The morning sun pierced through the tall stained-glass windows of the training hall, casting fractured colors across polished stone floors.
Lyra groaned as she stretched her stiff muscles.
Her body still ached from the events in the forest, but she knew there was no time to rest.
The head instructor's voice echoed through the hall:
"Today, all students will undergo their first formal training assessment. Focus, control, and survival are key."
Lyra followed the flow of students into the arena — a massive circular chamber lined with statues of legendary warriors. Each statue's eyes glowed faintly, watching their progress.
"Shadow control," she muttered, focusing. Her hands shimmered as the small blades she had learned to summon yesterday flickered into existence.
The instructor moved among the students, evaluating their precision. "Careless," he barked at a boy who barely held his wand straight. "Weakness invites death!"
Lyra's chest tightened. He's not exaggerating…
A sudden roar made her look up. A training beast, shaped like a wolf but six times larger, lunged at the nearest student. Lyra instinctively threw her shadow blade, striking the creature's side. Sparks flew.
The students screamed, scattering. Lyra dodged another swipe, the creature's claws narrowly missing her. Her bloodline pulsed in her veins.
"Control it!" she whispered to herself.
The shadow blade extended, forming a shield around her. The creature struck it with all its force, and for a moment, Lyra thought she would fall.
Then she remembered the forest. She remembered surviving alone.
A surge of energy erupted from her mark. The beast froze mid-attack, eyes wide with confusion, and then collapsed as if bound by invisible chains.
The instructor nodded slowly. "Exceptional control for an F-rank student. Very well."
Lyra's cheeks flushed. Relief and pride surged through her, but she knew the peace would not last. The academy had just begun testing her — and it would only get harder.