The crisp morning air cut sharply to the bone, bringing a familiar chill for the Inferus students gathered in the main training hall of the Dominion Elite Academy. Rael took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the crowd, their faces tense with anticipation. The grey sky outside seemed to mirror their mood—silent, clouded with shadows of uncertainty. In the distance, he spotted Eira standing tall, her gaze steady and focused on what lay ahead. Meanwhile, Jarin, another Umbra student known for his usual energy, appeared different today; his eyes were blank, yet there was a hidden strength within his stillness. They were all preparing to face the Proving Simulation for the first time.
Suddenly, Instructor Lena Varis stepped forward, breaking the silence with her authoritative voice. Lena, with her solid build and hard expression, looked immovable, flanked by Master Elyon of Umbra and instructors from Auctoritas and Ingenium. Rael could feel the shift in atmosphere as Lena's voice began to fill the hall.
"Today, you will enter the Proving Simulation," Lena's voice echoed, drawing every eye in the room. "This simulation is designed to test your fundamental abilities to survive and adapt in hostile environments. It will challenge your physical endurance, teamwork, and skills in facing real threats—a simulation that none of you will pass easily."
Rael felt his heartbeat quicken. This Proving Simulation was something they'd heard about often from their seniors—a test said to reveal whether someone had a talent worthy of notice or was just another average student.
"Each team will consist of four members," Lena continued sternly, "one representative from each house. You will be placed in a simulated field filled with threats designed to behave like the Gloomspawn outside the Aegis Wall. This is not a game."
Silence. Each student appeared deep in thought, considering who their teammates would be and how they would tackle this simulation. Master Elyon stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the Umbra students before pausing briefly on Rael.
"Remember, in darkness, calm and precision are your greatest weapons. You will face situations that demand more than strength," he said, his voice layered with meaning. "Do not be reckless, and stay mindful of each step you take."
Rael nodded slowly, embedding Elyon's words in his mind. In situations like this, stealth and precision were everything. However, this time he would be working in a team—a different challenge requiring adaptability from each member.
As Lena began announcing the team members, Rael was called as Umbra's representative. His team would include Calyx from Bellator, Selene from Ingenium, and Damian from Auctoritas. Each of them came from a different background, each bringing distinct qualities from their houses.
Rael stepped forward, observing each of his new teammates in turn. Calyx, with his firm posture and sharp gaze, was known as a marksman in Bellator. His serious expression hinted that his skill with long-range weaponry was not to be underestimated. Beside Calyx, Selene from Ingenium appeared calm and calculated. With her blonde hair tied neatly back and an expression that seemed always to be analysing, she exuded intelligence and self-control. Lastly, Damian from Auctoritas stood tall and broad, radiating an impressive physical strength.
Rael looked at them all, then introduced himself. "I'm Rael, from Umbra," he said simply but firmly.
Calyx regarded him and gave a brief nod. "Calyx, Bellator. I prefer long-range attacks. We'll need to keep a safe distance in our strategy."
Damian eyed Rael with a near-challenging look, then slapped Rael's shoulder with more force than expected. "Damian, from Auctoritas. If any Gloomspawn gets close, leave them to me. I'll hold them off."
Selene gave a small smile, nodding lightly. "Selene from Ingenium. Strategy and tech are my strengths. Let's hope for a smooth cooperation."
Rael felt a bit relieved, although he knew this wouldn't be easy. There was a stiffness within the team, yet he could also sense a budding respect among them. They all understood the risks and challenges awaiting them in the simulation. Each of them had unique skills, and Rael knew the only way to survive was by depending on each other.
Rael took a deep breath, trying to dispel the creeping nerves. Ahead of him, the arena, once just cold metal walls, began shifting and transforming, creating a dim forest landscape. Thick fog obscured much of the view, making the dark shapes of trees appear as if they were moving in the shadows. Fallen leaves littered the forest floor, emitting the earthy scent of damp soil and old wood, while the silence made every breath audible.
Rael glanced around, observing his teammates. Damian, the broad-shouldered youth from Auctoritas, stood tall at the front, gripping his large hammer. Calyx from Bellator took position at the rear with his long-range rifle, his eyes watching for any movement behind them. Beside Rael, Selene from Ingenium held her detection device, displaying faint signals of movement difficult to predict amidst the fog.
"Diamond formation," whispered Calyx, reminding them to keep their positions. Rael and Selene took the centre while Damian moved forward to clear the path.
They advanced cautiously, every step laden with tension. Rael sharpened his senses, trying to pick up on any sound in the stillness of the simulated forest. Dry leaves crunched beneath their boots, though they tried their best to move silently. Beside him, Selene studied her device intently, her expression focused.
