WebNovels

Chapter 29 - Chapter 28: The Calm Before the Storm

The ball was over, but its ripples had only begun to spread.

The morning after felt slower, quieter. The campus grounds of Astralis Institute bathed in the golden light of dawn as students dragged their tired feet through breakfast and training notices.

Celeste stood near the greenhouse garden, the memory of last night still weighing on her shoulders. Her dance with Auren had unsettled something inside her—something warm, dangerous, and unfamiliar.

She had always been good at building walls. Why, then, did he keep slipping past them?

"Thinking about someone?" Lyra's teasing voice broke her thoughts. She appeared with two mugs of fruit tea, handing one to Celeste. "You've been staring at that poor tree like it betrayed you."

Celeste took the tea without answering.

Lyra sat beside her on the stone ledge. "So... I saw you dance with two very good-looking boys last night." She nudged Celeste playfully. "Want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Thought so."

They sat in companionable silence, the kind that only existed between real friends.

From a distance, a crowd began to gather in the central plaza. A few students ran past, shouting excitedly.

"What's happening?" Lyra asked.

Before Celeste could answer, a loud magical chime rang through the air, and the Headmaster's voice echoed across the campus.

"All first-year students, report to the Combat Arena immediately. Instructions for the Weapons Master Trials will now be delivered."

Celeste and Lyra exchanged a look.

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The Combat Arena was massive—circular, ancient, and covered by a dome that shimmered faintly with protective enchantments. Hundreds of students gathered in its stands, buzzing with speculation.

Auren arrived moments before the headmaster, flanked by Kael, Rhydan, and his brother Valric. Leonel stood near the senior representatives, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Iris Elowen waved from a nearby corner, her smile far too perfect.

Celeste stood near the edge of the gathering, her hood lightly up again.

"The Literary Examination is over," the Headmaster declared from the elevated platform. "Now comes the next phase of your growth—the Weapons Master Trials."

Gasps and murmurs erupted.

"Eight will be chosen," the Headmaster continued. "Each representing a mastery in one specific weapon: Sword, Bow, Spear, Whip, Dual Daggers, Staff, Axe, and Chain. These eight will receive personal instruction from legendary instructors, and only they will qualify for the Inter-Realm Combat Exchange."

Now the crowd roared.

Auren's eyes lit up with determination. Kael looked excited. Rhydan muttered something about not wanting the whip again.

Valric nudged his shoulder. "This time, try not to get hit in the face."

"The trials will test more than skill," the Headmaster warned. "They will test instinct, adaptability, and your bond with the weapon you choose. This is not just about winning. It's about becoming one with your weapon."

The floor beneath them shifted slightly as eight glowing symbols appeared on the ground—each one pulsing with the energy of its respective weapon.

Celeste stared down at them.

Which one... will I choose?

She knew she couldn't go all out. Not yet. Not when eyes were already turning toward her after that unexpected rank.

But she had to participate.

Next to her, Lyra whispered, "I'm scared."

Celeste gently gripped her friend's hand. "You'll be fine."

Their names began appearing in the air—grouped in batches for initial sparring rounds. Auren's was first. Celeste's was third. Lyra's was fifth.

Auren looked across the arena—his eyes met Celeste's.

For a brief second, the rest of the noise faded.

They were all here for different reasons.

To prove something. To hide something. To protect something.

But from this point on, the road ahead would not be easy.

Because only eight would rise.

And the rest would fall behind.

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