Day 02,
On Trial Island Theta was winding down, the last rays of sunlight painting the jungle canopy in deep crimson and purple. After extracting the precious Tier IV Earth Titan egg and a piece of its core, Sebastian and Kael retreated, sprinting through the thickening shadows towards a hidden cave they had previously discovered. It was a perfect sanctuary, far from the routes of other students and the patrols of powerful Rune-Beasts.
Once inside the cave, the oppressive humidity of the jungle gave way to a cool, earthy scent. Sebastian slumped against a rock, a rare exhalation escaping him.
"Don't you think," he said to Kael, "this time it was quite a bit dangerous?"
Kael, already grinning, wiped some sweat from his brow. "But we were well rewarded for it, My Lord, weren't we?"
"Of course," Sebastian chuckled, a genuine, joyful sound. "After all, who in the world would try to steal a Tier IV Earth Titan Rune-Beast's egg and a piece of its core? Hahaha!"
Their laughter echoed in the cave for a few moments, a rare burst of cheerfulness amidst the grim reality of the trial. The thrill of their audacious exploit, coupled with the success, was intoxicating.
After a while, Sebastian composed himself. "Okay, now let's get down to business."
They decided to spend their second night in the cave. First, Sebastian used a spark stone to ignite a small bonfire, its flickering light pushing back the oppressive darkness. From their spatial rings, they brought out some fresh meat, bought from the food stall at the trading terminal, and ample drinkable water. The scent of roasting meat soon filled the cave, surprisingly comforting.
While the meat cooked over the flames, Sebastian and Kael decided to delve into the Information Rune-scroll they had purchased. This was their opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their competition, their rivals for resources and, potentially, their prey.
As Sebastian manipulated the scroll, its holographic interface illuminating the cave with soft light, a dizzying array of data sprang forth. They found information on many students with incredibly high potential, hailing from nations across different continents.
"Among the 100 nations and 3 Sovereign Territories," Sebastian began, scanning the main index, "there are 14 Empires, including our Sapphire Empire, 86 different Kingdoms, and 3 Sovereign Territories. The world is divided into nine continents: two Eastern continents, three Southern continents, one Northern continent, a single but huge Central continent, and two Western continents. Our Sapphire Empire is located in the Western continents."
Kael, scrolling through a parallel section, exclaimed, "My Lord, did you check the Rune-scroll? It even shows how many students were brought from each nation! It says Empires were allotted 15 student seats each, Kingdoms were allotted only 9 seats each, and the Elven Territory was allotted 6 seats, while the Dwarfs and Sea-folks were allotted 5 seats respectively."
"Oh, there was such a system," Sebastian mused, genuinely surprised. "Never heard about it. Check the information on the strongest students sent by each Empire this year to Mysticrium Academy. Let's see who we're up against."
Kael nodded eagerly, beginning to read aloud from the scroll, starting with the Eastern Empires.
"Okay, let's start from the Eastern two Empires,
• Princess Mikazuki Sayaka (Princess of the Royal Family of Mikazuki no Miya of the Tenkai no Omikuni Empire)
* Home: Kinkyo City, Tenkai no Omikuni Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Voidwhisper Kitsune, Geodex, Summitron Golem
* Talents: Guardian's Compassion (Mythical Tier), Shield of Light (Rare Tier)
• Prince Mikazuki Renjiro (Prince of the Royal Family of Mikazuki no Miya of the Tenkai no Omikuni Empire)
* Home: Kinkyo City, Tenkai no Omikuni Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Pyrothoros Bull
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Dewdrift Wyvern, Murakaze Warrior
* Talents: Sword Heart (Mythical Tier), Supersense (Rare Tier)
• Prince Long Yulin (Prince of the Royal Long Family of Tianxuan Daguo Empire)
* Home: Jinlong Cheng, Tianxuan Daguo Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Spellblaze Drake, Quartzstride
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Caoyuanxiong Warrior, Dracozen (evolved Tier IV form of Spellblaze Drake)
* Talents: Spear Saint Dragon Piercer (Mythical Tier), Eyes of Fire (Rare Tier)
• Princess Long Yuhua (Princess of the Royal Long Family of Tianxuan Daguo Empire)
* Home: Jinlong Cheng, Tianxuan Daguo Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Verdanix, Verdanthorn Goliath, Bombooza (One of the few Tier IV evolved forms of Springshoot Panda, other than Willowsage Panda)
* Talents: Earth Protector's Sacred Domain (Mythical Tier), Earth Manipulation (Rare Tier)"
Kael paused, looking impressed. "Wow, they are very strong, My Lord."
