The courtyard of the Eryndor estate had been cleared, the marble cracked beneath layers of history and dust. Flags of the Eryndor sigil fluttered weakly in the wind, a signal of both pride and desperation.
Lady Eryndor stood at the center, her silver hair catching torchlight as she raised her hand. The air thickened with her mana, pressing against the spectators who had gathered — nobles, clan heads, and their children, all eager to see what the "strays" were truly capable of.
"This trial is not just for my house," she announced. "The Upper Middle Realm will see. If they are to carry the name of Eryndor, all must witness their strength."
From the shadows of the outer gates, a boy stepped forward, tall, eyes sharp and burning like molten fire, his presence radiating precision and control. Beside him, a man with an aura of authority and mastery — his father — watched silently. The crowd murmured.
"The Ignis Clan…" one noble whispered to another. "She brings strays to face the blood of the established houses? Has she gone mad?"
"Her dreams are too far," another said, frowning. "Even for Eryndor."
Kairo and Igron exchanged glances. Igron smirked, loosening his grip on his sword.
"Finally… some real fun," he muttered.
Lady Eryndor's gaze swept the crowd, then settled on Kairo and Igron.
"Show them what it means to survive. Let every house see the worth of Eryndor's heirs."
The wind rose as Kairo stepped forward, the faint hum of mana spiraling around him. Igron's illusions began to ripple through the courtyard, sharp and daring. Bones twisted up from the earth beneath Kairo's feet, crude but immense, forming jagged pillars of white that marked the battlefield.
The nobles murmured again, some stepping back, eyes wide.
The Ignis boy's father finally spoke, calm but firm.
"Do not underestimate them. They are… different."
The boy's eyes flicked between Kairo and Igron, narrowed with curiosity and quiet challenge. He was ready to measure himself against these newcomers.
Lady Eryndor smiled coldly, her silver hair glinting like steel.
"Then begin."
The courtyard became a stage, the air thick with anticipation. The Upper Middle Realm watched. The trial had begun.