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Chapter 20 - The First Trial – Group Elimination Begins

Below is the full chapter (≈1500 words) converted from your outline — dialogue-heavy, energetic, and keeping the childish-but-not-cringey tone of your characters.

Chapter: The First Trial – Group Elimination Begins

Dawn had barely brushed the sky when the Grand Arena of Cloud Dragon Sect erupted with life. Thousands of junior disciples—new arrivals, hopefuls, dreamers—packed the stone coliseum like a swarm of ants, buzzing with nerves and excitement.

The stone seats curved around the enormous battlefield below, where sixteen circular arenas were marked with glowing boundaries. Overhead, banners fluttered in the mountain winds, each embroidered with the sect's emblem: a winding dragon climbing toward the clouds.

Vishwa stood among the sea of disciples, his dark hair ruffled by the morning breeze. He tugged nervously on the collar of his training robe.

Beside him, Joseph stretched his arms, sparks of faint fire aura dancing over his palms.

"You look tense," Joseph said, grinning.

"I'm not tense," Vishwa replied, even though his shoulders were stiff enough to snap.

"Sure you're not," Joseph laughed. "Just remember: don't die, don't faint, and don't embarrass me."

Taro Renji—short brown hair, squirrel-like energy—popped his head between them.

"If anyone's embarrassing Joseph, it'll be Joseph," Taro declared proudly.

Joseph elbowed him lightly. "Focus on surviving your own group, monkey boy."

"I will!" Taro said, hands on his hips. "I'll survive by style."

Riku Hanayama approached them quietly, adjusting his fine-quality gloves. As usual, he looked clean, perfect, and noble—even at sunrise.

"The Elder is arriving," Riku murmured.

Right on cue, a piercing screech ripped across the sky.

A massive winged beast swooped down, landing at the center of the arena in a whirl of dust. On its back sat a Senior Elder, robes flowing like storm clouds, his white beard dancing in the wind.

The entire arena fell silent.

The Elder raised his arm, and his voice boomed with spiritual infusion:

"WELCOME to the Junior Initiation Ceremony!"

Cheers roared from every corner. Vishwa felt the vibrations through his feet.

"This year," the Elder continued, "over four thousand candidates stand before us. But only a fraction will earn the right to advance."

He stretched his sleeve dramatically.

"Sixteen groups. Each group: three hundred disciples. A free-for-all battle."

Gasps echoed.

Joseph cracked his knuckles. "Now it gets fun."

"It gets terrifying," Taro corrected.

"Only ten from each group will advance," the Elder said. "No killing is allowed. Severe injury… is natural."

Riku sighed. "How reassuring."

Finally, the Elder raised a glowing sphere.

"When the gong sounds, the trial begins. To your groups!"

The crowd scattered like startled birds.

Assignments and Determination

Tokens were handed out by robed officials. The disciples crowded around giant wooden boards where group placements were written.

Taro stretched on tiptoes to scan the list.

"I'm in Group 2!" he shouted proudly.

Joseph found his name. "Group 3."

Riku nodded. "Group 7 for me."

Vishwa finally spotted his.

"Group 4."

Taro turned excitedly to them. "This is it! This is where we show them how strong Dorm 1 is!"

Joseph bumped fists with Vishwa.

"We're taking the lead today," Joseph said.

Vishwa smiled faintly and returned the fist bump. "Don't fall behind, flame head."

"Who you calling flame head?"

"You."

Riku smirked. "Can you two save the bickering for after the battle?"

The four of them exchanged a silent nod, an unspoken promise, before splitting up across the vast arena grounds.

Morning Battles – Rising Stars

Taro Renji – Group 2 Arena

By mid-morning, Group 2's elimination had everyone watching in awe.

Taro bounced lightly on his toes as the gong rang. Fighters charged at each other instantly, the arena erupting in dust clouds and battle cries.

"Okay, Taro," he muttered to himself. "Don't get crushed. Don't die. Don't run in circles… maybe."

A burly boy lunged at him. Taro yelped, flipped backward, and rolled under another attacker's legs.

"Stop moving!" the burly boy shouted.

