Chapter 12: Tournament of Bloodlines – The Rising Challenge
Scene One: The Arrival of Rivals
The morning sun had barely crested when the academy's bell tolled, signaling the beginning of the Inter-Academy Tournament. Excitement rippled through the campus of Aflety Magic Academy as banners fluttered in the wind—each adorned with the symbols of rival institutions.
Teams from all across the empire and beyond had arrived. The air felt thick with anticipation, the atmosphere charged with energy.
Evan stood in the academy's courtyard, Nex resting calmly by his side, his presence a silent but powerful reminder of the weight Evan carried.
Beside him, Cassia was already scanning the crowd, her eyes sharp.
"So, who do you think will be the biggest threat?" she asked, her tone light but guarded.
Evan squinted across the courtyard where several powerful academies had already set up booths. The Caldor Academy, known for their elemental manipulation mastery, had arrived with a group of students that radiated raw power. To their left, the students from Veldrin, a military academy known for their beast taming and combat expertise, were already gathering. Their leader, Prince Kieran Veldrin, an arrogant noble with a dangerous edge, was surrounded by his elite guards.
"Veldrin," Evan said quietly. "The prince's bloodline is rumored to be tied to the first Beast God."
Cassia raised an eyebrow. "I heard the prince's father has been trying to push him as a potential candidate for the throne. Could be trouble."
"Trouble," Evan agreed, "but not the worst of it."
He could feel the presence of something else—a presence that didn't belong to any academy. In the distance, an unmarked ship had just docked, and from it emerged a group of students dressed in black and silver uniforms—The Black Nest's infiltrators.
They were impossible to identify by their mere presence, but Evan knew them immediately. He could feel the faint pulse of corrupted magic around them.
Cassia followed his gaze and frowned. "They're here."
"We need to be ready," Evan murmured.
Scene Two: Tournament Format Announcement
The students gathered in the grand hall, buzzing with rumors and speculation. The headmaster of Aflety, Lord Gawain, stood before them, his towering frame filled with authority as always.
"Welcome, competitors," Lord Gawain's voice boomed, the room falling silent. "This year's tournament will be unlike any before. We have received word of interference in the tournament format from multiple sources. As such, we have decided to change the structure."
A murmur of confusion spread.
Lord Gawain continued, "This year, the tournament will not be a simple series of duels. Instead, you will be tested in three stages."
He paused, letting the words settle.
"The first stage will be the Beast Trials, a test of how well you have bonded with your beasts. Only those who pass the trials will move forward."
A few students exchanged glances. This was a familiar challenge for many, but there were whispers that the trials had been altered this year—perhaps to test more than just beast and tamer.
"The second stage will be a survival event in the Wilds—an untamed land of beasts and dangers. The team that survives the longest wins."
Cassia glanced at Evan, her concern palpable. "That's a new one. Survival in the Wilds has never been a part of the tournament before."
Evan nodded. "The Nest is involved. They always change the rules when they want to stir chaos."
Lord Gawain continued, "Finally, the third stage will be the Grand Battle, a full-scale battle royale where teams face off against each other."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Evan's heart quickened. This year's tournament was designed to push them all to the limit.
But there was more.
"We have one final announcement," Lord Gawain said, his expression turning grave. "The tournament will also be watched by external forces. The Holy Elven Empire has sent representatives to observe. I expect you all to represent Aflety with pride."
Scene Three: The True Stakes
That night, as the students prepared for the upcoming trials, Evan sat alone in his dorm room, Nex coiled at his feet. The moonlight that filtered through the window made the Basilisk's scales shimmer faintly.
A knock interrupted the silence.
Evan turned, finding Silva standing at the door—her expression still guarded but with a touch of urgency.
"Can we talk?" she asked softly.
Evan stepped aside, motioning for her to enter. As soon as she did, she closed the door behind her, her eyes scanning the room before settling on him.
"You've sensed it too, haven't you?" she asked.
Evan nodded, his jaw tight. "The Black Nest. They're already interfering."
Silva's lips pressed together in a hard line. "I've been hearing rumors. They're after more than just the tournament. They're using it as a cover to find something hidden within the academy."
Evan's eyes narrowed. "Something hidden?"
"A relic. A key to controlling the power of the beast gods," Silva whispered. "And if they get their hands on it, it'll be worse than anything you've ever faced."
