Vale made his way toward the ceremony where the Ritual of Death was about to begin.
Once filled with the vibrant chatter of students, the hallways of Central Academy had fallen eerily silent. The air was thick with tension—heavy with dread. Students moved slowly, as if their feet were weighed down by the gravity of what awaited them.
Although undergoing the trials and becoming an Awakened was considered the highest honour, the fear of death lingered. Cowardice was not uncommon, especially among those of noble blood. Raised in luxury and sheltered from hardship, many struggled to face the reality of true danger.
On his way, Vale met Luna and the rest of his group. They exchanged silent nods before walking together toward the ceremony.
Before long, they arrived at a vast, ominous hall. The only light came from rows of dim, flickering candles that lined the dark stone walls. Above them, a grand chandelier—crafted from gold and adorned with dozens of candles—cast soft, wavering light across the chamber.
Cushions were arranged in a perfect circle on the marble floor, surrounding a small podium where several faculty members stood in crisp, formal uniforms.
One figure stood out.
An older man, likely in his late fifties, stood at the very center of the podium, his head held high. Golden ornaments decorated his uniform, signifying his high rank. His sharp, piercing gaze swept across the room, and his mere presence demanded silence.
It was Edric Thornevale, the principal of Central Academy.
Vale had read about him before—seen illustrations, heard stories. That's how he recognized him immediately. The man was Aetherial Rank, radiating authority and unmistakable power.
The group quickly found their places and sat cross-legged beside one another on the cool marble floor.
With each passing minute, more students arrived until every cushion was taken.
Once satisfied that all were present, the principal stepped forward.
"Welcome. It is an honour to address so many young minds seeking to become Awakened."
His voice boomed through the hall—deep, commanding, impossible to ignore.
"I still remember the day I entered the second trial… the hardships I faced, the fear I conquered."
As he spoke, several faculty members moved silently among the students, handing each a small box.
Inside was a single large green pill.
Everyone knew what it was. A specially formulated poison—rumoured to be painless, yet deadly enough to kill instantly. Some said it could even end the life of an Awakened—at least, one without resistance to toxins.
Hands trembled as students accepted the box. Tears slipped down cheeks. Vale, too, felt his pulse quicken as he received his. Whether it was fear or excitement, he couldn't tell.
"…and now, please pick up the pill from your box."
A deathly silence gripped the hall. Many stared at the pill, paralyzed, as if touching it alone might kill them.
Vale picked it up, turning it over in his palm. Around him, his groupmates did the same. Ayla's gaze was sharp and focused. Klein looked displeased, but lifted the pill regardless. And Dain—
"That damn fool…" Vale muttered in his head, watching the massive student chew the pill without hesitation—not waiting for any for instructions.
"Is he that eager to die?"
"It has an interesting taste," Dain remarked casually, noticing Vale's stare.
Before Vale could reply, the principal's voice echoed through the hall once more.
"The pill's effects will begin in about a minute. Do not hesitate, my students—take the pill and return… as Awakened!"
Vale didn't wait. He swallowed the pill before the principal had even finished. He wasn't sure how the medallion that bound their group worked, but he sensed that they shouldn't take the pill too far apart.
Following Dain's example, he downed it quickly.
Seeing Vale and Dain take theirs, Ayla and Klein followed suit without hesitation.
Most students did the same. The moment the principal finished speaking, dozens of pills were swallowed—though not by all.
"No! I won't do it!" a student suddenly screamed from across the hall.
He bolted to his feet, trying to run. But before he could take a step—metal flashed under candlelight.
A heartbeat later, his head rolled across the marble floor, leaving a crimson trail behind.
There was no choice. It was death by the pill… or death by the sword. Everyone knew that.
The brutal display crushed any lingering doubts. Those who had hesitated rushed to swallow their pills, and soon, bodies began dropping like stones.
Vale watched as Klein's body slumped beside him—just as his own vision began to darken. Oddly, Dain was still upright, despite being the first to take the pill.
But there was no time to wonder.
Darkness claimed him.
His senses slipped away, one by one. This time, the void felt heavier… colder.
A sliver of doubt crept into his mind—questioning if he had truly died.
Then—as if to answer all his doubts, a voice echoed in his head.
[ Congratulations! You have died. ][ Your Second Trial of Death begins now. ]