The path ahead twisted into a grueling uphill climb, littered with jagged rocks and uneven terrain. The weight on each applicant's back made every step feel heavier, their bodies screaming in protest. Those who had relied purely on engraving talent were now at a severe disadvantage—mental aptitude alone was useless here.
Elias led the charge, his movements swift and precise. Even burdened with the heaviest pack, he barely slowed, his strides powerful and controlled. Every step he took widened the gap between him and the others.
Seraphina followed closely behind, her breathing steady, her expression as tranquil as ever. It was as if the challenge was beneath her, though her graceful movements hid the immense strain her body endured.
Ryn lagged behind but refused to stop. His muscles burned, his lungs ached, yet his pride and determination would not allow him to collapse. He knew he wasn't the strongest here—but he wouldn't be the weakest either.
Veyran, in contrast, moved with eerie efficiency. He conserved his energy, pacing himself just enough to stay within the top ranks without drawing attention.
Beyond the hill, a new challenge awaited—a path of shifting platforms, each coated with sharp, uneven engravings designed to cut into flesh upon impact. Some applicants hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes.
A moderator spoke, his voice cold and indifferent.
"This stage is meant to test your ability to withstand pain. Engraving Masters often work under immense strain. If you cannot handle this… you are unfit to proceed."
No further explanation was needed.
Elias, unsurprisingly, walked across as if he felt nothing. His every step was precise, avoiding the worst of the spikes. His expression remained unchanged.
Seraphina followed, her movements delicate yet firm. She didn't allow herself to stumble, her feet adjusting to the treacherous terrain with unnatural ease.
Ryn gritted his teeth and forced himself forward. Pain was temporary. Failure was permanent. His feet throbbed with each step, but he clenched his jaw and pressed on.
Veyran was unreadable as always. He moved through the gauntlet as though the pain was insignificant, his experience in suffering far greater than this mere trial.
Screams echoed behind them as weaker applicants fell, their bodies unable to withstand the agony.
As they neared the end of the second test, only half of the applicants remained. Their bodies were battered, their breathing ragged, but those who endured had proven their physical fitness.
Standing at the finish line, Grandmaster Aldric watched them closely, his expression unreadable. The academy needed strong individuals, not fragile geniuses who would crumble under pressure.
And so, as the sun began to set, the second test drew to its brutal conclusion.
* * *
The air was thick with exhaustion. Those who had passed the grueling endurance test stood in the open courtyard, bodies bruised, muscles aching, yet their spirits unbroken. The academy grounds, a sprawling fortress of ancient engravings and towering stone walls, loomed in the background as if silently judging them.
One by one, applicants collapsed to their knees, some panting heavily, others too numb to even react. The Gauntlet of Pain had been the greatest trial so far, leaving behind bloodied footprints in its wake.
Elias, unsurprisingly, stood tall, his face showing no signs of fatigue. Even after such an arduous test, he remained composed, as if he had merely taken a stroll through the academy's training fields.
Seraphina, though appearing unharmed, subtly massaged her wrists. Her heavenly beauty remained untarnished, yet those with sharp eyes could see a flicker of strain beneath her usual serene demeanor.
Ryn, however, was drenched in sweat. His breaths came in ragged gasps, yet he refused to collapse. His feet throbbed with pain, his body ached all over, but the sheer will to stand among the strong kept him upright.
Veyran was as unreadable as ever. He sat quietly at the edge of the group, his injuries minor in comparison to the others. The trials were difficult, yes—but compared to the suffering he had endured in his life, this was nothing more than an inconvenience.
Atop a stone platform stood several academy officials, their robes embroidered with elaborate golden engravings. Among them was Grandmaster Aldric, a man whose presence alone demanded silence. His gaze swept across the remaining applicants, scrutinizing them like a predator studying its prey.
"You have proven your bodies capable," Aldric spoke, his voice deep and authoritative. "However, endurance alone does not make an Engraving Master. Strength is fleeting, but one's mind and willpower are the true weapons in the art of inscription."
Beside him, an elderly woman, Instructor Reyna, let out a disappointed sigh. "Over half of the applicants have been eliminated, yet still, too many remain. The third test shall separate the true candidates from the rest."
The moment those words fell, a heavy silence blanketed the courtyard.
As the remaining applicants were led to their temporary lodgings, whispers filled the air.
"The survival test… What kind of dangers will we face?"
"They say the academy uses real beasts for the final trial."
"I heard last year, half of the participants didn't make it out."
The tension grew with every passing moment.
Ryn sat on the wooden bunk assigned to him, staring at the deep scars on his palms. His body ached, but it was nothing compared to the fire burning inside him. He needed to become stronger.
Veyran, lying on the opposite bunk, watched him silently. His past self had once been in a similar position—naïve, desperate, unaware of the greater forces at play.
"You did well today," Veyran said casually, breaking the silence.
Ryn blinked. "…Thanks."
A smirk played on Veyran's lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't get comfortable. The real test hasn't even begun."
Outside, the moon cast an eerie glow over the academy. In the distance, the sound of a beast's low growl echoed through the night.
The final test was approaching. And this time, failure would not mean simply leaving the academy—it could mean death.