The tension in the academy was rising. Even after Bolt's recent battles and victories, something felt off. The air was thick with an unspoken energy—like the calm before a storm.
Bolt leaned back against a bench in the training grounds, arms crossed as he stared at the sky. The thought of controlling 5% of his Warborn power still made his mind race. He could wield all seven elements now, but the true depth of his strength remained locked away. And if the War God's voice was right, he still wasn't ready for what was coming.
"Lost in thought again?" Akane's voice broke through his haze.
Bolt exhaled, shaking his head. "More like trying to figure out what the hell happens next."
Aether, who had been sharpening his twin daggers, glanced up. "Next? Simple. We keep getting stronger. Because I don't know about you, but I don't trust the way things have been lately."
Kairos Vale chuckled from a nearby tree, his arms resting behind his head. "Paranoia, Aether? I thought you were the level-headed one."
Aether shot him a glare. "It's not paranoia if it's true. Something's coming. I can feel it."
Before Bolt could reply, a loud announcement rang through the academy speakers.
"All active factions, report to the Grand Hall immediately. A new mission awaits."
Bolt and his faction exchanged glances.
"Well, there's your answer," Sylva muttered.
---
The Grand Hall buzzed with energy as factions gathered, whispering amongst themselves. Bolt's faction, Celestial Tempest, stood near the center, keeping an eye on the rival groups. The Crimson Fang members were off to the side, whispering in hushed voices, while the Black Squad—now leaderless—looked uneasy.
Dante Kain, leader of Obsidian Claw, smirked when he saw Bolt. "You again. Guess you really don't know when to quit, huh?"
Bolt didn't rise to the bait. "If I stopped now, I wouldn't get to watch you lose."
Dante narrowed his eyes, but before he could reply, a high-ranking instructor stepped onto the platform.
"Silence," the instructor commanded. The hall immediately quieted.
"As you all know, factions in this academy do not advance in rank through simple training. Strength is earned through real battle. That is why this next mission will determine whether you and your faction rise—or fall."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Bolt felt his blood pulse faster.
"This mission will take place outside the academy's safe zone."
That made even the strongest factions tense up. The safe zone existed for a reason—beyond it, real monsters roamed.
"You are to track and eliminate a Red-Horned Minotaur—a B-rank beast."
Bolt's mind immediately started strategizing. B-rank monsters were powerful, but not impossible to kill. With proper teamwork, they could handle it.
"However, you will not be alone on this mission. Another faction will accompany you."
A feeling of unease settled in Bolt's chest. Another faction?
The instructor's next words confirmed his suspicions.
"You will be working alongside the Black Squad."
The hall erupted in shouts.
"The hell?!" Aether growled. "They're a mess right now!"
"They don't even have a leader," Akane muttered.
The instructor silenced the room with a raised hand. "Black Squad's leader may be gone, but they are still a ranked faction. This mission will prove whether they can stand on their own—or be dissolved."
Bolt narrowed his eyes. So that's the academy's plan. They're using this mission as a test for Black Squad.
Dante Kain of Obsidian Claw smirked. "This is going to be fun to watch."
Bolt ignored him. He wasn't worried about the mission itself—he was worried about the unknowns.
Because in the back of his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that this mission wouldn't be as simple as hunting a B-rank monster.
---
Back in their dorm, Celestial Tempest gathered for a strategy discussion.
"Alright, let's break this down," Bolt started, standing at the center. "The Red-Horned Minotaur is tough, but not impossible. We'll need to focus on—"
"That's not the real problem," Aether interrupted. "The Black Squad is."
Kairos leaned against the wall. "He's right. We just knocked their leader out of the academy. They have no direction, no discipline. That means we're not just fighting a monster—we're watching our own backs while doing it."
Sylva frowned. "I don't like it either, but we don't have a choice. We take control of the mission, and we make sure those idiots don't get themselves killed."
Bolt exhaled. "Then we go in expecting sabotage. If they try anything stupid, we shut it down immediately."
Aether smirked. "Now that's the kind of plan I like."
---
As the team finalized their strategy, Kairos Vale lingered near the window, staring out at the night sky.
His fingers absently played with a flickering shadow of fire—a trick he always did when deep in thought.
But his mind wasn't on the mission.
Instead, his eyes glowed faintly as he whispered, "It's almost time."
In the darkness beyond the academy walls, something stirred.
And far, far away, a monstrous growl echoed through the night.