The open training field of Arcane Blade Academy stretched wide under the pale afternoon sun. Its polished stone surface shimmered faintly with mana-infused glyphs etched along the perimeter. Students gathered quietly, their murmurs blending with the occasional gust of wind that swept through the academy grounds. The air was heavy with anticipation, a tension that hinted at the trials soon to come.
Kelvin Reinhart walked beside Merlin, his pace steady and unhurried. Around them, students chatted in small groups, forming early alliances and quietly observing potential rivals. The pair moved through the crowd, weaving past robes of varying colors, badges, and insignias of different noble houses.
"Merlin," Kelvin murmured without looking at him, "there appear to be around two hundred thirty-six new students here."
Merlin stopped mid-step, eyes wide. "Two hundred… thirty-six?! How do you even know that?"
Kelvin glanced briefly at him, expression calm. "As usual."
Merlin groaned, shaking his head. "Of course you'd have a method for that. Only you, Kelvin."
They reached the center of the field just as the headmaster appeared, a tall figure in flowing robes, shimmering faintly with mana as he raised his hands to silence the crowd. Students instinctively straightened, the hum of mana in the air growing slightly stronger, almost reverent.
"New students," the headmaster's voice carried across the field, steady and commanding. "The second trial will begin shortly. Today, your abilities, teamwork, and judgment will be tested."
The crowd leaned forward, the sound of whispers growing louder. The headmaster's eyes swept over them, sharp and calculating. Kelvin observed silently, noting the subtle posture shifts of dozens of students—who would be confident, who would falter.
"This trial is different from the first," the headmaster continued. "You may choose to form groups and work together, or if you have sufficient confidence in your own abilities, you may proceed alone."
A ripple of surprise spread across the crowd. Students whispered eagerly, exchanging glances. Some were clearly thrilled at the opportunity to showcase individual skill; others appeared apprehensive, weighing the risks of isolation.
Merlin's eyes widened, turning toward Kelvin. "Wait… some students are going to go alone? Isn't that… insane?"
Kelvin's gaze scanned the field, neutral and analytical. "It is only possible for those who trust in their own skill and judgment. Risk and reward are proportional."
Merlin leaned closer, whispering, "Do you see anyone… famous going alone?"
Kelvin's eyes flicked across the field, noting a small group of students who had chosen the solo option. "About ten… eleven," he said quietly, as though counting silently in his head. His eyes paused on one figure. "Among them is Milan Axtaria."
Merlin's jaw dropped. "Milan?! The genius prince? He's going alone? That's… that's bold! And dangerous!"
Kelvin's lips twitched faintly, not quite a smile. "He is confident in his method. He will not fight recklessly but seek solutions to avoid unnecessary conflict."
Merlin's gaze scanned the crowd with renewed urgency. "All the girls… they're disappointed, aren't they? Nobody gets to pair with Milan!"
Kelvin said nothing, simply observing the expressions of those around the young prince. Some flushed with envy, some fidgeted with their robes, but none dared approach him directly.
A sudden tug on his sleeve drew Kelvin's attention. Merlin whispered hurriedly, "Kelvin… isn't that… the white-haired girl? The one who watched us before? She seems to be looking at you again."
Kelvin followed Merlin's gaze, noting the girl standing a few rows back, her pale hair flowing in the breeze and her piercing blue eyes meeting his for a brief moment.
"She is likely in a group," Kelvin replied quietly, tone calm and measured. "She does not prioritize herself above others. Leave her be. She has no ill intent toward us."
Merlin frowned, uncertainty flickering across his face, but nodded reluctantly. "Alright… if you say so. I guess we just keep an eye out."
The headmaster's staff glowed faintly, a ring of golden light appearing around him as he lifted it high. The murmurs died down instantly, replaced by the sharp anticipation of the unknown.
"Now," the headmaster announced, voice echoing across the field, "the second trial will begin. You will enter an Illusion World designed to test your adaptability, intellect, and courage. Within, you will need to navigate your way to the exit or defeat the guardian that protects this place. But take heed—the guardian is no ordinary creature. It is the King Ogre, a being of immense strength and cunning. Approach with caution, for overconfidence is as dangerous as fear."
A collective gasp swept through the students. The field felt smaller suddenly, the air tighter, as whispers spread like wildfire. Even those who had chosen to go alone looked uneasy, their earlier confidence tempered by the mention of the King Ogre.
Milan Axtaria, however, remained perfectly composed. His smirk, faint and confident, did not waver. Unlike many others, he did not intend to clash with the monster head-on. Instead, his plan would be to analyze, strategize, and find the optimal solution to escape the Illusion World unscathed. His gaze scanned the field, calculating and precise, already anticipating potential obstacles.
