Kapitel 32: Chapter 32: The Weight of Expectations
The day of The Vanguard Society trials arrived sooner than expected, and Rian could feel the tension radiating from his friends as they made their way toward the training grounds. The skies overhead were a muted gray, and a brisk wind carried whispers of uncertainty across the academy grounds. Despite their preparation, the weight of what was at stake bore down heavily on all of them.
"We've been over this," Dante said, breaking the silence as they neared the grounds. "We trained, studied every possible scenario. We're ready."
Rian nodded, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to convince himself or just go along with Dante's bravado. "Let's just stay focused."
Lyria, walking beside them, pulled her cloak tighter around her. "We've faced worse situations, but this isn't just a test of strength. They're going to try and catch us off guard."
Seraphina's eyes scanned the horizon as the massive training complex came into view. "Kael said they test teamwork, too. We need to stay united, no matter what."
As they arrived, it was clear that many other students had decided to try their luck. A crowd had gathered, their faces a mix of determination, anxiety, and excitement. Rian caught sight of the Ignara students from the dining hall, their leader, still boasting to his group, but now with a hint of nervousness in his eyes.
The training grounds were vast, lined with various obstacle courses, sparring rings, and large open fields used for all types of combat practice. A tall stage stood at the far end, where Kael and several other senior members of The Vanguard Society waited.
Kael stepped forward, his voice carrying across the field with ease. "Welcome to The Vanguard Society trials. You've all shown the courage to be here, but only the strongest, the smartest, and the most resilient will make it through."
There was a collective murmur from the crowd. Rian felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This was it.
Kael continued, his expression unreadable. "Today's trial will consist of three parts: combat, strategy, and a final test that will evaluate your ability to adapt under pressure. This trial is not about individual strength, but about how well you work as a team. Your performance will determine whether or not you advance."
Dante smirked. "Teamwork. That's where we've got an edge."
"We hope so," Lyria said quietly.
Kael motioned toward the senior members beside him, each holding a small orb of glowing light. "These are Essentia tokens. Each group will be given one. Your task in the first trial is simple: protect your token at all costs. At the same time, you will attempt to steal the tokens of other groups. The teams that lose their tokens are eliminated."
Rian's heart skipped a beat. This trial wasn't just about fighting—they had to think strategically and defensively.
Kael's gaze swept over the crowd. "There are no rules about how you defend your token, but know that your opponents will not hold back. Once the trial begins, anything goes."
One of the senior members stepped forward and began handing out the glowing tokens to each team. When it was their turn, Rian took the small, shimmering orb, feeling its faint warmth against his palm. It was light, fragile, yet it pulsed with energy.
"Don't let it out of your sight," Seraphina advised. "We need a plan."
Dante cracked his knuckles. "Simple. We find a good hiding spot, set traps around it, and take down anyone who comes near."
"That could work, but we'll also need to keep moving," Lyria said thoughtfully. "If we stay in one place too long, we'll be sitting ducks. We need a fallback plan in case someone gets too close."
Rian agreed, his mind already racing through different strategies. "Seraphina and I can scout ahead while you two set up defensive positions. We'll need to know who's coming before they get too close."
With their plan set, they moved into the trial area, a wide expanse filled with natural terrain—thickets, rocky outcrops, and narrow valleys. It felt like a miniature battlefield, and every inch of it could be dangerous.
"Let's go," Rian said, clutching the token as they took off toward a nearby hill, using its elevated position as a vantage point. Dante and Lyria began weaving simple traps, using Dante's fire-based Essentia to create small flame wards around key points, while Lyria cloaked the traps with light illusions to hide them from view.
Meanwhile, Seraphina and Rian ventured further out, keeping an eye on the other teams. The tension was thick, and they could already hear the sounds of combat echoing across the field—students clashing as they fought to protect or steal tokens.
"There," Seraphina whispered, pointing toward a group of Ignara students advancing in their direction. They were led by the same student from earlier—the one who'd boasted in the dining hall. He moved with confidence, his fire Essentia crackling at his fingertips.
"They're coming straight for us," Rian muttered.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "We can't let them get close to the others."
Rian nodded, his heart pounding. "Let's slow them down."
Drawing on his Flicker Essentia, Rian darted forward, his movements a blur as he used his speed to create distance between them and the advancing team. Seraphina followed, her fire and air-based Essentia swirling around her like a protective barrier.
When they were close enough, Seraphina unleashed a whirlwind of air, throwing the Ignara students off balance. Rian followed up with a blinding flash of light, disorienting them further.
The lead Ignara student recovered quickly, his fire flaring up as he charged toward them, but Seraphina was faster. With a quick motion, she sent a blast of fire toward his feet, forcing him to stop in his tracks.
"We need to regroup," Rian said, glancing back toward their defensive position. "They won't be the only ones coming after us."
Seraphina nodded, and together they retreated back to where Dante and Lyria were waiting. The traps were set, and the terrain was now working in their favor.
"Here they come," Dante said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The Ignara team emerged from the brush, their leader glaring at Rian and Seraphina. "You think your little tricks can stop us?"
"No," Dante said with a grin. "But this might."
With a wave of his hand, Dante triggered the flame wards, causing a ring of fire to erupt around the Ignara team. They stumbled back, momentarily stunned, giving Rian and Seraphina the opening they needed to strike.
Together, they unleashed their Essentia in perfect sync—fire, light, and air swirling together in a dazzling display of power. The Ignara students tried to fight back, but they were quickly overwhelmed.
As the last of them fell, their token slipped from their leader's grasp, rolling across the ground. Rian wasted no time in snatching it up.
"One down," he said, his pulse racing.
But this was only the beginning. The trial was far from over, and there were still many teams left standing. They would need to stay sharp, work together, and trust in each other if they were going to survive the rest of the day.
And with Kael watching from the sidelines, Rian knew that the hardest part was still yet to come.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein