《Zero Skill: Rise of the Hidden Power》 Prologue: The Dawn Of Darkness The world, once a safe place for humans, was now overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Long ago, no one even imagined monsters, and the idea of a world where humans were threatened by forces from beyond was no more than a fairy tale. But everything changed when the Rift appeared¡ªa tear in the fabric of their reality. This Rift, as it was called, was not just an ordinary portal. The energy that it radiated disrupted nature, weakened magic, and granted monsters¡ªthe Feralis¡ªaccess to their world. No one knew where the Feralis came from, exactly. But the tales told by elders painted a picture of a sinister realm filled with endless darkness, where only despair and chaos existed. The Feralis, as these creatures came to be known, appeared in all shapes and sizes. Most had hides covered in scales or thick, armor-like plates that gleamed like wet stone in the moonlight. Their limbs were twisted and irregular, sometimes long and thin like branches, sometimes muscular and studded with thorns. Their eyes¡ªalways fierce and glowing, as if powered by fire itself¡ªstruck fear into every heart. And then there was their presence, an intense, oppressive aura that seemed to strangle the air itself, as if the world reacted to their mere existence. Their deep, strange mental noises awakened a sense of dread in all who were near.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. The Feralis first appeared in the deserted regions of the Borderlands. They were few in number at first, but they soon proved difficult to defeat. The more Feralis entered through the Rift, the stronger they seemed to become, spreading further and further. Wherever they appeared, the land decayed, colors faded, and even sunlight seemed dimmed by their presence. Desperate to protect their people, the kingdom acted quickly and established the Protector Academies, where young people with special gifts were trained to combat the Feralis. These gifts, known as Talents, differed from person to person: some could control the elements, others had heightened senses, or the ability to read thoughts. In a world where strength and magic became necessities, life without Talent became a curse and a burden. Chapter 1: The Shadows Descend The night began like any other. Rengard¡¯s streets were quiet, save for the soft hum of crickets in the fields. The moon hung high above the village, casting its pale light over the wooden rooftops. Jin lay in bed, staring at the ceiling of the small hut he shared with his younger sister, May. ¡°Jin,¡± May whispered, her voice barely audible over the night¡¯s stillness. She tugged at his sleeve, her wide eyes glinting in the moonlight. ¡°What is it?¡± Jin asked, suppressing a yawn. ¡°I heard something¡­ outside.¡± Jin sighed, sitting up. May¡¯s imagination often ran wild, especially after hearing Old Bram¡¯s stories of monsters and heroes. ¡°It¡¯s probably just the wind,¡± he said, ruffling her hair. A distant scream shattered the calm. Jin froze, his heart pounding. The scream was followed by another, and then a chorus of terrified cries. He scrambled to his feet, grabbing the dull knife they used for cutting vegetables. ¡°Stay here,¡± he told May, but she clung to his arm, shaking her head. ¡°No! Don¡¯t leave me!¡± The screams grew louder. Through the small window, Jin saw villagers running through the streets, their faces twisted in terror. Black shapes moved among them¡ªhulking creatures with glowing red eyes and twisted limbs. The Feralis had come.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Jin grabbed May¡¯s hand, pulling her toward the door. ¡°We have to get to the square,¡± he said, his voice trembling. ¡°The Protectors will be there.¡± ¡°But¡ª¡± ¡°No buts!¡± Jin snapped, dragging her outside. The air smelled of smoke and blood. As they ran, chaos unfolded around them. A man wielding a pitchfork tried to fend off a Feralis, only for the creature to swat him aside like a doll. Another villager hurled a fireball at one of the beasts, but it barely slowed down. The Feralis were relentless, their black, sinewy bodies immune to all but the strongest attacks. Jin¡¯s knife felt laughably inadequate. They reached the village square, where a group of Protectors had formed a defensive line. Their leader, a tall woman with a greatsword that glowed with runes, shouted orders as her team fought back. Spells lit up the night¡ªflames roared, lightning crackled, and ice formed barriers to hold back the tide of monsters. ¡°Get behind us!¡± the woman shouted as Jin and May approached. Jin obeyed, pushing May behind a barrel. ¡°Stay here and don¡¯t move,¡± he told her. ¡°What about you?¡± she asked, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you,¡± he said, though his hands trembled. The Protectors were powerful, but the Feralis were many. For every one they struck down, two more took its place. Jin watched in horror as one of the Protectors fell, their shield shattered by a monstrous claw. A Feralis broke through the line, its glowing eyes locking onto Jin. Time seemed to slow. The creature lunged, its claws outstretched. Jin raised his knife, knowing it would do little good. Just as the Feralis reached him, a blast of water struck it, sending it tumbling back. Jin turned to see a young girl with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. She held her hands outstretched, water swirling around her fingers. ¡°Run!¡± she shouted, stepping between Jin and the creature. He didn¡¯t need to be told twice. Grabbing May, he sprinted toward the edge of the square. Behind him, the battle raged on, but the Protectors were losing ground. As they reached the edge of the village, Jin looked back one last time. The square was a sea of fire and shadow, the Protectors fighting valiantly but hopelessly outnumbered. ¡°Come on!¡± May urged, pulling at his arm. With a heavy heart, Jin turned away and followed her into the night. Chapter 2: Into the Night The village was gone. Jin didn¡¯t want to look back, but his mind replayed the horror over and over again¡ªthe screams of villagers, the smell of burning wood, the unrelenting glow of red eyes in the darkness. He tightened his grip on May¡¯s hand as they stumbled through the forest, their breaths heavy and labored. ¡°Jin,¡± May whimpered, her voice cracking. ¡°I can¡¯t run anymore.¡± Jin slowed, scanning the area. The forest was dense, the moonlight barely breaking through the thick canopy. His heart still pounded, adrenaline refusing to fade. He spotted a small hollow beneath the roots of a massive tree. ¡°Here,¡± he said, pulling her toward it. ¡°We¡¯ll rest for a bit.¡± May sank to the ground, hugging her knees to her chest. Jin crouched beside her, his eyes darting toward every rustle and shadow. The Feralis could be anywhere. ¡°Why did this happen?¡± May asked, her voice trembling. ¡°Why us?¡± Jin didn¡¯t have an answer. The Feralis attacks had always been stories¡ªdistant threats that the Protectors handled. Rengard was supposed to be safe, tucked away from the Rift. ¡°Jin...¡± May¡¯s voice was barely a whisper. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked, turning to her. Her eyes were wide, staring over his shoulder. Slowly, Jin turned. A pair of red eyes glowed in the darkness. Jin¡¯s breath caught. The Feralis creature stepped into the moonlight, its black, sinewy body gleaming. It was smaller than the ones in the village but no less menacing. Its clawed hands flexed, and a low growl rumbled from its throat. ¡°Stay behind me,¡± Jin said, rising to his feet and gripping his dull knife. His hands shook, but he refused to show fear. The Feralis lunged. Jin barely managed to sidestep, swinging his knife wildly. The blade grazed the creature¡¯s arm, but it barely reacted. It turned with alarming speed, swiping at Jin. He raised his arm to block, the claws tearing through his sleeve and scraping his skin.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Jin!¡± May screamed. Jin stumbled back, his mind racing. The creature advanced, its glowing eyes locked onto him. He couldn¡¯t win. Not like this. ¡°Run, May!¡± he shouted, trying to draw the Feralis¡¯s attention. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you!¡± she cried, tears streaming down her face. The Feralis lunged again, but this time, a blinding flash of light erupted between them. Jin shielded his eyes, the roar of the creature turning into a high-pitched shriek. When the light faded, the Feralis was gone¡ªreduced to ash. Jin turned to see a group of figures emerging from the shadows. They wore uniforms with gleaming silver armor, their weapons glowing faintly in the moonlight. ¡°Protectors,¡± Jin breathed, relief washing over him. The leader, a tall woman with short, fiery red hair, stepped forward. She held a staff, its tip still glowing from the spell she had cast. ¡°Are you two all right?¡± she asked, her voice firm but kind. Jin nodded, though his legs felt weak. ¡°Y-Yes. Thank you.¡± ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± she asked, her sharp eyes scanning the area. ¡°The village is under attack.¡± ¡°Our village...¡± Jin¡¯s voice faltered. ¡°Rengard. It¡¯s gone.¡± The woman¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She gestured to her team. ¡°We¡¯re sweeping the area for survivors. You¡¯ll come with us.¡± Jin hesitated. The Protectors were legendary figures, but standing before them now, he felt small and helpless. ¡°Do you have family?