Merlin glanced nervously at Milan. "I… I can't believe he's not worried at all. That's… insane!"
Kelvin tilted his head slightly. "Confidence does not equate to recklessness. He understands the parameters of the trial."
Merlin, eyes wide and fidgeting slightly, muttered, "I still wouldn't want to fight that thing alone…"
Kelvin's gaze shifted back to the white-haired girl. She had stepped slightly forward, joining a small group without hesitation. Her presence radiated calm assurance, not arrogance, and Kelvin noted that she did not appear concerned with the solo participants, nor did she react to his attention.
"Focus," Kelvin said quietly to Merlin, who immediately straightened. "Observation and preparation are more valuable than impulsive action. Identify threats, identify allies, and calculate potential outcomes. That is the key to surviving this trial."
Merlin nodded vigorously, suddenly feeling the gravity of the task before them. "Right… got it, Kelvin. Observation first, then action!"
Around them, students whispered and shifted, nervous excitement mingling with apprehension. A few attempted to form groups hastily, while others, like Milan and the select solo participants, prepared themselves mentally.
Kelvin's eyes swept across the field once more, noting positions, postures, and subtle gestures. Every detail mattered—the flow of mana, the readiness of the body, the tension in their muscles. Each student's choices would shape the dynamics of the upcoming challenge.
The headmaster's voice rang once more, cutting through the field with authority. "You may enter the Illusion World now. Be mindful of your surroundings, trust your skill, and remember: strategy surpasses strength when facing the unknown. Begin."
A faint ripple of mana appeared on the field's surface, swirling into a shimmering portal. The golden glow reflected in every eye, the anticipation and fear intertwining in a tangible tension.
Kelvin exhaled softly, voice steady. "Prepare yourself, Merlin. Observation first, then execution."
Merlin's eyes sparkled with nervous excitement. "Got it! Let's do this, Kelvin!"
Kelvin's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos around them. Groups formed, whispers grew, and the solo participants—including Milan—stepped forward with confidence, determination, or calculated caution. And somewhere in the crowd, the white-haired girl moved forward with her group, her gaze fleetingly meeting Kelvin's once more before focusing ahead.
The field seemed to pulse with energy as the first students stepped into the Illusion World, the unknown awaiting them with its trials, puzzles, and the looming threat of the King Ogre.
Kelvin adjusted his stance, Merlin by his side, and without a word, they moved toward the portal, ready to face the test that awaited beyond the shimmering light.
The shimmering portal dissolved behind them with a faint pop, leaving Kelvin Reinhart and Merlin Falmuth in a landscape unlike any they had seen before. The air was thick with a faint haze, and the ground beneath them pulsed subtly as if the world itself was alive. Trees twisted in impossible angles, roots coiling like serpents across the floor, and the sky overhead was a muted crimson, streaked with lightning-like cracks of mana.
Merlin's eyes widened immediately, scanning the strange surroundings with nervous energy. "K-Kelvin… where's your sword?!" he blurted, panic rising in his voice. "Do I… do I have to protect you?! What if the King Ogre finds us first?!"
Kelvin, walking calmly beside him, didn't even glance down. His tone was steady, almost teasing in its casualness. "No need. I still have my hands, so I can punch. And… isn't there only one King Ogre? We'll manage."
Merlin froze mid-step, his mind racing. "Only… one? But are you sure we don't need a sword? I mean, it's the King Ogre! I've heard its roar is enough to paralyze people!"
Kelvin's crimson eyes scanned the surroundings with serene focus. "We will win. You will also grow stronger, and face your fears. That is the purpose of this trial."
Merlin hesitated, trying to reconcile Kelvin's calm confidence with his own rising fear. But there was something in the way Kelvin said it—something that made Merlin's heart beat faster, a mixture of awe and determination. "O-Okay… then… let's face it together!"
Kelvin simply nodded, expression unchanged, as if the words were nothing more than the obvious path forward.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Illusion World, Alicia Arclight and her companion carefully navigated a shadowed glade, crouching behind twisted roots and glowing rocks. The faint echoes of the King Ogre's distant roar vibrated through the air, sending shivers down their spines.
"This… this is impossible," Alicia whispered, her voice tight. "The sound of its roar… it's terrifying. We can't confront it directly."
Her friend, a dark-haired girl with piercing yellow eyes, shook her head. "We need a strategy. If we go head-on, we'll be crushed. Let's find another way—there must be a solution."
Alicia's mind drifted briefly, thoughts of Kelvin creeping into her concern. I wonder… how is Kelvin handling this?
Even from afar, Kelvin and Merlin were an enigma to her. Though she had not spoken to him in this trial, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was calm and prepared, far beyond the strength of the other students.
