The grand hall of Faliton was a cathedral of steel and frost, where marble pillars carved with the sigils of past monarchs stretched towards a vaulted ceiling of gleaming silver. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, a slow, curling wisp of smoke snaking its way through the banners of war that hung like shrouds above the throne.
At the centre of this monument to conquest sat Queen Liskarm Jee. Draped in a gown as dark as the void between stars, her presence was an unrelenting force of nature, an empress carved from ice and tempered in fire. Her silver-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like woven silk, but her eyes—her eyes were cold steel, glinting with the promise of blood.
Beside her stood Princess Velimira Kuznetsov—her daughter, the very embodiment of Faliton's cruel beauty. Clad in ceremonial armor, her deep azure cloak draped across her shoulders like the wings of a raven, she carried herself with the confidence of a warrior who had never known defeat.
A hush had settled upon the chamber as the informant, clad in weatherworn leathers, knelt before the Queen. His breath was uneven, his forehead slick with sweat from the journey. Yet it was not exhaustion that made his voice tremble—it was the weight of the news he carried.
Liskarm Jee leaned forward, fingers resting lightly on the armrest of her throne.
"Speak," she commanded, her voice smooth but edged with quiet menace.
The informant swallowed hard.
"Your Majesty, I bring word of the Commander of Abjannas… Aleeman Hakiman."
The Queen's gaze sharpened. A silence thick enough to suffocate filled the hall.
The informant continued.
"He infiltrated the Ji-Gong imperial palace—under disguise, for one purpose only…"
Liskarm Jee's lips parted slightly. Her fingers drummed against the armrest.
"To assassinate Weng Jin Shun?"
The informant hesitated. Then, with careful precision, he spoke the truth.
"No, my Queen. He went for the fallen prince—Wei Yang Hong."
The moment the words left his lips, the Queen's eyes darkened, a storm brewing beneath the surface.
Princess Velimira, who had remained still as a statue, turned her head sharply. Her ice-blue irises glinted with something unreadable.
Liskarm Jee's voice was barely above a whisper, yet it sliced through the air like a blade.
"The fallen prince…" she murmured. "The one cursed by the Yuán Nǚ Wáng… the one who changed his name to Shi Zhao Mei?"
The informant nodded.
"Yes, my Queen."
Liskarm Jee exhaled slowly, the weight of her breath curling into the tension of the room.
"Describe this… Shi Zhao Mei."
The informant lowered his head and spoke.
"A woman of exquisite beauty, Majesty. Skin of moonlight, hair as dark as midnight silk. She wears the raiments of the dragon clan—deep crimson, adorned with gold. Her figure is both strong and elegant, a warrior veiled in the guise of seduction.
"She fights with the precision of an assassin, swift as the wind, yet dances upon the battlefield like a wraith. Her eyes—" the informant hesitated, as though recalling something unsettling. "They burn like embers beneath winter frost."
A flicker of recognition passed through the Queen's expression, then twisted into something more menacing.
Her fingers curled against the throne's armrest, her nails pressing into the wood.
"Isn't this the same woman," she mused, "who aided Aleeman against Kumaruchaisan at Sefirah?"
The informant bowed his head further.
"Yes, Majesty. She was the one who aided the Commander of Abjannas in ambushing Alphagut's forces at the valley."
Liskarm Jee's gaze darkened, venom slipping into her voice.
"And yet, I was led to believe she was an exile, hunted by her own people."
The informant hesitated. Then—he spoke again.
"Majesty… there is more."
Liskarm Jee lifted a single brow.
"Then speak, before my patience wears thin."
The informant licked his lips, steeling himself for the next words.
"Lenotes Kekaumenos, son of Tekfur Kekaumenos, marched with his knights through Justilia Forest. But he was ambushed… by Aleeman and his men."
A flicker of something fierce flashed in Velimira's gaze. She took a step forward, her voice cutting through the air.
"Then?" she pressed, her fingers twitching at her belt.
The informant lowered his head further, his voice almost trembling.
"Then… Headmaster Falani arrived."
Silence.
