Chapter 13: The Final Trial
The sound of clashing weapons and shouting faded into a dull hum as I panted, sweat dripping down my face. My body ached from the fierce battle, but I had made it. We had all made it. The battle royale was over, and only the top 300 students remained. My heart raced with adrenaline, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down—not yet.
I glanced around at the survivors, feeling a strange mix of relief and anticipation. Kieran was beside me, his chest heaving, but he had a grin on his face. He had barely broken a sweat, a testament to his skill. I, on the other hand, had used every ounce of my wits and lightning to get through. My shadow powers? They were still hidden, my trump card for later.
"Well, looks like we're in," Kieran said, clapping me on the back with a smile.
I gave him a smirk, though it didn't quite reach my eyes. "I told you we would be. I don't plan on losing."
Kieran raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not pressing the issue. He wasn't the type to question me, not yet at least. He had seen my lightning in action, but the shadow powers I had were still a mystery to him. And it would stay that way—at least for now.
The principal, a woman with silver hair and an aura of undeniable power, stepped forward. Her presence was commanding, and though she didn't speak loudly, her voice carried across the battlefield.
"Congratulations," she began, her gaze sweeping across the remaining students. "Out of the 900 of you who entered, only 300 will leave today. But don't think this is the end. It's only the beginning. You will face trials unlike any other. The real academy starts now."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of what was to come. I could see the looks of determination and fear in the eyes of my fellow students. But I wasn't afraid. I had been through worse. If anything, this was just a stepping stone.
"What's next?" I asked Kieran, the adrenaline from the battle starting to wear off, leaving behind only the anticipation of the challenges ahead.
"We'll see," he said, his grin never wavering. "But if we're going to survive, we need to stick together."
I nodded. We had already made it through the first trial, but the real test was just beginning. The academy wasn't going to be easy, but I had a plan. I wasn't just here to survive—I was here to thrive. And I would use whatever it took to ensure I rose to the top.
As we made our way off the battlefield, the principal's words echoed in my mind. The true trials were just beginning, but I was ready. I had a beast's will and powers that no one could fathom. I wasn't going to be just another student here—I was going to be the best. And that meant keeping my shadow manipulation hidden, just for now.
We reached the waiting area where the other students had gathered, all of us now part of the 300 elite who had survived the battle royale. Some were injured, others were shaken, but we all had one thing in common—we were survivors. The next challenge loomed, and I could feel the pressure building.
But I wasn't going to crack under it. Not now, not ever.
I turned to Kieran and the others, my expression set in determination. "The real fun begins now."