Emerald Shadow's hissing roars echoed from behind. None of the apprentices dared linger any longer; all of them chose a gate and rushed through.
Lynn moved quickly, already reaching the gate marked Fortress Administration Bureau.
Saphiri and Elena followed close on his heels.
A black moon descended, sweeping him with silver-white light. Lynn caught the Black Moon insignia that fell into his hand, his heart loosening slightly.
He stepped across the threshold but did not hurry onward. Instead, he stood quietly, carefully observing the corridor ahead, remaining on guard.
These gates required the insignia to pass through. That likely meant Emerald Shadow couldn't follow.
So once inside, he had to worry less about the monster and more about what other dangers might lie ahead.
Beyond the Administration Bureau's gate stretched a broad, gray-black passage. Nothing unusual at first glance.
Lynn waited in silence.
The insignia relayed no new instructions, and no further broadcast came.
Only the distant, unrelenting howls of Emerald Shadow continued to reverberate.
Driven by fear, the apprentices had rushed through the gates with remarkable speed. Within moments, the once-crowded hall had fallen empty.
Lynn exhaled in relief, then stiffened, murmuring:
"…Why hasn't Emerald Shadow caught up yet?"
His words made the surrounding apprentices stir uneasily.
Even at their fastest, hundreds of people couldn't possibly have filed through five gates in mere seconds. At least several minutes had passed.
Yet in all that time, Emerald Shadow's roars had been constant, but its presence never appeared. Almost as though something was holding it back.
Hsssss!!
Suddenly, a roar split the air far louder than before.
This time, it wasn't a challenge. It sounded… like a wail of pain.
"…Automated defense activated. Extraworld entity intercepted. Neutralization in progress…
"Tower Spirit malfunction detected. Partial authority locked. Awaiting administrator wizard intervention."
"Perfect timing."
At the fortress's core, the tower spirit looked down upon Emerald Shadow, bound in force restraints, and allowed itself a faint smile.
It had known all along the creature would never make it into the hall. The reactivated automated defenses were bound to stop it first.
That was enough. Its goal had been achieved.
The spirit's simulated face twisted into a cold smile:
"What happened fifteen hundred years ago was an accident. No one will ever again trick me, or steal what belongs to the great Academy!"
"…So Emerald Shadow was intercepted by some defense mechanism of the fortress?"
Saphiri was quick to catch on, though her expression showed frustration.
"Most likely. It may even be destroyed outright. If I'd known, I would have stayed in the hall…" another Golden Shadow apprentice muttered.
"And even if you had been without food or water, how long could you have survived?"
Elena's voice was cool, carrying a trace of disdain in her eyes.
'If I had known' are the most useless words in the world. They bring nothing but delay.
Her remark cut to the bone. The corridor fell silent.
Lynn glanced around.
From the hundreds who had once filled the hall, fewer than thirty apprentices remained with them now.
Most were from the Golden Shadow Society, a smaller number from the Serpent Society.
What they shared in common was this: they had seen Lynn open the great gate of the plaza earlier.
From the other corridors, the First and Second Conquest Legions, as well as the Guard Corps, screamed shouts of despair:
"Why are we being sent outside on missions?!"
The Logistics Division's gate also stirred with strange developments.
Through its transparent barrier, Lynn and the others saw apprentices drifting back into the hall.
But they weren't returning of their own will.
They were bound in silver threads, floating upright like coffins, suspended in midair.
The coffins glided silently through the hall, continuing toward the deeper passages.
Just as the broadcast had warned, they were being carried back to the Teleportation Plaza.
"…Good thing we didn't choose the far-right door," one apprentice muttered with lingering dread.
"I thought since Emerald Shadow had come from there, it meant the plaza was safe again. I almost convinced myself that it was the best choice.
"But I never imagined that was how people would be sent back…"
The apprentices drifting overhead were still alive, technically. But in truth, they were no different from the dead.
"It seems… all those who were teleported into this world… now only we remain," Saphiri murmured.
"In this situation, I believe it's time we set aside our grudges for now and work together to find a way out."
A first-rank apprentice of the Serpent Society, Radna, suddenly spoke in a deep voice.
He had the same black hair as Lynn, his tall, thin frame resembling a bamboo stalk.
No one answered him, but neither did anyone object.
Radna went on, speaking to Elena:
"Lady Elena, as the only apprentice here from the Hossens School, is there anything you can tell us?
"For instance… what exactly is this place?"
Elena looked around at the crowd. She had no intention of hiding the truth. After thinking for a moment, she said:
"More than fifteen hundred years ago, deep within the Emeraldshadow Forest, what is now Hossens territory, there once rose a school known as Black Moon."