Liskarm Jee's breath came sharp through her nose. Her fingers stilled against the throne.
"And?" she demanded, voice like a frozen dagger.
The informant swallowed.
"Lenotes failed, my Queen. He engaged Aleeman in battle, unleashing his Knight Divine Warrior form—Storm Cavalier: Lightning's Wrath—but… it was not enough. Headmaster Falani himself interfered, arriving with his students."
Liskarm Jee's gaze burned.
Then the informant added the final blow.
"And… Shi Zhao Mei was among them."
A deadly silence blanketed the throne room.
Liskarm Jee rose from her throne, her shadow stretching long against the polished marble floor. The torchlight flickered, casting a hellish glow upon her expression—a mixture of fury and something else… something dangerous.
"That… woman." Her words were venom. "That snake."
Princess Velimira stepped closer to her mother, arms crossed. Her voice, softer but no less dangerous, was laced with intrigue.
"So the fallen prince has allied himself with the wolf of Abjannas."
Liskarm Jee exhaled slowly, composing herself, but her grip on the throne's armrest remained tight.
Then—her lips curled into something resembling a smirk.
"If the wolf thinks himself untouchable, then we shall see just how long he can outrun the hunt."
She turned toward her daughter, eyes gleaming like sharpened steel.
"Velimira, my dear, prepare yourself."
Velimira arched a brow.
"For what?"
Liskarm Jee's smirk deepened, but her eyes glowed with malice.
"For war."
A pause.
Then—the Queen turned toward the informant.
"You have served me well," she purred, stepping closer. "Now… bring me Tekfur Kekaumenos. We have much to discuss."
The informant bowed, then scurried from the room.
As the grand doors shut behind him, Liskarm Jee's gaze lingered upon the fading embers of the torches.
Her lips barely moved, yet her whisper was filled with poison.
"Aleeman… I will tear your heart from your chest with my own hands."
The air inside Lady Yun Zhen's chambers was thick with incense, the scent of burning sandalwood coiling like ghosts around the silk-draped canopy of her bed. The golden glow of lanterns flickered, casting elongated shadows upon the carved wooden panels, their intricate designs depicting tales of dragons and emperors long gone.
Yet, despite the grandeur of her surroundings, Lady Yun Zhen lay pale and weak, her body fragile as porcelain threatened by the weight of sorrow. Her once radiant countenance was now marred with grief, her heart splintered by the shame of her son's capture.
Beside her, Doctor Cheng Baolong inspected her pulse, his brows furrowing as he measured her breath with quiet concentration.
A female servant, Xiao Meiling, dipped a silk cloth into a bowl of cool water, wringing it before gently pressing it to her mistress's forehead. The other servants hovered anxiously, whispering prayers under their breath, fearing the worst.
Then—the doors burst open.
"Madam! Madam!"
Xiao Yulan, one of the younger handmaidens, ran inside, breathless, her robes fluttering behind her like the wings of a startled bird.
Lady Yun Zhen's lashes fluttered weakly. Her lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yulan… why do you disturb me?"
The handmaiden fell to her knees, bowing deeply.
"My Lady, your son—Prince Liu Zhenbao—has returned!"
The words sent a surge of energy through the grieving mother. Her hands trembled as she pushed herself upright, dark eyes wide with disbelief.
"Zhenbao?" she breathed. "My son?"
The doors parted once more, and there he stood.
Liu Zhenbao.
Clad in his imperial robes, his long dark hair tied back with a golden clasp, he moved with a dignified stride. Though he carried no visible wounds, a haunted shadow lurked beneath his sharp gaze.
He knelt beside his mother's bed, his voice laced with calm reassurance.
"Mother, I am here. You need not worry."
Lady Yun Zhen's vision blurred with tears as she reached out, cupping his face with both hands. Her fingers trembled, tracing the sharp angles of his cheekbones as if ensuring he was real.
"They did not harm you?" she asked desperately.
Liu Zhenbao offered a small, unreadable smirk.
"Nothing worth mentioning."
Lady Yun Zhen sighed in relief, pulling him into an embrace.
