Rena moved gracefully across the deck of the ship, the early morning sun casting a soft silver sheen over her long hair. The strands of her hair shimmered between white and pale silver, with the striking crimson tips glowing faintly as if ignited by a secret fire. Her crimson eyes reflected the light like twin rubies, and her eyelashes, long and delicate, fluttered softly against her pale skin. She wore the tailored mana suit that hugged every curve of her figure, the fabric shifting subtly with each movement, revealing the strength and grace she now embodied after her transformation. The suit's sleek design accentuated her powerful form, the faint outline of her chest, broad shoulders, and lithe waist all perfectly balanced — a lethal blend of beauty and raw power.
Finding an empty chair near the ship's railing, Rena lowered herself down silently, folding her long legs neatly beneath her. Her hands rested calmly on her lap as her thoughts drifted inward.
Despite the peacefulness of the ocean breeze, a storm churned within her.
Her heart ached, and no amount of meditation or deep breaths could dull the sharp sting of absence.
It had been three days.
Three long, empty days without Jin.
Her husband — her anchor in a world of chaos, her reckless companion whose teasing grin and biting sarcasm had been the soundtrack of her every morning.
She missed the way he laughed, that low chuckle that seemed to shake his entire frame, and the way his crimson red eyes would gleam with mischief whenever he caught her unguarded.
She missed the way he would jab at her with teasing words, pushing her buttons until she snapped back with a grin.
But now, the silence between them stretched endlessly.
Three days without a word, without a sign.
And the cruelest part — she wouldn't see him for another fifty-seven days.
Fifty-seven.
The number tasted bitter on her tongue.
She bit her lower lip until it bled, the sharp sting grounding her swirling emotions.
A cold fury ignited in her chest, her red eyes flashing with unyielding determination.
"I will destroy you," she whispered into the empty sea air, her voice cold and sharp, "you frozen bitch."
Her thoughts instantly shifted to Sarafina Frost — the icy rival who awaited her on the island.
The woman who had mocked her, challenged her, and stirred something savage deep inside Rena.
A fierce fire burned brighter within her as she clenched her fists, the cold ocean wind whipping around her like a battle cry.
Her mind raced, strategizing, planning.
She thought of every trick, every strength she possessed — and every weakness she would hide.
Rena was no longer just a girl from the Amperhart bloodline. She was a force — a half-dragon with the burning spirit of Draezroth coursing through her veins.
And she would not be defeated.
Before she could lose herself further in thought, the sharp crackle of the ship's loudspeakers shattered the quiet.
"All students prepare for disembarkation. We are approaching the island. Please gather your belongings and proceed to the unloading zone in an orderly fashion."
Rena rose from her seat with fluid grace, smoothing down the folds of her mana suit. Her eyes flicked toward the horizon, where the vast, enigmatic expanse of Atlas Island spread out beneath the awakening sun.
The island was massive — a rugged landmass shrouded in mist and mystery, stretching beyond the line of sight like a sleeping beast waiting to be awakened.
The ship slowed, and the dock began to emerge.
Rena's gaze hardened.
This was the battleground where she would prove herself.
She stepped toward the exit, joining the stream of students making their way down the gangplank.
Near the shoreline, the academy's staff had gathered — a cluster of figures standing tall against the backdrop of the island's jagged cliffs and dense forests.
Among them was Eleanor, the commanding presence of the teaching staff.
Her golden hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, sleek and shining like threads of molten sunlight.
Her piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with sharp intelligence.
She wore a fitted black ensemble — a blazer left open over a crisp white blouse, paired with a pencil skirt and sheer black stockings that hinted at the toned muscles beneath.
High-heeled leather boots clicked with authority as she stood rigidly upright, the epitome of grace and discipline.
Beside her stood the academy's director, Arthur Malis — a man whose very presence demanded respect.
His salt-and-pepper hair framed a face weathered by years of leadership, his grayish-blue eyes glinting with a quiet steeliness beneath thick brows.
A neatly trimmed beard softened the sharpness of his jawline.
He was dressed in a tailored suit of deep midnight blue, layered beneath an elegant cloak that brushed the ground.
A golden monocle, attached to a delicate chain, rested over his right eye.
In one hand, he held a sleek ebony cane topped with an ornate silver handle.
Arthur's voice boomed over the gathered students, rich and commanding.
"Listen carefully, students! This trial will test your strength, your spirit, and your will to survive. Do not falter. Do not underestimate your opponents. For the next fourteen days, you are responsible only for yourselves."
His eyes swept over the crowd, settling briefly on each student.
"The team leader will guide your group — listen to them, but remember, no one has the right to force or pressure you into actions you do not wish to take. If any leader or member attempts coercion, report immediately to a staff member. I will personally oversee such cases and ensure they do not recur."
His voice dropped, cold and unyielding.
"The punishment for offenders is severe. You will be crushed beneath my heel — made to clean this academy for five months, have your grades docked in every subject, and face a one-week suspension. No exceptions, no excuses. Your family name means nothing here. Anyone who tries to enslave others will find themselves utterly broken."
Arthur's gaze sharpened like a blade.
"For those who choose to challenge the island alone, the responsibility is yours. If teams or alliances gang up on you, that is your problem."
He gestured toward the island looming behind him.
"All forms of combat are permitted — except for lethal force or sending anyone to the brink of death. Should fights escalate beyond control, the monitors will intervene."
He lowered his voice just enough to carry a stern finality.
"Romantic or sexual relationships between participants are strictly forbidden. Anyone caught will be expelled immediately. Do you understand?"
The students murmured their assent, the weight of the rules settling heavily in the air.
Arthur's voice returned to its commanding tone.
"You have been briefed by your instructors about the trial's format. If you have questions or encounter problems, turn to your class mentor."
Rena listened, the words sinking deep into her mind, her crimson eyes narrowing with fierce focus.
This was her crucible.
The island would test every ounce of her power and resolve.
And she was ready.
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Heat: Hello, do you like the way the chapter is written or should I modify it because I write the entire chapter and then I have applications edit and format it. In short, I wrote all the chapters 100% except for the formatting and arrangement, so what do you think?