The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the arena as the candidates gathered for the last trial. The air was charged with tension, and even Ethan, who had been calm throughout the earlier challenges, could sense the weight of the moment. Around him, candidates whispered nervously, their words mixing with the low hum of the crowd's anticipation.
"Think this one's going to be worse than the last trial?" Sae Jensi muttered, standing close to Ethan.
Ethan smirked faintly but said nothing. Sae sighed dramatically. "Of course, you're calm. Meanwhile, some of us mortals have to worry about making it out alive."
Ahead of them, the head instructor stepped forward, his silver armor gleaming in the fading sunlight. "Candidates!" he called, his voice carrying across the arena. "The final trial is upon you. This test will push your strength, strategy, and survival instincts. You will face obstacles and creatures designed to challenge your limits. The objective is to reach the exit, and while teamwork is encouraged, survival is paramount. Failure to complete this trial will result in disqualification."
The murmurs grew louder.
"Great," Sae muttered. "Survive a death maze filled with who knows what."
Ethan remained silent, but his eyes scanned the crowd, noting the mix of fear and determination in the other candidates.
The group was quickly divided into teams of five. Sae cheered when he saw Ethan in his group. "Looks like my lucky day," he said.
The other members included Leon, whose sharp gaze suggested intelligence; Gregor, a burly boy wielding a war hammer; and Elena, a quiet girl with twin daggers who exuded confidence.
As they descended into the labyrinth, the cold air and faint echoes set an ominous tone. The walls shifted periodically, glowing faintly with runes that pulsed with magic.
"This place gives me the creeps," Gregor said, gripping his hammer tightly.
"Just stay close," Ethan said, his voice steady. "This maze is designed to split us up. We can't afford to lose anyone."
The group moved cautiously, but they didn't get far before they were attacked. From the shadows, spider-like creatures with glowing red eyes emerged, their sharp legs clicking menacingly against the stone floor. Ethan activated his appraisal skill.
[Appraisal: Shadow Arachnid (Level 50)]
Health: 1,500/1,500
Mana: 200/200
Strength: 100
Stamina: 85
Agility: 80
Intelligence: 30
Skills:
Venomous Bite: Weakens and paralyzes for a short time (25% mobility reduction).
Shadow Stealth: Becomes invisible in shadows (80% reduced detection chance).
Web Trap: Slows enemies by 50% and makes them vulnerable for 5 seconds.
Spider's Fury: Deals moderate damage with a chance to stagger (150% Strength).
Arachnid's Cunning: Boosts damage by 10% when attacking from stealth or surprise.
Special Ability:
Shadow Bind: Binds enemies for 3 seconds, reducing movement by 70% and lowering defense by 20%.
Appearance: Large, dark spider with glowing purple eyes.
Behavior: Ambushes from shadows, using stealth and traps to weaken opponents.
"Shadow Arachnids," Leon whispered. "Fast and venomous."
Gregor raised his war hammer. "Venomous or not, they'll still break."
Ethan stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the group to hold back slightly. "Stick to their blind spots and keep moving. Don't let them surround you."
The arachnids skittered forward, and Ethan reacted quickly. He drew his sword with a smooth motion, keeping his movements restrained as he deflected an incoming strike and bisected one of the creatures with a precise cut. He made sure to avoid using any flashy abilities that might draw attention.
Elena darted between the arachnids, her daggers slicing through their legs with ease. Gregor smashed one with a powerful swing, sending its remains flying into the wall. Sae stayed close to Leon, guarding him as the mage conjured small bursts of flame to keep the creatures at bay.
The group fought well together, dispatching the arachnids quickly.
"That wasn't too bad," Gregor said, grinning.
"Don't get cocky," Ethan warned. "That was just the warm-up."
The Shadow Alpha
The group pressed on, navigating traps and fending off more arachnids. But when they entered the central chamber, they found themselves face-to-face with something far more dangerous.
A massive arachnid stood before them, its black body glinting with unnatural hardness. Green runes glowed along its carapace, and its eyes burned with intelligence.
Name: Shadow Alpha Arachnid
Type: Enhanced Beast
Health: 2,200/2,200
Strength: 170
Agility: 140
Special Abilities:
Venomous Burst: Releases a poisonous cloud in a small radius.
Web Snare: Fires sticky webs to immobilize prey.
Alpha's Command: Summons lesser arachnids for support.
Leon paled. "That... that thing's not normal."
"No kidding," Sae said, backing up.
The Alpha let out a shrill screech, and more arachnids poured into the chamber.
"We're surrounded!" Gregor yelled.
Ethan kept his voice calm but firm. "Gregor, focus on the smaller ones. Elena, stick close to me. Sae and Leon, provide cover from the back. Don't let the Alpha corner us."
As the battle began, Ethan deliberately held back, relying on simple strikes and evasion. He let the others take the lead, observing their strengths and weaknesses.
Gregor fought fiercely, his war hammer smashing through waves of lesser arachnids. Leon's fire spells were effective at keeping the creatures at bay, though his mana was clearly draining fast. Elena moved with precision, targeting weak points in the arachnids' armor.
The Alpha targeted Ethan, lunging with surprising speed. Ethan dodged its strikes effortlessly, using his Mystic Sword sparingly to deflect its venomous fangs.
The fight dragged on, the group gradually wearing the Alpha down. When an opportunity presented itself, Ethan moved in, delivering a clean strike to its underbelly. The beast screeched, its movements faltering as it dissolved into mist.
[ Boss Defeated. Objective Completed. Bonus Points Awarded. ]
Gregor leaned on his war hammer, breathing heavily. "That... was insane."
"Nice work," Elena said to Ethan, her tone neutral but with a hint of respect.
Sae grinned, clapping Ethan on the back. "You made that look way too easy."
Ethan shrugged. "We all did our part."
As the group made their way out of the labyrinth and back into the arena, the head instructor stepped forward, his expression stoic.
"Those who stand here have proven their worth," he announced. "Welcome to Valenhold Academy."
{ A/N : Royal Academy or Valenhold Academy are same ; don't get confused }
The crowd erupted in cheers as the remaining candidates exchanged weary but triumphant smiles. Ethan, however, kept his emotions in check.
[ Quest Completed: The Final Trial. Rewards: 1,000 System Points, 1,200 XP, Item Unlocked (Pending Reveal). ]