Two weeks had passed since Riven's arrival at the Knight Academy. During this time, he managed to visit Dolores a few times. The school did not prohibit students from leaving the compound as long as they adhered to the curfew hours. Each student was given a bracelet with a tracker, ensuring they were always accounted for and safe.
In the evenings, classes were rigorous and demanding, pushing each student to their limits. During one such class, the homeroom teacher made an important announcement. "Tomorrow, you will need to form groups of four for the upcoming test," she said, her tone firm and authoritative.
The room buzzed with excitement and anxiety as students began to consider their options for teammates. Before Riven could even begin to deliberate, a group of students approached him first. Jasper, Leo, and Max, the boys he had become acquainted with, stood before him, clearly eager to include him in their group.
"Hey Riven, join us for the test tomorrow," Jasper suggested, his tone friendly.
Riven, still maintaining his calm demeanor, agreed with a slight nod. He couldn't care less who he grouped up with, knowing that building good relationships was part of his journey at the Academy. He recognized the importance of alliances, even if they were born out of convenience.
As Riven huddled with his group, he decided to set their expectations. "I should tell you," he began, his tone calm and measured, "I'm not a good fighter. I'm more of a thinker and strategist."
The group listened, nodding in understanding. But what they didn't know was that Riven had made a conscious decision to keep his true abilities out of the spotlight. His past was filled with intense training and significant achievements, but he chose to distance himself from that life here at the Academy.
In another part of his world, Riven had formed a pact with four exceptional ladies: Dolores, his steadfast companion with skills in negotiation and diplomacy; Selena, a formidable warrior with unmatched combat skills; Evelyn, a master tactician known for her strategic brilliance; and Mira, an expert in covert operations and intelligence gathering. Together, they made an impressive and formidable team.
As the group speculated about the test tomorrow, discussing potential scenarios and strategies, Riven's mind occasionally drifted to his other life and his commitments to his allies. He knew that balance was crucial, and while he played a certain role here, his true strength and alliances were never far from his thoughts.
Their conversation flowed seamlessly, each member contributing ideas and concerns, building a plan for the test. They were unaware of the depth and complexity that lay beneath Riven's composed exterior, but they trusted him as a thinker and planner.
The following day, the students stood aligned on an island owned by the school, the majority of it covered in dense forest. The test involved ten groups, each consisting of four students. Each group was given a single card, and their objective was clear: obtain the cards from the other teams by any means necessary, except for killing, but if yours is taken you are disqualified, so protecting their given cards was more important. To ensure safety, the school had set up a tent for the doctor to use in case of any accidents.
Riven's group gathered around him, awaiting his plan. He knew the importance of strategy and began to speak. "We're going to give me the card," he said, his tone calm and confident.
One of the group members, Leo, looked skeptical. "You? But you're known to be the weakest among us. How is that a good idea?"
Riven met his gaze steadily, "Exactly. Our enemies will likely think that the strongest of us has the card. They won't suspect me. This way, I'll be safe, and you can focus entirely on taking cards from others."
The group fell silent, considering his logic. Jasper was the first to nod, understanding the strategy behind Riven's plan. "He has a point. If they underestimate him, it gives us an advantage."
Max, still looking doubtful, eventually agreed. "Alright, but if anything goes wrong, we'll need a backup plan."
Riven smiled reassuringly. "We'll be fine. Trust the plan and stay focused on our objective."
With their roles defined and the strategy set, the group prepared to face the challenge ahead. The forest awaited, filled with potential threats and opportunities. They knew they had to work together and stay sharp, but with Riven's plan, they had a unique edge.
Riven and his group moved through the dense forest with stealth and determination, their senses heightened by the competitive atmosphere. Jasper took the lead, his athletic build moving swiftly and silently through the underbrush. Leo and Max flanked him, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of other groups.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered their first opponents—another group intent on keeping their card. Jasper and Leo sprang into action, engaging the two members who stood as defenders. Max circled around, looking for an opening to snatch the card. Riven stayed back, observing the tactics used by both sides, his mind analyzing every move.
The clash was intense, with Jasper using his agility to dodge and weave around his opponent's attacks, while Leo used his strength to overpower his adversary. Max, finding an opening, quickly darted in and grabbed their opponent's card. With the card secured, they retreated, leaving their opponents to regroup.
As they continued their mission, they encountered another group. This time, the fight was more challenging. Their opponents had positioned themselves strategically, making it difficult for Riven's group to break through. Jasper signaled for a change in tactics, and they split up, attempting to flank the opposing team.
Riven's enhanced senses allowed him to pick up on subtle cues—the rustle of leaves, the whispered commands. He knew who had the cards among the approaching figures, but he chose to let his teammates take the lead. His role was to keep the card safe and to guide them with strategic insights.
Just as they were regrouping, Riven heard a familiar rustle behind him. He turned to see Miranda stepping out from the shadows. She approached him with a knowing smile, her eyes reflecting both amusement and curiosity.
"Riven," she called softly, "I know you have the card."
Riven met her gaze, his expression calm and composed. "And since you know," he replied evenly, "what will you do?"
Miranda chuckled, shaking her head. "No need to worry," she assured him. "We have enough cards to be at the top in this test. I wouldn't steal from someone so close to me."
Riven nodded, appreciating her honesty. "Thanks, Miranda," he said, his voice steady.
Suddenly, he heard people approaching, some yelling commands at their group. The forest grew tense with the sounds of footsteps and rustling leaves. Riven's group, aware of the incoming threat, prepared for another confrontation.
Jasper, Leo, and Max fell into defensive positions, ready to protect their hard-earned cards. Riven stayed alert, his enhanced senses providing crucial information, but he did not actively participate in the skirmish. Instead, he focused on ensuring their card remained safe, trusting his team to handle the physical confrontations.
The forest buzzed with activity, the test pushing each group to their limits. Riven's group, despite the challenges, held their ground, relying on their combined strengths and strategic coordination.
As Riven and his group maneuvered through the dense forest, the atmosphere grew tenser with each passing moment. Suddenly, he sensed someone trying to sneak up on him. Using his unique ability, Riven silently deployed invisible strings made from his shadow ability, holding the intruder at bay.
The person attempting to ambush Riven felt an inexplicable force pressing down on them, immobilizing their movements. Unable to see the strings, the assailant struggled against the unseen bonds, confusion and frustration evident in their eyes.
Riven remained outwardly calm, seemingly ignoring the restrained figure. His ability to discern true intentions had revealed that this person planned to use him as a hostage, but Riven's foresight and preparation had rendered the attempt futile.
Once the test concluded, the group gathered, relief and satisfaction evident on their faces. They congratulated Riven for his effective strategy and the success of their mission. Jasper clapped him on the back, Leo and Max nodded in approval, but Riven simply remained quiet, a slight smile on his lips.