When the last candidate finished, the examiner led the group into a vast amphitheater. The silence of the place swallowed them whole as they took their seats. It felt like stepping into a different world, one where the stakes were far higher than any trial they'd faced before. The tension in the air was palpable.
Once everyone was seated, the examiner addressed them.
"Welcome, students, to Darwin Academy. I am Barno, your supervisor."
Barno's presence was commanding, his voice firm as he spoke. "Though this place bears the name of an academy, we do not train Protectors directly. You will develop your own strength through experience and discipline. Natural selection will determine who rises—and who falls."
A hushed murmur rippled through the room. It was clear that this wasn't going to be a place of handholding. Adlet felt a spark in his chest. This was what he had been looking for.
"Our role," Barno continued, "is to evaluate your progress, provide essential knowledge, and organize rank-promotion exams. These exams will determine your abilities and the kind of missions you will be assigned. You will need to be strong, resourceful, and strategic if you are to survive."
Adlet listened closely, mentally taking note of every word. Missions. Exams. Those were the key words. This place wasn't a school—it was a crucible.
Barno's gaze swept across them. "You are now apprentice Protectors. Until you reach Upper Rank 1, you cannot accept missions. You are, for now, considered to be in training."
Adlet felt his thoughts narrowing. "Upper Rank 1"—what did that mean? What came next?
Barno's tone shifted as he elaborated. "When you reach Rank 2, you will be eligible for the promotion exam. Should you pass, you will be recognized as a Confirmed Protector, with access to more dangerous missions and higher responsibility. Upon reaching Rank 3, you will be eligible for the exam to become a Master Protector. Those who are chosen will lead missions and teach the younger ranks."
Barno paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.
"And finally, Rank 4—this is the highest rank within the academy. Only the strongest reach it. Those who attain it can attempt the exam for entry into the Royal Guard, known throughout the kingdom as the Aegis. These Protectors are the elite, tasked with the most critical missions. They stand as the kingdom's first line of defense against the Apex beasts."
Adlet absorbed the words slowly, the pressure mounting with each one. The Royal Guard. The Aegis. Was that the true freedom his master had spoken of? Or was it simply another kind of cage?
Nine months. Barno's next words cut through his thoughts.
"Exams occur annually, one month after another. The last Royal Guard admissions were just last month. The next cycle begins in nine months—if you're strong enough to reach it."
A spark of determination lit in Adlet's chest. Nine months. Could he make it that far?
Barno's voice rang out once more. "From tomorrow, you are on your own to reach Upper Rank 1. You have full access to the academy's facilities, but you cannot leave until you've completed your first mission."
The following morning, the academy grounds were already alive with activity as students gathered. The sprawling fields stretched for kilometers, dotted with trees and open meadows—perfect for training. The air was thick with the scent of earth and the faintest hint of sweat.
Adlet descended the cliffside staircase toward the training grounds. A staff member's voice called out, "No fighting here. You're here to train, not to duel."
Adlet nodded, his face serious. He wasn't here for fights—at least, not yet. He had other things to prove.
He wandered deeper into the grounds, the sound of his footsteps drowned out by the murmurs of students around him. And then he noticed it—a sensation. Someone was following him.
Quickening his pace, Adlet darted off-course, weaving between trees to lose his pursuer. He glanced behind but couldn't see anyone clearly.
Minutes later, he found a secluded clearing, hidden by thick trees. It was perfect for training and, for the moment, solitude.
Adlet heard the familiar crunch of leaves behind him, and when he turned, he spotted Florian emerging from the trees. His expression was casual, but there was an edge of tension in the way he held himself.
"Adlet," Florian greeted, his voice carrying an air of nonchalance that didn't sit right with Adlet. "Haven't seen you in a while."
Adlet didn't respond immediately. He didn't fully trust Florian, but he wasn't in the mood for a confrontation either. So, instead of acknowledging him directly, he moved to the side and began pushing a large rock nearby, focusing on the simple exertion. His muscles strained as he warmed up, the weight of the stone helping to loosen his body. His Aura remained dormant—this was no challenge, just a physical routine.
Florian watched him for a moment, then stepped back to start his own warm-up. He dropped to the ground and began executing powerful leaps, his form perfect and precise, each jump more controlled than the last. It was clear that Florian was skilled, but Adlet couldn't help but wonder—was he trying to impress him, or was he simply showing off for anyone who was watching?
Adlet's focus wavered slightly, but he pushed the thoughts aside, returning to his training. The silence stretched between them, heavy and thick, as the two of them moved through their routines. Neither spoke, and neither made any real attempt to engage further.
Just as the atmosphere became heavier, four other students entered the clearing. One of them, a boy with brown hair and a grin full of arrogance, stepped forward.
"Move aside, peasants," he said, his tone dripping with contempt. His companions snickered behind him, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Florian opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the boy flicked a pebble at him. It scratched Florian's arm, the sting of it sharp.
"I am Daven Dryad," the boy said, his voice oozing superiority. "Peasants like you obey without question."
Adlet felt the anger rise in him. This was the kind of arrogance he despised. Reaching down, he grabbed a stone and hurled it at Daven.
Daven caught the stone effortlessly, crushing it in his fist, his eyes narrowing.
"Big mistake," Daven hissed, and within an instant, he lunged forward, his Aura flaring around him.
Adlet didn't hesitate. His body tensed—not in fear, but in anticipation. This time, he wouldn't run.