Wads stood near the edge of the forest clearing, just beyond the Colosseum grounds, his rectangular glasses catching the light as his eyes followed every movement of Class 1A. Reiyell moved like a storm contained, her dark blue hair whipping around her shoulders, each step purposeful, calculated, and devastating. Liora, meanwhile, darted like a tempest in human form, her illusions scattering 1B's attacks, leaving their opponents striking nothing but empty air. Wads' analytical mind didn't let a single detail escape: the angles of their movements, the timing of Reiyell's Abyssal Freeze, the way Liora manipulated wind and light to disorient enemies. Every footstep, every hand gesture, every use of their Diety powers was carefully noted in his mind.
He wasn't focused on losing or winning; he was focused on learning. If he ever faced these forces in battle, he had to know their limits, their patterns, their timing. Theodore, Klyden's classmate, had been pushed to the brink by Ashborne's crimson-eyed assaults. Keiya's Ember Script had met its match in Reiyell's controlled Abyssal Freeze, and Thaddeus' raw strength had collided with Liora's mirages. The efficiency, the precision, the power—they were untouchable, and yet, Wads felt a spark of something else: opportunity. He could grow. He would grow. And next time, he wouldn't just observe.
The victory of 1A was announced amidst a chorus of cheers, echoes bouncing off the high walls of the Colosseum. Wads allowed himself a faint, almost imperceptible nod. He'd seen enough. It wasn't discouragement; it was data, strategy, preparation. His locket hummed lightly against his chest, warm as if sensing his resolve, a subtle reminder of the power that lay dormant within him.
---
Three days later, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual morning chaos. Students from all classes mingled, the scent of fresh bread, sizzling meats, and roasted herbs filling the air. The long tables gleamed under polished light, and banners fluttered from the upper balconies, painting the hall in the academy's deep colors of navy and gold. Wads, Liora, and Klyden had claimed a corner table near a fountain that ran along the edge of the hall, the water's gentle gurgle providing a serene contrast to the clatter of plates and laughter.
Klyden dug into a pile of roasted meat, his face lighting up with that familiar sunlit grin. "So, Wads, what did you think of 1A? I mean, those moves… insane, right?"
Wads picked at a slice of bread, eyes sweeping the room with an analytical edge. "They're efficient. Strategic. Every single attack had purpose, every movement calculated. I've taken note of their patterns. Next time… we'll need to adapt differently."
Liora tilted her head, heterochromatic eyes narrowing playfully. "Adapt differently? You mean you're going to copy our moves like a little bookworm?" Her voice held a teasing sharpness, though her lips curled into a hint of a smile.
"I'll improve upon them," Wads replied smoothly, giving her a side glance. "Not copy. I need to understand their strategy and exploit weaknesses."
She laughed softly, but it wasn't a loud one; it was quiet, almost imperceptible, like a ribbon of sound threading through the hall's cacophony. "You sound like a general giving a tactical briefing to your troops," she said, her tone teasing yet affectionate in its subtlety. "Just don't forget to eat properly, Wyxro. Strategy is useless if your body's exhausted."
Klyden chuckled, leaning back in his chair, "She's got a point, man. You've been pushing yourself way too hard these past months. Don't collapse before you even get a chance to show off in the next trial."
Wads smiled faintly but said nothing. He had no intention of slowing down, not now. Liora's casual teasing, Klyden's sunny advice—it was background noise. His mind was already running simulations, analyzing the moves of 1A and plotting how he could counter them with precision. Still, he couldn't help but notice Liora watching him, her gaze almost imperceptibly softening, her lips twitching as if holding back words. He didn't look up, only noted it, storing it alongside every other observation.
---
After a long moment of quiet conversation and playful banter—mostly between Wads and Liora, subtle nudges and teasing remarks exchanged across half-finished meals—Klyden leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Hey, you guys heard about the next event, right?"
Liora's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Trial of Chambers. Yeah, I've heard whispers. They say it's… intense. Two people per chamber, from any class. There are even rumors… some might not come back."
