The academy bell rang early.Too early.
Kael stirred, blinking against the orange glow of morning. A strange tension hung in the air. Moments later, a loud announcement echoed:
"All cadets, report to the Grand Arena. Now."
Kael and Mikaho exchanged glances. Zehr, Yue, and the others were already racing through the halls. Ashen stood waiting, calm and unreadable as always.
The Grand Arena's gates creaked open, revealing a wide circular battleground with a deep pit at its center—filled with roaring flame.
Master Shin stepped forward, his eyes sharp.
"This is your Trial of Fire. Not everyone will succeed. But every step you take will shape what you become."
One by one, they would face illusions created by the fire. Not physical threats, but visions meant to test their will.
Kael's Turn
Kael stepped onto the narrow bridge of steel above the flames. Heat washed over him. The moment he was halfway across, the flames below twisted into a monstrous shape—no weapon, just eyes.
Then a voice echoed in his mind:
"You'll never be strong enough."
He saw people screaming. His home in ruins. Blood on his hands. His father's cold voice. The helplessness crushed him.
Kael shook.
But then—Mikaho's hand reaching out… Ashen's words echoing… his own voice from years ago, shouting that he would protect everyone.
Kael took another step.
And then another.
The vision broke. The monster dissolved.
He crossed.
Mikaho's Turn
Mikaho walked calmly. But the fire's whisper came:
"You couldn't save him. You never will."
She saw her father falling again. His blood. Her younger self crying. And then Kael… walking away into the darkness.
Tears welled in her eyes—but she kept walking.
"I'm not the same girl I was," she said aloud. "And I'm not alone."
The flames tried to grow—but faded instead.
Zehr's Turn
Zehr hesitated. As he stepped forward, laughter filled his ears.
"You're always in Kael's shadow."
He saw Kael being praised. Kael winning. Kael chosen.
He clenched his fists.
"I'm not just 'the other guy.' I'll prove it."
He ran across, shouting.
When he reached the other side, he stood breathing hard—silent.
Ashen Watching
Ashen stood above, arms crossed. He didn't need to take the trial. He had already passed it long ago—outside this academy, in the cruel world itself.
But he was watching them all closely.
Especially Mikaho.
"She's stronger than she knows."
A New Shadow
That night, someone moved in the dark—a cloaked figure handing a vial of dark liquid to an unknown student.
"Make sure Kael drinks this," the figure said."We need to know what's inside him."
End of Chapter 15
Next Episode Preview:Training takes a dangerous turn. Friendships will be tested. And the true lesson begins—not in battle, but in betrayal.