They continued walking in silence after that, the underbrush thinning as they neared the edge of the deeper forest. The wind rustled gently through the trees, carrying the scent of sun-warmed leaves and distant riverstone.

Yosef adjusted the bundle of boar parts slung over his back. "You know," he muttered after a while, "I used to think red potentials were hopeless cases. Dead weight."

Genevieve gave him a side glance but didn't interrupt.

"I mean, that's what they drill into us, right?" Yosef continued, almost to himself. "Red means low compatibility. Can't bond well, limited to a certain rank. Basically, get out of the way."

He looked ahead at Aston, who walked a few steps in front, still scouting for the exit.

"But now…" Yosef shook his head and chuckled softly. "The guy's been the most composed out of us all. Planned the ambush, baited the boar, held back in the first fight, and still had enough to fight the other participants."

"He didn't just fight them off," Genevieve added. "He studied them. He knew exactly how they'd move before they did." She paused, her voice lowering a bit. "He's not just talented. He's, in a way, more dangerous than any to-be-student I've ever met."

Yosef nodded slowly. "Yeah. I'll admit I misjudged him."

They walked for a few more steps.

Genevieve folded her arms. "What do you think he's really aiming for?"

Yosef scratched his chin. "No idea. But whatever it is… I wouldn't want to be in his way…"

—

The trees parted, and sunlight spilled across a sloping path of weathered stones and moss. In the distance, the jagged silhouette of Shale City rose from view, its stone towers and steel scaffolds shimmering under the afternoon sun.

The city gates stood open, flanked by two watchtowers and a checkpoint post manned by uniformed academy attendants.

Aston stopped just before the final bend and looked back at the two.

"That's our exit– or entrance rather."

Genevieve exhaled. "Feels like we've been in that forest for days."

"Well, we did fight twice…" Yosef said.

Gray yawned and stretched on Aston's shoulder, unconcerned.

As they approached the checkpoint, an attendant in uniform stepped forward. "Final Trial Candidates?"

"Yes, we're Team 18," Genevieve replied.

The attendant scanned them, and then gestured towards the platform by the gate.

"Place your proof on the tablet on the platform for a scan. Also, the notifications you received earlier," the attendant told the team.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

The team walked towards the platform. Scanning the area, they only found academy attendants, professors, and elders loitering around. No participants yet.

"So, we're the first one?" Yosef gleamed.

"Could be. We did find the exit early. We had a good scout," Genevieve praised.

Aston shrugged at the praise, brushing off some dust from his coat. "Eh."

Genevieve rolled her eyes. "Still counts."

Yosef leaned over the platform, grinning. "Let's get this over with before someone else shows up and we lose the moment."

Aston stepped over the platform, then towards the huge tablet. He placed the cleaned tusk over the surface.

A soft chime echoed as the tablet pulsed with pale blue light. A small crystal emerged from its main panel and floated upwards. Then, it scanned the tusk, the team's notifications, and then went back to the panel. A moment later, the screen projected a hologram of the tusk, spinning slowly as strings of text hovered beside it.

—

[Spirit Beast Part Identified: Earthrend Ravager Boar – Right Tusk]

[Grade: 5-star – Low]

[Condition: Verified]

[Team Status: Pass – Final Trial Examination Phase Complete]

—

A synthetic voice followed, clear and official. "Team 18 has met the minimum qualification. Examination complete. Return to the city square. Await further instructions in the central tent."

The tablet whirred once more and a thin slip of paper printed from a small compartment in the base. It floated down gently.

Aston caught it between two fingers. Their certificate.

"Looks fancy," Genevieve said, leaning in to look.

"It printed like a receipt," Yosef laughed.

Genevieve glared at Yosef for his words.

"Let's go," Aston replied simply, slipping the certificate into his robes.

The streets were quieter than usual, the midday sun casting long shadows along the cobblestone path as the trio walked toward the central square. A light breeze carried the scent of charred grass and old incense.

For a moment, none of them spoke.

Genevieve glanced sideways. "We really made it through, huh?"

"Still feels surreal," Yosef muttered, absently brushing the back of his hand against his shirt. "Feels like yesterday we were just filling out the entry forms."

Aston said nothing, eyes fixed ahead. The canvas tent grew larger with each step, a quiet monument to what came next.

As they neared the outer edge, one of the academy attendants, a young man in ceremonial green robes, noticed them and blinked in surprise.

"You three?" he stepped forward. "You've already finished the trial?"

Aston held out the certificate without breaking stride. "We're done. Passed the scan at the outpost."

The attendant took the slip, scanned it quickly with his glasses, and gave a low whistle. "Already? You're the first team to report in."

Yosef grinned. "We're fast."

The attendant gestured toward the tent. "Go inside. They are waiting for you."

"They?" Genevieve asked.

The attendant just smiled. "You'll see. Straight through the flap. Don't delay."

The three exchanged looks. Then, silently, they stepped into the tent.

Inside, the space defied its outer appearance.

A stone floor stretched outward beneath an enchanted dome, etched with subtle runes. Raised rows of tiered seats circled the room like a senate chamber, and at the far end sat an elevated half-moon platform where robed people already gathered– some lounging, others watching with interest. They may have differently colored robes, but one thing is common– the gilding in their robes was golden.

Yosef's voice caught in his throat. "This isn't just some waiting room…"

Genevieve whispered, "It's a council chamber. And those golden accents in their robes… All of them are academy elders."

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