Kaiden woke to the faint hum of the facility's Flow-powered intercom system. The ceiling above him felt strangely distant, as if his mind was caught between the waking world and a lingering dream. For a rare moment, his body didn't ache. His mismatched eyes traced the faint patterns of light that danced across the room.
I made it, he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. The journey had been grueling—every step had pushed him closer to his breaking point. Yet, here he was.
As his thoughts settled, images of the people who had stood by him filled his mind. Seris, always sharp-tongued but dependable. Garin, who challenged him in ways no one else had. Elira, who reminded him what it felt like to be human.
Their faces brought warmth to his chest, but the happiness didn't last. Memories of his village crept in like shadows, the screams, the fire, and the raiders who had taken everything from him. His hands clenched the sheets as his expression darkened.
"They'll pay," Kaiden muttered under his breath. "Every last one of them. Worse than they can imagine."
His thoughts were interrupted by a crackle from the intercom.
The Announcement
"Attention participants," a guard's authoritative voice boomed through the speakers. "To all who have passed Stage 4, congratulations on this remarkable journey. For those ranked first in their respective groups, your achievements will be rewarded. Please report to the main hall immediately to claim your prizes."
Kaiden sighed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Can't even rest for five minutes," he muttered before stretching and heading to freshen up.
The Gathering
The main hall was abuzz with energy as Kaiden stepped in, his boots echoing softly against the polished floor. A group of five participants had gathered, each radiating a unique intensity.
He quickly scanned the group, recognizing some of them.
Luthor Dragal, the towering bulk of a man who had given Kaiden a decent fight in Stage 2, stood with his arms crossed, his presence almost suffocating.
Nira Selyn, her sharp blue hair and piercing eyes giving her an unapproachable air, leaned casually against a pillar, her expression unreadable.
Laucas, Kasir's too-perfect son, stood apart from the others. His strikingly handsome features seemed almost unfair, his composure so refined it bordered on arrogance.
The fifth participant was a wiry boy Kaiden didn't recognize. His nervous energy made him stand out, but there was a quiet determination in his eyes.
Kaiden smirked faintly. So, this is the top five. Great.
The Rewards
A tall guard, clad in sleek black armor, stepped forward. His presence was commanding, his voice cutting through the murmurs in the room.
"Congratulations on your performance in the trials. Each of you has proven your strength and determination. As recognition for your achievements, you may select one of the items presented here."
The guard gestured to a raised pedestal where five artifacts rested, each glowing faintly with Flow energy.
"These items were crafted from the essence of the Ashen Spire. Choose wisely, for they will aid you in the challenges ahead."
The artifacts were introduced one by one:
Infernal Core Gauntlets – Jet-black gauntlets with fiery veins, built for explosive, close-quarters combat.Crimson Veil Cloak – A shimmering red cloak that enhanced agility and fire resistance.Ashen Fang Blade – A sleek, black shortsword with glowing orange runes etched into its surface, emanating a faint heat.Volcanic Heart Pendant – A fiery pendant that enhanced Flow regeneration.Obsidian Sigil – A rune-inscribed emblem that amplified destructive Flow attacks.
Kaiden's eyes immediately locked onto the Ashen Fang Blade. It was mesmerizing in its simplicity—sleek and balanced, with a slight curve to the blade. The runes glowed faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat, and the hilt was wrapped in black leather that looked both elegant and functional.
"This one," Kaiden said without hesitation, stepping forward. He gripped the blade, feeling its weight and energy resonate with his own.
The guard nodded approvingly. "A fine choice."
The Others Choose
The remaining participants stepped forward one by one:
Luthor took the Infernal Core Gauntlets, his massive hands sliding into the fiery weapons like they were made for him.Nira claimed the Crimson Veil Cloak, her sharp smile suggesting she already knew how to make the most of its agility-enhancing properties.Laucas chose the Volcanic Heart Pendant, slipping it around his neck with a composed nod.The wiry boy hesitated before picking up the Obsidian Sigil, clutching it tightly with a determined expression.
The guard stepped forward once more. "These rewards are not just symbols of your achievements—they are tools to elevate your skills. Use them wisely. You have one week to prepare before you reach the Academy. Train, recover, and ready yourselves for the challenges ahead."
A Moment of Reflection
As the participants dispersed, Kaiden lingered in the hall, his hand resting on the hilt of the Ashen Fang Blade. He could feel its power, a steady warmth that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat.
This is it, he thought. The next step.
But as much as he tried to focus on the journey ahead, his mind kept drifting back to his end goal. The raiders. The destruction of his village. The faces of those he had lost.
"They'll pay," he muttered again, his grip tightening on the blade.
Leaving the Hideout
Kaiden made his way back to his room, his thoughts heavy but his resolve unshaken. The hideout, once a place of trials and survival, now felt like a stepping stone—a place he was ready to leave behind.
As he packed his things, he glanced at the Ashen Fang Blade one last time, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"This will do," he said softly, sliding it into its sheath.
With his reward in hand and his determination burning brighter than ever, Kaiden stepped out into the next chapter of his journey.
End of Chapter 63
Kaiden secures his place among the top participants, choosing the Ashen Fang Blade as his reward. With one week until the Ashen Spire Academy, he prepares to train harder than ever, his eyes set on the challenges and goals that lie ahead.
To be continued...