Louis wiped the sweat from his forehead as he sat on the bench in the training chamber, wrapping fresh bandages around his bruised hands.
Two days of relentless training. No mercy. Just brutal endurance Adrian had been putting him through and the crushing effort of attempting to control the alien Core power burning inside him.
"Louis," Adrian suddenly said, exhaling sharply.
Louis looked up. "Something wrong, Master Adrian?""
You need to know this. The Earth Defenders are giving you a chance to prove you're more than a walking weapon."
"What?"
"The Trial of the Worthy starts tonight. You're a part of it."
Louis froze. "I'm… a part of it?"
"It's a test," Adrian said. "To prove you're ready to become a true Earth Defender. But if you fail… you die."
Louis's heart skipped a beat.
"You... you agreed to this?" Louis choked. "You're sending me to die?"
"No." Adrian said calmly. "I'm sending you to survive. To show them the Core doesn't control you. That you're more than what they fear."
Louis rose slowly, fists clenched. "I didn't ask for this."
"You didn't have to." Adrian's eyes locked with his. "The decision's been made. I'm giving you a chance to fight."
Adrian's words this time didn't comfort Louis.
He couldn't breathe.
He couldn't think.
"Get ready," Adrian said.
That evening, Adrian's sleek vehicle glided through the forest toward the Earth Defenders' fortress.
Spotlights scanned them as the main gate opened.
He drove straight to the Trial Dome, while Louis sat beside him, heart pounding from Adrian's words.
As the vehicle pulled up, dozens of high-ranking Earth Defenders already stood waiting.
Adrian stepped out first, his crimson cloak billowing behind him.
At the head of the group was Nicholas, his sharp uniform pristine, his golden insignia gleaming.
Commander Arthur walked beside him, his face hard, while Tara and Dan lingered in the background, silent but watchful.
"Look who crawled out of the shadows." Nicholas smirked. "The infamous Adrian Velas. I must admit, I'm surprised you had the nerve to show your face here."
Adrian's gaze didn't shift. "I'm not here for pleasantries, Nicholas. I'm here to ensure the boy survives."
Nicholas chuckled darkly. "Survives? You mean if he's worthy."
"He has worth than any of your lapdogs." Adrian shot back.
Arthur stepped forward, moved closer to Adrian, and muttered. "If he dies, Adrian, I swear I'll kill you myself. I'll drag your body through the ruins of this city for everyone to see."
Adrian smirked. "If Louis dies, Arthur, it won't be because of me—it'll be because of your cowardice and fear."
Arthur reached for his sword, but Nicholas raised a hand. "Enough. Let the boy prove himself.. or fall."
Dan stepped forward, addressing Louis. "Louis Lee. It's time to suit up."
****
Louis was led to a changing room; a polished black defense suit awaited him on a pedestal.
He slipped into it and was led down the corridor toward the arena gates.
Soon he emerged into the arena, a vast stadium filled with spectators. Above, screens displayed views from every angle.
To Louis's surprise, he recognized academy students and instructors gathered in the circular dome.
Confused, he soon realized this was a graduation event, a proving ground for young warriors ready to join the Earth Defenders.
But for Louis... This event predicts his life.
High above, a commentator's voice rang out."Welcome, citizens and students, to the Graduation Gauntlet of the Earth Defenders Academy!
"Cheers erupted.
"In a rare twist," the voice continued, " Louis Lee, an unexpected entrant is joining us today"
As Louis stepped into the light, the crowd hushed.
Students stared in disbelief, murmuring about his rumored death during the Veltrix attack.
"Is that… Louis?"
"I thought he was dead."
"It can't be."
A familiar voice called out from the stands. "Louis?!"
He turned—his eyes locked with Kelvin, his old roommate.
Kelvin stood, stunned, shoving through the crowd. "Where the hell have you been?! Are you okay?! What is this?!"
Louis opened his mouth, but no words came.
He looked away.
Then he saw her. Kate, standing on an higher ground, trapped in the crowd.
Shock and confusion were etched on her face.
"Louis?" she called softly.
Louis didn't answer. He couldn't.
Suddenly, a gate across the arena opened, and a prisoner was brought forth, shackled and immediately released.
The crowd gasped.
"First off, we will start with the Trial of the Worthy!" the announcer proclaimed. "Competitors will face off in deadly combat to prove their worthiness for redemption."
The announcer's voice dipped ominously. "This is a fight for survival."
Gasps continue to ripple across the stands.
Now the students understand that this day wasn't just a test.
It was a battlefield.
"Louis Lee," the announcer said, "is to face this superhuman criminal, Rex Garrison, the speed demon sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. But if he wins this trial, he will be released."
Louis stared at him.
Rex Garrison was more animal than man, his frame unnaturally long and lean, his movements a blur as he crossed the distance with inhuman speed.
His eyes glowed faintly red, and a predatory grin stretched across his face.
Louis's core system screen appeared in front of his eyes:
[Core Alert: Host Threat Level: Critical.]
[Opponent Analysis: Enhanced Speed. High Combat Efficiency.]
[Probability of Survival: 12%]
Louis's stomach twisted. "Twelve percent? Are you kidding me?!"
[Directive: Focus. Use the core. Survive.]
"And now," the commentator announced, "the first match begins!"
Louis barely had time to react before Garrison blurred forward, moving faster than he could track.
A fist collided with his gut, sending Louis sprawling backward. Pain exploded through his ribs as he flew into the barricades.
Rex laughed, his voice cruel. "You're just a kid. What are you even doing here?"
Louis groaned, coughing as he struggled to his feet. His chest glowed faintly with the Core's energy, but his body felt sluggish and unprepared.
[Reminder: Pain is a distraction. Focus on survival.]
"Easy for you to say," Louis muttered, wiping blood from his mouth.
This was going to be tough.