The training grounds stretched beneath a gray, stormy sky, jagged cliffs framing the expanse of cracked earth. A chilling wind howled across the plain, carrying with it the scent of iron and ozone. Marcus stood at the edge of the arena, his sharp gaze fixed on Kael.
"This isn't about winning," Marcus said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "It's about surviving. Endurance and adaptation will serve you better than brute strength."
Kael nodded, his fists clenching at his sides. He could feel the stares of the others who had gathered to watch his first trial. Zephyr leaned casually against a boulder, smirking, while Lyra and Corin stood nearby, their expressions unreadable.
Marcus raised his hand, and a ripple of energy surged through the ground. From the fissures emerged three constructs—hulking forms of stone and molten energy. Their eyes glowed an eerie crimson, and their movements were both deliberate and menacing.
"Your task is simple," Marcus said. "Defeat them or survive until they are called off. Begin."
The constructs lunged, their heavy steps causing the ground to quake. Kael barely had time to react as the first swung a massive fist in his direction. He dove to the side, feeling the air shudder as the attack landed inches from where he'd been standing.
Rolling to his feet, Kael summoned the power Marcus had unlocked within him. He focused on the searing rage that burned deep in his core, letting it flow through his veins. His hands crackled with energy—dark, volatile, and unnatural.
The second construct charged at him, its molten body radiating heat. Kael thrust his hands forward, releasing a burst of energy that collided with the creature's chest. The impact caused it to stagger, but it didn't fall.
"Don't hold back!" Marcus barked from the sidelines.
Gritting his teeth, Kael summoned more power, the dark energy consuming his arms as he unleashed another blast. This time, the construct shattered, pieces of molten stone scattering across the ground.
Before Kael could catch his breath, the remaining two constructs attacked simultaneously. He narrowly avoided one's crushing blow but was caught off guard by the other, its molten arm striking him across the side. Pain shot through him as he was thrown to the ground, his vision blurring.
"Get up," Marcus commanded, his voice cold. "If you stay down, you're finished."
Kael forced himself to his feet, the taste of blood in his mouth. The constructs loomed over him, their glowing eyes filled with a mechanical hunger. Desperation fueled him as he channeled every ounce of energy into his next attack.
A deafening roar erupted as Kael's power surged, forming a vortex of darkness around him. The energy lashed out, tearing through the constructs with a force that left the spectators stunned. When the dust settled, nothing remained of the creatures but molten fragments.
Kael collapsed to one knee, gasping for air. His body felt drained, the power within him still pulsing erratically.
Marcus approached, his expression unreadable. "Not bad for a first attempt," he said, offering Kael a hand.
Kael hesitated before taking it, allowing Marcus to pull him to his feet. "It felt... uncontrollable," Kael admitted, his voice hoarse.
"That's because it is," Marcus replied. "Power like yours doesn't come without risk. But with time and discipline, you'll master it. And when you do, no one will stand in your way."
As Kael staggered off the field, he caught Zephyr's smirk and Lyra's subtle nod of approval. Corin simply turned away, but Kael could sense the grudging respect beneath their indifference.
For the first time, Kael felt like he belonged.