The gates of the E5 Safe Zone opened with a low hum, revealing the vast wilderness beyond.
Forests stretched in every direction, hills rolling gently toward the horizon, with the occasional rocky outcrop hinting at hidden dangers. The air smelled of earth and morning dew—a sharp contrast to the sterile order of the training camp behind them.
The cadets gathered near the gates, defensive bracelets snug around their wrists, energy bars strapped to their belts, and water condensers glinting under the sun. Each piece of equipment was a safeguard—and a reminder.
This trial was real.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as the elite cadets sized one another up.
"Jean's got this," one cadet murmured, glancing toward the young woman with faint flames dancing around her fingers. A fire elemental—powerful, precise. She had awakened a month ago and already possessed overwhelming offensive strength. Most believed she was the undisputed champion of this batch.
"Don't underestimate Kael," another countered.
Kael stood quietly nearby, almost invisible, his expression unreadable. A wind element swordsman. Anyone who claimed they could defeat him confidently would be lying. His strikes were blindingly fast, his movements a blur.
A third voice spoke, respect evident in the tone. "Torrin's earth element. He can tank nearly anything. High vitality. Insane endurance."
Dorian stretched his massive arms and let out a low growl. "And don't forget me. Gigantism isn't just for show. I hit like a truck. One strike, and most cadets won't even know what hit them."
Torrin said nothing.
He walked forward with measured steps, muscles taut beneath his uniform. Outwardly calm, inwardly burning. Nikks Simmons had awakened early—elemental and raw. A genius.
But Torrin would not fall behind.
Not now. Not ever.
Every strike, every movement, every trial from this day onward was preparation for the moment he would surpass him.
His eyes flicked briefly toward Jean.
I'll make you regret choosing him over me.
His fists clenched.
Sandy kept his own thoughts to himself, eyes carefully tracking each elite. His gaze lingered on Torrin for a moment. The change surprised him. Once reckless, flaunting his background to suppress others—now disciplined, controlled, mature.
People really can change fast, Sandy thought, faintly amused.
"Sandy!"
Jean waved as she approached. Over the past year, Sandy had developed a strong friendship with both Jean and Kael. The three of them trained together often.
"Look at our miss celebrity," Sandy said lightly. "A lot of people are betting you'll take this year's championship."
"They're naive," Jean replied with a smirk. "They don't see the crouching tigers hidden among them."
Kael nodded once. Sandy nodded back.
Kael had always been a man of few words. Sandy wasn't much of a talker either. That shared silence had made them good friends.
Sandy hadn't awakened.
But he had given everything for this day.
And he was ready.