Chapter 10
In an arena soaked with dust and the scent of blood, the survivors of the final trial stood—humans, elves, dwarves, and half-dragons. Many were injured, some barely able to stand, their faces heavy with sorrow and loss.
Julius and Raiden entered the arena quietly, their steps followed by the guards.
Raiden approached Julius and handed him a paper in silence. Julius read it with calm eyes, though the glint of grief did not escape him.
Death Toll:
Humans: 18
Elves: 11
Dwarves: 9
Half-Dragons: 7
A deadly silence fell over the place. Then Julius spoke in a steady voice:
"Everyone who survived this trial... will be officially accepted into the Heroes Academy."
In that moment, the arena exploded with cheers of joy. Tears mixed with smiles, and pain faded—if only for a while. Those who had lost their companions felt that their survival had not been in vain.
Raiden's voice cut through the celebration:
"Are you sure about this decision? Accepting everyone?"
Without turning, Julius replied:
"Yes. If we don't accept them now, this will be the worst year in terms of admissions. Many of the gifted were killed in the raid... We have to save what's left."
Raiden didn't respond. He simply nodded in understanding.
---
In the corner, Aaron stood. A wicked smile crept across his face… he had survived. He had abandoned his comrades and fled, but now he stood among the survivors—celebrated and alive.
On the other side, Thorin emerged—the heir to the Dwarven Kingdom, who had not been seen throughout the trial. He was covered in blood—not his own, but that of his enemies. Without saying a word, he stepped forward and dropped eight stones from fourth-level beasts, and twelve from the third.
Whispers began to spread:
"How did he do it?"
"Did he steal from the others?"
"He's a dwarf, after all..."
But no one dared say it out loud.
Then came Cairn Valdoc, ever silent, stepping out from the crowd. A mere human, yet he stood with confidence, presenting the same number of stones.
Silence settled, astonishment written on every face.
"Even humans survived like this...?"
It seemed this trial had revealed more than just courage—hidden truths, some of them dark.
---
Deep within the Unity Mountain, inside the Round Table Hall... magical screens flickered back to life, their cold glow reflecting off the black stone walls.
One throne sat empty, covered in dust... the rest were occupied by kings, shrouded entirely in shadow—no features visible.
A soft voice broke the silence, a female tone from a queen whose only visible trait was her long hair cascading over her shoulders:
"The screens are back... the threat is over. Now, who will be accepted into the academy?" she asked coolly, eyes fixed on the glowing screens.
The image appeared: Julius standing in the battle arena, declaring to the crowd, "You are all accepted… you all passed the trial!"
A light silence filled the hall.
The three monarchs watched the people of their races celebrate—screams, tears, laughter... a rare moment of joy in a merciless world.
One of the screens showed an injured girl leaning against a wall, blood on her cheek, but smiling. Leona… the daughter of the Dragon King.
At the sight of her, one of the monarchs allowed a faint smile—one that hadn't been seen in decades.
---
The scene shifts
Elsewhere in the world... Jin was still running. His steps were heavy, breaths shallow, but his eyes never left the horizon.
At last... he saw Unity Mountain—towering into the sky like a sleeping stone beast, lost among dark clouds. Below it... the Golden Capital.
A city that never sleeps… its lights never dim. But they don't shine with magic… they burn with something else.
Jin slowed his pace, beginning to walk… on the same road moved massive wooden carts, loaded with black coal.
The only thing keeping the city alive… coal ripped from the veins of the earth by force.
Workers walked beside the carts… pale faces, exhausted bodies, as if their souls were being slowly drained with every step.
Jin stared at them silently… then at the coal… and finally back at the distant city.
A city screaming with light… but living on darkness.
------------------------------------------
I know this chapter is very short, but I haven't been doing well lately and I'm trying to keep writing despite that. I hope you like the chapter, and please consider leaving a comment to rate the story—even a small one—because your feedback is what keeps me going.
--------------------------------