"Yeah, I can see that," Sebastian agreed, his expression thoughtful. "They are just from the Eastern Empires, and they even have a variant of the Willowsage Panda. There are still other Empires left. Continue reading; let's see what others got."
Kael resumed: "Okay, umm, let's go for the four Empires on the Southern Continents,
• Prince Thakin Zeyar Thanaviraj (Prince of the Royal Thanaviraj Family of Ayathaya Empire)
* Home: Suvannakhetra, Ayathaya Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Lustraptor, Beamstag
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Buildhorn Rhino, Santuario Giant
* Talents: Thotsakan Rage (Mythical Tier), Fire Resistance (Rare Tier)
• Princess Hasanda Yuwadi Thanaviraj (Princess of the Royal Thanaviraj Family of Ayathaya Empire)
* Home: Suvannakhetra, Ayathaya Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Lustraptor, Brightclaw Wolf
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Fernback Tortoise
* Talents: Emerald Buddha Blessing (Mythical Tier), Weather Sight (Rare Tier)
• Prince Vicheka Chan Sovannaratha (Prince of the Royal Sovannaratha Family of Bayinchai Empire)
* Home: Khum Daranjai, Bayinchai Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Spring Wind Hawk, Sickle Weasel
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Sunset Phoenix, Yamigor Tiger
* Talents: Sacred Fire (Mythical Tier), Danger Detection (Rare Tier)
• Princess Mala Devi Sovannaratha (Princess of the Royal Sovannaratha Family of Bayinchai Empire)
* Home: Khum Daranjai, Bayinchai Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Terrakor Elephant, Verdian, Bambrook (One of the few Tier IV evolved forms of Springshoot Panda, other than Willowsage Panda)
* Talents: Forest Guardian Staff (Mythical Tier), Nakhoda's Compass (Rare Tier)
• Prince Tovros Erem Darakel (Prince of the Royal Darakel Family of Marashtan Empire)
* Home: Veilkard City, Marashtan Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Storm Hawk
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Maelstrom Dragon, Starfern Drake, Terrakor Elephant, Terravault Rhino
* Talents: Hayk's Giant Heritage (Mythical Tier), Strong Arms (Uncommon Tier)
• Princess Siaran Liora Darakel (Princess of the Royal Darakel Family of Marashtan Empire)
* Home: Veilkard City, Marashtan Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Bloomheart Rabbit
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Starfern Drake, Breezewalker Deer
* Talents: Astghik's Love Sense (Mythical Tier), Healing Hands (Uncommon Tier)
• Prince Ashmed Khazran Khurzaban (Prince of the Royal Khurzaban Family of Tashradan Empire)
* Home: Arunzir, Tashradan Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Pyroclast Wolf, Spellhowl Wolf
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Scorialis Tiger, Vulkanos Giant, Sunfury Eagle
* Talents: Ali's Zulfiqar (Mythical Tier), Blade Dance (Epic Tier)
• Princess Naeza Talah Khurzaban (Princess of the Royal Khurzaban Family of Tashradan Empire)
* Home: Arunzir, Tashradan Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Pyrowing Bird
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Diamond Boa, Tremorconda, Gravitus Giant
* Talents: Saladin's Shield (Mythical Tier)"
"These were the strongest of the Southern Empires," Kael finished, looking aghast. "What the hell is happening here? These students are cheaters! The most absurd among these was that Prince Tovros Erem Darakel of Marashtan Empire. How did he get his hands on four Tier IV Arcane Protectors, and he even has a Storm Hawk like you, My Lord!"
