These were the heirs and champions of Eden's ancient families. Each of them was a genius in their own right, chosen not merely for birthright, but for talent, determination, and promise. Together with the many others from lesser-known families, they now stood at the cusp of a new chapter.
The Academy Trials were about to begin, and with them, a new generation of legends would rise.
---
On the far side of the trial grounds stood the lower-tier families and various independent factions. At the very front of the gathered crowd were nine young individuals, each one distinct, carrying their own unique aura. Despite not being from the prestigious ancient families, their presence was anything but ordinary, the power radiating from them rivaled that of the heirs from the Seven Ancient Families.
Among these nine, four were female and five were male. Two of them, however, drew the most attention. They wore black hooded cloaks that fully obscurited their figures. One's silhouette suggested a young man, the other, a woman. Their mysterious appearance stirred curiosity among the surrounding youths, who began whispering among themselves, speculating in hushed tones.
One voice broke through the murmurs, catching the attention of everyone nearby. "Have you heard of the fabled Crimson-Black? The one who faced forty-nine 1-star monsters, and ten enhanced 1-star+ Monsters, without lifting a finger?"
The entire group fell silent for a heartbeat. Even the proud leaders of the Seven Ancient Families turned their heads, their expressions sharp with interest. The stories about Crimson-Black were whispered legends, half-believed tales that the heads of their families never spoke of openly, yet never denied either.
Another trial candidate, eyes wide with excitement, nodded rapidly. "Yes, yes! I've heard the tale. My father was there when it all happened."
The first speaker leaned in. "Then do you know what happened next?"
Rather than answering directly, the second youth countered, "You mean the part where he didn't even stop to rest during the fight?"
The first youth scoffed. "You haven't heard the full story then. Let me tell you, Crimson-Black didn't just face those beasts. He killed a 2-star Royal monster!"
Gasps rippled through the group like wind rustling through dry leaves. The youth smiled with satisfaction at their reaction. It wouldn't be fair if they weren't as shocked as I was when I heard it, he thought.
Someone else spoke up, furrowing their brow. "Wait… what's a Royal monster? Aren't all monsters just… well, monsters? What makes one royal?"
The speaker looked unsure, faltering for a moment, but another youth jumped in.
"I'm not entirely sure either," he admitted, "but I once overheard a group of awakened hunters talking. They said Royal monsters are vastly different, they're said to be at least three times stronger than a saint-rank expert. They're monsters that command others… and some say they possess intelligence close to humans."
"Wow… I wish I could've seen him in action," a female youth whispered, eyes sparkling with awe.
The discussion grew more animated until a sudden, gentle voice cut through the chatter like a cool breeze. No one could tell where it had come from, but it asked softly, "Did you know… he's coming here today for the trial?"
Silence fell immediately. The once-buzzing gathering became eerily quiet, every person stunned into stillness.
---
Far above, hovering between Sections Two and Three, a medium-sized black allium-class airship drifted silently. Inside, in a pristine white room, a young man sat in deep meditation. His name was Dino, and his calm demeanor suggested someone accustomed to discipline and danger alike.
Slowly, he opened his eyes. "It is time."
He stood and walked to another figure lying on the cold metal floor, still fast asleep. Gently, he nudged him. "Young Master… wake up. We are nearly there."
The young man stirred only slightly.
Dino tapped him again. "Wake up, Morca."
With a groggy grunt, Morca blinked open his eyes. He bolted upright upon realizing he had dozed off on the floor, his gaze darting around until he remembered where he was.
"Are we at the trial grounds already?" he asked groggily.
Dino shook his head. "Not quite. We're about four minutes away by airship, fourteen if you run, and around thirty on foot."
"Then let's just land with the airship," Morca replied simply, as if the solution were obvious.
Dino shook his head again, more firmly this time. "No airships are allowed to enter the trial region without prior clearance. If one does, it'll be blasted from the sky before anyone can explain themselves."
Morca blinked in surprise. "That… sounds extreme."
Dino offered a rare smile. "Such is the might of the Dominere Academy. Fierce and unyielding. Nothing less than expected from the most prestigious institution on Eden."
Hearing this, Morca's blood stirred. So they're not playing games, huh? Good. Let's hope they can keep me entertained and keep growing stronger.
He looked up again. "Sir, how should I address you from now on?"
"Just Dino is fine, young master," the older man replied casually.
Morca nodded. "Guess I'll have to run, then. How much time is left before the trial begins?"
"Twenty-nine minutes," Dino replied after a quick mental calculation. "If you run without interference, you'll arrive with over fifteen minutes to spare. If you're delayed… well, it depends on what's in your way."
"Got it. Thanks, Dino. See you again soon."
Morca made his way toward the ship's exit, preparing to disembark. Just before he leaped, he heard Dino's voice once more.
"Be careful, young master. With your talent and current strength, I know you won't fail… but still, the Academy will test more than just your abilities."
Morca smiled faintly, barely a curve of his lips, and then dropped.
He plummeted through the air, crashing through the ancient forest canopy like a human missile. Branches snapped and leaves scattered like feathers until he finally slammed into the forest floor, creating a small crater on impact.
Rising from the pit, he brushed off his shoulders, grimacing slightly. I should've asked for a descent suit. Good thing the branches slowed me down. Otherwise, I might've broken some bone.
He pulled out a small, rune-etched compass from his coat. The needle pointed west, the direction of the trial grounds. He took a moment to sense his surroundings, adjusted his posture, and started sprinting through the ancient trees.
But hidden in the shadows above, four cloaked figures crouched silently among the massive branches. Their eyes gleamed as they tracked Morca's movement. One of them raised a hand and began to count down silently with his fingers.
Five… Four… Three… Two… And "?"