Scene Four: The First Trial Begins
The next morning, the first stage of the tournament began. The students were led to an open arena where various obstacles and challenges were set up. The Beast Trials were a test of bonding—how well the students could work in harmony with their beasts, pushing them to their limits.
Evan stood near the entrance, Nex slithering alongside him, his silent partner in this dangerous game. Silva stood by his side, her eyes scanning the arena, looking for any sign of danger.
"The trials have begun," she said quietly. "We must be careful. The Black Nest could be lurking anywhere."
Evan clenched his fists. "We'll be ready. No matter what happens, we fight."
And with that, the Beast Trials began.
Scene One: The First Trial Begins
The Beast Trials were held within a vast, open arena nestled in the heart of Aflety Academy's sprawling grounds. It was an environment built to test the bond between beast and tamer, a series of challenges that would push both the students and their Divine Beasts to their limits.
The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers, and the sounds of distant roars and howls echoed through the trees surrounding the arena. As Evan entered the trial zone with Nex by his side, a deep sense of focus settled over him. The first trial would be a test of communication and coordination—how well they could work together, anticipate each other's moves, and overcome obstacles.
"Let the trials begin!" Lord Gawain's voice rang out over the arena, amplified by magic.
In the center of the arena, several platforms rose from the ground, each marked by symbols of beasts and elemental forces. Some were filled with obstacles like massive stone walls, while others had smaller, quicker challenges—beasts that would test their instincts.
"Remember, the goal isn't to win outright—it's to complete the challenges in harmony with your beast. Do not force it," a professor's voice echoed from the speaker's array. "This trial will end when all participants have either passed or failed the series of tasks."
Evan took a deep breath and nodded to Nex, who hissed in response, his scales gleaming under the artificial sun.
Beside Evan, Silva's hands were already glowing with her magic, ready to command her own beast. The tension in the air was palpable. They were far from the only team on the field. To his left stood Veldrin's team, Prince Kieran at the head, exuding an air of superiority. On the far side, a group of students from Caldor Academy, their faces hard and focused, were already positioning themselves.
But Evan wasn't concerned with them. His attention was solely on the trial, and on Nex, whose powerful presence vibrated through the ground beneath them.
Scene Two: The First Obstacle
The trial began with a sudden flash of light, revealing a new set of challenges. Massive stone walls erupted from the earth, and the ground beneath Evan's feet shifted. Towering over them were stone golems, enchanted to test their abilities.
"Ready?" Evan murmured to Nex, his voice steady.
Nex coiled his massive form and then launched himself, his serpentine body twisting around the stone golems. Evan extended his hand, feeling the connection between them deepen. The Water and Darkness elements surged through the Basilisk, and with a simple motion of Evan's hand, a surge of dark water magic shot out from Nex's mouth, hitting one of the golems square in the chest.
It exploded into shards of stone, leaving the path clear.
But as Evan moved forward, he noticed something strange—Nex's powers felt… too strong. His bond with Nex was deep, but now, it felt as though something more ancient was stirring inside the beast, something powerful and dangerous.
Evan felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Easy, Nex," he murmured. "Focus."
But Nex's eyes flashed with an eerie glow, and he hissed softly.
Behind them, Silva's team was also progressing. Silva had already summoned her own beast—a Fenrir Wolf—whose ethereal form flickered between light and shadow. The wolf darted through the obstacles with ease, taking out golems as it moved. Silva's magic, however, was something different—her spellcasting had an aura of darkness to it, like the very air around her was thick with power.
But Silva wasn't the only one to watch.
Prince Kieran from Veldrin Academy had his beast—a Hellhound—harnessed to his will, flames licking the ground with each step it took. His sharp eyes were glued to Evan.
The Prince smirked. "I see you're already making strides, Evan. But don't think you're the only one with a beast that can take on obstacles."
Scene Three: A Hidden Threat
As the trial progressed, Evan noticed an unusual shift in the environment. The sunstone ceiling flickered again, casting an eerie twilight over the arena. The golems grew stronger, more aggressive—some even began to show signs of intelligence.
Nex let out a sharp hiss and coiled tighter, but then—the ground trembled.
The earth cracked open, and from it emerged a massive beast—a Shadow Wyrm, an ancient beast of the deep. It was unlike any beast Evan had seen before, its scales absorbing the light around it, leaving only shadow in its wake.
"Be careful!" Silva's voice rang out, warning Evan.
Before Evan could react, the Wyrm struck. It slithered through the arena with terrifying speed, crashing through the stone walls and knocking the golems aside like toys. Its maw opened wide, and its eyes glowed with an otherworldly light.
