The air thrummed with tension as Kael and Selene stood before the massive glowing fissure in the ground—an otherworldly maw that marked the spawning point of the Thornbeast. Its arrival had been foretold by the pulsing energy that rippled across the trial arena, and the drones hovering overhead buzzed with frantic activity, capturing every heartbeat of the moment for the Academy's entertainment networks.
Five Initiates had fallen at the twins' mercy. Now, the final trial loomed: defeat the Thornbeast, survive, and claim glory. But for Kael Umbros, it was more than a trial—it was a promise that the world would remember his name.
The ground shook first—a low vibration that rattled Kael's bones and sent tremors through Selene's rifle stock. Then, from the core of the corrupted forest simulation, the Thornbeast erupted.
It was colossal—at least fifteen feet tall, with bark-like armor plates twisting around sinewy muscles. From its shoulders sprouted dozens of thorned vines, each tipped with venomous barbs that dripped with glowing ichor. Its head was crowned by a mangled antler rack, and its eyes burned a furious red. As it roared, the air itself seemed to warp; the vines writhed, ready to strike.
"Focus on its weak points," Selene whispered, voice icy with calm precision. "The vines channel its aura—sever them, and you'll disrupt its core."
Kael nodded, chest heaving with excitement. "I'll draw its attention. You flank from the west."
He unsheathed the Fangblade, its jagged edge humming with latent blood magic. Around them, the other ten top-ranked Initiates scattered—some to attack, others to flee. But none dared face the twins head-on.
With a roar that matched the beast's, Kael launched forward, the ground cracking beneath his steps. His aura flared black and silver; his system pinged:
> [Combat Mode: Bloodborne Assault Activated]
[Buff: Beast Aura Surge +15% Strength]
He darted beneath the sweeping arc of a massive vine, his body a blur. With savage precision, he slashed at its base. The vine writhed, hissing like a wounded serpent, but remained intact.
The Thornbeast swung its trunk-like arm, the movement measured and devastating. Kael leapt upward, transforming mid-air into his Half-Form. Black fur erupted along his forearms; claws extended. He landed atop the creature's back, teeth bared.
> [Skill Unlocked: Shadow Claw Strike]
He sank claws into its armored hide. The beast roared in pain, bucking beneath him and sending him flying through the air. Kael hit the dirt hard, grit filling his mouth, but he rose immediately, blood staining his lips.
From the west, Selene emerged across the battlefield, her glowing violet wings unfolding like ethereal sails. She hovered twenty feet above the ground, rifle trained on the beast's vulnerable joints.
> [Selene's System Ping: Target Acquisition – Vine Node #4]
Her finger squeezed the trigger. A crimson bolt burst from the barrel, trailing arcane sigils that pierced through armor. Upon impact, the bolt exploded, shattering the vine node into splinters.
> [System Notification: Blood Sigil: Fragment – Success]
[Passive Gained: Vinebane Technique]
The Thornbeast howled, rear vines thrashing in fury. It turned, nostrils flaring, eyes burning with hatred. Selene didn't falter. She unleashed a volley:
> [Skill Used: Moonlight Barrage]
Six glowing shards rained down on the creature's back, each carving runic patterns into its hide. Sparks of corrupted energy sputtered and died.
Kael seized the opportunity. Roaring, he lunged forward, pivoted on one claw, and plunged the Fangblade deep into a cracked armor plate on its flank. The blade glowed as it drank corrupted ichor, forging it into a ravenous lock of power.
> [Bloodforged Strike – Enhanced]
[20% Bonus Damage Applied]
The beast staggered, blood seeping through its bark-like skin. Vines writhed in agony, and with a final roar, it collapsed to its knees.
But as the Thornbeast fell, the forest backdrop flickered—briefly torn away, revealing the true academy grounds beyond. The crowd gasped. A ripple of dissent passed through the drones' commentary channels: was the simulation glitching?
Before anyone could react, the beast's dying roar morphed into a human scream. The Thornbeast's body dissolved in a cascade of corrupted petals, revealing a teenage girl slumped on the ground, panting and injured—her system interface flickering above her.
> [Player: Marielle Ravencourt]
Class: Thornweaver Initiate
Rank: Elite
Shocked whispers erupted: Marielle had been one of the Academy's rising stars, known for her mastery of plant and poison magic. How had she become a corrupted beast?
Selene darted forward, landing next to the dazed girl. Cradling her gently, she pressed a finger to Marielle's throat, checking her pulse. Then she whispered, "Stay with me. You're safe now."