"No thanks!" Taro yelled, kicking his shin and dashing away.

He ducked, dodged, slid, and spun—fighting like a squirrel possessed. He was small but fast, with ridiculous reflexes that saved him again and again.

By the end, when only twelve fighters remained, Taro suddenly tripped on a fallen staff and accidentally sent two opponents crashing into each other.

Everyone stared.

Taro blinked. "Uh. Tactical maneuver?"

The referee raised a flag.

"Taro Renji––Eighth place in Group 2!"

Taro pumped his fist in the air. "YES! Dorm 1 REPRESENT!"

The crowd cheered, half in disbelief.

Joseph's Battle – Group 3

Joseph's turn came next.

Standing calmly at the center of the arena, he waited for the gong. When it sounded, fighters surged toward him—but Joseph didn't move.

He inhaled deeply.

A faint fire aura flickered around him—the mark of his elemental awakening.

One opponent swung a spear.

Joseph stepped aside, grabbed the spear shaft, and flipped the attacker over his shoulder.

Two others charged.

He slammed his fists into the ground. Fire burst outward in a small shockwave, knocking several off their feet.

"Come on," Joseph muttered, wiping his nose. "Is this the best Group 3 has?"

Later, Vishwa would hear whispers:

"That fire kid from Group 3… crazy strong."

"He wiped five in one blow!"

But no results were posted yet, leaving a cliff of suspense.

Midday Break – Nervous Waiting

With Groups 1–3 done, the arena paused for a midday break.

Vishwa sat quietly under a shade, breathing slowly and trying to calm his racing heart. His stomach felt tight—not from hunger but anticipation.

Taro, still glowing with pride, ran over with a basket of cold fruit drinks.

"I DID IT!" he screamed.

Vishwa smirked. "Good job."

Taro shoved a drink into his hand. "Now YOU go win."

Riku joined them shortly. He had bought refreshments again—mostly because he hated seeing his dormmates dehydrated like animals.

"Vishwa," Riku said, arms crossed, "don't overthink it. You've trained more seriously than anyone in the dorm."

Vishwa didn't refute that. He simply nodded.

Afternoon – Group 4 Assembling

The Elders began calling Group 4 candidates.

Vishwa stood, wiping his palms on his robe. Taro clapped his shoulder.

"Go show them."

Riku added, "Don't let anyone bully you."

Vishwa stepped away from his friends and walked toward the colossal battlefield.

The arena for Group 4 was a giant stone circle surrounded by towering statues of ancient sect warriors. Dust swirled from earlier matches, and the sun's glare made everything shimmer.

When Vishwa entered through the east gate, he saw hundreds of opponents sharpening weapons, stretching, whispering strategies.

Whispers started:

"That's the dark-element kid, right?"

"He trained with Joseph."

"I heard he beat the leader of Dorm 3!"

"No way—Dorm 3's leader is a monster."

Vishwa ignored the voices. He focused on his breathing.

Void Walk. Dark Pulse. Sidestep. Balance.

He pictured each move in his mind as the Elder overseeing Group 4 approached the center.

Rivals Watching

Across the arena grounds, in Group 5's waiting area, the Dorm 3 leader leaned against a post, arms crossed.

His lip curled into a mocking smile.

"So he actually showed up to fight," he muttered. "Let's see how long you last, shadow boy."

Far away on the opposite stands, Joseph had finished his group battles and sprinted toward the viewing area. He wasn't allowed close, but he could see the dust cloud surrounding Group 4's arena.

"Come on, Vishwa," he whispered under his breath.

Taro and Riku sat anxiously beside him in the spectator area.

"I believe in him," Taro said.

"I do too," Riku added quietly. "He's grown stronger."

The Last Moment Before Battle

Vishwa rolled his shoulders and checked the tightness of his gloves.

He took a deep breath.

"If Hitami were here…" he murmured, "she'd be screaming at me to punch harder."

He allowed himself a small chuckle.

Then the Elder stepped forward carrying a massive bronze gong, veins glowing with spiritual energy.

"GROUP 4 COMPETITORS!" his voice thundered through the mountains.

"Prepare yourselves!"

End of Chapter

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