – Tamer Rank D]

Beast: Steelhide Lizard (F+) – Heavy Defense, Minor Metal Breath

Formation: Defensive Pressure – Counter Build

> [Battle Start]

Objective: Defeat First Challenger (1 of 3)

Ren exhaled. "Nyx. Defensive rotation, wide flank."

Nyx didn't wait. He blurred into motion, circling left.

Kairon grinned. "Don't bother. Steelhide—Crush Formation!"

A massive grey lizard the size of a horse stomped forward, its hide glinting like living iron.

It belched a blast of silvery vapor—metal mist—and stomped toward Nyx.

> [System Warning: Mist = Tracking Marker]

[Status Debuff if Contacted: -10% Agility]

"Nyx—Phantom Pounce!"

In a blink, Nyx warped behind the beast and struck at the hind legs—only to bounce off the thick armor plating.

> [Attack Deflected – Damage Negated]

[Defense Rating: 87%]

Kairon laughed. "That thing's a wall. Give up."

But Ren's eyes gleamed.

"Then I'll just break the foundation."

> [Skill Activated: Voidstep → Phantom Pounce Chain]

[New Passive: Beast Combat Intelligence – Adaptation in Real Time]

Nyx darted forward again, not at the legs—but the joints where armor shifted when it moved.

Slash.

Slash.

Bite.

Strike.

Metal cracked.

The lizard roared and spun, only to meet a final strike under the chin—critical hit.

> [Beast Core Disruption: Combat Capability Lost]

[First Opponent Defeated!]

[Time Elapsed: 2 Minutes, 34 Seconds]

[Bond Sync +2%]

[Reputation +4]

[Ready for Opponent 2?]

Y/N

Ren stepped forward, wiping sweat from his brow. "Send the next."

Sela nodded. "Good. Most don't survive the first fight."

The next gate opened—and out stepped a pale girl with sunken eyes, clad in priestly robes.

"Candidate Two: Whisper of the Fallen Veil—Beast: Deathmist Widow."

A massive, spectral spider descended behind her—its body cloaked in ghostly silk, eyes glowing blue.

> [WARNING: Spirit Beast – Type: Assassin/Poison Hybrid]

Threat Level: D+

Battle Mode: Phased Kill

Ren's lips tightened.

Now it was getting real.

He turned to Nyx, who crouched and snarled, fangs glowing with pale blue fire.

"I'll cover your eyes. You watch my back."

The spider screeched.

The Trial resumed.

And death itself came crawling out of the mist.

End of Chapter 8