Wads' hands paused mid-bite, his attention snapping fully forward. "Not come back?" His voice was calm, but the edge of calculation sharpened.
"Yes," Klyden said, scratching his head. "It's supposed to test everything: physical strength, Diety power, teamwork, mental fortitude… even intuition. And the reward," he added with a sly grin, "is worth it. Treasure, guided by the Unknown… the Empress herself. Could be something no one's ever seen before."
Liora leaned back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "It makes sense they're pairing students from different classes. Force cooperation, test adaptability. And knowing the academy…" She gave a small smirk, "those who survive will be re-ranked. Strength, Diety power… everything will be reevaluated. Some will rise. Some will fall."
Wads set down his plate, his mind already whirring. "A perfect opportunity," he murmured, almost to himself, "to gather information, test weaknesses, and—"
Liora cut him off with a soft laugh. "Don't overthink it too much, Wyxro. Just don't collapse again like last time." Her eyes glinted with humor, though the subtext wasn't lost on him. Even in jest, she cared.
Klyden laughed loudly, clapping Wads on the shoulder. "Yeah, dude, no passing out during the Trials. Got it?"
Wads inclined his head, the weight of thought and determination pressing on his shoulders. He knew Liora and Klyden didn't fully understand just how far he'd been pushing himself these past months. Every day, every night, every moment of study, practice, and analysis had been leading up to moments like this. The Trial of Chambers was not just a test—it was a crucible, and he intended to walk out stronger than ever.
---
As the hall bustled around them, Wads' gaze wandered across the cafeteria, observing other students. Some laughed and joked, blissfully unaware of the stakes. Others, like Thaddeus and Ysoria, were quietly discussing strategies among themselves, a spark of ambition in their eyes. Even Reiyell, though he didn't see her at that moment, was no doubt preparing in her own way, perfecting every move, every calculation.
Liora noticed his gaze, a soft smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You're always observing, aren't you?" she said lightly, though there was no malice, only playful acknowledgment.
"I have to," Wads replied simply. "Opportunities are fleeting. Preparation is everything."
Klyden rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a small grin. "You sound like a walking strategy book."
Liora leaned closer to him, voice low and teasing. "You could at least look like you're enjoying your meal instead of plotting world domination."
Wads' lips twitched into a slight smile. "I can enjoy my meal while plotting world domination. It's a delicate balance."
She chuckled, her laughter blending with the ambient sounds of clinking silverware, the soft splash of the fountain nearby, and the hum of conversation from surrounding tables. It was a fleeting moment of peace, a calm before the storm.
---
Three days later, the academy announced the start of the Trial of Chambers. The halls were electric with tension and excitement, students bustling about, making last-minute preparations, sharpening weapons, and rehearsing spells. Wads stood in the center of the training yard, Liora and Klyden flanking him as he meticulously reviewed notes, simulations, and plans.
"The Trial isn't just a test of strength," Liora murmured. "It's about survival, adaptability, and intelligence. One misstep… and you might not come back. The Unknown is… merciless."
Wads' eyes glinted with determination. "Then we adapt, we calculate, and we survive. That is all."
Klyden slapped him on the back again, grinning. "See? You're learning to sound more like a human every day."
The plaza was alive with banners and flags, the academy's architecture gleaming under the sunlight. Students from all classes congregated near the gates of the Chambers, weapons polished, Diety power humming faintly around them. Whispered discussions about strategy, power, and ranking updates flitted through the air. Those who survived would not only claim treasure but potentially rise in the rankings, proving themselves as true powerhouses.
Wads inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of anticipation settle over the academy. This was it: the next step in his journey. Every observation, every calculation, every sacrifice of the past month and a half had led to this moment. And as he glanced at Liora, her playful grin softened for just a second, he understood—whatever awaited them in the Trial of Chambers, they wouldn't face it alone.
With a final glance toward the looming gates, Wads whispered to himself, "Time to see how far I've really come."