Chapter 19: Storm of syndicate
The following morning, Rudra woke early, the system's hum in his mind pulling him out of his dreams.
> System Notification:
Hidden Quest Unlocked: Shadow in the Academy.
Objective: Investigate Syndicate infiltrators during the Academy Combat Trials.
Reward: Shadow Stalker Skill, 6000 EXP.
"Combat trials?" Rudra muttered, sitting up. "This is going to be interesting."
---
The Academy Announcement
The academy courtyard was buzzing with excitement. Students from all ranks gathered, their conversations a mix of speculation and nerves. At the center stood Principal Aryaman and Vice Principal Tarini, their commanding presence silencing the crowd.
Principal Aryaman stepped forward. His voice, steady and firm, resonated across the grounds. "Students, it is time to prepare for the Combat Trials. This is your opportunity to showcase your strength, strategy, and teamwork. The top 100 participants will represent the academy in the intercontinental tournament."
The students erupted into cheers, though Rudra noticed a few uneasy faces.
Vice Principal Tarini added, "This year, the trials will include challenges in both physical combat and strategic problem-solving. And... beware, as we've added a little twist to test your adaptability."
Rudra exchanged a look with Nand and Samantha. "Twist?" Nand whispered. "What twist?"
"Whatever it is, we'll handle it," Samantha said confidently.
---
A New Challenger
As the announcement concluded, a tall figure approached Rudra's group. His dark robes were embroidered with the sigil of a phoenix, and his presence commanded attention.
"Rudra Kairous," the boy said, his voice sharp. "I've heard about you."
"And you are?" Rudra asked, his tone neutral.
"Varun Rathore," the boy replied, his golden eyes glinting. "S-rank talent, Phoenix Rebirth. Top of the academy rankings."
> Opponent Identified:
Varun Rathore
Talent: Phoenix Rebirth (S-rank)
Level: 35
Abilities:
Eternal Flame (Legendary)
Rebirth (Unique)
Inferno Surge (Epic)
"I've seen the list," Varun continued. "You're climbing fast, but talent alone won't guarantee victory."
"Thanks for the tip," Rudra replied, smirking. "Let's see how it plays out."
Varun nodded slightly, then walked away. Samantha frowned. "He's strong."
"Yeah," Rudra said, his mind already analyzing. "But he's not invincible."
The Trials Begin
The Combat Trials started with a roar. Students were divided into groups for preliminary rounds, pitted against simulated monsters and traps designed to test their abilities.
Rudra's group consisted of Nand, Samantha, and a few other students, including a quiet archer named Ishaan and a healer named Mira. Their first challenge: clearing a dungeon filled with shadow beasts.
> Dungeon Activated: Obsidian Hollow
Threat Level: Moderate
Monsters: Shadow Wolves, Spectral Shades, and a Shadow Warden (Boss).
Objectives:
Defeat the Shadow Warden.
Collect 5 Shadow Crystals.
"Stay alert," Rudra said as they entered the dungeon, his lightning sparking faintly. "These things will be fast."
Nand hefted his shield, grinning. "Good thing I'm the immovable mountain."
Samantha summoned her Celestial Flame, its light cutting through the dark corridors. "Let's make this quick."
The Fight Begins
The group was ambushed almost immediately. Shadow Wolves lunged from the darkness, their teeth flashing. Rudra reacted instinctively, unleashing his Tempest Saber. Lightning sliced through the air, reducing two wolves to ash.
> EXP Gained: 150
"Behind you!" Samantha shouted. Rudra turned, narrowly avoiding a Spectral Shade's attack. He countered with Arc Flash, teleporting behind the creature and finishing it with a precise strike.
> EXP Gained: 300
Nand held the line, his Unmovable Mountain talent making him an unbreakable wall. Ishaan's arrows flew with deadly precision, while Mira's healing kept the group in top shape.
As the team progressed, the dungeon grew darker, the air heavy with malice.
"Something's coming," Rudra warned.
The Shadow Warden emerged, its massive form shrouded in darkness. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and it roared, sending a wave of shadow energy toward them.
"Scatter!" Rudra yelled.
The Boss Battle
The battle was intense. The Shadow Warden's attacks were relentless, its claws tearing through stone and shadow energy engulfing the room.
Rudra activated Storm Domain, creating an area of crackling lightning that slowed the Warden's movements. "Focus on its legs!"
Nand charged, his shield absorbing the Warden's strikes as Samantha unleashed a torrent of flames. Ishaan's arrows found their mark, and Mira's support kept them alive.
Rudra saw an opening. Using Arc Flash, he teleported above the Warden, unleashing a devastating Tempest Strike. Lightning and flames combined, shattering the Warden's defenses.
> Boss Defeated: Shadow Warden
EXP Gained: 1000
Loot Obtained: Shadow Core
"Not bad," Nand panted, wiping sweat from his brow.
As they exited the dungeon, Rudra noticed a shadowy figure watching from a distance. His system chimed.
> Warning: Infiltrator detected. Identity: Unknown.
"Someone's following us," Rudra said quietly.
Samantha frowned. "Syndicate?"
"Maybe," Rudra replied. "Let's stay sharp."
Back at the academy, the group gathered in the canteen, sharing stories of their trials. The room buzzed with energy, students boasting about their victories.
"Ishaan, you're a beast with that bow," Nand said, clapping the archer on the back.
Ishaan smiled shyly. "Just doing my part."
Samantha smirked. "And Mira saved us more times than I can count."
Mira blushed. "It's my job."
Rudra watched his friends, a rare smile on his face. Despite the challenges, moments like this reminded him why he fough
System Notification
As Rudra prepared to leave, the system sent another notification.
> Mission Complete: Clear the Dungeon.
Reward: 4000 EXP, Hidden Skill Unlocked – Storm Bind.
> New Objective Unlocked: Investigate the Infiltrator.
Rudra's smile faded. The storm brewing around him was far from over.