Chapter 61: The Survival Trial Begins
The time for preparations had ended.
Now, it was time for war.
The Survival Trial was one of the most dangerous tests in Eldoria Academy. For seven days, fourth-year students would be sent to Titan's Isle, a mana-infused island teeming with Feral Beasts, Lesser Mana Beasts, and Greater Beasts. Somewhere deep within the island lurked a single Alpha-Class Beast, a creature powerful enough to challenge even experienced warriors.
There would be no teams. No allies. No outside assistance.
They would survive alone.
For students like Kael Veyrin and the nobles of the Seven Strongest Families, this was nothing new. They had faced mana beasts before. They had bled, fought, and survived.
For students like Mira Valcroft, however, this would be her first true encounter with the horrors of mana-infused creatures.
And for Damien Nocturne, who had spent years avoiding real combat, this was a nightmare in the making.
The Lecture Before the Trial
The grand courtyard of Eldoria Academy was packed with students. The top-ranked fourth-years stood at the front, their midnight-black uniforms with silver and blue accents setting them apart from the lower ranks.
At the center of the courtyard, two figures stood before the gathered students.
One was Headmaster Varian Drakos Eldoria, his black-and-crimson robes radiating a quiet authority that silenced even the most arrogant nobles. His golden-red eyes gleamed with the power of a man who had stood at the pinnacle of magic for decades.
The second figure, however, was just as intimidating in her own way.
Lady Seraphine Eldoria – The Royal Duelist & Fourth-Year Instructor
Seraphine Eldoria was a woman of sheer, battle-hardened elegance. Unlike the regal beauty of noble ladies, hers was the kind that had been forged in war, sharpened by years of combat.
She stood tall and imposing, her athletic yet curvaceous figure wrapped in a high-collared duelist's coat, fitted snugly around her hourglass waist and powerful thighs. The midnight-black uniform hugged her frame perfectly, the silver and blue etchings shimmering faintly with protective enchantments.
Her long, silken black hair was tied into a loose battle braid, strands falling over her sharp, aristocratic features. Piercing violet eyes—a signature of the Eldoria bloodline—held a deadly focus, the kind that had stared down both beasts and men without fear.
At her hip rested a sword of legend, Astra Tempest, a royal-crafted blade imbued with both speed and mana-infused strikes. It was rumored that she could cut through spells themselves.
Despite her beauty, there was nothing soft about her presence.
She exuded discipline, strength, and authority.
And when she spoke, her voice carried across the courtyard like a command on the battlefield.
The Headmaster's Words
Varian Drakos Eldoria surveyed the students before speaking.
"This trial is not a game," he said, his tone even yet undeniably powerful. "It is not a mere test of strength."
His golden-red eyes scanned the crowd.
"This is about survival. It is about understanding what it means to face death—alone."
A ripple of unease passed through the lower-ranked students.
"Out there, your rank does not matter. Your noble blood does not matter. Only one thing matters—can you survive?"
The weight of his words settled over the courtyard, the reality of the challenge sinking in.
Stepping forward, Seraphine Eldoria rested a gloved hand on her sword's hilt.
"There will be no teams. No rescue squads. No second chances," she said sharply.
Her violet eyes glowed faintly as she continued, voice unwavering.
"You will be sent to Titan's Isle, where you will be hunted. You will kill or be killed. Those who hesitate? They will die. Those who overestimate themselves? They will die."
She let the silence linger, her gaze unrelenting.
"This is your reality now."
Then, a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
"And if you survive? Then perhaps you're worth teaching."
Her words were not cruel. They were truth.
Kael Veyrin stood calmly, arms crossed, his crimson eyes filled with focused determination. He had already fought mana beasts before.
Lucian Eldoria barely reacted. To him, this was merely another day of training.
Darius Zephyrion cracked his knuckles. "Tch. Finally, something interesting."
Cassian Duskbane sighed dramatically. "Ugh. Why does survival have to be so exhausting?"
Leonel Faelwyn grinned. "I've tamed beasts before. This won't be a problem."
Selene Duskbane adjusted her spear. She said nothing—but her golden eyes glowed with eagerness for the challenge.
Evelyne Grimthorne smirked. "Seven days? Should've made it a month."
Mira Valcroft clenched her fists, heart pounding. This was it. This was her chance to prove she belonged.
And Damien Nocturne?
He was pale.
For the first time, there would be no illusions to hide behind.
And worst of all?
He and Mira would be alone on the same island.
A cruel smirk curled at the edge of his lips.
Perhaps… this trial would give him the perfect chance to rid himself of his greatest humiliation.
The Countdown Begins
Varian raised his hand.
"The teleportation spell will activate in ten seconds."
Seraphine smirked. "If you're scared, leave now. Otherwise—survive."
A massive magic circle formed beneath the students.
A rush of light and energy swallowed them whole.
And in the blink of an eye—
They were gone.
The Survival Trial had begun.