The gates of the Academy stood like sentinels, towering and unyielding. Black iron laced with glowing runes seemed to pulse with power, a low hum that reverberated through the air.
I clutched the bag holding the sum of my meager possessions and stood among the other recruits. Most were older, with the confidence of people who believed they belonged here. I stayed at the back, unnoticed and unwilling to draw attention.
When my name was called, I pressed my hand against the cold iron. The runes flared, brighter than they had for anyone else, and I felt a surge of energy ripple through me.
[Candidate: Luc.]
[Core: Devourer's Core.]
[Essence: Void/Aetherial - Unstable.]
[Potential: Undetermined.]
Whispers erupted among the recruits.
"Void Essence? Isn't that cursed?"
The recruiter, a cold-eyed man who had said little during our journey, glanced at me with an expression I couldn't read. "Main campus," he said, motioning for me to join the most promising group.
At the Academy, Instructor Vael waited with sharp eyes and an unyielding posture. She explained our first trial: survival. The forest materialized around us, thick with mist and the scent of decay.
"Survive until sunrise," she said. "Only strength is rewarded."
The shadows in the forest shifted, and a low growl echoed in the distance.
The trial had begun.