---
The wind howled like a beast.
Beyond the shimmering barrier that separated Shrek Academy from the outer wilds, the Elemental Trial Grounds pulsed with untamed power. Rivers of fire, floating islands, thunder-choked valleys—it was a place where the land itself tested those who dared to walk it.
Only three first-year squads had been chosen.
And Squad 7 stood at the center of the teleportation platform, surrounded by whispers, eyes, and envy.
> "There they are—Ash's team."
"The kid with the S-rank dragon and the icy beauty."
"They're just lucky. Watch them crack in there."
Kiyanotoka said nothing as he tightened the straps of his black coat. The wind stirred his white hair, but his eyes remained calm. Thamuz loomed behind him, silent and still. The Sylph-Hare was nowhere to be seen.
> [ SYSTEM – Zone Match: Confirmed. Danger Level: A-Class. ]
Environment: Lava Streams, Static Spires, Wind Ridges
Special Condition: Unstable Elements – Beast behavior may fluctuate unpredictably.
> Good. The harder it is, the less anyone else will survive.
---
🌪️ Elemental Trial: Phase One – Descent
With a crackle of lightning and a flash of golden runes, the squad vanished from the platform—teleported into the Elemental Realm.
They landed in a shattered canyon—walls of obsidian and flame-veined stone, the air thick with smoke and static. Lava bubbled in narrow trenches between shattered rock paths, and above, clouds swirled unnaturally fast.
Maya's eyes widened. "This place... it's alive."
"Keep tight formation," Kiyanotoka said, already scanning the terrain. "We move east. There's a high point above the flame ridge. We establish a field base there."
Riku scoffed. "Already decided a plan?"
"Already mapped the ground," Kiyanotoka replied. "You'll see."
> [ SYSTEM – Mapping Complete: Minor Pathways Revealed ]
Secret Node: Emberroot Cliff (Buff Area – Fire Affinity +10%)
He didn't tell them about the system, but every step he made was calculated.
Not just instinct—informed instinct.
---
🔥 First Encounter – The Ash Spitters
The first threat came quick.
Small, fast creatures with molten skin and no eyes—Ash Spitters. They swarmed like ants, boiling out from under a fractured cliff edge.
"Scatter!" Maya yelled, wind blades spinning around her.
But Kiyanotoka raised one hand. "No."
He pointed at the cliff mouth.
> "Fuyue—freeze the mouth. Riku, drop debris with wind. Maya, defend the flanks."
The group moved.
Fuyue's frost arrow sealed the entrance. Riku's gust knocked a boulder into place. Maya intercepted the flankers with a storm kick.
> "Thamuz," Kiyanotoka whispered.
The dragon leapt, wings flaring, and released a precision blast into the encircled center.
> BOOM—
Ash Spitters exploded in a geyser of flame and stone.
> "Threat neutralized," Kiyanotoka said, brushing dust from his sleeve.
---
🌋 Emberroot Cliff
They reached the cliff by nightfall.
From here, they could see most of the broken terrain—twisting lava streams, floating rock platforms, and a spire crackling with blue lightning far to the west.
Kiyanotoka set up a field beacon, while the others caught their breath.
"Why do you always know what to do?" Maya asked.
He didn't look at her. "I study more."
That answer wasn't enough for Fuyue. She stepped closer, her voice low. "And how did you know we'd find a heat resonance spot here? It's not on any maps."
"I guessed," Kiyanotoka replied evenly.
Fuyue's phoenix ruffled its feathers behind her.
She narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.
---
🐾 A Glimpse Beyond
Later that night, after the others had slept, Kiyanotoka stepped away from the firelight.
The Sylph-Hare reappeared beside him, silent and soft, blending with the moonlight.
He sat with it beside the cliff edge, staring out at the storm-charged landscape.
> [ SYSTEM – Side Objective Discovered: "Heart of the Tempest" ]
Location: Lightning Spire
Reward: Unknown – Evolution Trigger Possible
> A third bond…
He closed his eyes.
> I need one more. Then the Commander's Domain unlocks.
> But I have to choose right.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the night.
Not from below—but above.
He looked up.
High in the swirling clouds, something enormous circled in shadow—massive wings, feathered with electricity, eyes glowing violet.
A Storm Roc.
Rare. Intelligent. Untameable.
> Unless… I command it.
> [ SYSTEM: Sync Thread Initiation Available – WARNING: Requires full trust test ]
Kiyanotoka's pulse steadied.
He didn't move.
Didn't summon his beasts.
He simply… waited.
The roc passed by. For now.
But he knew. It would return.
And when it did, he'd be ready.
---
🌙 Side Story: Riku – The Shadow Behind the Flame
Riku sat alone near the fire, watching Kiyanotoka walk into the dark with that strange rabbit again.
He wasn't jealous.
Not exactly.
But something about the way Kiyanotoka always had answers… always knew what to do… always stayed calm…
> Makes me feel like I'm just filling space.
He thought back to when they first got assigned to Squad 7. He'd expected to lead. Expected to shine.
Now?
Now, he followed.
And yet… part of him didn't resent it. He just didn't understand it.
> How can someone with no known bloodline, no famous mentor… be so far ahead?
Riku clenched his fist.
> One day, I'll catch up to you, Ash. Even if I have to tear through the sky to do it.
---
📘 End of Chapter 10
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