She gave a brief account of the information she knew, along with her own deductions.
After a long silence, Radna murmured:
"So, you mean the Black Moon School of fifteen hundred years ago rose to prominence precisely because it discovered this fortress.
"And now the Hossens wizards, having somehow learned of the fortress, moved their school to the Emeraldshadow Forest. At the brink of war, they activated the array, sending us and Emerald Shadow here?"
"Logically speaking, yes," Elena nodded.
"What matters isn't why we're here," Lynn cut in. "What matters is how we survive and how we return to the Guern World."
"Lord Lynn is right. The priority now is survival first, and then to find a way home," Saphiri agreed.
"To survive in the fortress long-term, we must first secure food and water.
"Normally, world-invasion fortresses are equipped with life-support modules for producing food. If we can find one, most of our survival needs will be met," Elena added.
"Lady Elena, where would these life-support modules usually be found?" Radna pressed.
"…I don't know," Elena admitted, shaking her head.
Each academy designed its invasion fortresses differently. How could she possibly know the specific structure of Black Moon Fortress?
"What do you think the Black Moon wizards gained here, back then?"
Another apprentice, a curly-haired wizard, spoke up. His voice was low, almost conspiratorial:
"I've heard that sometimes, after a school is destroyed, its ruins form a legacy trail on their own.
"Perhaps the Black Moon wizards obtained their school's legacy here, allowing them to rise as Second-Rank wizards and found the great Black Moon School!"
At his words, silence fell across the corridor once again.
Emerald Shadow's threat had been removed, and though survival remained uncertain, the immediate danger had lessened.
Now, with that suggestion, the apprentices' thoughts began to drift.
"You mean… what we've experienced so far, the doors, the choices that were part of some kind of trial?" Saphiri frowned.
"I don't know. But part eliminated, part left behind… doesn't that sound like a trial?"
At the edge of the corridor, Lynn listened quietly, saying nothing.
Something about it felt wrong to him.
If this is a trial, then what was that last stage? A test of luck?
The apprentices continued debating. No broadcasts came, and the insignias gave no new instructions.
After a moment's thought, Lynn drew out the Moon-Blue Sand he had been given.
The Administration Bureau had issued the same resource as the Logistics Division, Moon-Blue Sand, capable of strengthening the spirit.
Many apprentices had consumed theirs immediately upon entering.
Lynn had held back. He'd noticed fine lines of script etched on the transparent crystal vial:
Instructions for Use
Place the Moon-Blue Sand in the mouth during meditation. Press it against the palate with the tongue and vibrate it at the specified spiritual frequency. Absorption will be complete in 1–2 minutes.
Cautions
Strictly follow the standard method. Incorrect use will weaken effects or even cause negative side effects.
Effective for wizard apprentices only.
When used properly, the strengthening effect unfolds gradually over 1–3 months. During this period, maintain regular meditation for the best results.
…
Avoid exposure to mental attacks while under effect. Such interference will rapidly consume the Moon-Blue Sand.
Appendix: …
Lynn's heart chilled.
Thank the stars he hadn't rushed to use it.
It seemed that because the usage was printed on the vial itself, the Black Moon insignia had only given a brief message of its name and basic effect.
"Lord Lynn, what do you think?" Saphiri suddenly asked him.
Lynn looked up, hesitated, then shook his head.
"I don't know, Lady Saphiri."
Glancing at the other apprentices still arguing, he kept his expression calm as he pulled the stopper, poured the Moon-Blue Sand into his mouth, and sat cross-legged.
Plenty of apprentices were already doing the same.
In truth, it would be stranger if he didn't use it.
The special frequency was simple enough. One glance, and Lynn grasped it.
Just as he began vibrating the sand with his spirit
"Attention…"
A broadcast blared only to cut off abruptly.
Lynn opened his eyes, confused.
He waited silently, but no sound followed.
So he shut his eyes once more, seizing the time to use the sand.
Following the prescribed method, he pressed the grain to the roof of his mouth, his spiritual force vibrating at the required frequency.
The sand gradually dissolved, releasing a stream of icy energy that flowed upward, gathering at his brow and spreading coolness through his mind.
Two minutes later, he opened his eyes again.
And at that very moment, the broadcast returned:
"Attention: All new members of the Fortress Administration Bureau, report immediately. Those who fail to arrive within fifteen minutes will be incapacitated and transferred to the Teleportation Plaza, to await retrieval by security wizards."
The broadcast cut through the apprentices' arguments. One by one, they rose to their feet and began moving along the corridor.
Yet the earlier speculation about a "trial" had poisoned the air.
After all, who wouldn't crave the legacy of a great academy?
