Chapter 9: Shadows in the Trial
Morning came too soon. The damp chill of the forest seeped through the layers of my clothing, and the faint glow of sunrise filtered through the canopy. Aric was already awake, pacing around like a restless lion. Lyra was trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes, and Kieran sat sharpening his blade, looking as calm as ever.
"Time to move," Aric declared, kicking dirt over the remnants of the fire.
"Good morning to you too," I muttered, dragging myself to my feet. My joints ached from sleeping on the cold ground, but I wasn't about to show it.
The trial had only begun, and we had to cover more ground today. The academy made it clear: only the top 300 students would pass, and the rest would be sent home—or worse, to wherever the rejects went. Failure wasn't an option for me.
As we walked, Aric led the way again, barking directions like we were his personal squad. I stayed near the back, keeping a low profile. Better to let them underestimate me.
The forest felt more oppressive today, the trees looming larger, their branches casting strange, jagged shadows. Every rustle of leaves made my pulse quicken, though I didn't show it.
"So, Theo," Lyra said, breaking the silence, "what's your plan after this trial? Assuming we make it, of course."
"Assuming we make it?" I grinned. "Lyra, you wound me. I thought we were aiming for the top."
She rolled her eyes. "You didn't answer the question."
I shrugged. "I guess I'll play it by ear. You know, see where life takes me."
"That's not much of a plan," Kieran said, glancing over his shoulder.
"It's flexible," I replied, smirking. "Besides, isn't half the fun in the journey?"
"Not when the journey might kill you," Lyra shot back, though she was smiling.
"Details, details," I said with a wave of my hand.
Aric groaned audibly. "Can we focus? We're here to survive, not bond over campfire stories."
"Relax, boss," I said, leaning against a tree as we paused to regroup. "A little conversation never killed anyone."
"Not yet," Aric muttered, glaring at me.
We continued deeper into the forest, the air growing heavier with each step. It felt like something was watching us. I could tell the others felt it too. Lyra's eyes darted around nervously, and even Kieran's calm demeanor seemed a little strained.
The attack came out of nowhere.
A massive beast—a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes and claws like daggers—leapt from the shadows, aiming straight for Aric. He barely had time to react, throwing up a shield of light magic to block the creature's claws.
"Fall back!" he yelled, but the beast was relentless.
Kieran was the first to respond, charging forward with his sword. The blade clashed against the beast's hide, sparks flying. Lyra joined in, her wind magic whipping through the air, but it only seemed to anger the creature.
I stayed back, observing. I wanted to step in, to test my abilities, but I couldn't risk exposing my shadow magic. Not yet.
"Anytime now, Theo!" Lyra shouted, her voice strained as she dodged the beast's snapping jaws.
I sighed, cracking my neck. "Guess it's my turn."
I stepped forward, electricity sparking faintly at my fingertips. The beast turned its glowing eyes toward me, growling low in its throat.
"Hey there, big guy," I said smoothly. "Let's see if you like this."
I focused, summoning the lightning within me. A streak of blue electricity arced from my hand, striking the beast square in the chest. It yelped, staggering back, but it wasn't down yet.
"Nice shot!" Lyra called, already launching another gust of wind to knock the creature off balance.
Kieran moved in for the kill, his sword slicing clean through the beast's neck. It collapsed with a final, guttural growl, its body disintegrating into a puff of black smoke.
"That wasn't so bad," I said, brushing off my hands.
"You took your sweet time," Aric snapped, his shield flickering out.
"Timing is everything," I replied, grinning.
We didn't have time to rest. More growls echoed through the forest, and we knew there were more beasts nearby. We pressed on, moving faster now.
As the sun began to set, we stumbled upon an abandoned ruin—crumbling stone walls covered in moss, with an eerie stillness hanging in the air. It was the perfect place to set up camp for the night, or so we thought.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. Shadows danced on the walls, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren't alone.
"I don't like this," Lyra said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Stay alert," Aric ordered, drawing his weapon.
Kieran and Lyra followed suit, their magic glowing faintly in the dim light. I hung back, my hand hovering near the dagger I'd picked up earlier.
We didn't see the first attack. Something moved in the shadows, striking Kieran across the shoulder before disappearing again. He stumbled back, clutching the wound, but he didn't cry out.
"Show yourself!" Aric shouted, his light magic flaring to illuminate the room.
A figure emerged from the darkness—a humanoid creature, its body wrapped in shadows, with glowing red eyes like the beast from earlier.
This was no ordinary trial.
I stepped forward, electricity crackling faintly around me. My heart raced, but I forced myself to stay calm.
"Looks like we've got a real fight on our hands," I said, my voice steady.
Lyra and Kieran stood by my side, ready to face whatever came next. Aric hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Let's end this," he said.
And so, we fought.