¡± the woman asked, her tone gentle. Jin glanced at May, who clung to his side. ¡°Just us,¡± he said. The woman nodded. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. I promise.¡± __________________________________________ By dawn, they reached a fortified outpost on the edge of the forest. The Protectors ushered Jin and May inside, where other survivors from Rengard huddled together. The red-haired woman, who introduced herself as Captain Mira, approached Jin with a small pouch. ¡°Here,¡± she said, handing it to him. ¡°It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯ll help you get by.¡± Jin opened the pouch to find a few coins and a small crystal. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, holding up the crystal. ¡°A Focus Shard,¡± Mira explained. ¡°It helps channel magic. If your Talent awakens, you¡¯ll need it.¡± Jin stared at the shard, its surface glowing faintly. ¡°What if I don¡¯t have a Talent?¡± Mira¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Everyone has potential, Jin. Sometimes it just takes longer to find it.¡± Jin nodded, though doubt gnawed at him. As the Protectors prepared to move out again, Mira placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Stay strong,¡± she said. ¡°The academy will be a new beginning for you and your sister.¡± Jin watched as she and her team disappeared into the forest. He clenched the Focus Shard tightly, determination replacing his fear. ¡°A new beginning,¡± he murmured. For the first time since the attack, he allowed himself to hope. Chapter 3: The Road to the Academy The group trudged through the forest, its ancient trees casting long shadows over the narrow path. Despite the protective wards etched into the trees by the Protectors, tension hung heavy in the air. The cries of cicadas and rustling leaves seemed almost deafening in the silence of their march. Jin kept his focus on the path ahead, one hand gripping the small knife he had taken from his home. Beside him, May clutched her blanket, her eyes wide as she glanced nervously at the dark woods surrounding them. ¡°Stay close to me,¡± Jin murmured. He wasn¡¯t sure if his words were meant to comfort May or himself. ¡°Alright, listen up!¡± Lian¡¯s voice cut through the silence. The Protector turned to face the group, his silver armor glinting in the faint sunlight filtering through the canopy. ¡°We¡¯ve got a few hours until we reach the next safe point. Stay sharp and don¡¯t wander off. The wards around this path aren¡¯t foolproof.¡± ¡°What happens if the wards fail?¡± a boy from another village asked, his voice trembling. ¡°Then you¡¯ll see what it¡¯s like to fight a Feralis up close,¡± Lian said, his tone serious. ¡°Trust me, you don¡¯t want that.¡± As the group murmured nervously, Jin raised his hand. ¡°Protector Lian,¡± he called out. ¡°Why do the Feralis attack people? What do they want?¡± Lian paused, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Good question, kid. The Feralis are drawn to Rift energy, and unfortunately for us, humans carry traces of that energy. It¡¯s why they target towns and villages near the Rift.¡± ¡°But why now?¡± Jin pressed. ¡°Why attack Rengard after all this time?¡± Lian sighed. ¡°We don¡¯t know for sure. Maybe the Rift¡¯s growing stronger, or maybe something¡¯s driving them out. Either way, it¡¯s our job to stop them.¡± As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in deep orange and purple hues, the group stumbled upon a clearing. Lian motioned for everyone to stop. ¡°We¡¯ll set up camp here for the night,¡± he announced. The recruits quickly began unpacking their supplies, while Lian and a few others carved protective runes into the surrounding trees. Jin and May huddled together near the central fire, their small bundle of belongings at their feet.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll make it?¡± May asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Jin nodded firmly. ¡°We have to.¡± Suddenly, a distant growl broke the silence. Jin¡¯s heart leapt into his throat as the sound grew closer. Lian was on his feet in an instant, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. ¡°Stay by the fire!¡± he barked. From the shadows, two figures emerged¡ªTier One Feralis, their black, sinewy bodies glinting in the firelight. Their glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and a guttural snarl escaped their throats. ¡°Defensive positions!¡± Lian shouted. The Protectors moved swiftly, forming a protective circle around the recruits. Jin grabbed May¡¯s hand and pulled her closer to the fire, his knife trembling in his grip. One of the Feralis lunged, but Lian was ready. With a fluid motion, he drew his sword and slashed through the air, releasing a wave of fire that engulfed the creature. It let out a piercing screech before collapsing into ash. The second Feralis was more cunning. It darted around the circle, looking for an opening. One of the recruits, a boy no older than sixteen, panicked and broke formation. ¡°No!¡± Lian roared, but it was too late. The Feralis pounced, its claws aimed at the boy¡¯s chest. At the last second, a spear of ice shot through the air, piercing the creature¡¯s side. It fell to the ground with a thud, its body twitching before going still. The recruit who had cast the spell stepped forward, her hands trembling. ¡°I-I got it,¡± she stammered. ¡°Good work,¡± Lian said, though his voice carried an edge of frustration. He turned to the boy who had broken formation. ¡°You could¡¯ve gotten yourself killed¡ªor worse, someone else.¡± The boy nodded, his face pale. After the fight, the group gathered around the fallen Feralis. One of the Protectors knelt beside the creature and pried a glowing, jagged crystal from its chest. ¡°Tier One Core,¡± she announced, holding it up for everyone to see. Jin stared at the glowing object, his curiosity piqued. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Feralis Core,¡± Lian explained, taking the crystal. ¡°When a Feralis dies, it leaves behind this¡ªa concentrated form of Rift energy. The stronger the Feralis, the more powerful the Core.¡± ¡°What do you do with them?¡± Jin asked. ¡°Lots of things,¡± Lian replied. ¡°Cores can be used to power wards, craft magical items, or even enhance Talents. But be careful¡ªmishandling one can be dangerous.¡± Lian tossed the Core to Jin. ¡°Here, take it. Consider it a souvenir.¡± Jin caught it, feeling the faint warmth radiating from the crystal. It was both beautiful and unsettling, a reminder of the creature they had just faced. By the time dawn broke, the group had reached the edge of the forest. Beyond the trees, a massive fortress rose into view. The Protector Academy stood tall and imposing, its stone walls glinting in the morning sun. Towers spiraled into the sky, and banners bearing the academy¡¯s crest fluttered in the breeze. ¡°Welcome to the Protector Academy,¡± Lian said, a hint of pride in his voice. ¡°This is where your real journey begins.¡± Jin tightened his grip on the Feralis Core as they crossed the bridge leading to the main gate. His heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. He didn¡¯t know what awaited him in the academy, but one thing was certain¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford to fail. Chapter 4: Arrival at the Academy Jin¡¯s breath hitched as the gates to the Protector Academy creaked open, revealing the sprawling expanse of the fortress. Rows of buildings made from pristine white stone lined cobbled streets. Students in neatly pressed uniforms walked in groups, some practicing spells in designated courtyards, while others carried stacks of books to the central library. The sound of clashing weapons echoed in the distance, mixing with bursts of elemental magic lighting up the sky. ¡°Alright, recruits,¡± Lian said, motioning the group forward. ¡°This is where you¡¯ll live, train, and learn to protect this world. Some of you might not make it past the first year, so I suggest you take everything seriously.¡± Jin¡¯s stomach churned at Lian¡¯s words, but he swallowed hard, clutching May¡¯s hand. ¡°Where do we go first?¡± Jin asked, glancing at the towering spires and fortified walls around them. ¡°You¡¯ll be sorted into dormitories and assigned mentors,¡± Lian explained. ¡°But first, the Initiation Ceremony. That¡¯s where you¡¯ll pledge your commitment to becoming Protectors.¡±The recruits were led to a massive amphitheater at the heart of the academy. The space was open to the sky, with rows of seats forming a semi-circle around a raised platform. At the center of the platform stood a crystalline orb the size of a man¡¯s torso, pulsing faintly with blue light. ¡°This,¡± Lian said, pointing to the orb, ¡°is the Core of Truth. During the ceremony, each of you will place your hand on it. It will reveal your potential, including your Talent, if you have one.