The evening air at the camp was electric with anticipation. The setting sun bathed the sprawling grounds in hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows over the gathering of youths outside the imposing Zenith Tower.
Excitement filled the air, mingling with nervous whispers as everyone waited for the moment to begin.
Squad 4 had gathered outside the Zenith Tower, their chatter buzzing like an electric current.
The youths were eager yet tense, their eyes darting between each other and the massive structure before them.
For many, this was the highlight of their camp experience. This was the chance to try their skills and abilities within the infamous Zenith Tower.
Although there was still going to be another final attempt towards the end of their stay in the camp to determine the elite 100, it was nonetheless a big thing now.
Conversations overlapped, ranging from hushed whispers about their nervousness to loud debates about how far Ares would go.
Sergeant Zeke stood at the front of the group, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. He looked imposing as ever, his arms crossed and his voice steady as he asked, "Where is your squad leader?"
There was a pause before one of the youths spoke up hesitantly, "He hasn't arrived yet, sir."
A murmur rippled through the group. "Do you think he's scared because of the bets?" a voice whispered. "Maybe he's worried he'll embarrass himself," another added.
Lisa stepped forward, her face determined as she addressed the group. "Ares isn't someone who runs away! He'll be here. Just wait."
The murmurs didn't die down entirely, and the tension grew as the clock in the distance began to chime, signalling 7 p.m.
Sergeant Zeke sighed deeply, his patience thinning. "If your squad leader isn't here, we'll need someone else to go first. Who's volunteering?"
Before the words had even fully left his mouth, Jackson stepped forward, puffing out his chest with confidence. "I'll do it, sir. I'll make Squad 4 proud."
The sergeant nodded, motioning for Jackson to approach the tower. "Good. Remember, by challenging the tower first you represent your squad. Do your best."
Jackson strode toward the entrance, his movements bold and determined. The rest of Squad 4 watched him, their excitement mixed with unease.
Just as he was about to step through the massive arched door of the Zenith Tower, a calm voice cut through the murmurs.
"I'm here."
Every head turned as Ares approached.
His black training uniform was pristine, and his strides were steady and unhurried. At his side was a black sword sheathed in a dark scabbard, while a spear wrapped in cloth was slung over his back.
His calm, composed expression immediately silenced the crowd, their earlier doubts melting away.
Ares stopped before Sergeant Zeke, inclining his head slightly. "Apologies for being late. "Commander Selene kept me occupied."
The sergeant's brows furrowed for a moment, but as soon as Selene's name was mentioned, his expression softened. "That's an acceptable excuse. Jackson, step back. Ares, it's your turn."
While Jackson slouched back to the rest, a wave of cheers erupted from Squad 4. "Let's go, Ares!" "You've got this!"
The earlier tension vanished, replaced by an almost palpable energy as their leader stepped toward the tower.
Ares nodded briefly to his squad before walking through the massive entrance.
The cheers faded behind him as the heavy doors closed with an echoing thud, leaving the young squad leader in silence.
Inside the Zenith Tower, the room was simple yet unnervingly stark. Its white walls stretched endlessly, the emptiness oppressive.
Ares stood in the centre, his breathing steady as he assessed his surroundings.
Suddenly, a door at the far end of the room slid open with a soft hiss, and the ground seemed to tremble as a massive bear-like beast lumbered into the space.
Its golden eyes glinted with primal fury, its fur bristling as it released a deafening roar.
Roar!
Without hesitation, it charged at Ares, its massive paws thundering against the ground.
Outside, the projection of the trial displayed the scene for all to see. The youths of Squad 4 leaned forward anxiously.
"Why isn't he moving?" one whispered, panic creeping into their voice. "Doesn't he realise how strong those beasts are?"
In the elite dorm's common area, a small crowd had gathered to watch as well.
Among them, a short youth jabbed a finger at the screen, speaking to the imposing figure beside him—the Sword King.
"See? That's the guy who said your swordsmanship was merely okay. Look at him, too terrified to even move."
The Sword King remained silent, his eyes narrowed as he focused on the screen. Unlike the others, his gaze was calm, his expression unreadable.
Inside the tower, Ares stood motionless, his eyes locked on the approaching beast. As the bear neared and he could clearly see the saliva dripping from its fangs, Ares finally moved.
In a blur of motion, he unslung the spear from his back, the cloth falling away to reveal its gleaming steel tip.
The weapon hummed faintly, the sound barely audible over the bear's roars. Ares shifted his stance, his grip firm as he waited for the perfect moment.
The bear leapt, its massive body soaring through the air with deadly intent.
Ares struck.
The weapon moved like lightning, slicing through the air with a faint hum. The bear roared, its momentum carrying it forward—but it was too late.
Bang!
The tip of Ares's spear struck true, piercing through its chest with precision and stopping it mid-leap.
The beast let out one final, guttural growl before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.
The entire camp watching the scene fell silent. Squad 4's cheers died on their lips. The murmurs in the elite dorm stilled.
Even the short youth beside the Sword King was left speechless.
For a long, breathless moment, there was nothing but silence across the camp. Then, somewhere in the camp, a youth whispered, "He took it down with one move…"
_____
Just started another book called: Creating A Succubus Army In A Fantasy World!
It's an entry for the beast taming contest! Ensure to add it to your collection and give it a read! It won't disappoint!
Power stone Goal!
50 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
100 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
200 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.