**Chapter 17: Trials of the Academy**
As Erythion dealt with the shadowed whispers and the lingering echoes of the labyrinth, the rest of the academy continued its relentless pace, unaware of the events unfolding in the secret realms.
The academy grounds were alive with activity. Students rushed between lecture halls, training arenas, and summoning chambers, each intent on honing their skills. The looming **Combat Evaluation Trials** had set the campus abuzz with excitement and tension. It was the first major test of the year, where students would not only demonstrate their strength but also secure their rankings within the competitive hierarchy of beast masters.
---
In one of the academy's grand observation halls, reserved for high-ranking individuals, the children of the royal and founding families gathered. Each bore an air of superiority, their beasts standing proudly by their sides.
At the center of the room stood **Calyx Ardent**, a member of the Ardent family, one of the most powerful founding families. One of his beast, a **Solar Drake**, radiated heat and light, its golden scales gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the tall windows stayed below him.
"This year's trials will weed out the weak," Calyx said, his voice smooth but laced with arrogance. "Only those with true power deserve to stand among us."
From the corner, **Lyria Vanis**, a cold beauty with striking silver hair and piercing violet eyes, regarded him with disinterest. Her beast, a **Frost Wyrm**, coiled around her protectively, its icy breath misting the air. Lyria was not one to indulge in pointless banter, and her reserved demeanor had earned her respect—and fear.
"Strength is fleeting," Lyria said, her tone sharp. "Control and strategy are what win battles."
Calyx smirked, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring. "We'll see if your strategy holds when brute force crushes it."
The tension in the room was palpable, but it was broken by the arrival of **Professor Aldryn**, one of the academy's most respected instructors.
---
Professor Aldryn, flanked by his majestic **Sky Seraph**, addressed the room. "The Combat Evaluation Trials will begin tomorrow at dawn. This year, the trials will include a special challenge—one that will test your bond with your beasts, your tactical thinking, and your resolve under pressure."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the gathered students. "A new section of the academy's secret training grounds will be opened. It is not for the faint of heart. Those who fail will face consequences, and those who succeed will rise to greatness."
The room erupted into murmurs. The secret training grounds were legendary, rumored to house challenges and rewards beyond imagination.
Lyria's eyes narrowed. "A test beyond the ordinary," she murmured to herself. "This will separate the ambitious from the capable."
Next the Headmaster turn to speak,Headmaster Daryth's voice echoed through the amphitheater, amplified by runic projections.
"Students, today marks the next chapter in your journey. As you all know, the academy's trials are not mere tests of strength or skill—they are crucibles through which legends are forged. And now, we unveil the ultimate test: The Secret Realms.
"A collective murmur rippled through the crowd."The Secret Realms," the Headmaster continued, "are ancient dimensions that hold untold treasures, knowledge, and danger.
Only those with exceptional talent and willpower will survive their depths. Each realm is ranked—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and higher—based on its difficulty and rewards. This is where the future Sovereigns of our world will prove their worth.
"The Headmaster gestured, and the air above him shimmered, revealing images of swirling portals, otherworldly landscapes, and massive, terrifying beasts.
"Participation is voluntary," he added, his tone grave. "But the rewards... are unparalleled. For those who seek greatness, the realms are your path. But beware: failure in the Secret Realms could mean permanent loss... or worse."
---
Meanwhile, Erythion and his group emerged from the labyrinth's exit, exhausted but victorious after agreeing to come back another time. They had been gone longer than expected, and the academy's bustling energy felt jarring after the oppressive silence of the labyrinth.
As they walked through the campus, they couldn't avoid the curious stares and whispers. The labyrinth was a perilous venture, and few returned unscathed—or at all.
Kaelen stretched, wincing slightly. "Back to the grind, huh? I was just starting to enjoy fighting stone giants and shadow beasts."
Rynna shot him a look. "Let's not forget how close we came to being crushed."
Erythion stayed silent, his mind still replaying the cryptic warnings from the labyrinth. The Sovereign System had gone quiet since their return, but the weight of its implications lingered.
As they approached the main square, a notice caught their attention. A large display board detailed the Combat Evaluation Trials, with names and rankings already listed.
Kaelen's eyes widened. "Looks like we're just in time. Trials start tomorrow."
Erythion's name was already on the list, a result of his recent advancement and the Sovereign System's concealed influence. But what drew his attention was the other names near the top—**Calyx Ardent** and **Lyria Vanis**.
---
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the academy's training fields filled with students preparing for the trials. Erythion stood with Obsidian in a secluded corner, refining their coordination. The Abyssal Direwolf moved fluidly, its newly enhanced abilities from the labyrinth shining through.
"You're holding back," Rynna said as she approached, her Seraph glowing faintly in the twilight.
Erythion glanced at her. "Just trying to figure out the best way to approach the trials."
She crossed her arms. "You're worried about standing out."
He didn't deny it. The Sovereign System was his greatest secret, and revealing too much in the trials could draw the wrong kind of attention.
Kaelen joined them, his Fenrir trotting beside him. "You know you'll have to go all out, right? The royals and founding families don't mess around. If you hold back, you're as good as dead in there."
Erythion nodded. "I know."
---
That night, as the academy quieted down, Erythion sat in his dormitory, staring at the Labyrinth Fragmentation Map. The Sovereign System activated unexpectedly.
**[New Objective: Survive and Excel in the Combat Evaluation Trials.]**
**[Warning: Key figures from founding families will be observing closely. Maintain discretion.]**
Erythion frowned. The system's warnings were growing more specific, and it only deepened his suspicion that forces beyond the academy were watching him.
Outside his window, a shadow moved swiftly, unnoticed by the guards patrolling the grounds. Somewhere deep within the academy, an ancient seal shifted slightly, its bindings weakening.
The trials would be the least of their worries.
*End of Chapter 17.*