The example of the Black Moon wizards, fifteen hundred years ago, loomed over them all.
Who wouldn't want to be the next chosen one?
But if this truly was a trial, then the rewards would never be for everyone.
Judging from history, perhaps only one would ultimately inherit the legacy.
Which meant everyone else here was a rival.
For now, it was only conjecture, and the apprentices maintained a thin veneer of cooperation.
Until, following the corridor, they reached what the broadcast had called the Fortress Administration Bureau.
At the center of the hexagonal hall, atop a triangular dais, rested a black crystal glowing faintly with a ghostly light.
Golden lines were etched around it. Anyone could tell at a glance this was a treasure.
The broadcast rang out again:
"Fortress administrator detected deceased. Per protocol, a new administrator will be chosen from the remaining fortress members.
"Warning: Blood Trial entering final stage.
"The last surviving apprentice who seizes the Black Moon Authority at the center of the hall will become the new administrator."
"A trial… it really is a trial!"
The hall erupted in chaos at once.
Many apprentices' eyes gleamed with desire and madness.
Swish!
A Second-Rank apprentice of the Bloodmark Society, closest to the dais, acted without hesitation, lunging for the crystal.
Before anyone could react, he actually grabbed hold of it!
Ecstatic, he bolted toward a side corridor, clutching the so-called Black Moon Authority.
But a barrage of spells struck him instantly.
He tried to dodge, but was brought down. The crystal flew from his hands, bouncing across the ground, rolling to a stop right at Lynn's feet.
Lynn's pupils contracted. He stepped back half a pace, his voice low and steady:
"Has everyone forgotten it was Hossens who brought us here? Blindly butchering one another will achieve nothing. Even if someone does seize this so-called legacy, do you think Hossens won't demand it for himself?"
"And besides, how do we know the broadcast is even true? What if it's a lie? What if this 'Black Moon Authority' is no such proof of command at all?
"Think about it. For the fortress to select a new administrator by killing off every single survivor but one, does that sound logical to you?"
Because of Lynn's status, his words carried weight. The fighting stilled.
More importantly, no one wanted to risk becoming the next fool to die.
If inheritance required not only seizing the Authority but also being the last alive, who would dare be the first bird to stick its head out?
"Lord Lynn is right. Hossens sent us here. If we endure until the war ends, he will surely rescue us. By then, whatever legacy we've uncovered, he'll reward us all," Saphiri added quickly.
"Don't be so sure," a Serpent Society apprentice muttered darkly.
Other voices followed:
"Who knows what Hossens will do in the end? Perhaps he'll kill us all to bury this secret!"
Hossens has always been known for generosity. He wouldn't do that."
"Wouldn't he? Who can say…"
Division spread again, the mood shifting toward chaos.
Lynn thought quickly, then raised his voice:
"If we descend into slaughter, only one of us will live. Do any of you truly believe that survivor will be you?"
The words cut deep.
Most of the apprentices froze, glancing at the stronger First-Rank members with unease.
Even those First-Rank apprentices traded guarded looks, none fully confident.
And so, out of suspicion and fear, a fragile, precarious order was born.
Lynn finally allowed himself a breath, though his eyes lingered on the crystal.
For this was no Black Moon Authority.
The markings upon it read clearly: "One-Time Black Moon Annihilation Orb."
This was no trial. The tower spirit was compromised; it wanted them all dead.
"Since we agree to cooperate, shouldn't we focus on the original plan?" Saphiri said after a moment. "Finding food and water must be our priority."
"But what about the Authority? Who keeps it?" Radna asked.
At that moment, Lynn noticed something odd about Elena, frowning, clutching her left eye tightly.
Thinking of Emerald Shadow's fate, Lynn's heart sank. He asked softly:
"Elena, are you alright?"
She forced a smile and lifted her head.
"I'm fine…"
Then, lowering her voice, she said with conviction:
"Emerald Shadow is dead. I can feel it."
As she spoke, she pulled away the cloth covering her eye.
Her pale-green gaze narrowed against the light, but the eerie green flames were gone.
Lynn felt relief stir in his chest. To have a reliable ally in times like these, what better news could there be?
Soon, the apprentices reached a decision.
All the First-Rank apprentices would remain in the hall to guard the so-called Authority. The rest would go in search of food, water, or useful knowledge.
"Lord Lynn, Lady Elena, you may remain here. I believe none of the other First-Rank apprentices would object," Saphiri said. The others nodded in agreement.
Some of the lesser apprentices looked on with envy.
But Lynn shook his head.
"I'd be of little use sitting here. Better that I go look elsewhere."
"I'll go with you," Elena said at once.
