As the sun rose on the sixth day of the trial, the first golden light spilled across the arena grounds. Sophia and Irina sat quietly on their stone, gazes fixed on the massive barrier at the center. Today, they knew, the rest of the contenders would begin to gather.
It didn't take long. A small group of students emerged from the forest path a boy carrying a sword at his hip, a girl dressed like a healer, and another girl who bore no visible weapon at all. Their eyes widened as they stepped into the vast arena, immediately drawn to the towering, shimmering barrier. The same thought crossed their minds as it had Sophia's and Irina's but a little different 'What is this'.
When they finally noticed the two figures sitting so calmly at the far edge of the arena, the boy couldn't help but stare, dazzled by the sight of the marvelous looks Sophia and Irina. But none of them dared to approach. Instead, the trio chose a different corner, sitting close together, their posture wary and alert.
One by one, more students trickled in. Sophia and Irina hardly paid them any mind. As none them was noteworthy a few piqued their intrest but they could always meet them in the academy.
And then a boy entered.He had brown skin, jet-black hair and piercing brown eyes. Even in the morning light, there was something radiant about him, a quiet beauty that drew every gaze. The moment he entered, the arena seemed to shift. Everyone turned to look.
Unlike the others, he didn't waste a glance on the crowd. His eyes locked instantly on the barrier, his instincts whispering that something was hidden within. Only after a moment did he notice the two girls sitting atop the stone, and recognition flashed in his eyes. Without hesitation, he walked straight toward them.
Sophia and Irina exchanged a knowing look. As he drew near, Irina smirked, her voice sharp and teasing.
"Well, look who's here the mighty Nathan. Didn't think you'd be such a slowpoke. We were so bored you know and tere you are coming so slow....."
A light laugh escaped Sophia's lips at Irina's jab. Nathan shot Irina a glare, his voice quick and defensive.
"I'm not slow. And who are you calling slowpoke? At least I'm not some musclehead who charges ahead without thinking."
Irina's smirk widened. Flames flickered faintly across her fingertips.
"Better being a musclehead than a slowpoke."
Nathan cracked a grin, his aura flaring as he stepped closer.
"Oh yeah? Then come here you musclehead I'll show you who's slow."
Irina stood to meet him, eyes burning with challenge.
"Show me what you've got, Mr. Slowpoke."
Before sparks could fly, Sophia stepped between them, her expression calm but her voice sharp as thunder.
"Enough. Both of you step back."
After hearing her voice Irina and Nathan backed away, still glaring at each other, Irina amused by seeing him react like that and Nathan still thinking of how to take his revenge.
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Soon, more clusters of students began to pour into the arena. One after another until nearly two hundred filled the grounds and still more were arriving.
Then, two figures stepped through the entrance.
The moment they appeared, the noise died. Conversations faltered, even the rustle of movement stilled. In that unnatural silence every gaze fixed on the boy who walked with unshakable calm.
Blood crimson eyes Cascading black hair. A presence that pressed on the soul like a storm.
Beside him walked a silver-haired girl strands of her hair falling softly around her face, her face bearing elegance. The arena's heavy atmosphere bent around the pair as they strode toward the barrier. Azriel's gaze lingered on it only for a breath before he turned scanning the crowd.
His eyes fell on them the heirs and for the briefest instant, a faint smile curved his lips. Then, without hesitation, he made his way to the stone where Sophia, Irina, and Nathan sat. The three heirs followed him with their eyes, their expressions hard to read.
Azriel sat without a word. The silver haired girl remained standing behind him until he glanced up and spoke, voice low but absolute.
"You should sit."
She opened her mouth as if to protest.
"Sit," he repeated, firmer.
Obediently, she lowered herself beside him.
Irina leaned forward, irritation flashing in her eyes.
"Well, well. You walked right past us as if we're invisible? And who's this girl with you? She looks too pure to be your lover, so who is she?"
The heavy air lightened at her teasing tone. Azriel's lips curved again, but this time, his voice was different not cold and villainous as it often was, but warm, almost casual.
"I wasn't ignoring you. I simply didn't notice. As for her this is Liliana Thromborn. My shadow."
At his words, every gaze snapped toward the girl.Not even one them has a shadow not because acquiring a shadow was one thing, but acquiring one with true strength? That was almost impossible. No talented genius would willingly bind themselves as someone's shadow, knowing their own future potential. And they knew she has to be strong because the heir to the stark family wouldn't have anyone as his shadow. And as they tried to sense Liliana's strength, they found nothing almost if she is a normal awakened.
Their eyes turned back to Azriel.
Sophia broke the silence.
"So, why arrive so late? Did something happen?"
"Nothing," Azriel said simply. "I just didn't run towards here."
Nathan chuckled and leaned back, his tone light but probing.
"So? Did you come across anyone worth watching?"
Irina shrugged. "Some decent ones, but nothing special."
Sophia shook her head slightly. "No one notable."
Nathan's gaze sharpened as he locked eyes with Azriel.
"There's one. A golden-haired boy. A swordsman. I think he might be stronger than you."
Irina scoffed, flames flickering faintly across her fingers.
"Please. He might be strong, but stronger than Nathan? I doubt it."
Sophia interjected calmly, "We'll know that when he arrives."
And as if on cue, a boy with golden hair entered the arena. His presence swept through the space like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Overwhelming, yet oddly calming. If Azriel was shadow, this boy was radiance itself.
He paused, eyes drawn to the barrier. A system window flickered into existence before him:
[Barrier Detected]
Type: Rune Construct
Rank: A
Containment: B-rank Magical Beast
His lips tightened as he read. Only one thought filled his mind the beast inside.
Then his gaze shifted and for a heartbeat, his eyes met Nathan Valaryon's. Pressure hung thick in the air before he broke the contact and walked away, choosing an empty space along the right wall.
More and more students continued to flood in. Within minutes, the arena held over a thousand contenders. Then every watch in the arena buzzed at once.
Fight until only ten remain.
No penalties for elimination.
Survive as long as you can.
For a second, the arena was frozen. The silence was eerie.
And then chaos erupted.
Screams, roars, the clash of weapons. A thousand warriors turned on each other in a storm of blood and magic. None knew who would fall or who would rise but one thing was certain
The ground would be painted red before ten remained.