Back with Kelvin and Merlin, the two had found a small clearing where the twisted branches formed a natural shelter. Merlin reached into his magical storage, retrieving a small bundle of food he had bought earlier from the cafeteria. "I didn't think we'd need a lunch here," Kelvin said casually.
"I bought this just in case," Merlin replied, handing over a piece of bread and a few dried fruits. "Should be enough to fill our stomachs for now."
Kelvin took a piece silently, chewing slowly, his eyes scanning the terrain. "I wonder how the others are doing… Alicia and her companion, for example. They probably won't face the monster directly."
Merlin nearly choked on his own bite. "Alicia? You… know her?"
Kelvin's tone remained neutral. "Yes. Our fathers are close. Besides… both of our families rank among the top three noble houses. It's inevitable we would have met."
Merlin's shoulders tensed, and a faint green flush crept across his face. "No wonder she keeps staring at you… I admit, I'm a little jealous."
Kelvin looked at him, expression calm. "I am not interested in romance. It's of no consequence."
Merlin tilted his head, confused. "Why? Normally… most guys—"
Kelvin cut him off, voice even, deliberate. "It would only be a burden. I only wish to grow stronger. If women are strong, they will pursue power. Otherwise, they are weak and foolish. That is why I do not concern myself with them."
Merlin's face twisted in disbelief. "That… that's… incredibly harsh!"
Kelvin shrugged slightly, taking another bite of the bread. "Harsh or not, it is practical. Emotions distract from growth. Power is clarity."
Merlin muttered under his breath, partly amused and partly frustrated, "You really are strange… most men would at least care a little."
Kelvin's gaze returned to the shifting landscape, calm and unreadable. "I do not have the luxury of caring. If I were to pursue romance, it would be a weight on my shoulders, slowing my progress. I cannot afford that."
Merlin fell silent for a moment, letting Kelvin's words settle. Though he didn't fully understand his friend's mindset, he felt a strange surge of confidence. If Kelvin could think so clearly in the face of danger, then perhaps… perhaps he could follow that example.
"Alright," Merlin finally said, a renewed determination in his voice. "Then we face it together. No distractions, no fears… just focus. You lead, I'll follow."
Kelvin nodded once, almost imperceptibly, and rose to his feet. The Illusion World stretched ahead of them like a puzzle, alive and unpredictable, with twisted paths, shifting shadows, and the ever-present tension of the King Ogre lurking somewhere beyond.
Merlin adjusted his magical pack, trying to steady himself. "I… I feel nervous, but also… excited. I don't know why, but… your words… they make me want to push forward."
Kelvin didn't answer. Instead, his eyes flickered toward a distant hill, where a faint shimmer suggested movement. Something was stirring—an unnatural rhythm in the ground, a deep vibration that spoke of immense power.
"Merlin," he said calmly. "Keep your senses sharp. The King Ogre will sense us soon. Stay alert, and trust your own strength. If you hesitate, even for a moment, you could lose more than just this trial."
Merlin nodded, swallowing hard. "Understood… I trust you, Kelvin. Let's… let's do this."
From the shadows of the nearby cliffs, the faint rumble of the King Ogre echoed again, louder this time. Trees shook as if in warning. The smell of iron and earth drifted through the air. Even for those prepared, the presence was overwhelming.
Kelvin tightened his stance, fists clenching. "Do not fear the roar. It is loud, but it cannot harm us unless we allow it to. Strategy and courage surpass brute strength. We will proceed carefully, and we will emerge victorious."
Merlin drew in a shaky breath, feeling a strange mixture of dread and exhilaration. "Y-Yes… together. We'll face it… together."
Kelvin's gaze swept the horizon once more, observing subtle shifts in the terrain, noting pathways, obstacles, and potential ambush points. "The trial will test more than strength. Observation, patience, and decisiveness will determine our outcome. Remember this, Merlin: fear is a tool, not a chain. Control it, and it will serve you."
Merlin blinked at him, astonished. "I… I understand. I'll do my best, Kelvin."
Kelvin offered no response beyond a single, brief nod. Silence fell for a moment, filled only by the subtle hum of mana flowing through the Illusion World and the distant, resonating roars of the unseen King Ogre.
As they settled briefly to eat, Merlin's hands shaking slightly, Kelvin's calm composure served as an anchor. Even in the face of an opponent as terrifying as the King Ogre, Kelvin's focus and clarity inspired a confidence Merlin had never felt before.
Meanwhile, somewhere not far away, Alicia and her companion continued to study the terrain, whispering strategies, avoiding direct confrontation, and seeking paths around the monstrous threat. Alicia's thoughts drifted repeatedly to Kelvin—wishing him strength, hoping his calm and skill would see him through the trial unscathed.
