The academy gates groaned open with majestic finality, revealing the colossal coliseum-like arena hidden beyond. Towering stands floated mid-air, suspended by unknown magics, each packed with spectators eager to witness the trial unfold. Above them, translucent screens hovered, constantly shifting to display different angles of the battlefield below—each perspective sharp, detailed, and unmistakably magical.
At the heart of it all, a raised crystal platform shimmered with refracted sunlight. From above, a tall, imposing figure slowly descended, his feet never touching the ground. His mere presence silenced the chattering crowd.
Silver hair cascaded over his shoulders like liquid starlight, and a jagged scar slashed diagonally across his left eye—an eye that burned with both wisdom and the quiet ferocity of someone who had seen countless battles. He wore the white and gold robes of the Awakener Academy's Grand Council, the fabric laced with celestial threads that shimmered faintly in the light.
"Welcome, young warriors," he said, but not with his mouth.
The words echoed in every participant's mind, resonant and clear, as though spoken from within their very souls. There were no speakers, no amplification devices—just pure will, delivered telepathically.
"I am Head Instructor Sirius Helstrom, your host for today's Grand Assessment."
A ripple of polite applause moved through the floating stands, the clapping muted yet respectful. The air thrummed with tension.
Sirius's gaze scanned the competitors below, sharp as a blade and just as unforgiving.
"Today's trial is simple," he continued. "You will face the beasts within the academy's private Beast Forest. For every creature you defeat, you will earn points according to its threat level. The participant with the highest point tally when the timer runs out shall be crowned victor of the Trial."
With a wave of his hand, a massive translucent screen materialized behind him, glowing with golden light. Upon it, the point system was displayed:
POINT SYSTEM:
• Common Beasts (F – E Tier): 1–3 points
• Rare Beasts (D – C Tier): 5–10 points
• Elite Beasts (B – A Tier): 15–25 points
• King-class Beasts (S Tier): 50+ points (Teamwork encouraged)
A hush fell over the gathered students.
"You are free to form alliances—or fight solo," Sirius added with a cryptic smile. "However, take heed: elimination of other participants is permitted. Should you be rendered unconscious or sustain severe injuries, you will be teleported to safety. But make no mistake—your points will be locked at that moment. You will not get a second chance."
Dozens of students exchanged glances, some nodding grimly, others narrowing their eyes. A storm of unspoken competition crackled between them.
Then Sirius raised his hand, and with a deep, echoing GONG, the forest gates swung open.
In a burst of kinetic energy, the participants surged forward. The Trial had begun.
Within moments, chaos erupted.
Monstrous wolves the size of trucks leapt from the underbrush, their jaws frothing with bloodlust. Crimson-scaled serpents writhed from tree branches, spitting venom at anyone too slow to dodge. Armored bears roared and slammed their massive paws into the earth, shaking the ground. Shadow cats blinked in and out of sight, claws flickering like blades of darkness.
Blood was spilled, spells were cast, and the Beast Forest descended into a maelstrom of survival and strategy.
(POV: Andrew Lionheart)
I moved through the forest with the calm of a man who already knew he was going to win. My sword gleamed under the filtered sunlight, blood of lesser beasts already staining its blade. A couple of wolves lay crumpled in my wake, their forms twitching as their life faded.
"Tch. Too easy," I muttered, flicking my blade clean.
Honestly? I was getting bored.
The beasts were strong, yes, but I was stronger. Fast. Elegant. Dashing, even. The gods must've kissed my forehead at birth, because I wasn't just strong—I was dazzling.
If someone had told the younger me that I'd grow up to be this powerful, this dangerously handsome… I would've laughed. Maybe even punched them for lying.
But here I was. The embodiment of talent and charm. The peak of nobility and raw skill. Andrew Lionheart—the crown prince of Aurora. The pride of the Awakener Academy.
No beast stood a chance.
And let's not even start on women. Hah! No maiden could resist me. Their eyes trailed after me like I was made of starlight, their hearts fluttering like captured birds. If I even glanced their way, they would blush harder than a fire rose.
Still, there was something irksome… that new guy. I didn't like him. Too quiet. Too mysterious. Something about him felt… dangerous.
But then again, I was Andrew Lionheart. Why should I be worried?
"Whatever," I muttered, stepping over a twitching serpent. "Time to find something more… worthwhile."
I pressed deeper into the forest, where the trees grew darker and the air thicker. The further I went, the fewer competitors I saw. Most wouldn't dare venture this far unless they were suicidal—or stupidly overconfident.
Then I saw it.
A flicker in the shadows. A ripple of movement.
My lips curled into a grin. "Finally."
From the gloom, it emerged—a Shadow Beast. A rare breed. C-Tier. Its body was entirely black, as if made of living darkness, with violet eyes that glowed like dying stars. It moved with unsettling grace, its form shifting like mist one moment, solid the next.
Most students wouldn't be able to land a hit on it. Its speed and agility were near unmatched, its form slippery and unpredictable.
But I wasn't most students.
I was Andrew-freaking-Lionheart.
I crouched slightly, adjusting my grip on my sword. The Shadow Beast hissed, then lunged—its body flickering through the air like a phantom.
Too slow.
I sidestepped, my blade arcing outward—but it missed. The beast dissolved into shadows mid-leap, reappearing behind me.
Clever.
But not clever enough.
"You think I don't know your weakness?" I said inwardly, grinning.
I closed my eyes.
Darkness breeds in light's absence. That was the first lesson drilled into me about shadow-based creatures. They're near impossible to hit in open combat—unless you reveal them.
I reached into my coat and withdrew a small, golden vial. Breaking it, I flung the contents around me.
Flashdust. Something I had gotten from the system store.
A burst of radiant light exploded outward, bathing the area in searing brightness. The shadows hissed and writhed, and the beast screamed—its body fully revealed now, its cloak of illusion shredded by light.
"Now we fight fair," I said, and lunged.
My blade sang through the air. The beast twisted, but not fast enough. Steel met flesh. A deep gash opened along its side, dark ichor spraying out in arcs.
It tried to retreat, but I didn't let up. I pressed the advantage—strike after strike, flowing like water, unstoppable and precise.
Finally, the beast collapsed in a heap, twitching once before going still.
I panted lightly, wiping sweat from my brow. "C-Tier… and here I thought it'd be more challenging."
The glowing point counter above my shoulder ticked up—+8 Points.
"Still not enough," I said to myself, already moving on. "If I'm going to win this thing, I need at least a B or A Tier next… maybe even a King-class, if I'm feeling spicy."
My lips twitched into a smirk. "Guess I'll go beast-hunting, then."
But even as I moved deeper into the forest, I felt that strange pressure again, like someone was watching. Like I wasn't alone.
My eyes narrowed. That new guy… what was his name again?
I didn't like him.
No one should feel stronger than me.
--- ✦ ---
THROW POWERSTONES GUYSSS!!!!!