The next day, Solstice Academy buzzed like never before.
The courtyard was packed. Notices shimmered on digital bulletin boards. Students gathered in tight circles, whispering rumors that traveled faster than lightning.
Kael, Hana, Tetsu, Ryuu, and Eri stood together near the training deck, freshly energized from their morning session. Kael, while still quiet, walked with steadier steps—and even managed a faint smirk when Tetsu nearly tripped over a training dummy.
Then Kaede appeared.
He didn't waste time.
"The world's shifting," Kaede said, his voice carrying authority. "And Solstice Academy has been summoned to prove itself on a global stage."
He tapped a small device, projecting a hologram into the air. Glowing words spun slowly into view:
"The Ascension Trials."
Kaede continued, "A global combat tournament. Open to elite Wielders between the ages of 15 and 19. Teams from every major academy across all five continents—and a few rogue guilds—will be entering. This isn't just a test of power. It's reputation. Prestige. Survival."
The hologram shifted to show towering arenas, floating platforms, harsh terrains—deserts, frozen valleys, molten chambers—all simulated in real time.
"Each zone will push your Will to its limit. Solo rounds. Squad battles. Relic captures. Survival matches. And there will be eyes on you… from the top Wielder Councils, the Enforcers Guild, and even relic hunters."
Kael's jaw tightened.
Hana's eyes glimmered.
Ryuu cracked his knuckles, smirking. "Finally, something worthy of my time."
Tetsu, however, leaned just a bit closer to Eri. "So... genius tech girl, will you be building us some shiny new toys before we step into battle?"
Eri raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "That depends. Do you promise not to accidentally break them trying to impress me?"
Tetsu blinked. "No promises."
She rolled her eyes—but smiled. "Then I guess I'll make them explosion-resistant."
Kael chuckled under his breath. For a moment, it felt like things were normal again.
Kaede raised a hand. "You'll have two weeks to train, adapt, and prepare. You'll be facing the best. This isn't just about you anymore. This is about Solstice."
The team stood in silence, the weight of the announcement sinking in.
The Ascension Trials.
A battleground of rising legends.
And Kael felt something deep within him begin to stir—something powerful and ancient, whispering that this tournament would be the beginning of everything.