But as she held her son, the question gnawed at her insides like a parasite.
How? How had he escaped the clutches of the wolf of Abjannas?
The moon hung high, casting silver streaks upon the palace courtyard as Aleeman Hakiman strode forward, dragging Liu Zhenbao with the unwavering grip of a conqueror.
The imperial guards stood at the ready, yet none dared approach, for the hostage was still within the wolf's grasp, the tip of Aleeman's blade resting lightly against Liu Zhenbao's throat.
As they reached the edge of the palace gates, Liu Zhenbao's breath came ragged, but his composure remained intact.
Then—abruptly, Aleeman shoved him forward, releasing him without ceremony.
Liu Zhenbao stumbled before regaining his balance, turning back with narrowed eyes.
"Why?" he questioned, his tone laced with suspicion. "Why did you not kill me?"
Aleeman sheathed his blade with a flick of his wrist, his voice calm yet heavy with meaning.
"Because you were never my enemy," he replied. "A man who is bound by the shackles of duty rather than choice does not deserve to die by my hands."
Liu Zhenbao stared at him for a long moment, as if searching for deception in his words.
But Aleeman had already turned his back, striding toward the darkness from whence he came, vanishing into the night like a phantom of war.
Back within the grand imperial hall, tension crackled like a storm awaiting its descent.
Emperor Weng Jin Shun sat upon his gilded throne, his fingers curling into a fist upon the dragon-carved armrest. His expression was a tempest of humiliation and barely restrained fury.
Across from him, his trusted monk, Pan Zhihaou, stood with an unreadable gaze, his bald head gleaming under the lantern light.
At his side, Ministers Cai Sheng, Lu Zheng, and Guo Jianhong exchanged grim nods, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and determination.
Cai Sheng was the first to speak, his voice carrying the weight of the court's unspoken resentment.
"This is an unspeakable disgrace, Your Majesty." His voice was bitter. "A foreign commander infiltrated our very palace—held one of your sons hostage—and humiliated us before our own people."
Lu Zheng added, his voice laced with venom,
"And what is the root of this shame?" He turned, his sharp gaze landing upon the empty space where Shi Zhao Mei once stood. "That cursed child. Wei Yang Hong."
The mention of the name sent ripples of unease through the room.
Even Pan Zhihaou lowered his head solemnly.
"As long as Wei Yang Hong—no, Shi Zhao Mei—lives, our clan will remain in ruin," he stated. "The heavens themselves have forsaken us, and it is clear that our suffering will not end unless she is erased from existence."
A silence stretched through the chamber, suffocating, thick with unspoken truths.
Then—Emperor Weng Jin Shun exhaled sharply.
He leaned forward, his eyes burning with resolve.
"Bring the guards," he ordered, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
General Xuè Lián, who had stood silently in the corner, tensed at the command.
"Your Majesty—" she hesitated.
But the Emperor cut through her protest with a glare.
"Summon them now," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
Xuè Lián clenched her jaw before bowing stiffly.
The doors swung open as the guards were summoned inside, their polished armor glinting under the golden lanterns.
Pan Zhihaou stepped forward, his voice smooth and deceitful.
"Your Majesty, shall we make an example of her before the people?"
The Emperor's lips curled into something sinister.
"No," he murmured. "I want it done quietly. If Shi Zhao Mei remains breathing by the next moonrise—our clan is doomed."
At the far end of the chamber, where the shadows stretched long, General Xuè Lián turned her gaze downward.
Her fingers twitched at the hilt of her blade.
Her loyalty was to her Emperor.
But her conscience?
That… was another matter entirely.
The grand chamber of Headmaster Falani's office was a vault of wisdom and authority, where the scent of aged parchment and flickering candlelight mingled with the solemn air of discipline. Stacks of ancient tomes rested upon carved mahogany shelves, their spines whispering forgotten incantations. A towering stained-glass window stood behind the headmaster's seat, casting fragmented rays of morning light upon his desk, where an open ledger lay, ink drying upon its pages.
Seated with his hands folded, his deep-set eyes scrutinising the figures before him, was Headmaster Falani himself.
