As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the students gathered on the academy's open training field, a vast space that had been transformed for the day into a battlefield of stone walls, barriers, and winding passages. Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik stood together, taking in the sight of the grounds now sectioned into zones and obstacles. Today's exam was to be a group combat trial, a test not only of mana control but of the ability to work as a cohesive team under pressure.
At the field's center, Professor Nylaen stood with her familiar air of authority, her voice carrying over the murmurs of anticipation.
"Today is your first group combat assessment," she announced, pausing to ensure that all attention was on her. "Your task is to overcome multiple challenges that will push your limits in defense, strategy, and, most importantly, mana control. You will not be judged on brute strength alone; precision and strategic use of mana are essential."
Kaeleen felt a pang of unease at the emphasis on "control," reminded of Seraphis's warning: Dark mana is complex; if you don't control your emotions, it will control you.
"Groups have been assigned," continued Nylaen, consulting her roster. "Kaeleen, you will work with Elise, Borik, and Naomi."
Naomi, the top student known for her composure and advanced skills, turned to acknowledge him with a simple nod. Elise shot him an encouraging smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.
"This should be interesting," murmured Borik, clapping Kaeleen on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We've got your back."
Kaeleen managed a small nod, willing his nerves to settle. He knew this was a difficult task, but at least he had his friends beside him.
The first challenge was a test of endurance: each team had to protect a designated area from the barrage of magical attacks fired from hovering devices around the field. These devices launched spells of fire, ice, and lightning, requiring the students to defend themselves and cooperate under sustained pressure.
Naomi took immediate command, casting a near-perfect shield over their area. Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik supported her, reinforcing the barrier and deflecting incoming attacks.
"Kaeleen, your dark mana might help absorb some of the fire spells," Naomi said coolly, her focus never faltering. "Keep it steady."
Kaeleen nodded, concentrating on drawing his dark mana from his core and channeling it into a protective layer. Each fire spell that struck his shadowy shield sent ripples of tension through him, the dark energy threatening to spill out of control, but he fought to keep it contained.
Meanwhile, Elise and Borik directed bursts of water and wind magic to neutralize the lightning and ice attacks. Despite their best efforts, the pace of the attacks increased, testing the limits of their coordination and stamina.
After successfully defending their area, the teams were led to the next part of the trial: a path strewn with magical traps and obstacles. They needed to advance as a group while avoiding mana traps that, if triggered, would release disorienting and debilitating waves of energy.
"Follow my lead," Naomi instructed with characteristic calm. "I'll disarm the traps as we go. Do not stray."
They advanced cautiously with Naomi at the front, disarming traps with precise movements. Kaeleen, at the rear, kept his senses sharp, alert for any sudden changes in the surroundings. Just as they were finding a rhythm, mocking laughter echoed from the far side of the field.
"Well, well—look who we have here," sneered Ithan, flanked by Erik, Luka, and Revan. They wore smirks, eyes gleaming with malice.
Kaeleen gritted his teeth, feeling the first pangs of anger rising. He knew Ithan and Erik disliked him, but the addition of Luka and Revan to the mix intensified the pressure.
"You should let the others do the work, Kaeleen," said Erik, smirking. "We wouldn't want you losing control of your 'dark powers' and hurting everyone."
"Shut up, Erik," Elise retorted, her tone defiant. "Kaeleen's doing his part, and you should worry about your own."
"Oh, defending the freak, are we?" Luka taunted, feigning concern. "You should be more worried about your own safety."
In a sudden, calculated move, Luka sent a burst of mana toward Kaeleen's group. Kaeleen instinctively raised a dark shield around Elise and Borik, deflecting the spell but feeling his mana strain in the process.
"That was a mistake, Luka," Kaeleen said, his voice steady despite his trembling hands. "This is a test, not a personal battle."
But Luka and his group showed no signs of relenting, continuing to hurl spells in their direction. Impatient, Naomi turned to Kaeleen, speaking in a low voice.
"Stay calm, Kaeleen. Focus on protecting us and nothing more."
He nodded, trying to find his center, but every attack added to his frustration, feeding the dark mana that fought to break free.
As the skirmish escalated, Kaeleen felt his strength waning. The dark mana within him swelled with his growing frustration, reaching a breaking point. Desperate to end the confrontation, he unleashed a stronger spell, pouring every bit of dark mana he could muster into a single counterattack.
The surge of power broke his control, and shadows exploded outward, sending everyone around him, allies and adversaries alike, sprawling and dazed.
In the aftermath, Kaeleen's heart dropped as he spotted Elise crumpled on the ground, unconscious. Fear gripped him as he realized his actions had harmed his own friend.
"Look at what you did!" Ithan yelled, seizing the opportunity. "You're a danger to everyone, Kaeleen. You can't control that power, and you don't belong here!"
The murmurs and stares of the other students were fixed on Kaeleen now, and a mix of guilt, shame, and anger roiled within him. The dark mana surged again, whispering to him, feeding on his pain and urging him to fight back.
"Kaeleen," Naomi said softly, her voice pulling him back, "you need to control this."
But it was too late. His anger and frustration had taken over, and dark mana coiled around him, forming a dense, shadowy aura that separated him from the others. His eyes, usually calm, were now filled with a storm of emotions.
"You wanted to see what I'm capable of?" he muttered, his voice carrying an unsettling intensity.
Luka, Revan, Ithan, and Erik backed away, their faces showing fear at the sight of Kaeleen's transformation.
Just as he was about to unleash his power, a familiar presence stepped forward. Princess Selene positioned herself in front of him, her gaze steady and calm.
"Enough, Kaeleen," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You don't need to prove anything. Control your power. Don't let others' words define you."
Her words were like a breath of fresh air, and slowly, Kaeleen felt the dark mana recede. The shadows around him began to dissipate, and calm returned to his face. However, the exhaustion from the surge was too much, and he fell to his knees, drained.
"That's enough," declared the princess, casting a stern gaze at Luka and his group. "If I see any of you provoke another altercation like this, you will answer to me."
Kaeleen was taken to the academy infirmary, where the healers tended to him. Elise and Borik visited him later, offering words of support. Though he felt guilt over his lack of control, he was grateful to have his friends by his side.
"What matters is that you're alright," Elise said gently, her smile comforting. "Don't let them make you doubt yourself."
Kaeleen nodded, realizing he'd need to work even harder to prove his worth. Today's ordeal had been a painful lesson, but he understood it was only the beginning of his journey in Aether—a journey that would test every ounce of his willpower and resolve.