Suddenly, the snap of a twig sounded to their right. The whole team froze, muscles tensing. Selene glanced at her detector, her face showing alarm.
"There's something…," she whispered, almost inaudibly, gesturing to the direction indicated. Her device showed a life form moving slowly towards their position.
Rael leaned forward slightly, signalling with his hand for the team to move more cautiously. They followed his lead, their steps even softer, almost soundless. Slowly, Rael crept towards the bushes where the noise had come from, his heart pounding.
Behind the bush, a simulated Vilehound was prowling, its dull black fur nearly blending into the shadows. Rael held his breath, signalling for the others to remain still and silent.
However, Damian, showing impatience, whispered in a low tone, "We should strike first before it realises we're here."
Rael shot him a sharp look, replying in an equally low voice, "Vilehounds have acute hearing. Don't move or make a sound unless you want us all exposed."
Damian's expression shifted momentarily, but he eventually nodded reluctantly, though he looked far from pleased. Rael remained calm, taking the Silent Cord from his belt, hooking its end onto a nearby tree, and with a swift, controlled movement, he swung above the Vilehound. With careful manoeuvring, Rael managed to pass the creature undetected, followed by the team, who moved with increased caution.
Once they reached a safe distance, Calyx glanced at Rael, a faint admiration in his eyes. "Good, steady and measured," he murmured, his voice carrying respect.
Damian let out a quiet scoff, his face showing impatience. "It was just a Vilehound. We can't hide forever from real threats."
Rael held back from responding, realising their differing approaches were natural. This simulation wasn't just about strength or tactics but also about teamwork and understanding each other.
They continued deeper into the simulation arena, the atmosphere growing more tense. Every shifting shadow among the trees added to their anxiety, as if a real Gloomspawn were lurking. After a while, they started noticing signs of a Graveclaw's presence around them. The ground was marked with large claw prints, and broken tree trunks indicated the creature's territory.
Rael signalled for Calyx to prepare his long-range rifle, while Damian raised his large hammer, anticipation clear on his face. Selene remained focused on her detector, monitoring any possible threats approaching.
From behind the tree shadows, the large creature appeared. A simulated Graveclaw, with a hulking humanoid form designed to mimic its real-life physical power, stood tall with its long claws glinting in the simulated light. Rael knew that stealth wouldn't work this time—they'd have to act quickly and precisely.
"Ready?" Rael whispered, his eyes fixed on Calyx.
Calyx nodded, aiming his rifle at the Graveclaw's weak point. Rael counted silently, giving the signal with a hand gesture before whispering, "Now!"
In an instant, Calyx's shot flew straight at the Graveclaw's face, causing it to stagger back with a thunderous roar. Damian stepped forward without hesitation, swinging his hammer with all his might, striking the creature's massive body and forcing it back. But it wasn't defeated yet. Rael moved swiftly, circling the Graveclaw from the opposite side, using the shadows to slip in close. With a single, precise movement, he plunged his Shadow Blade into the creature's weak spot on its back.
The Graveclaw finally collapsed, its body hitting the ground with a resounding thud. Damian, panting, wore a proud expression. Calyx gave Rael a small nod, acknowledging their strong coordination. Despite their differences, a sense of teamwork was beginning to form among them.
As they finally exited the simulation arena and returned to the Academy, the evaluation hall was filled with tension. The instructors, including Master Elyon and Lena Varis, observed each team with sharp, scrutinising eyes. Each team was called up one by one to receive their assessment, and when it was Rael's team's turn, Master Elyon stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
Elyon's gaze rested on Rael briefly, then he gave a slight nod, a subtle yet meaningful gesture of approval. "Good teamwork. This simulation was designed not just to measure individual strength but to see how you function as a team. Each member had a role, and you filled those roles well."
Rael felt a sense of pride within, though he maintained a calm expression. Amidst the instructors' nods and the brief cheers from his teammates, he realised that his efforts today hadn't been in vain. This Proving Simulation had become a significant moment, showing that he could cooperate and lead with quiet strength.
When the results were announced, their team earned the highest score for cooperation and well-coordinated tactics. Damian, though reluctant to acknowledge tactical methods, clapped Rael on the shoulder with a faint smile. "You're good, Rael. Didn't expect your calm approach would actually save us."
Rael nodded, hiding any excess emotion, but he felt a quiet satisfaction. Yet behind this success, Master Elyon's words from before the mission echoed in his mind—this was only the beginning, and in Dominion, no victory lasted long without a new, even more dangerous challenge awaiting.