Before him stood two individuals—Aleeman Hakiman, the ever-daring, ever-defiant Commander of Abjannas, and beside him, shifting slightly with a cautious expression, the infamous newcomer Shi Zhao Mei.
Falani tapped his fingers against his desk, his sharp gaze piercing through them.
Then—his voice rumbled through the silence.
"Explain."
Aleeman remained unfazed. His gaze did not falter, nor did his posture shift under the weight of authority. With a composed tone, he began.
"I went to the Eastern Region not for mere adventure, but for knowledge. I sought to uncover the truth behind Ji-Gong's attack on our people, to discern what dark ties bind them to Kumaruchaisan. That was my sole intent."
Falani arched a brow, listening intently. Then, his gaze slid toward Shi Zhao Mei.
"And you?" he asked, his voice laced with scrutiny.
Shi Zhao Mei froze for a moment. The room felt smaller, her breath caught in her throat as the weight of expectation pressed upon her.
She opened her mouth—only for Aleeman to speak before she could.
"She was simply caught in unfortunate circumstances," he stated, not even glancing at her. "Nothing more."
Shi Zhao Mei blinked.
Was… was he covering for her?
Falani tilted his head, his expression unreadable as he studied them both. After a long pause, he exhaled, leaning back into his chair.
"Fine."
Aleeman stole a glance at Shi Zhao Mei, whose fingers were clenching the hem of her sleeve. He did not know why he covered for her—it simply felt… right.
Falani sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Aleeman," he began. "If you continue to skip classes as though you are some wandering sellsword, what do you think your father will say? And more importantly, what does it say about me, who was entrusted with your education?"
Aleeman felt a twinge of regret but maintained his usual composed exterior. With a small nod, he responded,
"It will not happen again."
He also says "You also lucky that you almost get yourself killed bt Lenotes, you know that?!"
Aleeman: "Yes"
Falani: "Why did you attack Lenotes?"
Aleeman remain silence didn't say a word seeing him he understood
Falani then turned to Shi Zhao Mei, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"And you," he said, "vanishing without a word like a phantom on your very first day? You caused unnecessary chaos. You will inform someone next time, is that clear?"
Shi Zhao Mei exhaled, nodding once.
"Understood."
Falani gave them both a final look before dismissing them with a wave of his hand.
"Get out."
As they exited the office, the tension between them lingered like an unfinished melody. They walked side by side in silence, Aleeman's expression unreadable, Shi Zhao Mei glancing at him every few steps.
Finally, she spoke, her voice softer than usual.
"Thank you."
Aleeman kept his gaze ahead.
"For what?"
She frowned slightly.
"For speaking on my behalf."
Aleeman exhaled.
"It wasn't necessary."
Shi Zhao Mei was about to respond when—
"Oh, look who it is! The Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker!"
A mocking voice cut through the corridor like a rusted blade, dragging unwelcome attention toward them.
Aleeman stopped walking. Shi Zhao Mei stiffened.
Behind them, John and his usual gang of miscreants swaggered forward, their laughter dripping with cruelty. At his side, Celeste Marlowe stood with her arms crossed, smirking as she examined Shi Zhao Mei like a spectacle for entertainment.
John pointed at Shi Zhao Mei, snickering.
"I must say, that gemstone in your belly truly makes you stand out, doesn't it? No wonder you're so troublesome! Perhaps it's not just a fashion statement—maybe it's cursed! Maybe it's why Aleeman nearly got himself killed trying to retrieve you!"
Laughter erupted among the onlookers. Whispers flooded the hallway.
"Did you hear? That new girl is some gemstone-bellied sorceress!"
"I heard she caused an explosion in the auditorium!"
"Maybe she seduced the Commander to do her bidding!"
Shi Zhao Mei's face turned an alarming shade of crimson, her fists clenched. She had dealt with insults before, but never one as ridiculous as this.
John chuckled darkly.
"So, tell us, oh Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker—how does it feel to be the academy's newest attraction?"
Before Shi Zhao Mei could speak, Aleeman took a single step forward.