Lynn inclined his head. In truth, sticking together was the wisest course.
He needed her knowledge of invasion fortresses, and she needed his judgment.
This hall was clearly a hub, with corridors branching off, each marked with inscriptions.
After a moment's hesitation, Lynn strode toward the one labeled Canteen.
The fragile peace would not last. They needed to find new hope quickly.
"Don't you want the Black Moon legacy?" Elena asked as they walked.
"Of course I do. But I want to live more."
"You don't think you'll be the last one standing?" she pressed.
"I'm just a Second-Rank apprentice, am I not?"
"…You're not an ordinary one," Elena said quietly.
Lynn faltered, then shook his head. "Perhaps. But I don't like this so-called blood trial.
"Selection based on merit makes sense. Choosing only one successor is reasonable. But there's no need for all the rest to die."
Elena gave no reply.
Roughly ten minutes later, Lynn finally arrived at the canteen.
Unlike the places they had passed before, here on the ground lay a skeleton.
It was the first one Lynn had seen inside the fortress.
He hurried closer. After a quick search, he found a notebook and a Black Moon Fortress insignia identical to the one he carried.
This meant the skeleton had once been a Second-Rank apprentice, just like him.
Lynn picked up the notebook.
"Can you read it?" Elena asked quietly at his side.
"…No." Lynn shook his head, pretending to leaf through it casually.
But soon he understood why the apprentice had died here.
It was the remains of an injured student, left behind when Black Moon Academy was struck by some powerful enemy.
All the stationed wizards had been recalled to defend the Academy. Only wounded stragglers remained in the fortress.
This one had awakened from hunger, come here in search of food, and waited in vain for rescue. But no rescue had ever come.
What crisis was Black Moon Academy facing back then, that they recalled even their forces abroad? And why couldn't they take the fortress with them…?
Still, thanks to this unfortunate soul, the canteen's storeroom was unlocked.
Lynn passed the notebook to Elena and stepped into the storeroom.
One glance inside made his heart leap.
The storeroom was stocked with neatly stacked provisions clearly linked to a functioning life-support module.
Elena followed him in, her face lighting up with joy.
"Excellent!"
"Unfortunately, it's only food," Lynn said with a shake of his head, gathering a few supplies. "No way out."
"Don't you want to search a little more?" Elena asked.
"No. The canteen's a dead end."
"…Very well," she agreed.
The two of them turned back toward the hall.
At that same time
Many apprentices had already returned to the central hall.
Some had, like Lynn, reached dead ends. Others, fearing danger, had turned back early.
"Ahhh!!"
A scream rang out from one of the left corridors.
"What happened?!" Faces hardened, tension rising.
Moments later, an apprentice stumbled out, bloodied and wild-eyed, shouting:
"Lies, it's all lies! The First-Rank apprentices are spreading us out so they can kill us one by one!"
"What nonsense is that? All the First-Rank apprentices are right here!" Saphiri snapped.
"How do we know none of you are hiding your true strength?!"
Thwack!
Another scream, this one from right inside the hall. A black-robed apprentice had suddenly attacked a Second-Rank apprentice beside him!
The fragile balance was shattered in an instant.
Chaos exploded.
"Do you hear that?" Lynn asked suddenly in the corridor.
The next moment, two figures came struggling into view, locked in combat.
It was Saphiri and Radna.
The two First-Rank apprentices were battling fiercely over the Black Moon Authority.
Lynn's face darkened. Without hesitation, he turned and fled.
He had known the fragile peace would eventually collapse, but not this quickly. Something unexpected had triggered it.
He and Elena quickly retreated to the canteen.
The sounds of Saphiri and Radna's duel faded into the distance.
Glancing around, Lynn planned to hide in the storeroom and wait for the chaos to settle before making another move.
But then
A rough, fibrous touch brushed against his ankle.
Without hesitation, Lynn activated the Golden Mist Form.
His legs dissolved into golden vapor, slipping free of the tendrils trying to snare him. He rose into the air.
Whipping his head around, his gaze fell on Elena.
Her expression was calm. Magical ripples still clung to her hands.
"Why are you attacking me, Elena? Has Emerald Shadow taken hold of you again?" Lynn demanded, his face grim.
Elena shook her head lightly, her tone serene:
"Emerald Shadow cannot control me, Lynn.
"When you die, I'll tell you the reason."
"You want the Black Moon legacy?" Lynn's voice tightened with disbelief.
"Even if you kill me, there are still so many First-Rank apprentices left for you to face!"
"I told you I'll tell you when you die.
"I promise you that, Lynn."
Elena's voice was soft, but her spells surged forward as she pressed her attack.
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