And in that strange, twisted world, two different paths converged under the shadow of fear, courage, and the trials that lay ahead.
The Illusion World was gradually returning to silence. The majority of students who had entered the trial were now emerging from the shifting, treacherous landscape. Their expressions were a mixture of relief, pride, and exhaustion. Among them, Milan Axtaria walked out with his usual calm smile, unshaken and composed, the crowd parting instinctively as he passed. Even the students who had chosen to enter alone—some of the Academy's most brilliant talents—emerged without incident, their abilities allowing them to navigate the Illusion World efficiently.
Alicia Arclight and her companion appeared shortly thereafter. Both were covered in minor scratches and dirt, their expressions tense but determined. Between them, a faint aura of triumph emanated, for they had accomplished the most critical task: locating the Core of the Illusion World.
Alicia's hands glimmered as her mana flowed, her companion mirroring her movements. Together, they split the Core with precise, synchronized movements, the energy contained within the core scattering harmlessly as the world's illusion began to destabilize around them. The path back opened gradually, and they emerged from the Illusion World, breathing heavily but intact.
The instructors at the edge of the field watched closely as students returned. Their eyes followed every movement, mentally tallying the number of students who had successfully completed the trial. One instructor, his brow furrowed in concentration, asked aloud, "Is everyone out?"
Alicia stepped forward, panting lightly but composed. "Not yet," she said firmly. "There are still two who haven't emerged."
The instructors exchanged glances, quickly pulling up the roster and scanning the names of the missing students. Their expressions darkened when they saw the results. The two names at the bottom, still unaccounted for, were Kelvin Reinhart and Merlin Falmuth.
The head instructor's mind began to race. Have they encountered the King Ogre? Are they trapped? Or… have they simply been reckless? The possibilities were endless, but none of them inspired optimism. Even the most skilled students could falter under the weight of the Illusion World's challenges, and now two of the Academy's promising young talents were unaccounted for.
Alicia's calm facade began to crack slightly. A flicker of concern crossed her sharp blue eyes, her thoughts immediately turning to Kelvin. I hope he's alright… she whispered internally. He said he could handle it, but…
She remembered the calm confidence he had displayed earlier, the strange assurance in his words. Yet now, as minutes passed and the portal remained empty of their presence, doubt crept into her mind. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay composed while fear bubbled beneath the surface.
Nearby, other students were beginning to speculate. Whispers floated through the returning crowd, many wondering about the fate of the missing pair. "Do you think they fought the King Ogre?" one student murmured nervously.
Another shook her head. "I've heard that even the strongest are barely able to survive. If it was them, then… either they were foolish or incredible."
The instructors maintained a stoic appearance, but internally their thoughts were no less troubled. They had seen trials before, but the Illusion World was notorious for separating the truly capable from those who were reckless. Kelvin and Merlin's absence at this stage meant one of two things: either they had confronted the King Ogre directly and survived, or they were in grave danger.
Alicia's companion, sensing her growing tension, placed a hand on her shoulder. "We've completed our task. That's what matters for now. Let's trust them—they're skilled, and they're not reckless without reason."
Alicia nodded slowly, but her eyes remained fixed on the portal. "I know… but I can't help worrying. Kelvin… Merlin… I hope they're fine."
The instructors exchanged a silent, knowing look. One of them muttered, "Those two are unusual. Either they've already faced the King Ogre… or they're making a fatal mistake. Only time will tell."
As the minutes stretched into tense silence, the weight of uncertainty pressed down on the returning students. They had completed the trial, proven their abilities, and yet, the absence of Kelvin and Merlin cast a shadow over the success of the day. Every student who had returned now felt a faint unease, realizing that two of their peers were still navigating one of the most dangerous challenges of their early Academy careers.
Alicia's thoughts returned once again to Kelvin. He doesn't show fear… but that doesn't mean he's invincible. She tried to calm herself, drawing in deep breaths, but her worry was persistent. She silently vowed that once the trial ended, she would ensure both Kelvin and Merlin were safe, no matter what it took.
Meanwhile, the instructors remained vigilant, ready to intervene if needed, knowing that the Illusion World's traps were not entirely dismantled until every participant had emerged. The tension on the field was palpable, a quiet anticipation hanging in the air as they awaited the return of the missing two, whose absence was as mysterious as it was concerning.
And so, as the portal shimmered and the light from the Illusion World flickered faintly in the distance, the stage was set for what would inevitably be the final confrontation for Kelvin and Merlin—a confrontation that would either solidify their legendary status or challenge them in ways no other student had yet faced.