As the candidates filtered out of the labyrinth and returned to the arena, the cheers of the crowd filled the air. The remaining participants stood under the fading sunlight, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. The trials were over, but the weight of what lay ahead lingered in the air.
Ethan stood among them, quietly observing. Sae Jensi appeared at his side, grinning despite his weary posture. "You know, Ethan, I think I've got some new gray hairs from all of this," Sae joked, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair.
"You did fine," Ethan said simply, his tone neutral but steady.
"Fine? I was amazing!" Sae puffed his chest out theatrically, though his smirk showed he was only half-serious.
Around them, other candidates murmured among themselves, the tension slowly dissolving into camaraderie.
"Did you see that giant arachnid?" one candidate exclaimed. "Yeah, and did you see how that guy—what's his name? Ethan?—took it down like it was nothing?" "No kidding. I just hope the academy training isn't as brutal as this."
The murmurs quieted as the head instructor stepped forward once more, his silver armor catching the last rays of sunlight.
"Candidates," he began, his voice firm and resonant, "you have faced challenges designed to test your strength, skill, and resolve. By surviving and overcoming these trials, you have earned your place at Valenhold Academy. From this day forth, you are no longer mere aspirants—you are students of one of the most prestigious academies in all of Ignisia."
The crowd erupted in applause, though many of the candidates were too drained to do more than nod or offer small smiles. Sae nudged Ethan.
"Did you hear that? Prestigious! Looks like we're moving up in the world, my friend."
Ethan gave a faint smile but said nothing, his mind focused on the future.
---
As the candidates were ushered into a grand hall within the academy grounds, the atmosphere shifted. The tension of the trials gave way to an air of quiet anticipation. A large feast had been prepared, with long tables laden with food and drink.
Sae wasted no time, grabbing a plate and piling it high. "I don't know about you, but I've earned this," he said, settling down beside Ethan.
Others soon joined them. Leon, the mage from their group, took a seat, looking more relaxed now that the trials were behind them. "I'm still trying to figure out how we made it through that last fight," he said, glancing at Ethan. "Honestly, we probably wouldn't have without you."
Elena, seated across from them, nodded slightly. "You're skilled. That much is clear. But don't think for a second that we didn't pull our weight."
Gregor, still carrying his war hammer as if it were part of him, laughed loudly as he joined the group. "Relax, Elena. The kid's a natural, and we're lucky to have had him in the group."
Ethan shook his head. "We worked as a team. That's why we succeeded."
"Teamwork or not," Sae said between bites, "I'm just glad it's over. Those spiders were not fun."
The group shared a brief laugh, their bond forged through shared struggle.
---
As the meal wound down, the head instructor entered the hall, his imposing presence silencing the room. He gestured to a large board at the front of the hall, where names and rankings were displayed.
"The rankings you see here reflect your performance during the trials," he said. "These will determine your initial standing at the academy. But remember, rankings can change. Your efforts in the coming weeks will determine your true worth."
Ethan's name was at the top of the list, followed by others from different groups. Sae, Leon, Gregor, and Elena were farther down, their scores reflective of the combined efforts during the labyrinth trial.
"Top of the list, huh?" Sae whispered, nudging Ethan. "Guess I should've expected that."
Ignoring the comment, Ethan focused on the head instructor's next words. "Tomorrow, you will receive your schedules and dormitory assignments. Until then, you will live in your temporarily assigned rooms inside first dormitory . Your training will begin next week, and it will be demanding. You've proven you can survive, but survival alone isn't enough. Strive to thrive. Dismissed."
---
As the candidates began to disperse, Ethan lingered, his thoughts turning inward. The system's chime echoed in his mind.
[Quest Completed: The Final Trial.] Rewards:
System Points: +1,000
XP Gained: +1,200
Item Unlocked: [Shadow Arachnid Core (Tier II)]
A new notification followed.
[Special Bonus for First Rank Achiever:]
Title Unlocked: Labyrinth Conqueror
Additional System Points: +500
The rewards were substantial, but Ethan was already thinking about how to use them to his advantage. The Shadow Arachnid Core intrigued him, and he made a mental note to examine it later.
As Sae caught up to him, the system chimed once more.
[New Quest Alert:]
Quest Name: Settle In
Objective: Familiarize yourself with Valenhold Academy. Visit key locations, including the dormitories, training grounds, and library.
Reward: +500 XP, Map of Valenhold, and Item [Beginner's Guide to Academy Life].
"Hey," Sae said, breaking Ethan's train of thought. "Don't tell me you're already thinking about the next challenge. Take a break for once."
Ethan smirked faintly. "I'll rest when there's nothing left to prepare for."
Sae sighed but didn't argue. "Alright, but don't forget, you've got a team now. We're in this together, whether you like it or not."
Ethan glanced at him, his expression softening slightly. "I'll keep that in mind."
With that, the two headed toward the dormitories, the future of their journey at Valenhold Academy just beginning.
---