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The group murmured nervously. Jin¡¯s chest tightened. He had heard about Talents¡ªunique abilities that made Protectors stand out in battle. What if the Core revealed he didn¡¯t have one? One by one, the recruits stepped forward, placing their hands on the orb. A girl with short, red hair approached first. When she touched the Core, a burst of flame erupted around her hand. ¡°Pyromancy,¡± an instructor announced. The girl beamed and stepped aside. Next came a boy who summoned a shimmering shield of light, earning murmurs of approval from the crowd. When Jin¡¯s turn came, he hesitated. He glanced at May, who gave him a small, encouraging nod. Steeling himself, he approached the Core and placed his hand on its smooth surface. The orb pulsed. A faint light flickered within, then faded. Silence fell over the amphitheater. ¡°No recorded Talent,¡± the instructor declared. Jin¡¯s heart sank as the murmurs started¡ªwhispers of disbelief and pity. He pulled his hand away and retreated to the edge of the platform, his face burning with shame. After the ceremony, the recruits were divided into dormitories. Jin was assigned to the Initiates¡¯ Wing¡ªa section of the academy reserved for those still awaiting the manifestation of their Talents. The building was smaller and less ornate than the other wings, but it was still impressive compared to his home in Rengard. His room was simple but comfortable, with a single bed, a wooden desk, and a small wardrobe. As Jin unpacked, the door creaked open, and a tall boy with dark hair stepped inside. ¡°You must be Jin,¡± the boy said, offering a hand. ¡°Name¡¯s Ryen. Looks like we¡¯re roommates.¡± Jin shook his hand, grateful for the friendly introduction. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Ryen dropped his bag on the bed and stretched. ¡°So, what¡¯s your Talent?¡± Jin hesitated. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have one.¡± Ryen raised an eyebrow. ¡°Really? Guess that makes two of us.¡± Jin blinked. ¡°You don¡¯t have a Talent either?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Ryen admitted. ¡°But I plan to change that. They say some people manifest their Talent after intense training or dangerous situations. Maybe we¡¯ll get lucky.¡± Chapter 5: First Days of Training The first morning at the Protector Academy began with a sharp knock on the door. ¡°Wake up, Initiates! Training starts in thirty minutes!¡± Jin groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Ryen, already halfway into his uniform, tossed a pillow at him. ¡°Come on, Jin. You don¡¯t want to be late on the first day.¡± The recruits gathered at the training grounds, a sprawling field surrounded by towering stone walls. The cool morning air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and metal. Arla, their instructor, stood at the center of the field, her arms crossed over her chest. ¡°Listen up,¡± she barked. ¡°The life of a Protector isn¡¯t glamorous. You¡¯ll be pushed to your limits¡ªphysically, mentally, and magically. If you can¡¯t keep up, you¡¯ll fail. Simple as that.¡± She gestured toward a series of obstacle courses. ¡°We¡¯ll begin with endurance training. Complete this course three times. Climbing walls, rope swings, balance beams¡ªif you fall, you start over.¡± The recruits exchanged nervous glances. Jin clenched his fists, determination surging through him. The course was brutal. By the second lap, Jin¡¯s muscles burned, and his breath came in ragged gasps. The walls were slick, the ropes rough against his palms, and the balance beams swayed with every step. He slipped twice, earning himself jeers from a few recruits, but Ryen¡¯s encouraging shout kept him going. ¡°Don¡¯t give up, Jin!¡± By the end of the exercise, Jin collapsed onto the ground, drenched in sweat but relieved to have finished. After a short break, the recruits were taken to the sparring rings. Rows of weapon racks lined the area, holding wooden swords, spears, and shields. ¡°Pair up!¡± Arla ordered. Jin found himself standing across from Ryen again. This time, Arla walked between the pairs, correcting stances and giving advice. ¡°Protectors don¡¯t just swing wildly,¡± she explained. ¡°You need precision, timing, and strategy. Anticipate your opponent¡¯s movements and strike where they¡¯re vulnerable.¡± Ryen grinned, raising his wooden sword. ¡°Ready for round two?¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Jin nodded, adjusting his grip. This time, he focused on his footing and kept his guard up. When Ryen lunged, Jin sidestepped and countered with a quick jab to Ryen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Not bad,¡± Ryen said, stepping back. ¡°You¡¯re learning.¡± By the end of the session, Jin had a few bruises but also a newfound confidence. The recruits were led to one of the academy¡¯s towering lecture halls, where they took their seats in rows of polished wooden desks. The room was illuminated by floating orbs of light, and intricate diagrams of magical symbols were etched into the walls. Their instructor, a bespectacled man named Professor Thalos, stood at the front. He adjusted his glasses and tapped a glowing staff on the floor, commanding the attention of the room. ¡°Magic,¡± he began, his voice steady and measured, ¡°is the manipulation of Rift energy. This energy flows through all living things and the very fabric of our world. Protectors are trained to harness this energy through Talents or structured spells.¡± Thalos waved his hand, and a glowing model of a Feralis appeared in the air. Its skeletal structure shimmered as he spoke. ¡°Feralis are creatures born of corrupted Rift energy. They attack because they crave more energy to sustain themselves. This is why they target humans and settlements¡ªour bodies naturally resonate with Rift energy.¡± Jin scribbled notes furiously, fascinated by the professor¡¯s words. ¡°The Cores you¡¯ve heard about,¡± Thalos continued, ¡°are concentrated forms of this energy. Depending on the tier of the Feralis, these Cores can be used in various applications, from crafting enchanted items to bolstering protective wards.¡± He glanced around the room. ¡°But beware¡ªhandling Cores carelessly can lead to disaster. You¡¯ll learn more about their uses and dangers in later lessons.¡± After the lecture, the recruits were taken to an open courtyard lined with runes carved into the stone floor. ¡°For those of you with Talents,¡± an instructor called out, ¡°this is your chance to refine them. For those without, don¡¯t fret. You¡¯ll be learning the basics of elemental manipulation, which can be achieved with focus and discipline.¡± Jin joined a group practicing basic spells. They were given small crystal rods to channel energy, and their task was to create a spark of light. ¡°Focus your mind,¡± the instructor said. ¡°Feel the energy around you and will it into existence.¡± Jin held the rod tightly, his brow furrowed in concentration. Around him, other recruits managed faint flickers of light, but his rod remained dull. ¡°Don¡¯t force it,¡± the instructor advised. ¡°Energy flows naturally. Find the rhythm.¡± Taking a deep breath, Jin cleared his mind and tried again. This time, a faint glow appeared at the tip of the rod. It was weak compared to the others, but it was a start. As the day wound down, Jin and Ryen returned to their dormitory. Exhaustion weighed on Jin¡¯s limbs, but his mind buzzed with everything he had learned. ¡°What did you think of the magic lessons?¡± Ryen asked, flopping onto his bed. Jin smiled faintly. ¡°It was¡­ hard. But interesting. I just wish I could¡¯ve done more.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll get there,¡± Ryen said. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve got something better than talent¡ªyou¡¯ve got grit.¡± Jin glanced at the Feralis Core on his desk, its faint glow a constant reminder of what he was up against. He didn¡¯t have a Talent, but he had something just as valuable: the drive to succeed. As he drifted off to sleep, Jin resolved to push himself harder. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he would face them head-on. Chapter 6: Bonds Forged in Trials Jin awoke to the now-familiar sound of the academy bell echoing through the halls, signaling the start of another day. His muscles ached from the previous day¡¯s training, but he forced himself out of bed, unwilling to fall behind. Across the room, Ryen groaned, stretching as he sat up. ¡°Another day in paradise,¡± Ryen said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Jin managed a smile. ¡°At least we survived yesterday.¡± Ryen chuckled, throwing on his uniform. ¡°Barely. Let¡¯s see what fresh hell they have in store for us today.¡± The recruits gathered in the mess hall for breakfast, a bustling space filled with the clatter of plates and the hum of chatter. Jin loaded his tray with a simple meal of bread, fruit, and porridge before joining Ryen at a table. The two were soon joined by Lira, a soft-spoken girl with striking violet eyes, and Corin, a brash young man who always had a sly grin. ¡°Did you hear?¡± Corin asked, leaning in conspiratorially. ¡°They¡¯re bringing out the elemental wards today.¡± Lira¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Already? I thought that was for advanced recruits.¡± ¡°Apparently, they¡¯re testing a new batch,¡± Corin said. ¡°Word is, some of us might get a chance to use them.¡± Jin exchanged a glance with Ryen, who shrugged. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± The first session of the day was held in the training grounds, where Instructor Arla awaited them with her usual stern demeanor. Behind her stood a series of wooden platforms, each encircled by glowing runes. ¡°These are elemental wards,¡± Arla explained. ¡°They create controlled environments infused with elemental energy. Today, you will face the Trials of Endurance. Each ward will test your ability to adapt and survive against a specific element. Those who excel may earn recognition from their mentors.