His presence alone silenced the air.
His dark eyes gleamed with something dangerous, his voice cold as the tundra.
"John."
John grinned smugly.
"Yes, Commander? Are you here to rescue your little gemstone like a knight from a fairytale?"
Aleeman folded his arms. His smirk was slight, but there was an edge of amusement to it.
"You know, I've been thinking…" he mused. "If Shi Zhao Mei is the Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker, then what does that make you?"
John arched a brow.
"Oh? And what, pray tell, is my title?"
Aleeman leaned forward slightly, his voice dripping with nonchalance.
"Kala Magur."
A silence so thick it could smother a fire fell upon the hallway.
John blinked.
"What?"
Aleeman tilted his head.
"Kala Magur. It means Black Catfish. Slippery, obnoxious, and always flopping about in places it doesn't belong."
For a moment, no one reacted.
Then—laughter exploded like thunder.
Students doubled over, their howls of amusement ringing through the corridor. Even some of John's own gang bit their lips to keep from laughing.
Shi Zhao Mei pressed a hand against her lips, barely containing her own laughter.
John's face burned as red as a dying sun.
"You little—!"
Aleeman smirked.
"Problem?"
John glared at him, fists trembling. Celeste Marlowe scowled, stepping forward.
"Enough of this!" she snapped. "Shi Zhao Mei, don't think you're safe just because the Commander is shielding you!"
Aleeman turned his gaze to Celeste, unimpressed.
"And you don't think you should mind your own business?"
Celeste huffed, flipping her hair.
"This isn't over."
With that, she stormed off, dragging John and the others with her.
As the hallway returned to normal, Shi Zhao Mei exhaled, crossing her arms.
"I could have handled that, you know."
Aleeman glanced at her.
"Mm. But it was entertaining."
Shi Zhao Mei puffed her cheeks slightly, her flickering pink blush returning.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
Perhaps… This brute wasn't so bad after all.
The golden sunlight sprawled across the academy's training fields, where the students gathered in loose groups, reliving past encounters, exchanging tales, and preparing for the day ahead. The air carried the crisp scent of freshly cut grass, mingled with the distant aroma of brewing tea from the academy's dining halls.
Seated beneath a gnarled willow tree, Finn, Wang Ji-Pang, Hua-Jing, Mei-Xi-Li, Mika Yamana, and Elizabeth Feng lounged together, their conversation a lively mixture of amusement and exaggerated storytelling.
Finn stretched his arms behind his head, flashing a grin.
"I swear, if you had seen it with your own eyes, you would have laughed yourselves into an early grave!"
Wang Ji-Pang snorted, shaking his head.
"I still say it was a fair portioning. Rüstem Bey had no right to snatch meat from my plate!"
Mei-Xi-Li arched a brow, smirking.
"And what did you give him in the first place?"
Finn leaned in conspiratorially, his grin widening.
"A glorious, magnificent, completely uneatable… bone."
The group exploded into laughter.
Hua-Jing covered her mouth, eyes crinkling with mirth.
"Oh, poor Rüstem Bey! You dared to starve a man built like a mountain?"
Elizabeth Feng crossed her arms, grinning.
"And what did he do in retaliation?"
Wang huffed.
"Snatched a chunk of meat from my plate like a ravenous beast! I swear, the man must have been a wolf in his past life!"
As laughter rippled through the group, Aleeman and Shi Zhao Mei strode across the field towards them.
The **moment Shi Zhao Mei entered their line of sight, Hua-Jing, Mei-Xi-Li, Mika, and Elizabeth exchanged a glance, their expressions immediately shifting to one of complete and utter indifference.
Shi Zhao Mei raised a brow but said nothing.
Aleeman, unbothered, eyed the group with mild curiosity.
"What are you all cackling about?"
Finn perked up, grinning mischievously.
"Oh, just recounting Wang Ji-Pang's tragic loss of breakfast."
Aleeman sighed, rubbing his temple.
"By the Almighty, you lot could be on the verge of war and still manage to complain about food."
Wang crossed his arms.