Evan felt the power of the beast radiating through the air, and he knew it wasn't just part of the trial—it was real.
Nex reacted instantly, lunging forward with a roar, but something inside Evan stopped him.
"No," Evan whispered, his eyes narrowing as he saw the Wyrm's glowing eyes. "This is… not a part of the trial."
The Wyrm's massive form coiled, a surge of energy emanating from it. And as it turned toward Evan, a voice, low and whispering, came through his mind.
"You are not the one I seek, young tamer… but your beast is."
The words reverberated in Evan's chest, and he felt Nex's energy stir in response. The bond between them, which had always been strong, now felt heavy—ancient, as though something buried deep within Nex was awakening.
Suddenly, the Wyrm launched itself toward Evan and Nex, its massive fangs bared.
Scene Four: Clash of Shadows
Evan didn't hesitate. "Nex!"
Nex's form shifted in the blink of an eye. He lashed out with his tail, using his own body to create a barrier between Evan and the Wyrm. As Nex's massive tail slammed into the Shadow Wyrm's side, it let out an unholy screech, the air thick with the force of their clash.
But the Wyrm was not alone. From the cracks in the earth, more beasts emerged—shadowy creatures of nightmare, twisting and shifting as they charged toward the competitors.
Evan gritted his teeth. "This is no ordinary trial. This is a trap."
Scene One: A Desperate Struggle
The Shadow Wyrm hissed as its massive form twisted through the arena, its dark scales absorbing the light like a black hole. Nex responded with a primal roar, his body shifting into a defensive stance. The tension in the air was suffocating, thick with the sound of cracking stone and growling beasts.
Evan's mind raced. The Black Nest, he realized, was involved in this. This wasn't just a trial. This was an orchestrated attack.
"Stay sharp, Nex," Evan murmured, his hand reaching out toward the Basilisk, feeling the primal bond between them. Nex responded with a low growl, his eyes flashing an ominous red.
The Shadow Wyrm lunged again, its vast jaws snapping shut just inches from Evan's face. Nex reacted instinctively, coiling around the tamer and flinging him to safety with a swift flick of his tail. Evan rolled across the ground, barely avoiding the Wyrm's crushing blow.
From the corner of his eye, Evan saw the other students struggling as well. Silva had already dispatched her Fenrir Wolf to fight the lesser beasts, but she was clearly shaken by the sudden appearance of the Wyrm. Prince Kieran's Hellhound was holding its ground, but only just. Even the normally confident Veldrin seemed rattled, his team desperately trying to form a strategy.
However, Evan's focus remained locked on the Wyrm.
"Nex, let's end this!" Evan shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos.
Nex reared back, his powerful form growing to its full size. With a flick of his tail, a wave of dark water shot forward, colliding with the Wyrm's shadowy body. For a brief moment, the Wyrm seemed to stagger, its monstrous form momentarily illuminated by the surging magic. But it quickly recovered, its glowing eyes narrowing with malevolent intent.
Just as the Wyrm was about to retaliate, Evan noticed something. In the distance, hidden behind a cluster of stone pillars, there was a faint figure watching the fight. A masked figure, cloaked in shadows, was observing the chaos with intense focus.
"The Black Nest…" Evan muttered under his breath.
Without warning, the figure disappeared, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. The Black Nest was moving in the shadows, controlling events from behind the scenes.
Scene Two: The Rising Storm
The battle intensified, and the arena became a maelstrom of chaos. As Nex and the Shadow Wyrm clashed again, Evan's instincts kicked into high gear. He was no longer just reacting; he was leading the fight, commanding Nex with newfound precision. The Basilisk's attacks became more fluid, his magic growing stronger with each passing moment.
But the Shadow Wyrm wasn't alone. More beasts—shapeless and flickering with dark energy—emerged from the cracks in the ground. Spectral wolves, their bodies made of pure shadow, charged toward the students. Phantom serpents slithered through the air, their venomous fangs aimed at the competitors.
"This is bad," Silva muttered, her Fenrir Wolf visibly weakening as it struggled against the relentless assault. "Where are these things coming from?"
"We need to finish this quickly!" Evan shouted back. "Nex, Unleash the Depths!"
Nex responded immediately, his body glowing with water magic, a torrent of energy building around him. Evan could feel the surge of power within Nex, the beast's abilities harmonizing with his own emotions. He had never felt a bond this strong before.
