The air around the university was thick with anticipation as the Arcane Dominion Trial loomed closer. But instead of training or strategizing, Aiden found himself in the worst possible situation—being dragged around by Elara's team.
"Why am I here again?" Aiden groaned as Elara pulled him along, ignoring his complaints.
"Because you never socialize, and since the teams are getting shuffled for the trial, it's about time you get to know other people besides Leon and Xaleth," she said matter-of-factly.
Aiden sighed, letting himself be dragged into the cafeteria where Elara's team was already seated.
As soon as they spotted him, Lyra Evern smirked. "Oh look, the legendary underdog."
Elysia Ashford giggled. "More like the miracle entry."
Aiden rolled his eyes. "Glad to know my reputation is intact."
Lyra leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "So, tell me, Aiden… how does it feel to be the weakest one here?"
"Ask Leon, he reminds me every day."
Elara burst into laughter while Elysia tried to cover her smile. Even Rhyne Alden, the usually stoic member of Elara's team, let out a quiet chuckle.
Aiden was about to fire back a retort when he suddenly felt a cold presence behind him.
"Tch. Loud."
Aiden turned his head slowly and saw Xaleth standing there, arms crossed, his usual disinterested expression plastered on his face.
"Oh hey, Xaleth! Wanna join us?" Elara offered cheerfully.
Xaleth looked at the table, then at Aiden, then back at the table again. "...No."
"Alright, suit yourself."
Leon appeared next, striding in with the same arrogant air he always had. "What's all the noise about? Are we finally ranking Aiden as the weakest student in the university?"
Aiden facepalmed. "Why is this a topic everywhere I go?"
"Because it's hilarious," Lyra teased.
"Not to mention, unexpected," Elysia added.
"Enough already." Aiden groaned before turning to Elara. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?"
Elara gave him an innocent smile. "Maybe."
Suddenly, a booming voice interrupted the banter.
"Oi, weaklings!"
The entire cafeteria turned to see a group of top-ranking students walking in. One of them, a muscular guy with fire magic, sneered at Aiden's group. "Hope you guys don't slow us down in the trial."
Leon sighed dramatically. "Oh great, idiots have arrived."
"Say that again, pretty boy?" the fire-user growled.
"Sure," Leon smirked. "Idiots."
The entire table went silent. Aiden braced himself for a fight.
But before things could escalate, a heavy hand landed on the fire-user's shoulder.
"You start a fight here, and you won't be making it to the trial," a deep voice warned.
Everyone froze.
Takeda Renzou stood behind them, arms crossed, an unreadable look on his face. The fire-user paled, mumbled something under his breath, and hurried away.
Takeda glanced at Aiden's group. "You lot, don't get cocky before the trial even starts."
Leon smirked. "You worried about us, old man?"
Takeda scoffed. "Worried? No. But I am betting on whether or not Aiden survives past the first hour."
Aiden choked on his drink.
The entire table erupted in laughter.
The Arcane Dominion Trial was coming… but for now, they were just a bunch of students enjoying the chaos before the storm.