The atmosphere at Dominion Elite Academy had shifted since the announcement of the Hierarchy Endurance Test. Every student, particularly those at the Inferus level, could feel the tense anticipation in the air. That morning, they were gathered in the main hall, where the instructors and representatives from the Holy Council had assembled. Standing at the podium was the imposing figure of Lord Caius Vernal, his posture graceful and commanding, his gaze sharp, piercing each soul present in the room.
"Students," he began, his voice echoing to the farthest corners of the hall, "you have shown bravery and dedication in your initial missions. Yet, the threats beyond grow ever more significant. We need warriors who are not only resilient but also unshaken by fear." His gaze swept across the room, pausing momentarily on a few students, including Rael.
Lord Caius continued, his tone laden with meaning, "This is why we are holding the Hierarchy Endurance Test. This trial will test every part of you—your physical abilities, mental strength, and will to survive. Those who succeed will have a chance to ascend to Medius rank faster. For those who fail…" His voice dropped, amplifying the tension, "various consequences await, depending on the extent of your failure."
Rael's heart beat faster. Beside him, Eira, his friend from Umbra, looked on with an unreadable expression. Yet, behind her eyes, Rael could see the kind of resolve rarely found in other students.
"Are you going to take part?" Eira whispered, raising an eyebrow with a slight, confident smile.
Rael nodded, swallowing the anxiety swirling within him. "Yes, I have to try. How about you?"
Eira looked at him, her gaze steady and determined. "This is more than a chance to move up a rank, Rael. It's an opportunity to show the Holy Council that we're worthy… that we're more than just shadows."
Rael looked around the arena, which had been transformed into a field full of physical and mental obstacles. Whispered conversations surrounded him, all discussing the challenge that lay ahead. The arena was filled with narrow passageways shrouded in thick smoke, towering rock walls with limited footholds, and hidden traps ready to test their vigilance.
When the students' turn began, Mira from Auctoritas stepped forward with confidence. The smile on her face suggested that she saw this challenge as merely another chance to prove her strength. Standing in the next line, Rael felt tension creeping into his shoulders. Their eyes met for a moment, and Mira gave him a sharp, self-assured look before stepping resolutely into the arena.
When his turn arrived, Rael steadied his breathing, trying to calm his racing heart. As he entered the arena, he felt an immediate shift in temperature and tension in the air, heightening his alertness. The glow from distant torches cast a shadowy atmosphere, and every step he took echoed through the silence of the room.
Rael reached the end of a narrow path and saw a wooden bridge stretched out before him. The safety ropes looked fragile in places, and beneath the bridge, a seemingly bottomless chasm threatened anyone who might slip.
Taking a deep breath, Rael focused his mind. Every step had to be careful, without the slightest tremor or doubt. He walked lightly, step by step, adjusting his balance as the wood swayed beneath him. Each second felt like an exhausting test, and the creaking of the wood with each step made his heart pound faster.
At the end of the bridge, he noticed a familiar figure—Luca from Bellator. Luca appeared to be tackling a different test, but when their eyes met, there was an unspoken sense of support between them. Rael offered a small smile, nodding in encouragement.
"Focus," Rael whispered to himself, recalling Master Elyon's lessons on the importance of calm. He knew that a single mistake could end it all.
With steadier steps, Rael continued his journey and finally reached the end of the bridge. Relief washed over him, but only for a moment. A loud sound came from nearby, followed by a scream from one of the other students. It reminded him that this was not merely a physical exercise—it was a simulation of real conditions outside the wall, where every sound or misstep could mean the end.
Rael moved on to the next challenge, an equally daunting one—a tall rock wall without any ropes or assistance. The wall stood solid and full of small crevices, posing a seemingly impossible challenge without exceptional training and courage.
Rael studied the wall, recalling all the techniques he had learned in Umbra. He placed his hand on the first crevice, taking a deep breath to gather his strength, and began his climb with unwavering determination. He knew that focus was key here.
Rael's hands felt the rough stones, searching for a solid grip. Every push of his feet was deliberate, and as his hand reached for the next hold, he felt a sharp scrape against his skin. Cold sweat began to form, but Rael held on, tightening his grip and continuing his ascent. Midway up, his mind started to wander, haunted by a hidden fear.