"Hmm," Sebastian mused, his eyes glinting. "These people are going to be some of our greatest rivals. Let's continue reading forward. I think there are some more people like Prince Tovros Erem Darakel of Marashtan Empire."
Kael took a deep breath. "Okay, let's search for the three Empires on the Central Continent,
• Prince Theodar Valerian Von Halberstein (Prince of the Royal Von Theroustadt Family of Holy Theroustadt Empire)**
* Home: Graventhal City, Holy Theroustadt Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Brillcat
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Lumilion (Brillcat's evolved form), Virtuoso (Stellaryx's evolved form), Radiarch Golem
* Talents: Michael's Blade (Mythical Tier), Rune Shield (Rare Tier)
• Princess Adelheid Catherine Von Halberstein (Princess of the Royal Von Theroustadt Family of Holy Theroustadt Empire)
* Home: Graventhal City, Holy Theroustadt Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Stellaryx, Temporis Butterfly
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Enchanta Fairy Dragon, Prismatic Serpent
* Talents: Storm Phoenix Wings (Mythical Tier), Clear Voice (Common Tier)
• Prince Aurelio Isambard Von Halberstein (Prince of the Royal Von Theroustadt Family of Holy Theroustadt Empire)
* Home: Graventhal City, Holy Theroustadt Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Prismolt, Zebrolt, Stellarmane
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Lumineth Pegasus
* Talents: Paladin's Covenant (Mythical Tier), Sword of Light (Epic Tier)
• Prince Leopold Amadeus Von Hohencrist (Prince of the Royal Von Hohencrist Family of Valtenerra Empire)
* Home: Sancteclaire City, Valtenerra Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Magistor Owl, Willowmane, Geodrake
- Tier V: Soul Sentinel: Quartzion Rhino
* Talents: Atlas's Burden (Mythical Tier), Strong Back (Uncommon Tier)
• Princess Marcela Evangeline Von Hohencrist (Princess of the Royal Von Hohencrist Family of Valtenerra Empire)
* Home: Sancteclaire City, Valtenerra Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Nimbusmane, Teeravox Pangolin, Nightclaw Panther
* Talents: Nyx's Veil (Mythical Tier), Shadow Wings (Epic Tier)
• Prince Constantin Elias Von Albrechtstein (Prince of the Royal Von Albrechtstein Family of Thalrevia Empire)
* Home: Ehrenthal City, Thalrevia Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Glaceon Leopard, Spelldancer Deer
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Astralion, Frostleo, Boulderback Tortoise
* Talents: Arthur's Round Table (Mythical Tier), Binding Chains (Rare Tier)
• Prince Sigismund Laurentias Von Albrechtstein (Prince of the Royal Von Albrechtstein Family of Thalrevia Empire)
* Home: Ehrenthal City, Thalrevia Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Aquamist Serpent, Skywhisper Sparrow
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Aquaros Dragon (evolved form of Aquamist Serpent)
* Talents: Ziz's Dominion (Mythical Tier), Enhanced Hearing (Uncommon Tier)"
Kael's voice dropped, a hint of awe and apprehension in his tone. "My Lord, did you see that? Prince Leopold Amadeus Von Hohencrist has been hiding a Tier V: Soul Sentinel level Quartzion Rhino! That's not something you can just bond with forcefully."
"Yeah, another tough opponent," Sebastian confirmed, his eyes hardening. "Now we really can't be at ease in any way when a first-year student is moving around on Trial Island Theta with a Tier V: Soul Sentinel level Quartzion Rhino. This changes things slightly."