Marielle's violet eyes fluttered. "It… it wasn't me. Something took over."
Kael knelt beside them, Anger flaring in his crimson eye. "Who did this to you?"
Before Marielle could answer, the arena's monitors exploded with static. A single message appeared on every screen:
> "THE TRIAL HAS BEEN COMPROMISED.
UNAUTHORIZED BLOODLINE DETECTED.
INITIATE LOCKDOWN IN 3… 2… 1…"
A monstrous screech echoed as barriers rose around the arena—sealing them inside. Drones retreated to safe distances, and the overhead speakers crackled.
> "Attendees, this is not a drill.
Hostile bloodline activity detected.
Evacuate non-essential personnel immediately.
All Initiates, proceed to emergency protocols."
Panic erupted. Some students bolted for exits; others drew weapons. Marielle looked at Kael, fear and trust mingling in her gaze.
> [New Quest Initialized: Survive Lockdown & Uncover Saboteur]
Kael stood, pressing a hand to Marielle's forehead. The corrupted magic still pulsed faintly in her veins. "You're coming with us," he said, voice low but firm.
Selene nodded, scanning the air. "We need to find the source of the corruption. And fast."
A roar of alarms and shouting echoed from the academy's main gates. Through the transparent barriers, Kael could see instructors in armored suits mobilizing—confused, disoriented. The simulation had been a cover for something more sinister.
He turned back to Marielle. "Can you still use magic?"
She coughed, nodding weakly. "I think so… but only for a moment."
Selene extended a hand. "Then lead us to the control node. I'll clear a path."
Kael offered his shoulder. "And I'll handle anything that gets in our way."
Marielle swallowed. "Follow me."
They sprinted through the dilapidated courtyard where semi-transparent walls flickered between simulation and reality. Thorned vines still writhed from the trial's forest residue, ensnaring unwary students. Kael ripped through them with his claws, the vines hissing and recoiling.
Selene launched overhead, firing precision shots to sever tendrils blocking their path. Marielle trailed behind, her fingertips glowing as she cast quick wards to keep the vines at bay.
> [System Notification: Emergency Shield Unlocked – Marielle Ravencourt]
They reached the control pavilion, its doors fused by corrupted magic. Marielle pressed her palms together, chanting a silent incantation. A soft violet light expanded, and the doors groaned open.
Inside, flickering consoles lined the walls, coded in archaic runes. The central console pulsed with corrupted energy—the heart of the sabotage.
> "Saboteur," Kael hissed. He approached the console, blade drawn. "Show yourself."
A shadow shifted. From the corner stepped a tall figure in a dark cloak, face obscured by a hood. Two glowing eyes—one red, one violet—glared at Kael.
"Impressive," the figure said, voice calm. "But predictable."
Kael's blood boiled. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, a sound that sent chills through the room. "Someone who knows your true nature… and plans to use it."
Before Kael could react, the figure raised a hand. A wave of corrupted energy slammed into him, knocking him across the room. Selene fired at the cloaked saboteur, but the shots dissipated against an invisible barrier.
Marielle raised her hands, weaving a protective ward around the twins. "Stay back!"
The saboteur stepped forward, lowering the hood. Kael's heart froze. The face that emerged was painfully familiar—features mirroring Kael's own, but older, hardened, and cruel. Silver-black hair fell to the shoulders, fading to pure silver at the tips. One eye red, one eye violet.
Like Kael—only older.
"Surprised to see your father?" the figure whispered.
Kael's world tilted. He struggled to stand, fury and disbelief warping his vision. "You… you can't be—"
Selene's eyes narrowed. "Father?"
The saboteur smiled, shadows dancing around him. "Oh, I'm plenty real. And you two are the keys to the next phase of ascension. Welcome home… my children."
The corrupted consoles pulsed. The emergency lockdown alarms grew louder. Outside, students scrambled in confusion.
Kael's blood roared in his veins. Rage, betrayal, and a hunger for answers surged through him. He raised his Fangblade.
"Tell me. Why?" he demanded, voice echoing like thunder.
The hooded figure's smile turned predatory. "Because the world must remember the true power of the Umbravaris line… and you will lead it."
Lightning crackled. The pavilion shook. And in that moment, Kael and Selene realized that the greatest trial they faced was only beginning.
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End of Chapter 3
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Next Up: Chapter 4 – Bloodlines and Betrayals