In the Elder Council room, the air hung heavy with tension as the gravity of the unfolding events settled like a thick fog.
"P_Principle," the elder exclaimed, excitement lighting up his eyes as he observed Chung Oji. "That child has lightning affinity!"
Oji silenced the elder with a swift gesture, his eyes fixed on Carlose Grandore, the executor of his commands. "First Elder, ensure that the knowledge within these walls remains confined. Bring Asher Gray and Alex Hall to my chamber," Oji commanded, his voice a low rumble.
Carlose nodded solemnly, a sense of gravity in his response. "As you wish," he replied.
Oji's gaze shifted to the monitor, capturing the image of Asher standing tall. A sense of foreboding crept over him. "Things are about to become challenging," he muttered under his breath.
In the heart of the purple jungle, tension simmered. Eve's eyes burned with fierce resentment as she confronted the imposing figure of Asher Gray. "Why hesitate? Kill me," she challenged, her voice laced with defiance.
"Why?" Asher responded, genuine curiosity in his tone.
"Isn't that the bet?" Eve questioned, locking eyes with him. To her surprise, instead of hostility, Asher erupted into laughter, his eyes ablaze with excitement.
Fuming, Eve was about to charge forward when Nova intervened, her grip firm. "Don't do something foolish," she warned.
Turning his attention to Nova, Asher found hints of anger in her crystal eyes. For some reason, Asher's heart ached looking at Nova's angry face.
"Thank you for everything so far, but it seems our paths must diverge," Nova declared, a hint of regret in her eyes.
Asher glanced at the spear in his hand, contemplating. "Stay out of my way; I'd rather not have to eliminate a business partner."
"I will remember that," Nova replied. With that, Nova took Eve's hand, and they departed.
Asher watched them leave, his gaze lingering on the vanishing figures. Turning his attention to the glowing blue screen before him, he muttered, "So, now he possesses lightning affinity, but to think that the Heavenly Demon is the chosen one."
The screen flashed with notifications:
[Congratulations! You've met the Chosen One.]
[All your stats have increased.]
"Sigh, let's get this over with," Asher grumbled as he vanished from his spot.
...
"Let my hand go," Eve shouted at Nova.
Hearing Eve, Nova released her grip on Eve's hand. Eve snatched her hand away and shouted at Nova with anger etched across her face.
"WHY? Just why are you running my life? Just why?"
"I was just helping you," Nova tried to explain, but Eve cut her off.
"Did I ask for your help? Why are you doing this?"
"Eve," Nova began, but Eve glared at her and added, "Don't you dare to act like you were trying to help me. The very existence of you is toxic to me. Because of you, I have to live this kind of life. I wish you were never born."
Hurt flashed in Nova's eyes, but she turned away without saying a word, her outstretched hand retracting. As she left, Nova declared coldly, "Don't you dare show your face in front of me at the trial. Next time, you will not have that mouth that you talked so much with."
And soon, Nova disappeared, leaving Eve alone in the middle of the jungle.
(One Hour from the start of the Trial)...
"It has already been one hour, guys. Let's see the Leader Board!" the announcer shouted, capturing the attention of the anticipating crowd.
A screen appeared, displaying the current leaderboard:
1. Asher Grey
2. Nova Sabrina Melton
3. Kavin Osborne
4. Ember Phoenixstar
5. Yuna Tang
6. Eve Roseville
7. Saba Al-Ashraf
8. Sofia Windsor
...
15. Alex Hall
"As expected, Asher Grey is the first-place holder," Micale remarked, glancing at the leaderboard.
"Well, we anticipated that much. Only fifteen minutes left before the end of the trial, and the safe zone has already shrunk enough to bring the remaining students into a single area. From here, all the remaining students have to fight head-on. Let's see what happens," the vice president of the student council, Fransia Trevor, said while adjusting her glasses.
"Well said, Vice President. Let's see the end of the trial."