The infirmary of the University of Higher Magic was dimly lit, the soft glow of enchanted lanterns casting a calming light over the resting figures inside. Elara lay on a pristine white bed, her body wrapped in enchanted bandages that pulsed faintly with a golden hue, accelerating her recovery. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, but the exhaustion from the brutal battle still lingered in her face.
Aiden sat beside her, resting his arms on the edge of the bed, eyes clouded with guilt and frustration. He clenched his fists. If only I had awakened sooner… If only I were stronger…
Across the room, Leon leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Tsk. This is pathetic. We were barely able to fend off those bastards. If those reinforcements hadn't arrived, we'd all be dead." His voice was sharp, but underneath the frustration, there was an undeniable concern.
Xaleth, sitting near the window, was silent, as usual, staring out into the moonlit night. His silver hair gleamed faintly under the light. "We need to get stronger," he murmured, voice quiet yet carrying weight.
The room fell into a brief silence until Elara groaned slightly, stirring from her sleep. Aiden immediately straightened up.
"Elara?" he called out softly.
Her eyelids fluttered before her golden eyes finally opened. She looked around sluggishly before meeting Aiden's gaze. A tired smile formed on her lips. "You look like you just saw a ghost…"
Aiden let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Well, you almost became one," he muttered, trying to keep his tone light, but the emotions in his eyes betrayed him.
Elara chuckled weakly. "Guess I owe you one, huh?"
Leon scoffed. "You owe all of us."
Elara smirked slightly before her gaze returned to Aiden. "I heard you awakened… you really are full of surprises."
Aiden rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… but I can't even use it properly now. It was just… in the moment."
Elara reached out weakly and flicked his forehead with her finger. "Then get stronger, dummy. Don't make me carry you all the time."
Aiden blinked in surprise before letting out a small laugh.
The next morning, after ensuring Elara was stable, Aiden, Leon, and Xaleth were summoned to the university's grand hall. Students filled the massive chamber, whispers spreading like wildfire. The tension in the university had yet to settle after the brutal encounter with the rogue killers. Aiden's body still ached from his awakening, and Elara was recovering from her injuries, though she put on a strong front. Despite their exhaustion, the students couldn't afford to rest for long.
A grand announcement was made, calling all first-year students to gather at the university's central hall. The entire hall was packed, a sea of students murmuring with excitement and speculation. The walls were adorned with ancient glyphs, glowing faintly under the immense chandelier that hovered above, radiating an ethereal light.
Takeda Renzou stood silently at the back, his arms crossed, eyes sharp as ever. Vael Darius was among the other instructors, his usual aloof demeanor still intact. At the center of the stage, a high-ranking professor stepped forward.
"Welcome, students, to the University of Higher Magic. You have all proven yourselves in the tournament and now stand at the threshold of greatness. However, your real journey begins now. It is time for the Arcane Dominion Trial!"
A hushed silence fell over the room.
"This trial will test not only your strength but also your intelligence, strategy, and teamwork. You will be grouped into teams of five, selected at random, and placed within a vast enchanted domain. Your goal? To collect Arcane Sigils scattered across the domain or take them from other teams. The more Sigils you obtain, the higher your ranking."
A grand magical projection appeared in the air, showcasing a vast domain filled with different terrains—dense forests, frozen tundras, molten lands, and ancient ruins. The imagery shifted to dangerous magical beasts lurking in the shadows, environmental hazards like storms of mana, and students battling each other fiercely.
"You will encounter deadly creatures, powerful traps, and—most importantly—each other. Victory will require more than just brute strength. Cunning, strategy, and unity will determine the strongest."
Aiden gulped. Another battle right after everything that just happened? He wasn't even sure if he could use his powers properly yet.
Leaning toward him, Leon smirked. "This sounds fun."
Xaleth simply muttered under his breath, "Tch… Annoying."
The professor continued, "Those who perform exceptionally well in the trial will be recognized by the university's elite and may even catch the eyes of powerful figures beyond these walls. This is an opportunity to carve your name into history."
A sense of excitement and dread spread among the students.
But then, a twist was revealed.
"The teams will be randomized, meaning you will not be with your usual allies. Your strengths and weaknesses will be tested in unfamiliar company."
Aiden stiffened. That meant he wouldn't have Leon and Xaleth to rely on. Just great.
Meanwhile, Elara's team exchanged glances. They had just started working well together—now they'd be split apart.
"The trial begins in two days. Prepare well… and remember: only the strongest will stand victorious."
With that, the announcement ended, and chaos broke out. Students began discussing strategies, possible team compositions, and the best areas to gather Sigils.
As the crowd dispersed, Aiden turned to Elara.
"…Looks like we won't be together this time," he muttered.
She gave a small smile. "Yeah. But don't slack off, okay? You have to survive until we meet in the later stages."
Aiden chuckled. "You too. Don't get yourself killed before I can repay you for before."
Elara playfully nudged his shoulder. "Hah. If anything, I'll be saving you again."
Aiden felt a warmth in his chest. Even with everything happening, moments like these made it bearable. But deep down, he knew…
This trial would be the toughest challenge yet.
That evening, after checking in on Elara again, Aiden walked through the quiet courtyard of the university. The stars above twinkled, their soft glow reflecting in the still water of the nearby fountain.
He heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he found Elara standing there, wrapped in a light cloak.
"You should be resting," Aiden said with a small frown.
Elara sighed. "I've been in bed all day. Needed some fresh air."
Aiden hesitated before walking over to the fountain, patting the spot beside him. Elara joined him, the two sitting in comfortable silence for a moment.
"You really scared me back there," Aiden admitted softly.
Elara turned to look at him. "And you really surprised me back there," she replied. "I knew you had it in you."
Aiden exhaled. "I don't know how to control it, though."
Elara gently nudged him. "Then let's figure it out together. You're not alone, Aiden."
He turned to her, his chest warming at her words.
"Yeah…" he muttered. "Together."
As the night stretched on, the two sat in silence, the bond between them growing ever stronger.