¡± The recruits murmured among themselves, a mix of excitement and apprehension. ¡°Step forward when your name is called,¡± Arla continued. ¡°Failure to complete a trial will not disqualify you but may impact your assessment.¡± One by one, recruits were called to the platforms. Lira went first, stepping into a ward glowing with blue light. A surge of water erupted around her, forming a swirling vortex. She moved gracefully, her hands tracing patterns in the air as she directed the water away from her body. When the trial ended, she emerged soaked but smiling. Corin¡¯s trial involved a ward of fire, its searing heat causing him to sweat profusely as he dodged bursts of flame. He stumbled but managed to endure, earning a nod of approval from Arla. When Jin¡¯s name was called, his heart pounded. He stepped onto a platform encased in green light. The moment he entered, gusts of wind roared to life, buffeting him from all directions. Leaves and debris swirled in the air, obscuring his vision. Jin struggled to keep his footing, his mind racing. ¡°Focus,¡± he whispered to himself, recalling the advice from his earlier lessons. ¡°Find the rhythm.¡± He planted his feet firmly, lowering his center of gravity. Instead of fighting the wind, he moved with it, adjusting his stance to maintain balance. By the end of the trial, he was exhausted but standing tall. Arla¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but Jin thought he saw a flicker of approval in her eyes as he stepped down. The afternoon brought a lecture on Riftology, held in a grand hall filled with glowing diagrams of Feralis and Rift structures. Professor Thalos stood at the front, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room. ¡°As we discussed yesterday, Rift energy is the foundation of magic and the source of the Feralis¡¯ power,¡± Thalos began. ¡°Today, we will delve deeper into its applications and the role of Feralis Cores.¡± He gestured, and an image of a shimmering Core appeared in the air. ¡°Feralis Cores come in tiers, determined by the strength and age of the creature they are harvested from. Lower-tier Cores are common among young Feralis and are primarily used for basic enchantments. Higher-tier Cores, however, possess immense power and are invaluable for crafting advanced magical items.¡± A student raised her hand. ¡°How are the tiers classified?¡± ¡°Excellent question,¡± Thalos replied. ¡°Cores are classified into five tiers: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. The glow and size of the Core often indicate its tier, but precise identification requires magical examination.¡± He then expanded on how Cores could be used in practical applications. ¡°For example, a Common Core may be used to fuel a basic illumination charm, while a Legendary Core could power an entire city¡¯s defensive barrier. However, such power comes at a cost. Mishandling these artifacts can lead to catastrophic failures, including explosions of Rift energy.¡± The class listened intently as Thalos demonstrated a controlled discharge of energy from a simulated Core. The brilliant burst of light left many recruits in awe, including Jin, who furiously jotted down notes. Following the lecture, the recruits were taken to a courtyard equipped with specialized stations for practicing spellcasting. Each station featured enchanted materials designed to react to magical energy. ¡°Today,¡± said an instructor named Zayla, ¡°you will focus on the basics of channeling Rift energy through physical mediums. These rods,¡± she held up a crystal wand, ¡°are attuned to elemental forces and will help you control the energy flow.¡± Jin¡¯s group was tasked with manipulating fire through the rods. The objective was to generate a controlled flame without letting it grow too large or burn out prematurely. ¡°Remember,¡± Zayla said, ¡°fire is both a tool and a danger. Control is everything.¡± Jin held the rod tightly, concentrating as he had during the previous day¡¯s lessons. A tiny spark flickered at the tip, and he grinned in triumph. But as he focused harder, the flame sputtered and died. ¡°Relax,¡± Zayla advised, watching his efforts. ¡°Energy flows best when guided, not forced. Imagine the fire as an extension of your will.¡± Taking a deep breath, Jin tried again. This time, a steady flame emerged, dancing gently at the rod¡¯s tip. He glanced at Ryen, who was struggling to ignite his own rod, and offered a reassuring nod. Nearby, Lira was excelling with water manipulation, creating intricate shapes from a small pool provided at her station. Corin, meanwhile, was wrestling with earth magic, a task that required immense focus and physical effort.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Between classes, the recruits moved through the sprawling academy grounds. Pathways lined with glowing crystals connected the lecture halls, training grounds, and dormitories. Jin took in the sights as they walked: the towering spires of the main hall, the shimmering barrier that surrounded the academy, and the occasional flashes of magic from upper-class students practicing advanced techniques. ¡°It still feels unreal,¡± Jin said to Ryen as they crossed a bridge overlooking a tranquil pond. ¡°What does?¡± Ryen asked, adjusting the strap of his satchel. ¡°Being here. Learning magic. A month ago, I was just a farmer¡¯s son.¡± Ryen smirked. ¡°And now you¡¯re battling elemental forces. Don¡¯t let it go to your head.¡± Lira caught up to them, her face flushed from the brisk walk. ¡°Are you two ready for combat drills? I heard they¡¯re pairing us up today.¡± Corin appeared moments later, his usual grin in place. ¡°Finally, a chance to show off my moves. Try not to get jealous.¡± After a long day of training and lectures, Jin returned to the dormitory with Ryen. The two collapsed onto their beds, too tired to speak. After a few minutes of silence, Ryen broke the quiet. ¡°You did well today,¡± he said, his voice muffled by his pillow. Jin turned his head. ¡°Thanks. So did you.¡± Ryen chuckled. ¡°Barely. That fire ward almost fried me.¡± The door creaked open, and Lira and Corin entered, carrying a small box. Lira smiled shyly. ¡°We thought you two might want to join us for a snack.¡± Jin sat up, surprised but grateful. The four recruits gathered around the box, which contained a modest assortment of bread and fruit. As they ate, they shared stories about their hometowns and their reasons for joining the academy. ¡°I want to protect my village,¡± Lira said softly. ¡°The Feralis took everything from us. I won¡¯t let it happen again.¡± Corin¡¯s grin faded slightly. ¡°I¡¯m here for the challenge. If I¡¯m going to risk my life, I might as well be the best.¡± When it was Jin¡¯s turn, he hesitated. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have a Talent. But I¡¯m here because I want to make a difference. I can¡¯t let the Feralis win.¡± Ryen clapped him on the back. ¡°Well said. We¡¯ll all get stronger together.¡± Later that night, Jin sat by the window, holding the Feralis Core in his hand. Its faint glow pulsed softly, almost as if it were alive. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it was waiting for something¡ªor someone. He traced his fingers along the smooth, crystalline surface, trying to make sense of its mysteries. The events of the day replayed in his mind¡ªthe trials, the lessons, the camaraderie with his teammates. For all the academy''s challenges, he felt an undeniable sense of purpose. But beneath it all, a lingering doubt gnawed at him. Would his efforts be enough? Could someone like him¡ªsomeone without a natural Talent¡ªtruly stand against the Feralis? A soft knock on the door broke his train of thought. Lira stood in the doorway, her violet eyes reflecting the dim moonlight. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep?¡± she asked. Jin shook his head. ¡°Just thinking. It¡¯s hard to stop.¡± She stepped into the room, her gaze falling on the Core in his hand. ¡°The Feralis Cores... they¡¯re strange, aren¡¯t they? So much power trapped in such a small thing.¡± ¡°Do you ever wonder what it¡¯s all for?¡± Jin asked, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Why they come after us? Why we fight?¡± Lira nodded, sitting beside him. ¡°All the time. But I think that¡¯s what makes us human¡ªwe fight because we have to, even when we don¡¯t have all the answers.¡± Her words lingered in the air, a comforting balm to Jin¡¯s restless thoughts. For a moment, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, offering her a small smile. Lira returned the smile, standing up to leave. ¡°Get some rest, Jin. Tomorrow¡¯s another battle.¡± As she closed the door behind her, Jin stared out at the academy grounds, now bathed in silver moonlight. Somewhere out there, the Feralis were gathering, their dark presence a constant threat. But for the first time, Jin felt a flicker of determination. The journey was far from over, but he wasn¡¯t alone. And as long as he had his friends¡ªand this strange, glowing Core¡ªthere was hope. With that thought, he placed the Core on his bedside table and climbed into bed. Sleep came easily, and for the first time in weeks, his dreams were not of fear, but of possibility. The next morning, Jin found himself in the grand library hall, a place of quiet reverence filled with towering shelves of books and scrolls. Magical luminescence floated through the air, casting a soft glow over the room. The recruits were divided into smaller groups for a session on magical theory with Professor Altheris, a stern-looking man with sharp features and piercing eyes. ¡°Magic is not merely a tool,¡± Altheris began, his voice steady and authoritative. ¡°It is a manifestation of intent and understanding. To wield it effectively, you must comprehend its underlying principles.