The massive bell rang across the academy grounds, its deep echo vibrating through the air.
Every student froze.
Lyra stood in the middle of the courtyard, her heart skipping a beat. Around her, hundreds of students gathered, murmuring nervously. A giant magical screen slowly rose into the air, glowing with crimson runes.
The head instructor appeared once again, his presence commanding immediate silence.
"Today," he announced coldly, "you will participate in the Hunting Game."
A forest appeared on the screen — vast, dark, and crawling with red glowing eyes.
"You will be transported into the Blackshade Forest. Your objective is simple: survive for forty-eight hours."
Gasps erupted.
"The forest is filled with magical beasts, traps, and hidden dangers. Killing is permitted. Teamwork is optional. Betrayal is expected."
His eyes swept across the terrified students.
"Those who fail will not return.
"Lyra's stomach twisted.
Before she could process his words, a magic circle flared beneath her feet. Light exploded around her.
Cold wind slammed into her face.
Lyra stumbled forward, barely catching her balance as towering black trees surrounded her.
The forest was eerily silent, broken only by distant growls.
Her heart pounded violently.
She wasn't alone.
Dozens of students had been scattered throughout the forest, each placed randomly to increase danger.
Lyra took a cautious step forward, shadows curling faintly around her fingers. The air felt heavy, thick with killing intent.
Suddenly—
A monstrous howl tore through the silence.
She spun around just as a massive wolf-like beast leaped from the shadows, its crimson eyes blazing.
Lyra reacted instinctively, summoning a shadow blade. The beast's claws clashed against her weapon, sparks flying.
Pain shot through her arms.
She staggered backward, barely dodging another strike
Focus…
Her breath came in ragged gasps.
She twisted her wrist, her shadow magic surging. The blade extended, slicing cleanly through the beast's neck.
The monster collapsed, its body dissolving into dark smoke.
Lyra dropped to her knees, shaking.
That was only the beginning.
She hadn't gone far when voices echoed ahead.
Three students emerged from behind the trees, their gazes sharp and predatory.
"Well, look what we found," one of them sneered.
"A weak F-rank."
Lyra's blood ran cold.
They circled her slowly.
"We need points," another said. "And killing students gives the most."
Her heart thundered in her ears.
Before she could react, one lunged.
Lyra barely dodged. A blade grazed her shoulder, sending searing pain through her body.
Fear surged.
Her shadow flickered violently.
The ground beneath them trembled.
The boys froze.
"What the—"
Lyra's eyes glowed faint crimson.
Power surged through her veins, wild and untamed.
The forest shook.
And deep inside her chest, something ancient stirred.