Only one challenge remained: surviving an enchanted forest filled with traps and monsters. Only those who reached the center would be accepted.
Kael and Lyra moved cautiously, with Reynald trailing at a distance.
— "Watch out!" Lyra shouted.
A pack of spectral wolves burst from the shadows.
Kael dodged an attack and activated his blue shield.
— "I'll hold them off! Find a weakness!"
Lyra channeled a purification spell, wiping out the creatures in a single burst of light.
After several exhausting hours, they finally reached the forest's center.
— "We did it…" Kael breathed.
A mage in golden robes awaited them.
— "Congratulations. You are now students of Azalith Academy."
A wave of pride surged through Kael. He had passed the first great milestone on his journey.
But he knew—this was only the beginning of a far greater path ahead.
To be continued…