Chapter:29
A blast of blackened flame ripped across the Dominion Field, consuming everything in its path.
Stone cracked. The barrier runes sparked wildly. The summoned terrain began to collapse under the chaotic surge of clashing powers.
But at the eye of the storm—Evan stood tall.
Soul-linked to Nex, their bodies moved with perfect synchronicity. Shadows curved around his frame like a second skin, while tendrils of watery mist curled in the air, shielding him from the wild chimera's corrupt flame.
Nex, now shimmering with his partial evolution, roared—his body more draconic than ever before. The shimmering runes across his scales pulsed with ancient mana.
"Evan!" Cassia's voice broke through the noise. "The professors are coming—"
"I know," Evan growled, catching the next attack on a shield of darkness and water fused into crystalline scales.
Kyran had pulled his team back. Whatever pride or rivalry had existed between them was forgotten for the moment. His fire-drake snarled beside him, clearly unnerved by the presence of the chimera.
Lilith darted beside Evan, her cloak torn and singed, her crimson eyes burning with fury.
"That thing—it's not a summoned beast," she said. "It's… stitched magic. Blood-forged."
"I know," Evan whispered. "The Black Nest has started moving."
He held his hand forward.
And the entire battlefield began to shift.
The remains of the arena, broken and bloodied, responded to his magic. Water surged upward from cracks in the ground, laced with shimmering black mana. The earth beneath him bent subtly to his presence.
"Evan," Nex said inside his mind, "you're drawing more from me than ever before. If we go any further…"
"I know the risks."
"But it's not just about us anymore. That thing is wrong. And everyone here is watching."
"I know."
He looked to Lilith, who understood without words.
They were no longer just students.
They were becoming symbols.
⸻
The Professors' Stand – Observation Tower
Professor Thalos and Lord Gawain stood beside one another, eyes narrowed as they scanned the chaotic arena.
Professor Loreva shouted orders to the barrier mages. "Reinforce quadrant seven and eight! Prepare to cast dispel seals! If the chimera crosses the threshold, we evacuate!"
"She won't get far," Gawain murmured, watching Evan closely. "Look."
Thalos blinked as he adjusted his monocle. "…Is he soul-riding without a formal awakening?"
"Yes," Gawain replied. "And the beast… is evolving with him. This bond—it's not just compatible. It's transcendent."
"Like the ancients," Thalos whispered.
"Like the original Tamers."
⸻
Back in the Arena
The stitched beast opened its maw, unleashing a scream that shattered sound barriers. Around it, ghostly flames reached toward the students. Two support mages collapsed in fear.
Evan didn't flinch.
He leapt forward, Nex soaring beside him.
"Let's end this."
Nex's body shimmered—runes flaring brighter.
They vanished from sight—
—and appeared mid-air, just above the chimera's head.
Darkwater Spiral Fang: Piercing Heaven.
Evan and Nex unleashed a dual strike of spiraling darkness and crushing water essence, forming a drill-like lance of pure spiritual force.
It struck the chimera squarely in the core—
—and exploded.
The stitched beast shrieked, unraveling at the seams as cursed fire burst apart into raw energy. It disintegrated into ash and screams, leaving only a foul magical scar where it had stood.
Silence fell.
Evan stood at the center of the battlefield, his breathing heavy but even. Nex hovered beside him, ethereal and still glowing.
Kyran's fire-drake bowed its head slightly in respect.
Cassia, Gareth, and Silva regrouped near Evan's team, bruised but whole.
Lilith walked to Evan's side, her voice low.
"You didn't hold back."
"I couldn't," Evan murmured. "They weren't just testing strength. They were sending a message."
"And so did you," she said. "Louder."
Evan turned his head, slowly scanning the stands.
He knew.
Somewhere up there… Shade Cardinal had been watching.
Watching him.
⸻
Aftermath – Medical Bay, One Hour Later
The students were resting now, many still being healed.
Evan sat near the edge of the infirmary bed, Nex resting curled around him like a protective serpent.
Professor Gawain stepped into the room, arms crossed.
"That was reckless," he began.
Evan looked up.
"But necessary," Gawain added, sighing. "You proved something today. To the professors. To your rivals. And… to me."
Evan blinked. "To you?"
Gawain nodded. "That you're ready for the next stage."
"The next trial?"
"No," Gawain said quietly. "For what's coming beyond Aflety."
Evan's fingers tightened.
"Did you know?" he asked. "About the Black Nest?"
Gawain hesitated.
"I suspected they had infiltrated one of the rival academies. But I never imagined they'd act so openly. They've grown bold."
"Then we fight."
"You're not a soldier."
"I'm not a child either."
Gawain didn't answer immediately. But he saw the steel in Evan's eyes. The storm.
And something else—grief.
"Take your time," Gawain finally said. "There's more to this war than battle. And more to strength than victory."
He turned and left.
Evan sat back.
Nex curled closer.
Lilith entered next, holding something in her hand.
A folded letter.
"Evan," she said softly. "It's from the Emperor."
Evan took it, heart pounding.
The seal was black.
Unbroken.
The same seal that marked letters only addressed to champions of the Empire.
Evan turned it over in his hands, hesitating.
Then he looked at Lilith.
"Will you stay?"
She sat beside him. "Always."
Nex watched silently as Evan cracked the seal.
He read it.
Eyes scanning the page.
The room was silent.
And then—
His hand trembled.
Lilith's expression turned worried. "What is it?"
Evan folded the letter slowly.
"The Emperor doesn't want me to fight in this tournament," he said.
Lilith's breath caught.
"He wants me to win it…"
Evan looked up, his voice quiet.
"Because after that… he plans to name me heir to the Imperial Beast Guard."
Chapter End.
⸻