The bells of the academy tolled at dawn, their echoes rolling across the marble courtyards.
The day of the Trials had come.
Dozens of candidates gathered in the outer square, their uniforms crisp, their gazes sharp. These were the scions of noble bloodlines, the gifted heirs of magic and steel.
And then there was me.
Whispers followed me like a shadow.
"Isn't that the useless son?"
"They say he barely awakened."
"He won't last past the first round."
I kept my chin high, though my palms sweated beneath my gloves. I had survived worse.
A horn sounded. The gates of the arena groaned open, revealing a vast coliseum carved into white stone. At its center, a circle of runes pulsed with light, the first trial awaiting us.
From the opposite side, Calen strode forward, flanked by his supporters. His armor gleamed gold, his smirk sharper than a blade.
"Well, well. Little brother managed to crawl here after all."
I ignored him, though my jaw tightened.
Then a hush swept the square.
Aster Caelum appeared at the highest balcony, clad in silver and midnight. His presence silenced even the boldest nobles.
"Candidates," his voice rang clear, cold as the stars. "Today, you stand at the threshold of worth. Beyond this gate, you will face trials that care nothing for your names, your titles, or your blood. Only strength and resolve will matter."
His gaze swept across the crowd, before pausing, just for a heartbeat, on me.
I froze. Did anyone else notice?
The runes flared brighter, signaling the start.
"Enter," Aster commanded.
One by one, the candidates stepped through the shimmering barrier. Calen brushed past me as he went, his whisper venom in my ear.
"Don't worry, Erian. I've prepared a welcome just for you."
My blood ran cold.
Still, I stepped forward. Whatever awaited beyond, there was no turning back.
The barrier swallowed me whole.
Light exploded then faded. I stood in a vast forest beneath an endless sky of shifting stars. The air shimmered with energy, alive and dangerous.
The first Trial had begun.
And somewhere in these woods… Calen's trap was already waiting.