The Academy's northern woods had never seemed so alive. Shadows moved between the ancient trees, not aimlessly, but with purpose. Lyn Ashveil crouched behind a stone outcrop, Umbra beside him, ears alert.
"I can feel it," Lyn whispered. "The commander is close."Umbra's fur bristled. "And it knows we're coming."
From the mist, a towering figure slowly emerged — the same shadow commander that had observed the courtyard attack, larger and more defined. Its amber eyes locked onto Lyn, sending a shiver down his spine.
"So, the spark walks," the commander's voice echoed, both in the forest and inside Lyn's mind."We've met before," Lyn said cautiously, standing tall. "You don't scare me."
The shadow commander moved with uncanny precision, sending smaller shadow forms forward. They flitted around Lyn and Umbra, testing their reflexes, watching how they responded.
"This isn't a battle," Umbra said. "It's a test.""Then we pass it," Lyn replied, focusing his mana.
Lyn extended his hand, golden threads of energy intertwining with Umbra's violet aura. The two surged forward, forming a protective lattice of light. Each strike, each block, was met with the shadows' calculated response — more like a dance than a fight.
"You are stronger than I anticipated," the shadow commander said, voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "But strength alone is not enough."
The commander circled Lyn, shifting its form between wolf, humanoid, and smoke-like manifestations. Lyn realized the pattern: the attacks weren't random; they were teaching him something.
"Umbra," Lyn muttered, "observe their pattern — predict their movement."Umbra's golden eyes gleamed. "Understood."
The duo's bond pulsed. Each movement became instinctive, weaving offense and defense seamlessly. The shadow commander paused, almost approving.
"Interesting… perhaps the forgotten crest chose wisely," it whispered.
The shadows retreated back into the mist. Lyn and Umbra stood alone, breathing heavily, their bond stronger than ever. The shadow commander lingered for a moment longer, its amber eyes studying them.
"This is only the beginning," it murmured. "The rebellion rises, and you… are part of it."
As the mist swallowed it whole, Lyn felt a mixture of exhilaration and apprehension. He had survived the test — but he knew this was just the first challenge of a much larger conflict.
"We've got a long road ahead," Lyn said, placing a hand on Umbra's head.Umbra's eyes glowed warmly. "And we'll face it together."
The northern woods fell silent, save for the faint echo of amber eyes watching, waiting for the next move.