The morning sun bathed the grand arena of Thornwood Academy in a golden light, casting long shadows across the towering spires and intricate architecture that made the arena resemble a labyrinthine city built of stone.
Archways led into shadowy passageways, and grand staircases spiraled upwards to balconies that offered strategic vantage points.
The air was thick with anticipation, and the students could feel the gravity of the moment pressing down on them.
Headmaster Zelbus stood on a raised platform at the center of the arena, his presence commanding the attention of every student.
His voice echoed through the space, carrying a weight that silenced even the most anxious whispers.
"Students, this is the final trial. The time has come to prove your worth, to show who among you is destined to rise in the ranks of Thornwood Academy."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing.
"As it stands, the Elite ranking includes Lucius, Serena, Vladimir, Ivana, Jaime, and Jaun. Following closely behind them are Zorina, Cleagor, Gale, Ferina, and Fern, who remain Footmen for now. The rest of you are also Footmen, but this final trial will determine the ultimate rankings. Your performance here will define your future at Thornwood."
A murmur rippled through the students, a mix of excitement and trepidation. Raena's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of determination and anxiety swirling within her.
She glanced at Vladimir, who gave her a reassuring nod, and then at Lucius, whose cold gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
"I cannot fail this time," she whispered, fueled with motivation.
Zelbus raised his hand, and the arena fell silent once more. "The rules are simple. You will be divided into four teams: Team Red, Team Yellow, Team Green, and Team Blue. Each team must capture two black flags and two white flags hidden within the arena. Only then will you secure victory. Fights are permitted, and you may use any means necessary to achieve your goal. Remember, this trial is not just about strength—it's about strategy, teamwork, and survival."
Professor Elara reached out her fingers to the air as she projected another bigger version of her Light Screen, where the students were able to see the following teams!
- TEAM RED: Lucius, Raena, Zorina, and Cleagor.
- TEAM YELLOW: Vladimir, Ivana, Moss, and Ferina.
- TEAM GREEN: Serena, Fern, Jaun, and Talon.
- TEAM BLUE: Jaime, Aurora, Gale, and Cirana.
Raena's eyes widened... in fact, she was horrified!
"L-Lucius...?" Her voice cracked, she could barely even move her lips.
The witch princess' eyes coincidentally met the gaze of the Kingdom's heir, and there, Raena was petrified. Lucius... he was glaring, all deadly shots straight toward the poor Raena, who does not know what to do with this situation anymore.
Lucius suddenly raised his hands, and while still lifting the scariest angry expression, he placed his hand from his neck to the other side of it, mouthing... 'You're so dead.'
Oh please... That time, Raena could not even hold her knees while standing. While everyone was starting to gather around their teams, she was there, frozen to her position!
She looked at Vladimir, but it seemed like the dark knight was now hell-bent and focused on his own battle as well.
'I got no other choice...'
That was a fact. If anything, he signed herself up here.
She recollected her thoughts, closing her eyes and catching some calm breath before she went and forged her way into the place where Zorina and Cleagor were waiting together with the annoyed Lucius.
"Oh, for Pete's sake..." Cleagor moaned. "Talk about unlucky."
"Of all students?" Zorina scoffed, eyeing Raena, who was looking down on her feet. "It would have been so much better if it was Lady Ivana around... not this second-hand, trying-hard bitch."
"Let the poor witch crumble on her toes, Zorina." Lucius ended with a remark.
Raena could not help herself but clench her fist. She had no other choice but to bite her lips and try not to tear up from these never-ending comments that seemed to be growing as time passed by.
Can she even survive this trial? She told herself this is the time for payback, but somehow, it looks like she's gonna have a hard time!
"Look," Lucius, on a sudden note, grabbed Raena's wrist and pulled her slowly to him!
How should she describe this... she couldn't tell clearly, but to Raena, it seemed like there was a weird throbbing deep inside her chest now that she looked the King's handsome heir directly into his blue, enchanting eyes...
After all, their face was so close to one another that it made Ivana and Vladimir's eyes bleed in jealousy out in the distance.
"You better not make this difficult for me, you useless witch. All you are is bad luck wherever you fucking go, so put that in your shitty head."
Nah, whatever throbbing Raena felt, she was probably sure and most likely convinced that it was her heartbeat running fast because of nervousness and being afraid.
Raena gulped, trying to pull her wrist away from the strong prince. "Let... Let me go!"
"Tsk." Lucius scoffed, shoving the poor princess away from his body.