¡± He gestured, and glowing symbols appeared in the air, each representing one of the primary elemental affinities. ¡°Every magical act involves the interplay of energy, willpower, and the medium. For instance, fire is aggressive and unyielding, but it can also be gentle, like a candle¡¯s flame. Your task is to study its dual nature.¡± Altheris assigned each group a tome containing foundational magical texts. Jin¡¯s group was tasked with analyzing the properties of water magic. Lira quickly immersed herself in the text, her eyes scanning line after line with precision. Ryen looked less enthused, leaning back in his chair while twirling a pen. ¡°Water is adaptive,¡± Lira read aloud, ¡°capable of healing and destruction. Its strength lies in fluidity and persistence.¡± Jin nodded. ¡°That makes sense. It¡¯s not about brute force but how you direct it.¡± Ryen smirked. ¡°Still doesn¡¯t explain how I keep flooding my practice station.¡± The group laughed, and even Lira cracked a small smile. After the theory class, the recruits headed to the training arena, where Instructor Arla awaited them with her usual stern expression. ¡°Today, we¡¯ll focus on team coordination,¡± she announced. ¡°The battlefield is unpredictable. Success often depends on how well you work with others.¡± She divided the recruits into teams of four and led them to a simulated battlefield. Magical constructs resembling low-tier Feralis prowled the field, their glowing eyes and menacing forms adding a layer of realism to the exercise. Jin¡¯s team¡ªcomposed of himself, Ryen, Lira, and Corin¡ªwas tasked with defending a magical relic from waves of constructs. Each member was assigned a role: Jin as the strategist, Lira as the support mage, Ryen as the defender, and Corin as the primary attacker. ¡°Stick to the plan,¡± Jin said as they positioned themselves. ¡°Ryen, hold the front. Lira, keep us reinforced. Corin, look for openings to strike.¡± The first wave came swiftly, three wolf-like constructs darting toward them. Ryen raised his shield, deflecting a lunging attack, while Corin dashed to the side, his enchanted blade slicing through one construct. Lira chanted softly, her spell weaving a protective barrier around the team. Jin watched intently, calling out adjustments. ¡°Corin, left flank! Lira, strengthen Ryen¡¯s shield!¡± As the waves increased in difficulty, the team began to gel. By the final wave, they were moving in unison, their combined efforts dismantling the constructs with precision. Arla observed from the sidelines, her sharp eyes missing nothing. ¡°Not bad,¡± she said when they finished, a rare hint of approval in her voice. ¡°But remember, real enemies won¡¯t be so predictable.¡± The afternoon brought another practical session, this time focusing on advanced elemental manipulation. The recruits were grouped by their elemental affinities and given new challenges designed to test their growing abilities. Jin¡¯s task involved manipulating wind to create precise currents capable of carrying small objects. The goal was to guide a floating crystal orb through a series of obstacles. It was far harder than it sounded. ¡°Focus on the flow,¡± Zayla advised as she passed by. ¡°Feel the air as an extension of yourself.¡± Jin closed his eyes, tuning out the chatter around him. He concentrated on the faint breeze against his skin, envisioning it wrapping around the orb. Slowly, the orb began to move, weaving through the obstacles with increasing stability. Nearby, Lira was excelling with water magic, forming intricate bridges of ice over a pool. Ryen struggled with fire manipulation, his flames flickering wildly. Corin, as usual, found creative ways to bend the rules, using earth magic to build a shortcut through his task. The day¡¯s lessons left Jin mentally and physically drained, but he couldn¡¯t shake the sense of accomplishment. Sitting by the dormitory window, he watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the academy in hues of orange and gold. Ryen flopped onto his bed with a groan. ¡°If this is what it takes to be a protector, I¡¯m starting to think the Feralis might not be so bad.¡± Jin laughed. ¡°You¡¯re just mad because you scorched your robes.¡± ¡°It was a tactical choice,¡± Ryen retorted, grinning. ¡°Gotta keep the enemies guessing.¡± Lira entered the room carrying a small vial of glowing liquid. ¡°This might help with the burns,¡± she said softly, handing it to Ryen. ¡°Thanks, Lira,¡± Ryen said, his usual bravado giving way to genuine gratitude. As the four of them settled in for the night, Jin reflected on how far they had come. The academy was grueling, but it was also forging them into something more. For the first time since leaving home, he felt a glimmer of hope¡ªa belief that they might one day stand against the Feralis and win. Chapter 7: Testing the Bonds The sharp clang of the academy bell pierced the stillness of early morning, its relentless echo bouncing off the cold stone walls of the dormitory. Jin stirred reluctantly from his thin mattress, groaning as soreness spread through his muscles from the previous day¡¯s training. He rubbed his eyes and stared at the ceiling, mentally preparing for another day of trials. Ryen, as always, was less enthused. He turned away from the sound, dragging his blanket over his head. ¡°Five more minutes,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Not unless you want to run laps as punishment,¡± Jin said, tugging at the blanket. Ryen groaned loudly but sat up, his hair sticking up in wild angles. ¡°This place doesn¡¯t believe in mercy, does it?¡± ¡°Not for recruits,¡± Jin replied, grinning. ¡°Now get moving.¡± They dressed quickly, falling into the rhythm of their morning routine. Jin¡¯s thoughts, however, were elsewhere¡ªon the announcement from last night: Midterm Evaluations. It was all anyone could talk about at dinner, and the anxiety in the dorm had been palpable even after lights-out. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking again,¡± Ryen said, catching Jin staring blankly at his boots. ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± Jin admitted. ¡°These evaluations could decide everything. What if¡ª¡± Ryen clapped him on the shoulder, cutting him off. ¡°What if you crush it? Which you will. Now let¡¯s go before Arla hunts us down.¡± The recruits assembled in the sparring arena, a circular space lined with enchanted runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Instructor Arla stood in the center, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She wore her signature scowl, her arms crossed in a way that promised no leniency. ¡°Today¡¯s evaluation,¡± she began, her voice commanding silence, ¡°focuses on combat proficiency. Your task is to neutralize your opponent using any means necessary¡ªmagic, strategy, or physical skill. Remember, this isn¡¯t about brute strength but execution.¡± A ripple of unease moved through the recruits. Jin clenched his fists, determined not to let his nerves show. Names were called one by one, and each duel brought cheers, groans, or tense silence from the sidelines. When Jin¡¯s name was announced alongside Maric¡¯s, a collective murmur swept through the crowd. Maric was a top-tier recruit, known for his speed and precision with lightning magic. As Jin stepped into the ring, he focused on steadying his breathing. Across from him, Maric gave a cocky smirk, twirling his staff with practiced ease. ¡°Ready to lose, farm boy?¡± Maric taunted. Jin ignored him, gripping his staff tightly. When the signal to begin was given, Maric struck immediately, a bolt of lightning arcing toward Jin. He barely dodged, the heat crackling past his ear. Maric pressed the attack, his strikes relentless and precise. Jin struggled to keep up, dodging and blocking as best he could. But then he noticed something¡ªMaric¡¯s rhythm. Each strike was preceded by a subtle shift in his stance. Jin decided to gamble. When the next strike came, he sidestepped and swept his staff upward, disarming Maric with a sharp motion. The other boy stumbled, and Jin didn¡¯t hesitate. He pointed his staff directly at Maric¡¯s chest, signaling the end of the match. The crowd erupted into cheers and surprised murmurs. Maric scowled but said nothing as he retrieved his staff.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Instructor Arla gave Jin a rare nod of approval. ¡°Strategy wins battles. Well done.¡± Jin returned to the sidelines, his heart still racing. Ryen clapped him on the back. ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises, Jin. Who knew you had it in you?¡± After a brief break, the recruits were escorted to the Rift Simulation Chamber¡ªa cavernous hall enchanted to recreate real-world scenarios. The room was dimly lit, its high ceilings disappearing into shadow. Today¡¯s test was a simulated Feralis incursion, designed to evaluate teamwork and resourcefulness. The recruits were divided into teams of six. Jin found himself with Lira, Ryen, Corin, Elric, and Tessa. Their assignment: defend a fortified outpost against waves of Feralis. As the simulation began, the environment transformed into a dense forest surrounding a crumbling stone fort. The illusion was so vivid that Jin could feel the damp earth beneath his boots and hear the distant rustle of leaves. ¡°Defensive positions!