With a mighty roar, Nex released a tsunami of water, crashing into the Shadow Wyrm and its spectral minions. The wave of water overwhelmed the creatures, washing them away like sand. But the Wyrm remained standing, its body now pulsating with an unnatural energy, as though drawing strength from the surrounding shadows.
Evan's heart raced. This wasn't just a test of power—it was a test of endurance. And something darker was at play. The Wyrm's form began to distort, becoming even more monstrous, its jaws snapping wider than before, its eyes glowing with a sinister red hue.
Scene Three: The Black Nest's Hand
As the Wyrm roared in fury, Evan suddenly heard a voice—low, sibilant, and full of malice.
"You are not the one I seek, tamer. But your beast… It is destined for a different purpose."
The words echoed in Evan's mind, freezing him in place for a moment. The Wyrm's eyes locked onto him, a sickening feeling washing over him. This was no random beast. It was connected to something far more ancient, far more dangerous.
"You!" Evan shouted, his voice filled with defiance. "What do you want with Nex?"
The Shadow Wyrm paused, as if listening to his words. Then, with a shudder, it released a dark pulse, sending a wave of oppressive energy through the arena. The students around him stumbled, their beasts recoiling in fear.
In that moment, Evan realized that the Wyrm's true purpose was not just to fight—it was to break the bond between him and Nex, to weaken the connection that had been growing between them.
But Evan wasn't about to let that happen.
"Nex," Evan whispered urgently, "fight through it! You are not just any beast—you are my companion, and we are one!"
The Basilisk's eyes flashed with understanding, and he reared back, unleashing a blast of dark water that surged into the sky. With a guttural hiss, Nex's massive body grew even more powerful, his connection to Evan reaching its peak.
The Wyrm roared again, but this time, it seemed to falter. The wave of energy it had released diminished, its body writhing in pain. It was afraid.
The moment of weakness was brief, but it was enough.
Evan seized the opportunity. "Now, Nex! Strike!"
With lightning speed, Nex lunged, his fangs aimed directly at the Shadow Wyrm's throat. The beast attempted to dodge, but it was too slow. Nex's jaws clamped down, and with one final, powerful twist, the Wyrm let out a deafening screech as its form collapsed into shadowy dust.
Scene Four: Aftermath
As the battle ended, the arena fell silent. The other students stood in awe, watching as the shadowy remnants of the Wyrm faded into nothingness. The spectral beasts had also vanished, leaving only the stillness of the arena behind.
Nex stood tall, his body flickering with the remnants of the dark energy he had absorbed. Evan's breath came in ragged gasps, but there was a sense of triumph in his chest. They had done it. They had won.
But something still felt off.
Evan turned toward the stands, where the professors and higher-ups were watching. Lord Gawain's face was unreadable, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"This was not part of the trial," Evan muttered, glancing around at the other students. "The Black Nest is here."
In the shadows of the stands, the masked figure he had seen earlier reappeared, this time with a silent gesture. It was clear: the Black Nest was watching, and this was only the beginning.
Scene One: The Aftermath of Victory
The arena was eerily silent in the moments following the battle. The once violent roars of the Shadow Wyrm and the crashing waves of Nex's magic had faded into nothing. The students, still catching their breath, glanced at one another in disbelief. They had just faced an unsanctioned monster, an enemy beyond anything they had expected to encounter in the trials.
Evan stood among them, his heart still racing. His hands were slightly trembling, but the adrenaline from the battle began to wear off, leaving behind a sense of unease. As the final echoes of the battle faded, a chill lingered in the air.
Nex coiled beside him, his large, serpentine body slowly shifting back to its more manageable form. The Basilisk's eyes were now a deep, glowing red, and his scales glistened in the fading light, still tinged with the remnants of dark magic. Evan reached out to pat his companion's head, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the beast's scales. The bond between them was stronger than ever.
"We did it, Nex," Evan whispered, though his voice lacked the usual warmth of celebration. Instead, there was a lingering concern. "But something doesn't feel right."
Behind him, Silva's Fenrir Wolf panted heavily, still standing but clearly exhausted from the fight. "That thing… it wasn't just a beast," Silva muttered. "It was… controlled. Someone, or something, was behind that attack."
Evan nodded gravely. He had been too distracted during the battle to fully process it, but now that the immediate threat had been eliminated, the puzzle pieces began to fit together. The Black Nest.
"Right," Silva continued, catching Evan's gaze. "And if they are involved, we're in more danger than just fighting in this tournament."
