The Trial Begins
The grand hall of the academy was alive with the hum of nervous energy. Students from distant lands had gathered, their faces a mix of determination and anxiety. The air was thick with anticipation, the weight of the upcoming trials pressing heavily on everyone's shoulders. The entrance competition was legendary, known for its brutal challenges and life-altering stakes. Only a hundred would be chosen from the thousands who had come to prove their worth. For those who succeeded, the reward was unparalleled—training as elite warriors, with the possibility of attaining immortality.
Among the sea of hopefuls stood Xiang, her presence calm yet commanding. She was no stranger to hardship, having spent years honing her martial arts and magical abilities. Her confidence was unshakable, but as she glanced around at the other participants, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. The competition was fierce, and the trials ahead were shrouded in mystery.
At the edge of the hall, partially obscured by the shadows of the towering pillars, stood Wen Shia, the headmaster of the academy. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, assessing each student with a practiced gaze. He was a figure of immense authority, his presence both intimidating and enigmatic. His reputation preceded him—strict, unyielding, and fiercely protective of the academy's traditions. Yet, as his gaze settled on Xiang, something stirred within him. A flicker of recognition, a pang of something long buried. He quickly masked his emotions, his face returning to its usual stoic expression.
Xiang, unaware of Wen Shia's internal struggle, felt a strange pull as her eyes met his. There was something about the headmaster that intrigued her, though she couldn't quite place it. His piercing gaze seemed to hold a story, one she couldn't decipher. She shook off the feeling, focusing instead on the task at hand. The competition was about to begin, and she needed to be at her best.
The First Encounter
As the students dispersed to prepare for the trials, Wen Shia found himself inexplicably drawn to Xiang. He moved through the crowd with quiet grace, his presence commanding yet unobtrusive. When he reached her, he hesitated for a moment, his usually composed demeanor faltering. He spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of something deeper—something almost vulnerable.
"Do you recognize us?"
The question hung in the air, laden with unspoken meaning. Xiang looked at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. She searched his face, but there was no spark of recognition, no memory of a past connection. To her, he was simply the headmaster, a figure of authority and mystery.
Wen Shia's heart sank as he realized the truth. She didn't remember him. The disappointment was brief but sharp, and he quickly stepped back, retreating into the safety of his role as headmaster. He turned to leave, his movements deliberate, as if trying to distance himself from the emotions that threatened to surface.
Before he could disappear into the crowd, Xiang's voice stopped him.
"Are you a teacher here?"
Wen Shia paused, his back still turned to her. He took a moment to compose himself before facing her again. His expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper—something he couldn't quite hide.
"Yes, I am a teacher here," he replied, his voice steady and measured.
Another teacher, standing nearby, chuckled and added, "Not just any teacher—he is the headmaster. Be careful around him. He is quick to anger, and if possible, you should stay away. Otherwise, you'll always find yourself in danger."
Xiang let out a soft laugh, unfazed by the warning. "You make it sound like he's some terrifying man."
The teacher smirked, his tone half-joking, half-serious. "You've understood correctly—he is a very tough man. Cross him, and you'll regret it."
Wen Shia heard everything but chose to ignore the comments. Without another word, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the hall.
The Forest Trial
The first trial was set to take place in the heart of an ancient forest, a place teeming with wild beasts and monstrous creatures. The rules were simple yet daunting: each participant had to hunt as many creatures as possible within a set time limit. The top performers would advance to the next round. Teachers observed from a distance, ensuring fair play while also assessing the students' skills and strategies.
Xiang stood at the edge of the forest, her eyes scanning the dense foliage. She was accompanied by her friend, Xi Xi, who had been her companion since their journey to the academy began. The two moved cautiously, their senses heightened as they ventured deeper into the forest.
As they walked, a boy approached Xiang, his smile confident but his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Would you like to team up? If we work together, we can catch more creatures," he offered.
Xiang didn't hesitate in her response. "I prefer working alone," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The boy looked disappointed but tried to keep his composure. "You're quite straightforward, aren't you?" he remarked, attempting to lighten the mood.
Xiang ignored him and kept walking, her focus unwavering. However, the boy was persistent. He followed her, unwilling to give up so easily.
Just as Xiang was about to tell him off, a shadow moved swiftly in the trees. Before she could react, a creature lunged at her, its claws glinting in the dim light.
The boy acted instantly, stepping in front of Xiang and blocking the attack. With a swift motion, he drove the beast away, his movements precise and practiced.
Xi Xi gasped, impressed by his quick reflexes. "Xiang, maybe you should consider befriending him," she whispered.
Xiang remained silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she looked at the boy and said in a neutral tone, "Thank you for saving me. I will be grateful, but I don't like being in debt to anyone. If possible, I will repay you soon."
With that, she turned and continued deeper into the forest, leaving the boy standing there, a mix of admiration and frustration on his face.
A Moment of Compassion
As Xiang and Xi Xi ventured further, they encountered a massive creature emerging from the shadows. Its sharp claws and menacing growl sent a chill down their spines. Xiang instinctively reached for her sword, ready to strike.
But as she moved closer, she noticed something unusual—the creature's eyes weren't filled with malice. Instead, they held a strange softness, almost as if it was lost rather than aggressive.
Xiang hesitated. Her heart refused to harm an innocent creature. Instead of attacking, she quietly stepped back and used a calming spell, her hands glowing with a soft, golden light. The creature's growls subsided, and it turned away peacefully, disappearing into the forest.
Xi Xi watched in awe. "You're different from the others, Xiang. You fight when needed, but you don't harm without reason."
Xiang simply smiled and continued forward. The competition had only just begun, and she was determined to prove herself—not just as a warrior, but as someone who understood the value of compassion and balance.
The Road Ahead
As the day wore on, Xiang's skills and unique approach began to set her apart from the other participants. Her ability to navigate the forest with precision, her quick thinking in the face of danger, and her unwavering sense of justice caught the attention of the observing teachers.
Wen Shia, watching from a distance, felt a strange sense of pride as he observed her. Though she didn't remember him, he couldn't help but feel a connection to her—a connection that went beyond the boundaries of time and memory.
The trials were far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult. But Xiang was ready. She had faced adversity before, and she knew that her strength lay not just in her skills, but in her heart.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest, Xiang took a deep breath and prepared herself for what was to come. The road ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to walk it with courage and integrity.