¡± Jin called, taking charge instinctively. Ryen and Corin held the front lines, their brute strength keeping the Feralis at bay. Lira conjured barriers of swirling water, while Elric fortified the defenses with walls of stone. Tessa moved among them, her hands glowing with healing magic as she tended to injuries. Jin used his wind magic to disrupt the Feralis¡¯ formations, scattering smaller creatures and buying his team precious seconds. The simulated Feralis were relentless, their claws raking against the barriers as they tried to break through. ¡°Left flank is collapsing!¡± Lira shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. Jin and Corin responded immediately. Corin slammed his hands into the ground, creating a jagged barricade of stone, while Jin unleashed a powerful gust of wind to drive the creatures back. After what felt like hours, the final wave subsided. The recruits were battered and exhausted but victorious. Instructor Arla appeared, her stern expression betraying a hint of approval. ¡°This team demonstrated excellent coordination,¡± she said. ¡°You¡¯ve earned high marks. Dismissed.¡± As they left the chamber, Jin felt a surge of pride. For the first time, he truly believed he was capable of making a difference. After lunch, the recruits regrouped for their specialization classes. Jin joined the elemental magic course, where Instructor Zayla awaited them with her usual enthusiasm. ¡°Today,¡± she began, ¡°we will explore the concept of elemental synergy. Combining elements is an advanced skill, but even novices can grasp the basics with practice. Pair up and experiment.¡± Jin was paired with Lira, whose calm demeanor balanced his own nervous energy. Their task was to create a cyclone by merging water and wind magic. ¡°Start with a steady flow,¡± Lira instructed, shaping a sphere of water between her hands. ¡°I¡¯ll maintain the structure while you add the wind.¡± Their first attempt ended in disaster, the water sphere bursting and soaking them both. Lira laughed, shaking droplets from her hair. ¡°Let¡¯s try again,¡± she said. ¡°This time, don¡¯t force it. Think of it as a dance¡ªone leads, the other follows.¡± On their second attempt, they found harmony. The water spiraled into a shimmering vortex, its movements guided by Jin¡¯s controlled gusts. The cyclone whirled above their heads, a dazzling display of teamwork and focus. ¡°Impressive,¡± Zayla said, watching closely. ¡°Elemental synergy requires trust and balance, and you¡¯ve demonstrated both. Keep practicing.¡± The academy¡¯s sprawling grounds became a familiar maze as the recruits moved between classes. Pathways lined with glowing crystals connected lecture halls, training areas, and dormitories. The air buzzed with energy, both magical and nervous. As Jin and Ryen crossed a stone bridge overlooking a tranquil pond, Jin glanced at the shimmering barrier that protected the academy. ¡°Do you ever wonder what¡¯s out there?¡± he asked. ¡°Beyond the barrier?¡± Ryen shrugged. ¡°Probably more Feralis. Why, you thinking of taking a stroll?¡± Jin laughed. ¡°Not exactly. Just curious.¡± They passed the library, its towering doors carved with runes. Jin felt a pang of curiosity but pushed it aside. There would be time for exploration later¡ªafter the evaluations. Back in the dormitory, Jin sat by the window, holding his Feralis Core. Its faint glow pulsed rhythmically, as if alive. ¡°What do you think it¡¯s trying to tell you?¡± Lira¡¯s voice startled him. Jin turned to see her standing in the doorway, her violet eyes reflecting the Core¡¯s light. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. ¡°But it feels¡­ important. Like it¡¯s waiting for something.¡± Lira stepped closer, her expression thoughtful. ¡°Cores are fragments of something greater. Maybe it¡¯s waiting for you to figure out what that means.¡± Before Jin could respond, Ryen and Corin burst into the room, carrying a box of bread and fruit. ¡°Snack time!¡± Corin declared. The four recruits gathered, sharing stories and laughter. For the first time, Jin felt like he truly belonged. Chapter 8: Shadows in the Glow The academy bell tolled three times, a deep, resonant sound that signaled a mandatory assembly in the Grand Hall. Jin stood with his fellow recruits, the air heavy with anticipation. Even Ryen, who usually found ways to make light of tense moments, looked serious. ¡°What do you think this is about?¡± Jin asked. Ryen shrugged, though his eyes betrayed unease. ¡°Either something big¡­ or another attempt to scare us into compliance.¡± The Grand Hall was packed, the entire first-year cohort gathered under the towering arches and enchanted chandeliers. The headmistress, Lady Ilaris, stood at the podium, her presence commanding attention. Beside her stood a group of senior instructors and a man clad in black armor adorned with glowing blue runes¡ªclearly a Rift Hunter. ¡°Recruits,¡± Lady Ilaris began, her voice amplified by magic. ¡°You have reached a critical juncture in your training. Today marks the announcement of a special initiative: the Field Integration Program.¡± Murmurs rippled through the crowd. ¡°This program will send select recruits into controlled Rift zones alongside trained Hunters,¡± she continued. ¡°Your task will be to observe, support, and, when necessary, engage in combat under the supervision of experienced warriors. The purpose is to bridge the gap between theory and practical application.¡± A hand shot up in the crowd. It was Corin. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± he asked, earning a few chuckles. The armored man stepped forward. His voice was cold and sharp. ¡°The catch, recruit, is that the Rifts do not care for your inexperience. While we will take every precaution, the danger is very real. If you are chosen, prepare yourselves for the possibility of failure¡ªor worse.¡± The room fell silent. The recruits were given a day to prepare for the selection process, which included rigorous evaluations of their magical aptitude, physical endurance, and teamwork. Jin spent the night revisiting notes on Rift creatures and practicing spells he had struggled with. ¡°Stop pacing,¡± Ryen muttered from his bed. ¡°You¡¯re making me nervous.¡± ¡°I just¡­ I need to get this right,¡± Jin said. ¡°You¡¯ll do fine,¡± Lira said from the corner, where she was meditating. ¡°You¡¯re more capable than you think.¡± Corin grinned. ¡°And if you don¡¯t, we¡¯ll just bribe the instructors. Everyone has a price.¡± The joke lightened the mood, and Jin managed a small smile. The next morning, the recruits assembled on the training grounds, where instructors had set up a series of grueling tests. The first was an obstacle course designed to test endurance and agility. Jin watched as Ryen powered through the course, his brute strength allowing him to smash through barriers that others had to climb over. Lira moved with grace and precision, her water magic smoothing her path. Corin, true to form, found unconventional shortcuts, leaping over walls and avoiding the more difficult sections entirely. When it was Jin¡¯s turn, he focused on maintaining a steady rhythm. His wind magic allowed him to leap across wide gaps, and his agility carried him through narrow spaces. By the time he crossed the finish line, he was breathless but satisfied. The second test involved spell accuracy. Targets representing various Feralis types were scattered across a field, and recruits had to hit them with the appropriate elemental magic. Jin hesitated at first, unsure of himself. But as he focused, he recalled Zayla¡¯s lessons on channeling Rift energy. His first shot was a gust of wind that knocked over a small target. His confidence grew with each hit, and by the end of the test, he had a respectable score.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The final test was a team challenge. Groups of six were tasked with defending a mock village from waves of simulated Feralis. Jin¡¯s team, the same group from the previous simulation, worked seamlessly. ¡°Barrier on the west side!¡± Jin shouted as the creatures swarmed. ¡°On it!¡± Lira called, conjuring a shimmering wall of water. Corin and Ryen held the front line, their physical prowess keeping the creatures at bay, while Elric and Tessa provided magical and logistical support. When the test ended, the instructors took note of their performance with approving nods. Two days later, the results were announced. Jin¡¯s name appeared on the list of recruits selected for the program. He felt a mixture of pride and apprehension as he scanned the names of his team: Lira, Ryen, Corin, and two others¡ªKaela and Doran, recruits he knew only in passing. The six of them were summoned to a briefing with their assigned Rift Hunter, the same man who had stood beside Lady Ilaris during the announcement. His name was Captain Varok, and his presence was as intimidating as his armor. ¡°You¡¯ve been chosen because you show potential,¡± Varok said, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°But potential means nothing if you can¡¯t deliver in the field. In the coming weeks, you will accompany me into a low-tier Rift. Your mission will be to observe and learn. Do not mistake this for a game. One mistake could cost lives¡ªyours or your teammates¡¯.