The Godslayer Humankind raised its children on stories of hatred. From the time they could walk, they were taught to despise the Dark Races, to see them as twisted, abominable monsters that lurked in the shadows. The propaganda worked—every youth learned to loathe their enemies—but hatred had a twin, and that twin was fear. The same tales that stoked fury also left a lingering chill in every young soldier's heart.
Now, as the cadets stood before the looming gate to the Danger Zone, that fear surfaced. They were all Wave Warriors, yes, but Wave Warriors in name only. None of them had yet faced true battle. The prospect of standing against the Dark Races, no matter how many stories they had been told, made their stomachs tighten.
Even the children of Noble Families, whose expressions were often carved in pride, wore solemn faces. They knew more than most about the Academy's Secret Trial, but knowledge did not ease the weight pressing on their hearts.
"Do we… do we really have to take the test?" a trembling voice asked at last.
Vice-Captain Josef's head snapped toward the speaker. His eyes blazed with such cold fury that the youth who had spoken shrank where he stood, quaking like a leaf.
For a moment, it seemed Josef might strike him down where he stood. But then, with a sharp sneer, he restrained himself. He knew the boy had only voiced what many others dared not say aloud.
"Hmph." His voice was a growl of contempt. "The Imperial Military Academy offers resources that surpass even the greatest Wave Universities. You want them? Then you'll fight for them. Here, your family name means nothing. Your background means nothing. Only your strength matters!"
As his words rang out, Josef's aura exploded. A dark-purple Wave Cloak flared around him, furious and violent, the sheer force of it sending a shockwave through the ranks. Several cadets staggered backward, barely keeping their footing.
"Those too scared to face what lies ahead," Josef roared, "get the fuck out of my sight!"
The command cracked like a whip. Heads lowered. Feet shuffled. One by one, cadets broke away, unable to withstand his glare. Nearly a quarter of the group abandoned the trial then and there, slinking away in shame.
Josef did not spare them so much as a glance. His eyes lingered only on those who remained, sharp as blades, weighing their resolve. At last, he gave a curt nod and raised his hand. Rectangular drones floated from compartments in the walls, humming softly as they hovered before each cadet.
"You've chosen to take the trial. Then here are your instructions," Josef said, his tone clipped. "First, you will hand over all Wave Artifacts and treasures. No exceptions. You may also store your personal belongings here, so they do not hinder you. What you will keep is the standard military backpack. Inside are Soldier's Drugs and survival equipment. Use them well."
No one dared disobey. Even those from Noble Families, who had arrived with trinkets of immense value, reluctantly parted with them. There was no tricking the Imperial Military Academy; to try would be worse than foolish.
Cain complied, placing his few belongings into the drone. He was about to leave the spear he had taken from Kiron but hesitated. Raising it slightly, he looked directly at Josef.
"Can I keep this? It's not a treasure, nor is it a Wave Artifact."
Josef studied the weapon for a moment, eyes narrowing, then inclined his head. "Fine."
It was within the rules. The spear had no special power; to most Wave Warriors it was little more than a sturdy stick. Still, Cain caught the flicker of envy in some of the commoners' eyes. They had brought nothing. As for the nobles, they dismissed the weapon entirely—why covet a crude tool when they wielded the promise of greater power?
Once the drones drifted away, Josef continued.
"There is danger in this trial. I encourage you to test your limits, but do not confuse courage with stupidity. The Danger Zone adapts. The deeper you venture, the stronger your foes. Stay within fifty kilometers of the entrance, and you should not face enemies above Level 1. Stray beyond… and you will have only yourselves to blame."
Relief washed through the group. Smiles broke out, albeit cautious ones. A "safe zone." So long as they exercised restraint, they could emerge from this ordeal alive.
Cain, however, kept his expression neutral. Safe was a relative term, and he did not believe for a moment that survival would be simple.
Josef's next words stoked the cadets' spirits anew.
"During this trial, every Imperial Military Credit you earn will be multiplied tenfold. And at the end, your performance will be ranked. Those at the top will receive additional rewards."
The mention of Credits lit their eyes. Cain had already studied them in the archives. Imperial Military Credits were not just currency; they were a soldier's lifeblood, a measure of merit that determined one's standing and opportunities within the Empire. Hard to earn, endlessly valuable, and capable of shaping a future.
"The gate will open in five hours, with sunrise," Josef declared. "You have three months. Record every kill with your A.I. Chips. Any questions?"
Cain's hand rose. "Is in-fighting allowed?"
Heads turned sharply. Frowns etched across faces. Josef, however, smiled faintly, as though pleased.
"As long as you don't kill or maim, in-fighting is permitted."
Cain inclined his head and closed his eyes once more. His question had unsettled the others, but he considered it vital. To assume that all humans would cooperate simply because they shared a heritage was the height of naivety. Treasures made enemies of friends.
---
The hours ticked by. The cadets sat in silence, some meditating, some fidgeting nervously. The atmosphere thickened, tension mounting with every passing moment. From beyond the gate came roars—guttural, monstrous sounds that carried on the wind. They were not blocked. They were meant to be heard.
Psychological warfare. The Empire knew well that the mind cracked before the body. If a cadet could not withstand the sound of beasts, they would be useless on the battlefield.
Cain ignored the noise. He focused inward, employing the technique from the Soldier Military Manual: Internal Breathing. He drew Life Wave into his Astral Heart but instead of refining it, he circulated it throughout his body, replenishing stamina, washing away fatigue.
Josef, watching silently, noticed. Many cadets wasted the time trying to force breakthroughs in their cultivation. Cain did not. He conserved strength. The Vice-Captain's lips curled faintly. 'Smart brat.'
---
At last, the first rays of dawn touched the horizon. Sunlight spilled across the cadets. Eyes snapped open. Some were bloodshot from sleeplessness; others gleamed sharp and focused.
The gate groaned open. A path yawned wide, leading into the unknown.
One by one, the cadets marched inside. The gate slammed shut behind the last of them. Ahead loomed a wall of trees, a forest so dense the sunlight seemed to vanish beneath its canopy.
Cain's eyes narrowed. Already, groups were forming. Small squads of two or three clustered together, while larger companies coalesced around nobles, their banners of wealth and influence drawing followers like moths.
'Predictable.' Cain's lip curled.
Sure enough, one of the noble scions approached him. The youth wore a polished smile, but Cain saw the contempt glittering beneath it.
"Hmph." Cain sneered softly and moved before the boy could speak. His figure blurred, flashing into the trees without hesitation.
The noble froze, fury twisting his face. To be ignored so blatantly by a commoner was an insult he would not forget. His hand twitched as though to give chase, but fear checked him. Alone, the forest was suicide. Gritting his teeth, he swallowed his rage and returned to his group.
Cain was not the only one to break away. The red-eyed youth had already vanished into the forest's depths, his presence slipping away like a shadow. Many had hoped to recruit him, but his power was too great, his independence too absolute. None dared risk placing such a predator at their center. Better to avoid him entirely.