The cold dawn seeped through the Academy's stone walls as the remaining candidates gathered in the combat arena. The tension in the air was almost palpable, a symphony of quiet resolve and barely contained excitement. Everyone knew what came next: the combat trial, a stage designed to test both individual skill and adaptability against overwhelming odds.
Eren stood among them, his mask of indifference firmly in place. The grimoire pulsed faintly in the recesses of his mind, an ever-present reminder of his hidden power. Its voice slithered into his consciousness like a whisper.
"Today, you could show them a glimpse of what true strength looks like. Or will you play the shadow once more?"
Eren ignored it, his focus instead on the arena. The vast expanse was unlike anything he'd seen before—its enchanted floor shimmered, shifting between barren wastelands, dense forests, and rocky cliffs. The Academy's advanced magic technology ensured that each battle was unpredictable, forcing participants to adapt on the fly.
Professor Draxon appeared in the center of the arena, his presence commanding immediate silence. His voice echoed across the stone amphitheater.
"The second stage of the Trials begins now. Each of you will face opponents chosen to challenge your skills and creativity. Victory is not the only measure here—your decisions, composure, and ability to think beyond brute force will be evaluated. Prepare yourselves."
The first pairings were called, and the battles commenced. Students unleashed a dazzling array of abilities, from elemental magic to enhanced physical prowess. The crowd, composed of instructors and senior students, murmured in appreciation or disapproval as each match unfolded.
Eren watched carefully, cataloging the strengths and weaknesses of his peers. Liora was called next, and she faced off against a towering boy with earth-manipulation abilities. She was a blur of motion, her dual blades slicing through his defenses with surgical precision. Her victory was swift, but her eyes revealed her determination to prove herself.
Finally, Eren's name echoed through the arena. His opponent was Kain, a fiery-haired boy known for his explosive temper and even more explosive pyromancy. Kain smirked as he stepped forward, flames licking at his fingertips.
"This should be fun," Kain taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Eren stepped into the arena with measured steps, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Kain's brash energy. The enchanted floor shifted, transforming into a desolate wasteland of cracked earth and searing heat—an ideal battleground for a pyromancer.
"Begin!"
Kain wasted no time, launching a barrage of fireballs that streaked toward Eren like meteors. The crowd gasped at the ferocity of the attack, but Eren didn't flinch. He sidestepped the flames with fluid grace, his movements calculated and efficient.
Kain snarled, frustration creeping into his expression. "Stop running and fight me!"
Eren's eyes narrowed. Impatience. A weakness.
He closed the distance between them in an instant, his speed catching Kain off guard. A well-placed strike to Kain's wrist disrupted his focus, causing the flames to falter. Eren followed up with a sweeping kick, sending his opponent sprawling to the ground.
But Kain wasn't done. He roared, a torrent of flames erupting around him in a fiery vortex. The heat was intense, forcing Eren to retreat momentarily. The crowd leaned forward, captivated by the spectacle.
The grimoire's voice purred in Eren's mind. "A simple flame. Shall I show him what true fire feels like?"
"No," Eren replied silently.
He allowed Kain to believe he had the upper hand, dodging and deflecting the pyromancer's relentless attacks. Each movement was deliberate, each step drawing Kain further into a trap.
Finally, Eren struck. Feigning an opening, he lured Kain into a reckless charge. At the last moment, Eren sidestepped and delivered a devastating elbow to Kain's gut, knocking the wind out of him. As Kain staggered, Eren swept his legs out from under him, pinning him to the ground with a practiced hold.
The arena fell silent as Professor Draxon raised his hand. "Winner: Eren."
Eren released Kain and stood, his expression unreadable. He avoided the gazes of the evaluators, aware that drawing too much attention could jeopardize his plans.
As he left the arena, Liora approached him, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. "Not bad. You've got more skill than you let on."
Eren met her gaze briefly. "I'm just doing what's necessary."
Liora's smirk widened. "Sure you are."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of battles and evaluations. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the second stage of the Trials was complete. The candidates were given a brief reprieve before the final stage—a team-based challenge designed to test leadership and cooperation.
Eren returned to his quarters, his mind already working through the possibilities. The grimoire remained silent, but its presence was a constant weight. He knew the final trial would be the most dangerous—not because of the challenges themselves, but because it would force him to interact closely with others.
As he lay on his bed, the grimoire's voice finally broke the silence.
"You performed well today, but the real test lies ahead. Trust is a fragile thing, Eren. Be careful whom you place yours in."
Eren closed his eyes, his resolve firm. Trust wasn't an option—not now, not ever. His path was his own, and he would walk it alone.