¡± The weight of his words settled over them like a heavy fog. Before their first Rift mission, the team underwent additional training to prepare for real-world scenarios. Varok pushed them relentlessly, forcing them to hone their abilities to the limit. One exercise involved navigating a dense forest while under attack by simulated Feralis. The recruits were split into pairs, each tasked with finding a safe zone while fending off ambushes. Jin was paired with Lira. As they moved through the forest, her calm demeanor balanced his tendency to overthink. ¡°Listen,¡± she whispered, holding up a hand. ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Jin strained his ears. At first, there was only the rustle of leaves. But then he caught it¡ªa faint growl. ¡°Left flank,¡± he said, readying his staff. A simulated Feralis leapt from the shadows, its claws aimed for Jin. He countered with a gust of wind, knocking it off balance. Lira followed up with a stream of water that froze the creature in place. ¡°Good teamwork,¡± she said, offering a small smile. Jin nodded, his confidence growing. Finally, the day of their first mission arrived. The team assembled at dawn, their gear meticulously checked and rechecked. Varok led them to a Rift portal shimmering with unstable energy. ¡°This is a Tier-1 Rift,¡± Varok explained. ¡°The creatures inside are weaker than what you¡¯ve trained against, but they¡¯re still dangerous. Stick together, follow my orders, and you might just survive.¡± The team stepped through the portal, the world shifting around them. The air grew heavier, charged with Rift energy. They emerged in a desolate landscape, the sky a sickly green. ¡°Stay alert,¡± Varok said. ¡°We¡¯re here to retrieve a specific Core. Keep an eye out for any anomalies.¡± The mission began smoothly, the team encountering only minor resistance. Jin took note of how the Feralis moved, their patterns and weaknesses becoming clearer with each encounter. But as they ventured deeper, the air grew colder. The ground beneath their feet cracked, releasing bursts of icy energy. ¡°This isn¡¯t normal,¡± Lira said, her voice tinged with worry. Varok¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Everyone, form up. Something¡¯s wrong.¡± A massive Feralis emerged from the shadows, its form wreathed in frost. It let out a deafening roar, its breath freezing the air. ¡°Tier-2,¡± Varok muttered. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± The recruits froze, fear taking hold. ¡°Focus!¡± Varok barked. ¡°Jin, Corin, front line. Lira, support with barriers. Kaela, Doran, flank it!¡± The battle was chaos. The Feralis struck with icy tendrils, forcing the team to scatter. Jin used his wind magic to deflect attacks, while Corin shielded him with brute force. ¡°Now!¡± Varok shouted. Lira summoned a torrent of water, dousing the creature¡¯s frost and leaving it vulnerable. Jin seized the opportunity, channeling all his energy into a powerful gust that knocked the Feralis off balance. Varok delivered the finishing blow, driving his blade into the creature¡¯s core. The Feralis let out a final roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into shards of ice. The team stood in stunned silence, their breaths visible in the cold air. ¡°Mission complete,¡± Varok said, his voice steady. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± Back at the academy, Jin couldn¡¯t shake the memory of the battle. The sight of the Tier-2 Feralis, its unnatural presence, and the raw power it wielded haunted him. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± Lira asked, sitting beside him by the dormitory window. ¡°That Feralis¡­ it wasn¡¯t supposed to be there,¡± Jin said. ¡°What if we hadn¡¯t been able to handle it?¡± Lira placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°But we did. And we¡¯ll keep getting stronger. That¡¯s the point of all this, isn¡¯t it?¡± Jin nodded, though the unease lingered. In the days that followed, he threw himself into training with renewed determination. The Rift had shown him the stakes of their mission and the price of failure. As the academy prepared for its next challenges, Jin resolved to be ready¡ªno matter what awaited them beyond the barrier. Chapter 9: Whispers of the Rift The frost-streaked memory of their first Rift mission lingered in the back of Jin¡¯s mind. The Tier-2 Feralis shouldn¡¯t have been there, and the implications gnawed at him. If the Rifts were growing more unstable, their training might not be enough. Two days after their return, the academy buzzed with whispers. Jin sat with Ryen, Lira, and Corin in the dining hall, their trays of food mostly untouched. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± Ryen said, stabbing his fork into a piece of roasted meat. ¡°The instructors are too quiet about what happened. They¡¯re hiding something.¡± ¡°Maybe they don¡¯t want us to panic,¡± Corin suggested, balancing a bread roll on his fingertip. ¡°A Tier-2 showing up in a low-tier Rift? That¡¯s not exactly comforting.¡± Jin glanced at Lira, who had been uncharacteristically quiet. ¡°What do you think?¡± She hesitated, then spoke in a low voice. ¡°It¡¯s not just about the Feralis. Did anyone else notice the energy around the Rift? It felt¡­ different. More volatile.¡± Jin nodded, his memory flashing back to the cracks in the ground and the icy energy. ¡°You think it means something?¡± Lira¡¯s gaze was steady. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. But if the Rifts are changing, we need to be prepared.¡± Before anyone could respond, the dining hall doors swung open with a creak. A hush fell over the room as Lady Ilaris entered, flanked by Captain Varok and two other Rift Hunters. The headmistress¡¯s expression was unreadable, her commanding presence silencing the murmurs. ¡°All recruits are to report to the Grand Hall immediately,¡± she announced. ¡°No exceptions.¡± The gravity of her tone sent a chill through Jin. The Grand Hall felt even more imposing than usual, its high arches casting long shadows over the gathered recruits. Lady Ilaris stood at the podium, her hands resting on its polished surface. Behind her, a glowing map of the region shimmered, displaying areas marked by red and yellow dots. ¡°As you are all aware,¡± she began, her voice carrying over the crowd, ¡°the Rift activity in recent weeks has been¡­ unusual. Our first investigation into these anomalies revealed an unexpected escalation in Feralis activity and instability within the Rifts themselves.¡± She gestured to one of the red dots on the map. ¡°This is where the team led by Captain Varok encountered a Tier-2 Feralis in what was classified as a Tier-1 Rift. Similar anomalies have been reported in other regions.¡± Murmurs rippled through the hall. Jin exchanged a worried glance with Ryen. ¡°We suspect this is the result of a phenomenon known as Rift Convergence,¡± Lady Ilaris continued. ¡°It occurs when multiple Rifts begin to merge, increasing their strength and altering their behavior. The cause is still unknown, but the consequences could be catastrophic.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The room fell silent. ¡°To address this threat, we are deploying advanced teams of recruits and Hunters to investigate and contain these Rifts. This will be dangerous work, but it is necessary.¡± Captain Varok stepped forward. ¡°The next mission will take place in the Blackwood region, where the largest convergence has been detected. The team will include myself and six recruits. The names will be announced tomorrow. Dismissed.¡± As the recruits filed out of the hall, the air buzzed with tension. Jin felt the weight of the announcement pressing down on him. Back in their dormitory, Jin, Ryen, Lira, and Corin gathered to discuss the news. The usually relaxed atmosphere was replaced by a tense energy. ¡°Rift Convergence,¡± Corin said, pacing the room. ¡°Just the name sounds like something out of a nightmare.¡± ¡°It¡¯s worse than that,¡± Lira said. ¡°If Rifts are merging, the creatures inside could grow exponentially stronger. We might not even be able to predict what comes out.¡± Ryen frowned. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll send us again? We just got back from the last one.¡± Jin hesitated. ¡°If they do¡­ we¡¯ll handle it.¡± Lira gave him a sharp look. ¡°Jin, this isn¡¯t like before. If the convergence is as bad as they say, we might not come back.¡± The room fell silent, her words hanging heavily in the air. The next morning, the recruits gathered in the central courtyard under a gray, overcast sky. Captain Varok stood before them, a scroll in hand. ¡°The following recruits have been selected for the Blackwood mission,¡± he announced. His voice was steady, unyielding. ¡°Jin, Lira, Ryen, Corin, Kaela, and Doran.¡± Jin¡¯s stomach clenched as his name was called. Around him, whispers of surprise and concern rippled through the crowd. ¡°You will have twenty-four hours to prepare,¡± Varok said. ¡°Dismissed.¡± As the group dispersed, Jin caught up with Lira, who walked with a purposeful stride. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked. She stopped and turned to him, her expression unreadable. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But we don¡¯t have a choice, do we?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll make it through,¡± Jin said, trying to sound confident. ¡°We always do.¡± Lira¡¯s gaze softened slightly. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right.¡± The Blackwood was unlike any place Jin had seen. The forest was dense, its gnarled trees casting twisted shadows on the ground. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Captain Varok led the team through the woods, his movements precise and deliberate. Jin stayed close to Lira, his senses on high alert. ¡°We¡¯re approaching the Rift,¡± Varok said after hours of walking. ¡°Stay together. This area is highly unstable.