Just as she spoke, a low rumble echoed through the ground. The students instinctively stepped back, their eyes wide in shock. The rumbling grew louder, and the sound of heavy footsteps became unmistakable.
From the entrance of the arena, a massive figure emerged.
Scene Two: The Arrival of a New Threat
The figure stepped into view, towering over the students. It was a colossal, armored creature, walking with deliberate slowness. A mechanical war golem, adorned with jagged metal spikes and blackened iron plates, loomed above them. Its eyes glowed with an eerie green light, and its every movement sent a ripple of unease through the onlookers.
Atop the war golem stood a lone figure, clad in dark robes, a cloak fluttering behind him in the wind. His face was hidden beneath a mask, his identity obscured from view. The only thing visible was his eyes, glowing with a predatory gleam.
Evan's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the symbol emblazoned on the golem's chest. The emblem of The Black Nest.
"The Black Nest… again?" Silva whispered, her hand instinctively moving to her weapon. "They've sent a war machine."
The masked figure on the golem raised a hand, signaling for the beast to halt. The golem stopped a mere ten feet away from the students, its heavy footsteps grinding into the stone floor with a resounding thud.
"Enough," a cold voice rang out, and Evan's blood ran cold. It was the same voice he had heard earlier, that whispering, chilling tone from the Wyrm. "The trials are over for you, Evan."
Evan's eyes narrowed. He clenched his fists, his body tense. This was no longer a trial. This was a warning.
The figure on the golem spoke again. "You and your beast are too dangerous to be allowed to grow any further. The Black Nest has been watching, and we do not take kindly to those who interfere with our plans."
Evan stood tall, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let you get away with this. If you think you can control me—"
"Control?" The figure interrupted with a low, mocking laugh. "No, tamer. I am not here to control you. You are already controlled, whether you realize it or not. The bond you share with your beast is part of a larger design."
Evan's blood ran cold. Something about that statement made his spine tingle with fear.
"You'll regret this," Evan growled, his hand reaching for the hilt of his sword. He wasn't sure if he could take on such a powerful opponent alone, but he was ready to fight.
"Do you honestly think you can defeat me?" The masked figure's voice held a chilling amusement. "You're not even worthy of my time."
Before Evan could react, a sharp pain pierced his chest—a sudden, invisible pressure, as though a thousand eyes were boring into his soul. His knees buckled slightly, and he stumbled.
"W-what is this?" Evan gasped.
The masked figure smiled, revealing a faint gleam in his eyes through the gaps in his mask. "That, young tamer, is the Curse of the Black Nest. The more you resist, the tighter the grip will become."
Scene Three: A Dire Message
Nex hissed, his form shifting once again, his eyes glowing red as the Basilisk's magical aura flared. The pressure from the Curse seemed to dissipate slightly, but it wasn't enough. Evan could still feel the weight pressing on his chest, threatening to choke him.
"Fight it, Nex!" Evan shouted. "We've faced worse together!"
Nex responded, but the cursed pressure lingered, pushing back against the bond. It was as if something was severing the connection between them.
The masked figure stepped down from the war golem, his movement slow, deliberate, as if savoring the moment. He turned back to the war machine and gave a single command.
"Bring it."
At that command, the golem's massive hands reached forward, and with one swift motion, it grabbed a strange device from its back—a black, spiked orb with glowing runes etched into its surface. The orb emitted a faint hum of dark magic, sending tremors through the arena.
The masked figure raised the orb into the air. "This is your last warning, Evan. You will stop interfering with the Black Nest's plans… or face the consequences. The next time we meet, it won't be a trial."
As he lowered the orb, the dark aura surrounding the Black Nest's forces intensified. The earth trembled beneath their feet.
Scene Four: The Black Nest's Departure
Without another word, the masked figure turned, climbing back onto the war golem. With a low rumble, the golem began to retreat, carrying the figure with it into the distance. The eerie silence that followed was more deafening than any sound.
Evan stood in place, panting, as the pressure from the curse slowly ebbed away. His mind raced, but his body still felt heavy. What had just happened? The Black Nest was no longer just a shadow in the background. They were a direct threat.
"Damn it," Evan muttered under his breath. "We've got to be ready. They won't stop here."
Silva walked up to him, her face pale but determined. "That's not just some threat. They'll come for us. The question is… are we strong enough to survive?"
Evan's jaw clenched. "We'll have to be."
[End of Chapter 12 ]