Kael continued, his voice a little strained: "Let's see what surprises the two Empires of the Northern Continent hold for us,
• Prince Alaric Ruriksson (Prince of the Royal Ruriksson Family of the Rurikid Ascendancy)
* Home: Vinterhald City, Rurikid Ascendancy
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Runechill Tortoise, Windvault Beetle
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Icevern Dragon, Glaciehorn Rhino, Stellarime Pegasus
* Talents: Jarl's Command (Mythical Tier), Sharp Eyes (Rare Tier)
• Princess Irina Ruriksson (Princess of the Royal Ruriksson Family of the Rurikid Ascendancy)
* Home: Vinterhald City, Rurikid Ascendancy
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Glaciewing Owl, Snowdrift Deer
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Borealsong Bird
* Talents: Valkyrie's Wings (Mythical Tier), Clear Voice (Uncommon Tier)
• Prince Alexei Ruriksson (Prince of the Royal Ruriksson Family of the Rurikid Ascendancy)
* Home: Vinterhald City, Rurikid Ascendancy
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Navalis Leopard, Borealux Wolf, Runefreeze Giant
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Blizzardwing Bird
* Talents: Mjolnir's Thunder (Mythical Tier), Keen Nose (Rare Tier)
• Princess Anya Frosthelm (Princess of the Royal Frosthelm Family of Rimeward Empire)
* Home: Frostgard City, Rimeward Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Snowveil Fox, Frostclaw Bear
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Auroreon Stag, Aurorawing Dragon, Frostmountain Giant
* Talents: Rusalka's Depth (Mythical Tier), Swan Maiden's Grace (Epic Tier)"
"That's all for the two Northern Empires' strongest, My Lord," Kael concluded.
"Hmm," Sebastian hummed, deep in thought. "All of them are bearers of powerful talents. If given just a bit more time, they will grow into unimaginable opponents."
"Okay," Kael said, his voice now holding a note of anticipation. "Finally, let's see our opponents from the three Empires of the Western Continents, including our own Sapphire Empire,
• Prince Theon Castellayne (Prince of the Royal Castellayne Family of Caellithar Empire)
* Home: Montregal City, Caellithar Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Bloomane Deer
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Luminark Wolf, Dazzlewing Pegasus, Buildhorn Rhino
* Talents: Artemis's Hunt (Mythical Tier), Wolf's Instinct (Rare Tier)
• Princess Evelyne Castellayne (Princess of the Royal Castellayne Family of Caellithar Empire)
* Home: Montregal City, Caellithar Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Shimmercat, Glintbear
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Starwhisper Owl
* Talents: Hermes's Tongue (Mythical Tier), Spartan's Will (Rare Tier)
• Prince Edmund Highcrown (Prince of the Royal Highcrown Family of Westoria Empire)
* Home: Solvaria City, Westoria Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Prismalion, Brightclaw Wolf
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Sapspring Unicorn, Fernback Tortoise, Santuario Giant
* Talents: Tactician's Mind (Mythical Tier), Eagle's Eyes (Rare Tier)
• Princess Rosamund Highcrown (Princess of the Royal Highcrown Family of Westoria Empire)
* Home: Solvaria City, Westoria Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Photonyx Bird, Prismoth
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Radiancel Armored Shark
* Talents: Orpheus's Voice (Mythical Tier), Deer's Alert (Uncommon Tier)
• Prince Theren Arindhelm (Prince of the Royal Arindhelm Family of Sapphire Empire)
* Home: Celesthaven City, Sapphire Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Emerald Grove Keeper, Lustraptor, Gloomhound
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Ashrariel Phoenix (evolved Tier IV form of Flamecrest Phoenix), Gravak Volcrune Giant (evolved Tier IV form of Volcanic Bruiser)
* Talents: Phoenix Blood (Mythical Tier), Iron Skin (Rare Tier)
• Princess Maelis Arindhelm (Princess of the Royal Arindhelm Family of Sapphire Empire)
* Home: Celesthaven City, Sapphire Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Beamstag, Prismoth
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Miraluneth Bird (evolved Tier IV form of Mystic Miragewing), Fernfrond Triceratops
* Talents: Wind Dancer Steps (Legendary Tier), Battle Trance (Epic Tier)
• Rathis Duneclaw (Illegitimate Son of the Sharppeak Family of Sapphire Empire)
* Home: Sharppeak Mansion, County of Rockspire, Sapphire Empire
* Rune-Beasts:
- Tier III: Flame Wardens: Molten Sting Scorpion, Infernolark Bird
- Tier IV: Arcane Protectors: Draconic Tyrannous, Terraclaw Wolf, Nocturnos Alpha
* Talents: Dune Walker (Legendary Tier), Rune Armor (Rare Tier)"
"So," Sebastian murmured, absorbing the information on his own nation's representatives. "Prince Theren Arindhelm did evolve his Flamecrest Phoenix and Volcanic Bruiser into Tier IV Rune-Beasts before entering Trial Island Theta. Impressive."