¡± The ground beneath their feet began to crackle with energy, faint blue lines spreading like veins. The Rift itself came into view¡ªa swirling vortex of dark energy, larger and more chaotic than the one they had encountered before. Varok stopped and raised a hand. ¡°Scout the perimeter. Report anything unusual.¡± Jin and Lira moved to the left, their steps careful. The air grew colder, each breath visible in the chill. ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± Lira said, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Me neither,¡± Jin admitted. ¡°But we¡ª¡± A sudden growl cut him off. From the shadows emerged a creature unlike any Feralis they had faced. Its body was twisted, a grotesque amalgamation of features¡ªclaws, wings, and glowing red eyes. It let out a guttural roar, its presence radiating malice. ¡°Fall back!¡± Lira shouted, summoning a barrier of water as the creature lunged. Jin drew his blade, his heart racing. The battle was chaotic, the creature¡¯s movements erratic and unpredictable. Each strike felt like a desperate attempt to survive. The rest of the team arrived moments later, their combined efforts turning the tide. Varok delivered the killing blow, his blade piercing the creature¡¯s core. As the Feralis dissolved into smoke, Varok turned to the group. ¡°This is just the beginning. The Rift is unstable, and more creatures will emerge. We need to seal it¡ªnow.¡± To be continued¡­ Chapter 10: The Shattered Veil The Blackwood Rift pulsed like a living wound in the fabric of the world, its swirling energy crackling with malevolence. Jin stood with his team on the edge of the clearing, staring into the heart of the chaotic vortex. His grip on his staff tightened as Captain Varok issued orders, his voice sharp and unwavering. ¡°Listen carefully,¡± Varok began, his armor glinting faintly in the eerie glow of the Rift. ¡°The instability here is worse than anticipated. We don¡¯t just need to seal the Rift; we need to stabilize it first. If we don¡¯t, it could collapse and unleash a catastrophic surge of energy.¡± ¡°How do we stabilize it?¡± Lira asked, her calm demeanor masking the tension in her voice. Varok gestured to the swirling energy. ¡°There are anchor points¡ªmanifestations of the Rift¡¯s instability. They¡¯ll look like glowing orbs or crystals. Destroying them will weaken the Rift¡¯s hold on this area. Once the anchors are gone, I¡¯ll perform the sealing spell.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± Corin asked, his trademark grin nowhere to be seen. Varok¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°The Feralis will defend the anchors. Expect resistance.¡± The team exchanged uneasy glances. Jin felt his pulse quicken, the weight of the mission settling heavily on his shoulders. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the countless hours of training and the bonds he¡¯d formed with his teammates. They¡¯d made it this far together. They could do this. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Varok commanded. The first anchor point wasn¡¯t hard to find. A jagged crystal, glowing with an ominous red light, jutted out of the ground like a malevolent thorn. As the team approached, the air grew heavier, and an ear-piercing screech echoed through the forest. From the shadows emerged a pack of Feralis, their forms twisted and unnatural. They moved with a predatory grace, their glowing eyes fixed on the team. ¡°Defensive positions!¡± Varok barked. Ryen stepped forward, his massive frame acting as a shield for the others. ¡°Come on, then!¡± he bellowed, swinging his warhammer in a wide arc. The Feralis charged, their claws glinting in the dim light. Jin channeled his wind magic, sending a gust that knocked several creatures off balance. Lira conjured a barrier of water, holding back a second wave while Corin and Kaela flanked the enemies with precision strikes. ¡°Jin, the crystal!¡± Varok shouted. Jin nodded and sprinted toward the anchor, dodging swipes from the remaining Feralis. He reached the crystal and raised his staff, focusing his energy. A surge of wind magic burst forth, striking the crystal and sending cracks spidering across its surface. ¡°It¡¯s weakening!¡± Lira called, her voice strained as she maintained the barrier. With a final burst of energy, the crystal shattered, releasing a shockwave that knocked everyone off their feet. The Feralis dissolved into black smoke, leaving the clearing eerily silent. ¡°One down,¡± Varok said, helping Jin to his feet. ¡°Five to go.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As the team pressed deeper into the Rift¡¯s influence, the battles grew fiercer. Each anchor point was guarded by increasingly powerful Feralis, their forms more grotesque and their attacks more devastating. The team worked together seamlessly, their trust in each other becoming their greatest strength. At the fourth anchor, disaster struck. A massive Feralis, its body covered in molten rock, erupted from the ground as they approached. Its roar shook the trees, and its lava-like claws sent searing heat waves through the air. ¡°Spread out!¡± Varok ordered. ¡°Don¡¯t let it focus on one target!¡± Jin and Lira moved to the left, their combined magic creating a whirlwind of water and wind that cooled the creature¡¯s molten exterior. Ryen charged from the front, his hammer striking with earth-shaking force. Corin and Kaela attacked from the flanks, their agility allowing them to land precise hits. Despite their efforts, the creature¡¯s strength was overwhelming. It swung its massive arm, sending Kaela flying into a tree. She groaned in pain, struggling to get up. ¡°Kaela¡¯s down!¡± Lira shouted. ¡°We need to cover her!¡± Jin¡¯s heart pounded as he redirected his focus. He unleashed a powerful gust of wind that distracted the creature long enough for Lira to pull Kaela to safety. Varok seized the opportunity, driving his blade into the creature¡¯s molten core. With a final, agonized roar, it crumbled into ash. ¡°We¡¯re running out of time,¡± Varok said, his tone grim. ¡°The Rift is growing more unstable. We need to move faster.¡± The last anchor point was deep within the heart of the Rift¡¯s influence. The air shimmered with heat, and the ground beneath their feet cracked with unstable energy. The glowing crystal pulsed like a heartbeat, its light casting long shadows over the desolate landscape. As the team approached, a figure stepped out of the shadows. At first, Jin thought it was another Feralis, but as the figure drew closer, he realized it was something far worse. It was a humanoid figure, clad in dark robes that seemed to absorb the light around it. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and its presence radiated a chilling aura. ¡°What is that?¡± Ryen muttered, his grip tightening on his hammer. ¡°A Shade,¡± Varok said, his voice low and tense. ¡°A manifestation of the Rift¡¯s will. Be ready¡ªthis won¡¯t be like anything you¡¯ve faced before.¡± The Shade raised a hand, and tendrils of dark energy shot toward the team. Jin barely managed to deflect one with a burst of wind magic, the force of the impact sending him stumbling backward. ¡°Keep moving!¡± Varok shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t let it pin you down!¡± The battle was chaos. The Shade moved with inhuman speed, its attacks relentless. Jin and Lira worked together to counter its magic, their combined spells creating bursts of elemental energy that temporarily slowed it down. Ryen and Corin attacked from the sides, their weapons clashing against the Shade¡¯s dark aura. ¡°Focus on the crystal!¡± Varok ordered. ¡°It¡¯s the source of its power!¡± Jin sprinted toward the glowing anchor, dodging tendrils of energy as he went. He reached the crystal and raised his staff, channeling every ounce of magic he had left. The wind around him howled, forming a vortex that struck the crystal with devastating force. The crystal shattered, releasing a blinding light that engulfed the clearing. The Shade let out a piercing scream before dissolving into nothingness. As the light faded, the team stood in stunned silence, their breaths ragged. The Rift¡¯s energy began to stabilize, its chaotic swirl slowing to a steady pulse. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Varok said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. ¡°Let¡¯s seal it and get out of here.¡± Back at the academy, the team was given time to recover. Kaela¡¯s injuries were treated, and the rest of them were commended for their bravery. But despite their success, the mission left a lingering unease. Jin sat by the window in the dormitory, staring out at the moonlit courtyard. Lira joined him, her presence grounding him. ¡°That Shade¡­¡± Jin began. ¡°It felt like it was watching us. Like it knew us.¡± Lira nodded, her expression thoughtful. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just a creature. It was something more. Something intelligent.¡± Jin shivered at the memory. ¡°If the Rifts can create something like that¡­ what else is waiting for us?¡± Lira placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll face it together. Whatever comes next, we¡¯ll be ready.¡± Jin nodded, though the weight of their journey ahead loomed large in his mind. The Rifts were changing, and with them, so was the world. But for now, they had each other¡ªand that was enough.