**Chapter 5: Bonds and Barriers**
The tension in the air lingered long after Liraen's cold, decisive victory over Kaelen. The spectators in the arena buzzed with excitement, their whispers carrying tales of her skill, her ruthlessness, and her icy demeanor. Erythion watched her retreat into the shadows of the grandstands, her head held high, her expression unreadable.
But she wasn't the only one commanding attention.
Among the spectators were other figures of note—descendants of the founding families and heirs to royal bloodlines, each with an air of superiority that set them apart. One of them was **Aric Vaelstrom**, a young man with golden hair and piercing green eyes, his regal bearing unmistakable. As the crown prince of the **Vaelstrom Empire**, he carried himself with a confidence born of power and privilege. Beside him stood **Elira Sylanthir**, a sharp-eyed woman whose crimson robes marked her as a member of the **Sylanthir Council**, one of the most ancient and revered families in the world.
Erythion felt their gazes as he stepped into the arena. Aric smirked, leaning casually against the railing. "Let's see what the commoner can do," he murmured, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
"The trial will expose his worth—or his lack of it," Elira replied, her tone cool and detached. Her beast, a sleek **Silver Wyvern**, coiled around her, its scales gleaming under the sunlight.
Erythion ignored them, his focus sharpening as Calenira's voice cut through the murmurs. "Erythion Ashvale," she announced, her tone commanding. "You're next."
He stepped forward, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. His heart pounded as he entered the center of the arena, the glow of the ancient runes beneath his feet intensifying with every step. His partner for the trial was **Rynna Valiseth**, who walked into the arena beside him, clutching her staff tightly. Her face betrayed a flicker of nervousness, but her beast—a radiant **Ethereal Seraph**—hovered protectively at her side, its translucent wings shimmering in the light.
"The trial," Calenira began, "is to test your synergy and ability to adapt. You will face a summoned beast from the arena's core. Work together—or fall apart. The choice is yours."
Before they could respond, the arena floor rumbled, and the runes flared to life. From the center of the glowing circle emerged a massive **Shadowfang Basilisk**, its scaled body glistening with dark energy. Its crimson eyes locked onto Erythion and Rynna, and it let out a deafening roar, its serpentine body coiling as it prepared to strike.
Aric's smirk widened. "This should be entertaining."
Elira raised an eyebrow, her gaze narrowing. "If they fail, they'll become nothing more than footnotes in the Academy's history."
***
"Stay back!" Rynna cried, her voice trembling as she raised her staff. Her Ethereal Seraph darted forward, releasing beams of radiant energy toward the basilisk. The beams struck true, but the creature merely recoiled, its dark scales absorbing most of the damage.
"Focus on weakening it!" Erythion shouted, summoning his own beast, **Obsidian**, from the swirling vortex of his summoning glyph. The massive, wolf-like creature emerged with a thunderous growl, its obsidian-black fur shimmering faintly as it crouched, ready to pounce.
The basilisk lunged, its fangs snapping dangerously close to Rynna. Her Seraph intercepted, creating a radiant barrier that deflected the attack, but the force of the impact sent her stumbling backward. Erythion moved instinctively, positioning himself between her and the basilisk.
"Stick to support," he commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos. "I'll handle the offense."
Rynna nodded, her eyes wide but determined. She raised her staff again, chanting a spell that caused golden runes to appear around Obsidian, bolstering its strength. The beast howled as the energy surged through it, then launched itself at the basilisk with blinding speed.
The clash was brutal. Obsidian's claws raked against the basilisk's tough scales, leaving deep gouges, while the basilisk retaliated with sweeping strikes of its tail, each impact shaking the ground. Erythion could feel the strain of maintaining his connection with Obsidian, the bond between them tested with every blow exchanged.
Despite their efforts, the basilisk's dark energy began to seep into the arena, corrupting the ground beneath it. Shadows writhed and coiled, threatening to ensnare Erythion and Rynna.
"We need to end this now!" Erythion shouted, sweat dripping from his brow. He turned to Rynna, who was struggling to maintain her spell. "Can you amplify my attack?"
Rynna hesitated, then nodded. "I-I can try."
Erythion closed his eyes, focusing all his energy on Obsidian. The connection between them grew stronger, the bond resonating like a heartbeat. Rynna's chant grew louder, and the golden runes surrounding Obsidian intensified, merging with the dark aura that emanated from the wolf.
"Now!" Erythion commanded.
Obsidian let out a deafening roar as it unleashed its ultimate attack—a devastating **Void Fang Slash** that tore through the shadows and struck the basilisk with overwhelming force. The creature let out a final, pained shriek before collapsing into a heap of dissipating energy, its form disintegrating into wisps of darkness.
***
The arena fell silent as the crowd watched, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and disbelief. Calenira stepped forward, her expression unreadable.
"Well done," she said after a moment, her gaze lingering on Erythion. "You've proven your bond, but this is only the beginning. The next trial will push you further."
Among the spectators, Aric's smirk faded, replaced by a look of mild surprise. Elira, too, seemed intrigued, though she quickly masked it with her usual air of indifference.
"He's more capable than he looks," she murmured.
Aric crossed his arms, his green eyes narrowing. "Perhaps. But skill alone isn't enough to survive here."
As Erythion and Rynna left the arena, Kaelen intercepted them with his usual feral grin. "Not bad, Ashvale," he said, his tone dripping with challenge. "But don't think for a second that you've impressed me."
Erythion didn't reply. His gaze shifted to the grandstands, where Liraen stood watching, her violet eyes cold and calculating. She wasn't alone—Aric and Elira flanked her, their presence a stark reminder of the Academy's intricate web of power and influence.
The Academy wasn't just a place of learning. It was a battlefield, a crucible where alliances would be forged, rivalries would ignite, and the line between friend and foe would blur.
Erythion clenched his fists, determination surging through him. This was only the beginning.
---
*End of Chapter 5.*