"Food is sacred, Aleeman. You of all people should know that."
Shi Zhao Mei chuckled softly but quickly masked it when she noticed the piercing gazes of Hua-Jing and her friends.
Mika Yamana leaned slightly toward Hua-Jing, whispering in a deadpan tone.
"I still don't see the appeal."
Hua-Jing snorted, folding her arms.
"Neither do I."
Before Shi Zhao Mei could retort, a deep, resonating bell rang across the academy grounds.
The students instinctively turned toward the main hall as the voice of Dean Magnus Feingold echoed through the enchanted speakers placed around the campus.
"All students are to gather at Chenyuon Mountain immediately. Prepare accordingly."
Confusion rippled through the crowd. Whispers of speculation danced like wildfire.
Wang leaned toward Aleeman, whispering.
"Did we do something again?"
Finn scratched his head.
"It better not be another pointless lecture on 'The Principles of Arcane Balance'—I'd rather battle a hundred knights than sit through another hour of Feingold's rambling."
Aleeman, crossing his arms, muttered to himself.
"It must be hunting… or else something… survival."
Shi Zhao Mei nodded.
"Most likely a field test."
Hua-Jing rolled her eyes, unimpressed.
"Of course. Nothing like running around the wilderness pretending to be warriors when half the students can barely hold a dagger without cutting themselves."
Aleeman grinned, tilting his head.
"Sounds like someone is afraid of getting a little dirt on their robes."
Hua-Jing glared at him.
"I swear, if I have to share a campfire with you, I will smother you with a pillow in your sleep."
Finn laughed, throwing an arm around Aleeman's shoulder.
"That's the spirit!"
With that, the group made their way toward Chenyuon Mountain, bracing for whatever trial awaited them.
The throne hall of Kumaruchaisan was a fortress of grandeur and dread—its towering marble pillars entwined with golden serpentine motifs, casting elongated shadows across the obsidian floor. Enormous iron chandeliers hung above, their flickering candlelight struggling to chase away the coldness that clung to the air.
Suddenly, the massive double doors creaked open, and the sound of hurried footsteps echoed within the chamber. Guards carried a battered and exhausted Lenotes, his once-pristine battle garments torn and smeared with dirt and blood. His breathing was laboured, his face twisted in both pain and humiliation.
Upon seeing his son in such a dire state, Tekfur Kekaumenos surged forward from his throne, his once-imposing demeanour now tainted by visible concern. Alphagut, ever the vigilant right hand, swiftly moved to help seat Lenotes onto a cushioned chair.
Kekaumenos's eyes burned with an unspoken fury as he clutched his son's shoulders.
"What in the name of the Black Crusade happened to you?!"
Lenotes winced, licking his cracked lips before whispering a single, venom-laced name.
"Aleeman…"
The hall fell into an eerie silence.
Kekaumenos's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists.
"Speak, boy! What did that wretched mongrel do?"
Lenotes gritted his teeth, forcing himself to sit upright as Alphagut adjusted his bandaged arm.
"We were marching through Justilia Forest… Aleeman and his men ambushed us like the savages they are. I unleashed my power—Storm Cavalier Form, Lightning's Wrath—to strike him down. And do you know what he did?"
Kekaumenos leaned forward, his nostrils flaring.
Lenotes's eyes darkened as he recalled the moment.
"He shot me."
Kekaumenos's brows furrowed.
"…Shot you?"
Lenotes clenched his fists, his face a storm of humiliation and anger.
"That damned brute pulled out a revolver—an ungodly piece of machinery I've never seen before. The moment I released my energy, he shot me at the exact second. The collision of our attacks caused a thunderous explosion… My men—" his voice wavered, "—were obliterated. The rest fled like cowards."
For a fleeting moment, there was silence.
Then—Kekaumenos let out a bellowing roar of unadulterated rage.
"ALEEMAN! ALEEMAN!" he thundered, his voice echoing like the wrath of a vengeful deity. "HOW DARE HE DEFY US?!"
With one violent motion, he flipped the banquet table beside his throne, sending goblets of wine and plates of half-eaten food crashing onto the floor. The guards flinched, but none dared to intervene.
