Chapter 16: Shadowblade Test

Valeron followed the directions on his Holodevice GPS, guiding him through a labyrinthine network of passages that led to an underground chamber on the academy's campus. The journey was eerie, with flickering torches of fire lining the dimly lit corridors. It struck Valeron as an odd choice for illumination in a world with advanced magical technology, but he dismissed the thought as he pressed on toward his destination.

He had acquired the combat training uniform for the Shadowblade specialisation, a distinctive ensemble designed for stealth and precision. The attire was both functional and symbolic, embodying the essence of the Shadowblades. As Valeron donned the uniform, he felt a sense of purpose and identity in his chosen path.

The cloak of shadows, the signature piece of the uniform, draped over him like a shroud of darkness. Its material blended seamlessly with the shadows, providing near-invisibility in dimly lit environments. The hood concealed his face, adding an element of mystery to his appearance.

Beneath the cloak, Valeron wore a midnight tunic and leggings made of dark, flexible fabric. These garments offered comfort and freedom of movement while providing some protection against minor injuries. His boots, designed for stealth, had thin, rubber-like soles that absorbed sound, allowing him to move silently. Reinforced toes added durability for combat situations.

A utility belt adorned his waist, equipped with pouches for essential tools and weapons. Within these pouches, Valeron carried throwing knives, lock-picking tools, poison vials, and concealed compartments for surprises. His gloves provided a secure grip and dexterity for handling weapons and tools, their touch-sensitive fingertips allowing him to operate various devices.

For situations requiring identity concealment, Valeron had a face mask that covered the lower half of his face and darkened goggles to protect his eyes. These goggles also possessed night-vision capabilities.

Across his chest, he wore a throwing weapons harness, which held an array of shurikens, throwing stars, and small daggers. The harness allowed for quick access to these weapons during combat or stealthy takedowns.

In certain outdoor environments, Valeron would don a camouflage scarf to blend seamlessly with his surroundings. The reversible scarf mimicked terrain on one side and featured a deep, dark color on the other for urban or nighttime missions. Finally, a discreet insignia representing the Shadowblades was stitched onto the uniform, symbolizing his allegiance to the elite squad.

As Valeron arrived in the underground chamber, he joined a crowd of approximately two hundred students, all dressed in their respective warrior path specialisation uniforms. The atmosphere was tense, and anticipation hung heavy in the air.

Instructor Dante, the enigmatic figure Valeron had encountered earlier, stood before the assembled students, flanked by two shadow-clad figures in uniform. Dante's hoarse voice cut through the silence as he addressed the gathered students.

"Listen well, maggots," Dante began, his words carrying a harsh edge. "We don't just let anyone join the Shadowblade specialisation course. Forget any heroic fantasies you may have had; Shadowblades are not the kingdom's heroes. We are cold, ruthless killing machines. The mission is everything, and the end justifies the means. I won't sugarcoat it with tales of noble sacrifice; we are the kingdom's attempt to fill the void left by Clan Abyss."

Dante's words were unapologetic, and Valeron couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. This was the harsh reality of the path he had chosen.

Dante continued, his gaze piercing through each student. "We have no use for weakness, and I will personally weed out any liabilities. It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff."

A nervous student dared to ask, "What happens if we fail your test? Where does that leave us?"

Dante's response was blunt and unforgiving. "I don't care," he stated flatly. "If you fail, go become a battlemaster, a mage, or a scholar; it's none of my concern. But I will not accept liabilities."

With a wave of his hand, Dante released a terrifying wave of killing intent that left more than half of the students trembling, foaming at the mouth. Those who succumbed to the pressure were swiftly escorted out of the chamber.

Valeron, Tristan, and an unassuming girl remained unfazed in the face of Dante's overwhelming aura. They stood their ground, their resolve unshaken.

Dante observed them, his piercing gaze singling them out. "The rest of you," he continued, "don't think for a moment that you're special just because you withstood a fraction of my killing intent. Get rid of your illusions and wipe those foolish grins off your faces."

He emphasized the ruthlessness of their training and the need for them to become special-grade threats. The students, no longer cocky or complacent, roared in unison, "SIR, YES, SIR!"

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