---
The robed figure observed the students, his gaze sweeping over them with a hint of disdain as they exchanged uneasy glances, unsettled by the trials they had just completed. When he spoke, his voice echoed through the grand hall with a chill that rivaled the cold, unfeeling walls around them.
"Your lust levels," he began, pausing to let his words sink in, "are not just a measure of your power. They determine how high your sexual urges will be." His lips curled into a dry smirk as he watched comprehension dawn on their faces, followed by shock.
Liana's eyes widened, her cheeks paling slightly. She felt her chin tremble as she brought a hand to her lips. If her lust level was one of the highest… did that mean her urges would be just as intense? The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine, and her legs weakened for a moment, leaving her clutching at her cloak.
The robed man gave an amused snort, clearly relishing the stunned silence. "What did you expect?" he said, with a mocking lift of his brow. "It's called a lust level. Did you think it measured your kindness?"
Several students fidgeted, glancing nervously at each other. Others stared at the ground, trying to process the revelation. Rune let out a short, nervous laugh, his hand reflexively running through his hair, while Mira's face remained composed, though her eyes reflected a cautious alertness.
"Listen well," the robed man continued, his voice sharpening. "The stronger you become, the more your lust level will grow. It's a part of you now—one that will only intensify as you cultivate and gain strength."
Elara hugged her arms close to her chest, her face troubled. The quiet girl could hardly imagine enduring such urges, let alone having them increase over time.
"And let me warn you," he said, his tone darkening, "if you give in to those urges, allow them to consume you, then you will be no better than a beast. Nothing more than a slave to your desires, lost to the madness of soul-lust."
His words cast a pall over the students, a mixture of fear and dread now evident on their faces. Some, like Finn, clenched their fists in silent resolve, determined not to let their lust levels control them. Others were visibly rattled, realizing that the power they sought would come with a heavy price.
With that, the man gestured toward a set of doors at the far end of the hall. "You're dismissed. Collect your dormitory keys in the hall beyond. And remember, this is only the beginning."
As the students moved toward the hall, whispers and murmurs filled the air, everyone now thinking about what they'd just learned. Liana walked with a stiff gait, her mind racing with concern, though she tried to keep her expression composed. Mira walked beside her, calm as ever, her auburn hair flowing over her shoulders like a cascade of fire.
Once they reached the distribution hall, Liana saw Elena receive a key with a number that matched her own. With a relieved sigh, she realized she'd have at least one familiar face as a roommate.
Shortly after, Mira approached, her face lighting up as she noticed her own key matched Liana and Mira's. "Seems we'll be roommates," she said softly, a smile touching her features.
Just then, a fourth girl joined them, holding up her key with a confident grin. She had long, ash-blonde hair pulled into a loose braid, a stark contrast to her dark, almond-shaped eyes that seemed to pierce right through someone when she looked at them. Her face held a natural beauty, though it was her body that turned heads—tall and statuesque, with curves that rivaled Liana's but a more athletic build that hinted at her physical strength.
"Looks like I'm with you three," she said, a note of mischief in her voice. "Name's Seraphina Greyclaw. You can call me Sera."
Liana and the others introduced themselves, and Sera's eyes sparkled with interest as she took in each of her new roommates. "So, we're all here for power, huh? Guess we'll be helping each other survive this mess."
As they made their way to their shared dormitory, the four girls exchanged stories, their personalities gradually unfolding in the newfound camaraderie. Liana, determined and ambitious, had a clear goal in mind—to be the best mage in the academy. Elara, with her empathetic nature and healing magic, spoke of her hope to aid others and discover her own strength in the process. Mira, introspective and enigmatic, was focused on uncovering the mysteries of magic, keenly aware of the darkness within it.
Sera, however, was bold and unreserved, laughing as she recounted her journey to the academy. "I'm here for a thrill," she declared, "and if it means bending a few rules to get there, then so be it."
As they settled into their room, the weight of the day's revelations lingered over them. Each girl knew that, despite the camaraderie, the trials ahead would test them—not only in strength but in resisting the growing pull of soul-lust.
---
In a different wing of the academy, the boys were led to a set of dormitories lined with heavy oak doors, each engraved with a unique rune that pulsed faintly in the dim torchlight. Rune, Finn, and Caelum received their keys, finding they were assigned to the same room.
Rune grinned, nudging Finn with an elbow. "Looks like we're stuck together," he joked, but Finn only smiled back, a quiet look of relief on his face at having familiar company. Caelum, however, remained silent, his gray eyes surveying the hall as he pocketed his key.
As they opened the door to their shared quarters, they saw another figure standing near one of the bunks, tossing his things carelessly onto the mattress. He turned as they entered, a slow smirk spreading across his face.
"Ah, my new roommates," he said, his voice a drawl that carried a trace of sarcasm. "Perfect. I was beginning to think I'd be left to my own devices."
The newcomer had tousled, sandy-blonde hair that fell just over one eye, giving him a carefree, slightly reckless look. His lean frame suggested agility over brute strength, but the wiry muscles in his arms hinted at a lifetime of hard-won skill. He had an angular face with sharp cheekbones, but it was his eyes that held their attention—an intense shade of amber, with a look that was both wary and strangely predatory, like a wolf assessing its pack.
"Name's Jax Nightshade," he said, giving them a half-salute. "I'm here to rise to the top, just like the rest of you."
Rune raised a brow, grinning in return. "Rune Ashvale. Sounds like we're on the same page." He offered Jax a handshake, which the other boy accepted with a firm grip, both seeming to size each other up.
Finn stepped forward, his calm gaze meeting Jax's. "Finnian Stormrider," he introduced himself with a friendly nod. "Or just Finn. Good to meet you."
Jax returned the nod with a glint of interest, noting Finn's easy confidence. "Seems like we've got a steady one in the room," he commented, giving Finn an appraising look.
Finally, Caelum moved past them, offering only a single word over his shoulder. "Caelum," he said, his voice low and flat.
Jax smirked, watching him stride toward the far bunk and drop his belongings without further comment. Caelum barely acknowledged the others, his expression unreadable as he stretched out on his bunk, folding an arm over his eyes as if shutting out the world.
Rune rolled his eyes, muttering to Finn, "Well, he's a lively one."
Jax laughed, folding his arms as he settled onto his bunk. "Looks like we've got all kinds here," he said, glancing between them with amusement. "Strong, silent types… bold, fire-happy ones… and the calm and collected. This might actually be fun."
They all shared a laugh, the tension of the day's trials fading for a moment as they each claimed their spots. Finn, Rune, and Jax exchanged stories and insights, easing into a camaraderie that felt natural despite their differences. They talked about the academy, the mysteries it held, and their plans to make names for themselves.
But Caelum remained quiet, unmoving as he lay on his bunk, seemingly uninterested in bonding. For him, this was just another step in his pursuit of strength—one he preferred to navigate alone.
As night fell over the academy, Rune, Finn, and Jax gradually drifted off to sleep, their thoughts on the trials ahead. In the silence of the room, Caelum opened his eyes briefly, staring at the ceiling before closing them again, shutting himself off from the world once more.