"Power isn't given. It's claimed—in fire, in blood, and in silence."
—Inscription on the Gates of the Ranking Trials
The Summoning Grounds
A heavy mist blanketed the Summoning Grounds, a circular arena carved from blackstone and ringed with ancient sigil-stones. The stars above pulsed dimly, as if dimmed by the tension below. Students, teachers, and noble obseervers filled the surrounding arcades.
Today, Kairo Vale would stand before the Ranking Trials.
Lyra squeezed his hand at the edge of the arena. "Whattever happens in there, remember who you are."
"I don't know who I am," he admitted.
She smiled softly. "Then write your name with fire."
An announcement boomed magically over the grounds.
"Kairo Vale, unranked initiate of Skyhold, stand forth. Let the Trial begin."
As Kairo stepped forward, whispers followed him like shadows.
"Unranked?"
"How did he get chosen?"
"That's the kid from the Duel Hall."
Reign Azaril stood near the Council Box, arms crossed, golden cloak fluttering. Smirking.
Professor Aldryn raised a crystal blade.
"Kairo Vale. Your trial consists of three stages: the Flame Gauntlet, the Mirror of Will, and the Rift Duel. You may forfeit at any time. Proceed, if you dare."
Kairo nodded once. "I'm ready."
The Flame Gauntlet
The sigil-stones ignited. The air rippled with scorching heat. A molten corridor opened, filled with conjured beasts made of flame and steel.
This is not just a test of strength. It's a test of pain.
The first beast—a flame-lion—charged. Kairo rolled aside, his dagger singing with mana. He plunged it into the creature's flank, spinning off its body before it exploded into embers.
Then came two more.
Kairo fought with sharp instincts, barely dodging claws and fireballs. He refused to use his Breaker Flame. Not yet.
Blood ran down his arm from a glancing burn.
Pain blurred his vision. His knees buckled after slashing down the third beast.
Get up, Kairo. You don't get to die today.
He stood, breathing hard, as the flames faded.
A loud gong rang.
"Stage One: Complete."
The crowd was silent. Then—applause. A ripple of awe.
Even Reign looked… intrigued.
The Mirror of Will
In the next chamber, a glass-like surface shimmered before Kairo.
"Gaze into yourself," said Aldryn. "Face your truth."
Kairo stepped forward.
The mirror showed not just his reflection—but alternate versions of him.
One wore the Heaven Breaker's crown, standing over piles of ash.
Another was bound in chains, screaming as the Crimson Sigil burned through his chest.
A third walked with Lyra, peaceful… powerless.
Then the mirror spoke, in his voice.
"You are a weapon waiting to be used."
"You will bring ruin."
"You should not exist."
Kairo clenched his fists. "You're not me."
The mirror's surface rippled—and a shadow stepped out. A perfect mirror of Kairo—but with red, glowing eyes.
The doppelganger attacked.
Steel clashed. Mind clashed. Kairo dodged his own blade, matched every strike, until he managed to shatter the illusion with a final blow to the shadow's heart.
Glass flew.
His own reflection stood unbroken.
"Stage Two: Complete."
Rift Duel
The arena reformed.
Two platforms rose above a swirling void. Floating shards of ancient rock circled them. Kairo stood on one—his opponent awaited him on the other.
Reign Azaril.
He smiled coldly. "Surprised?"
"I should've known."
"This is your last step, Vale. Let's see what you're really hiding."
Professor Aldryn's voice rang out:
"Begin."
Reign attacked first, sending lances of golden light across the rift. Kairo leapt from shard to shard, dodging, weaving, barely staying upright.
He retaliated with a wind slash that forced Reign to block.
They met mid-air.
Clash after clash. Sparks flew. Rocks crumbled beneath their weight.
Reign laughed. "Still holding back? Show me the flame, Breaker."
Kairo's eyes flickered. The flame within stirred.
But he didn't unleash it.
He fought with precision, discipline. He cut Reign's leg mid-spin, then used a burst of kinetic mana to send him flying backward.
Reign landed hard, scowling.
"You won't win by holding back."
"No," Kairo said. "But I won't lose myself either."
He channeled his mana—lightning danced around his blade.
One final clash.
Reign's sword shattered.
He dropped to a knee, gasping.
The arena went still.
Then:
"Stage Three: Complete."
Verdict
The Council stood. Professor Aldryn addressed the crowd.
"Kairo Vale has completed the Trial of Flame and Shadow. He fought with honor, resolve, and restraint. His control is commendable."
Councilor Vennor spoke next.
"Though unranked, he has demonstrated worth beyond expectation."
A hush.
Then the Ranking Keeper stepped forward, robed in gray, eyes glowing with age.
He raised a sigil-scroll.
"Kairo Vale. You are hereby granted provisional rank: Echelon Cobalt."
A cheer broke out.
Students clapped. Some looked confused. A few—furious.
Reign turned away.
Lyra ran to Kairo's side.
"You did it," she breathed, eyes wide.
"No," he said. "We did."
She hugged him.
A little too long.
Whispers in the Dark
In the deepest vault beneath Skyhold, a cloaked figure poured over a glowing scroll.
"The Crimson Sigil awakens," she whispered. "And the boy lives."
Behind her, a monstrous eye opened—massive, reptilian, ancient.
"Then the world begins to end again," it rumbled.
The woman bowed low.
"Yes, Lord Seraphage. The Breaker has returned."