Ethan strode through the academy grounds, his mind sharp and focused. The past few days had been nothing short of chaotic—Aldric was dead, Lucien had been humiliated, and now the academy's higher-ups had their eyes on him. But if they thought he would cower under their scrutiny, they were in for a disappointment.
He was done playing the underdog.
As he entered the combat arena, he noticed how the students whispered in hushed tones, their gazes flickering between him and the instructors standing at the front. A formal gathering like this only meant one thing—something big was about to happen.
A voice boomed through the arena.
"Ethan Drake. Step forward."
Ethan narrowed his eyes as he recognized the speaker—Head Instructor Gaius, a towering man with grizzled features and a reputation for molding the academy's strongest fighters.
With steady steps, Ethan walked into the center of the arena, standing tall as he faced Gaius.
The instructor studied him for a long moment before speaking. "You've made quite a name for yourself, Ethan. But strength in isolation means nothing. You are still a student of this academy, and the academy has its own way of measuring power."
Ethan smirked. "Let me guess. Another test?"
Gaius nodded. "Precisely."
Murmurs spread among the crowd. The academy's tests weren't ordinary—they were brutal, designed to weed out the weak and elevate the strong.
"Your next trial will determine whether you are truly fit to stand at the top," Gaius continued. "You will be sent to the Abyssal Rift, a dungeon that remains largely unexplored. Your mission is simple—survive and return within three days."
Ethan's smirk didn't waver. "That's all?"
Gaius' gaze darkened. "The Abyssal Rift is not just any dungeon. It has claimed the lives of many before you. If you fail, you will not be given a second chance."
Sylvia, who had been watching from the sidelines, clenched her fists. "This isn't a test—it's an execution."
Seraphina, standing nearby, smirked. "They're afraid of him. This is how they deal with threats."
Ethan met Gaius' gaze, his confidence unwavering. "Fine. When do I leave?"
Gaius smirked. "Now."
The arena fell into silence. No preparation, no warning—just an immediate deployment.
A shimmering portal opened behind the instructor, revealing a swirling vortex of dark energy.
Ethan cracked his neck. "Alright. Let's see what this 'Abyssal Rift' has to offer."
As he stepped forward, he heard Sylvia call out, "Ethan! Don't die."
He glanced back and grinned. "Not planning to."
With that, he walked through the portal, vanishing into the unknown.
The Abyssal Rift awaited.
To be continued…