"Princess Maelis Arindhelm also evolved her Mystic Miragewing into a Tier IV Rune-Beast," Kael added, surprised by their domestic rivals' strength.
"And Rathis Duneclaw actually has three Tier IV Arcane Protectors with him," Sebastian noted, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "We should expect this much from him; after all, the Duneclaw is a tribe of fierce desert warriors. Their lineage is known for its brutal effectiveness."
"Hmm, oh, our food is finally cooked," Kael said, sniffing the air as the aroma of roasted meat filled the small cave.
"Okay," Sebastian agreed, his tactical review momentarily halted by the primal need for sustenance. "Let's rest for a while after having food." He picked up a piece of meat, tearing into it. "Until now, we have only been hunting and collecting resources in the outer sectors of the Trial Island. I think, after completing our target of 550,000 Credits, we should also head to the core sectors of Trial Island Theta."
Kael looked up, chewing slowly. "What do you think, My Lord? Why haven't we encountered any of these students or opponents from these powerful Empires yet?"
Sebastian swallowed, considering. "Because they are in the core sectors of Trial Island Theta, competing for treasures. They don't care much about Credits, actually. They already have a steady flow of Credits from the academy."
Kael frowned. "How is that possible for new students?"
Sebastian leaned forward, explaining patiently. "Actually, all the royal families in the world sponsor talented students from their own nations in different ways. And in return, those students generate Credits and other strategic resources for the royal families. How do you think nations gain power? The students actually exchange Credits for resources from the academy, and then send these resources to their respective nations. For small nations, this could be a great help, a boost to their developing infrastructure. But to those nations already in power, these resources give them the freedom to hunt for important Treasures. While other students are busy hunting and collecting materials for some Credits, the new students of royal lineage are hoarding treasures and strengthening their own forces for future conflicts. The academy allows it; it's part of the global power dynamic."
"Is this some kind of power structure?" Kael asked, his eyes wide with understanding.
"You can say that," Sebastian replied, a cynical edge to his voice. "Actually, in my opinion, Mysticrium Academy is already a battlefield for the younger generation of the 100 nations and 3 Sovereign Territories. They're not just competing for academic glory, but for national influence and personal power, which will ultimately dictate the future of their empires."
"Does Stormwright also sponsor students?" Kael inquired, his gaze fixed on Sebastian.
"Yes, we do," Sebastian affirmed. "But we don't necessarily look at their tier of talents. We see potential to grow, to contribute to the family's strength. We do this in many ways, sometimes through welfare and sometimes by securing sworn loyalty to us. They know how the Stormwright family treats others and its kinsmen, after all. Our family has always valued loyalty and potential above mere innate power."
Kael nodded, absorbing this deeper insight into the world's intricate politics. "Hmm."
"Okay, less talking, more eating," Sebastian urged, pushing another piece of meat towards Kael. "We have to replenish our energies first and get sufficient rest. Tomorrow, the core sectors await."
The night was young, but the challenges ahead demanded peak performance. Their current strength, while formidable for individual combat, was still only at the Expert level, sufficient to fight against Tier V: Soul Sentinels at most. They were still totally weak against higher-tiered Rune-Beasts, a reality that forced them to carefully avoid such encounters or rely on stealth and precise egg theft, never direct confrontation. Sebastian knew his true strength lay not just in his blades, but in his mind, his hidden talents, and the strategic deployment of his growing arsenal of Rune-Beasts. His Frostmaw remained a chilling, unspoken threat, a silent promise of overwhelming power to be unleashed only when absolutely necessary.