Chapter :13
The morning air at Aflety Academy was unusually still.
A thin mist coiled over the training grounds, soft tendrils licking at the boots of students as they gathered. Evan stood at the edge of the plaza, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. Beside him, nestled within a coiled silken scarf around his shoulder, was his beast—now officially named Nyx.
Nyx blinked sleepily, tongue flicking out.
"You're lazy in the mornings," Evan muttered under his breath.
Nyx responded with a playful flick of his tail that smacked Evan lightly on the cheek.
"Hey!"
"You're bickering with a snake?" Gareth Ironfang grinned as he approached, arms folded across his chest. "Careful. He might be the only one who likes you here."
"Nyx has better manners than you," Evan shot back.
"I'm flattered," Nyx hissed through their bond, earning a twitch of a smile from Evan.
Before Gareth could retort, Silva Elowen strode into view. Her white academy uniform was crisp, her long platinum-blonde hair bound in an intricate braid. She nodded briefly at Evan before her gaze moved to the approaching professors.
The courtyard quieted as a tall man in robes lined with obsidian embroidery stepped forward. His face was hidden behind a metallic half-mask etched with elemental runes.
Professor Caldus—a renowned expert in ancient combat magic and labyrinth conjuration.
Behind him stood several other faculty members, including the stern Professor Ansel Marrow, who had drilled them on elemental compatibility, and Professor Leira Mistral, the airy Wind instructor known for being unpredictable.
Professor Caldus raised his gloved hand.
"Today marks the beginning of your First Semester Trial: The Elemental Labyrinth."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"This trial will test more than your magical affinity," Caldus continued. "Teamwork, endurance, strategy… and your beast's bond. Success is not guaranteed. Those who fail may be dropped from elite courses."
Cassia Belvane, arms folded, leaned toward Silva. "I hear they designed this one based on a real dungeon in the Frostmourne Wastes."
Silva nodded. "Rumor has it that the labyrinth shifts based on your elemental alignment."
Evan's heart thumped.
The idea of a trial that reflected his own affinity was both exciting and terrifying. Water and Darkness. His Basilisk Nyx pulsed with both—elements feared for their mystery and potential for destruction.
"Groups of five," Professor Leira added with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Pair yourselves wisely. You won't get a second chance."
Evan barely had time to think before a soft voice chimed behind him.
"I'll go with Evan."
He turned, surprised. Lilith Laistrygones stood there, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the mist. She wore her usual confident smirk, but there was a warmth to it now.
"Of course you will," Gareth muttered.
"I'll join too," Silva said, stepping forward with her usual calm.
Gareth raised a hand. "Tch. I'm not letting the snake boy die without me. Count me in."
Evan blinked. "Wait… that's four."
"Make that five," Cassia said without warning, appearing beside Silva. "I'm curious how well the heir of Rochel performs under pressure."
Lilith narrowed her eyes. "No funny business, witch."
Cassia smiled innocently. "Perish the thought."
Evan sighed, already sensing this was going to be a long trial.
This team is going to be chaos, he thought. But maybe… that's exactly what I need.
Chapter End
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