Alphagut exchanged a glance with Lenotes before stepping forward, his voice even and measured.
"We underestimated him, my Lord. He is far more resourceful than we anticipated."
Kekaumenos seethed, running a hand through his dishevelled silver-streaked hair.
"Then we shall not make that mistake again. Next time, I will personally carve out his heart and serve it to his father on a silver platter!"
Just as his fury reached its peak, the grand doors opened once more.
A guard stepped in, his head bowed respectfully.
"My Lord, an informant from Faliton has arrived with an urgent message from Queen Liskarm Jee."
Kekaumenos stilled. His anger, while not dissipated, was momentarily restrained by the weight of this unexpected news.
His sharp blue eyes flickered toward the guard.
"Bring him in. Now."
Moments later, a cloaked figure entered, the faint scent of parchment and ink lingering in the air around him. His name was Xiao Ferenc, a trusted informant of Faliton, known for his ability to slip between empires like a ghost.
He knelt before Kekaumenos, his head bowed in reverence.
"My Lord, Queen Liskarm Jee of Faliton extends an urgent request for your presence in her palace. She demands immediate counsel on a matter that concerns you both deeply."
Kekaumenos's eyes narrowed.
"And what, pray tell, does she wish to discuss?"
Xiao Ferenc slowly lifted his gaze.
"Aleeman Hakiman."
A tense silence gripped the chamber.
Alphagut tilted his head, intrigued.
"She seeks retribution as well?"
Xiao Ferenc nodded.
"Aleeman is responsible for the deaths of both her husband, King Kosma Kuznetsov, and her son, Prince Arkadi. She has been waiting for the opportune moment to strike. With your recent loss against him, she sees a potential alliance."
Kekaumenos exhaled sharply, his mind racing.
A temporary truce with Faliton? The thought was distasteful, but the sheer prospect of obliterating Aleeman once and for all was far too tempting to ignore.
His lips curled into a smirk.
"Tell her… I accept."
Lenotes, still recovering in his seat, clenched his jaw.
"Let her know that Aleeman's days are numbered."
Xiao Ferenc bowed once more before swiftly exiting the chamber.
As the doors closed behind him, Alphagut turned to Kekaumenos.
"An alliance with Faliton, my Lord? Do you truly trust them?"
Kekaumenos let out a low chuckle, his expression dark and foreboding.
"Trust? No. But vengeance… that is a language we both speak fluently."
He turned to Lenotes, his smirk growing wider.
"Rest well, my son. For soon, Aleeman Hakiman will kneel before us in chains… or in death."
Lenotes grinned through his exhaustion.
"And when he does… I'll be the one to carve his name off this world."
The torches along the stone walls flickered, their flames casting long, ominous shadows as the storm of war loomed ever closer.
The Chenyuon Mountain loomed before them like an age-old sentinel, its towering cliffs kissing the clouds as mist slithered between the jagged peaks like spectral serpents. A cold wind swept through the gathering students, rustling the sea of uniforms in navy and gold—the official colours of Miracheneous Academy.
In front of the assembled crowd stood Headmaster Falani, an enigmatic figure with robes that shimmered between ancient runic embroidery and high-tech fabric woven with celestial energy. Beside him, Professor Galadriel's emerald eyes sparkled with intrigue, her moonlit silver hair cascading down her shoulders in waves, as if whispering secrets to the wind.
Aleeman stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable as his comrades huddled beside him. To his left, Finn leaned lazily against a boulder, while Wang Ji-Pang cracked his knuckles with an eager smirk.
Hua-Jing, however, did not share their enthusiasm. She was already bristling like a cat in a thunderstorm, eyeing Shi Zhao Mei warily.
On the opposite side of the gathering, John Wei-Tang and his ever-present cronies—George and Robert—stood with their usual air of self-importance, while Celeste Marlowe, Genevieve Whitmore, Cassandra Vaudette, and Isolde Renfield whispered among themselves, casting veiled glances at Aleeman and Shi Zhao Mei.