What if he fell? What if this test truly couldn't be completed? Yet, thoughts of Eira, Luca, and even Mira gave him strength. They were all fighting to endure the same field, and Rael was not about to give up.
Upon reaching the top, Rael felt a small victory within himself. The adrenaline coursing through his body gave him an extraordinary boost of courage. He looked down, seeing the obstacle-filled arena behind him, feeling as though he had just overcome one of the greatest challenges of his life.
After completing the test, Rael emerged from the arena, his breathing still laboured. Outside, several other students were already seated, catching their breath, some looking exhausted and injured. Rael saw Eira in the distance, welcoming him with a relieved smile.
"You made it," Eira said, patting his shoulder. "How does it feel?"
Rael smiled, weary but proud. "Exhausting, but… I feel like I've just conquered something bigger than just physical obstacles."
Eira nodded. "That's what this test is about. It's not just about physical strength but our mental endurance."
As they spoke, Mira suddenly appeared in front of them, a faint smile on her lips. There was something unreadable in her gaze.
"You did well, Rael," Mira said, her tone free from envy or anger, more a recognition. "But remember, this is only the beginning. There are far greater tests ahead of us."
Rael returned Mira's smile calmly, sensing that although their relationship was laced with tension, beneath it lay Mira's unspoken acknowledgement of him as a fellow warrior in the Academy.
After stepping out of the test arena, Rael felt as though an invisible weight was pressing down on him. Every step felt heavy, but he couldn't ignore the sense of relief filling him after passing his first endurance test. The walk to his room felt longer than usual, as if the hallways knew his exhaustion and were cruelly stretching the distance between him and his destination.
Just as he was nearing the corridor leading to his quarters, Rael stopped. At the end of the hallway, under the dim light of a torch, stood two authoritative figures, engaged in a serious, nearly silent conversation. Rael recognised one of them—Master Elyon Nacht, the formidable mentor who had trained the Umbra students with unmatched discipline. But beside him stood someone unexpected, a woman with a commanding presence and a frozen gaze. Dressed in a black robe bearing the Holy Council's emblem, she was Lady Seraphine Liora, a representative of the highest Dominion.
Rael's first instinct was to turn back before they noticed him. But the words spoken by Lady Seraphine cut through the silence, freezing him in place.
"We need to prepare more than we thought, Elyon. The threats beyond the wall are becoming real, and some of them may…" Her voice abruptly halted, as if she had just become aware of Rael's presence. Her icy, piercing gaze turned, sweeping over Rael with a dispassionate expression that made him feel exposed. Master Elyon also glanced his way, a flicker of recognition in his eyes before they returned to his usual stoic expression.
Rael's heart raced. He bowed his head, trying to dispel the discomfort of Lady Seraphine's intense scrutiny. Yet before he could speak a single word, the woman addressed him in a cool, composed tone.
"Rael Landar, is it?" Lady Seraphine asked, her voice low and controlled. There was an icy stillness in her tone, like the frozen surface of a lake, calm yet menacing.
Rael bowed deeper, attempting to hide his nerves. "Yes, Lady Seraphine. Thank you," he replied, his voice slightly trembling, acutely aware of the need to present himself impeccably before a representative of the Holy Council.
Lady Seraphine raised her chin slightly, observing Rael with an expression that was almost cordial, yet there was something withheld, as if she regarded him as merely valuable while he remained useful.
"Keep training," she said, her tone softer but no less commanding. "This Academy is only the first step on a journey far greater. Only those truly loyal to Dominion will endure the real test." Each word from her lips felt like a decree, demanding loyalty and honour. There was no room for doubt, no space for rebellion.
Rael nodded respectfully, absorbing every word as though it were a lesson. Yet, deep within, a burning curiosity stirred, as if Lady Seraphine's words had touched on something he'd never considered before. The real test? What did she mean?
His mind spun in confusion as he walked away, trying not to dwell on the conversation he had overheard. When he finally reached his room, Rael collapsed onto his bed, staring at the empty ceiling above. Lady Seraphine's words echoed in his mind, raising questions that would not be answered.