Falani stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chatter like the strike of a blade.
"Today, you will be undertaking 'The Labyrinth of Trials and the Unseen Challenger.' This is a test of not just physical prowess, but strategy, intellect, and—above all—teamwork."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the students like wildfire.
John scoffed, folding his arms.
"Oh, wonderful. Another excuse for commoners to slow me down."
Hua-Jing rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't fall out of her skull.
Professor Galadriel smiled slyly.
"This will be no ordinary challenge. You will work in pairs. And to ensure absolute cooperation"—her fingers flicked, and a cascade of silver chains floated through the air like enchanted vipers—"your wrists will be bound together until the trial is complete."
Silence.
Then—pandemonium.
Students gasped, groaned, and bickered, while some clutched their foreheads in sheer disbelief.
Finn snorted, nudging Wang.
"This is going to be absolute mayhem."
Shi Zhao Mei felt an unsettling premonition snake down her spine, as if the universe was about to wrong her in some cruel, embarrassing way.
Hua-Jing, meanwhile, whispered prayers under her breath, pleading to whatever cosmic force that ruled fate to keep her brother away from—
CLINK.
Her blood ran cold.
Her worst nightmare had materialised.
Aleeman had nonchalantly clasped the chain onto his wrist.
The other end was locked firmly onto Shi Zhao Mei's.
The universe had, in fact, wronged her.
Shi Zhao Mei blinked at their linked hands, then at Aleeman.
Aleeman raised a brow.
"What?"
Shi Zhao Mei opened her mouth to protest, but words failed her.
Finn, ever the instigator, whistled.
"Oh, how romantic. The princess and the infamous commander, bound together in the trials of destiny!"
Shi Zhao Mei snapped her head towards him, her face flushing.
"Shut up, Finn."
Hua-Jing, on the verge of an existential crisis, groaned.
"Why—why him?!"
Professor Galadriel clapped her hands, silencing the crowd.
"Pairings have been finalised. No switching!"
Hua-Jing's eye twitched violently.
Wang, grinning, clapped her shoulder.
"Don't worry, princess, you get me."
Hua-Jing glared at him.
"As if that's any consolation."
The final pairings were locked in:
Aleeman & Shi Zhao Mei (Much to Hua-Jing's impending aneurysm)
Hua-Jing & Finn (The universe had played her twice)
Mei-Xi-Li & Wang Ji-Pang (A dangerous but entertaining duo)
Mika Yamana & Elizabeth Feng
John & Celeste (A match made in narcissistic heaven)
George & Genevieve
Robert & Cassandra
Isolde & another student
Galadriel smirked.
"Good. Now, onto the rules. You will navigate through the labyrinth, overcoming obstacles, solving riddles, and—should fate deem you worthy—facing the 'Unseen Challenger.'"
A tense hush settled over the crowd.
Aleeman tilted his head.
"And this Unseen Challenger is…?"
Falani grinned, his eyes gleaming.
"You'll find out soon enough."
John huffed, rolling his eyes.
"Ugh. Let's get this over with. I have no intention of being outdone by a bunch of peasants."
Aleeman exchanged a knowing glance with Shi Zhao Mei.
Shi Zhao Mei sighed.
"I just know this is going to be a disaster."
Professor Galadriel raised her whistle.
"On my mark—"
Shi Zhao Mei clutched Aleeman's wrist.
Aleeman blinked at her.
"What now?"
Shi Zhao Mei glared.
"You better not drag me into something stupid."
Aleeman grinned.
"No promises."
"GO!"
The whistle pierced the air.
And like a tide breaking against the shore, the students surged into the labyrinth, the chains binding their fates together as the trials of Chenyuon Mountain began.
The grand hall of Faliton's palace stood as an architectural masterpiece of dread and magnificence—its walls adorned with the echoes of war and tyranny, each fresco telling a tale of conquest and bloodshed. Tall gothic windows allowed streaks of dim, gold-tinged moonlight to filter through the silk-draped chambers, casting elongated shadows that danced like spectres upon the polished marble floors. Chandeliers, crafted from obsidian and silver, hung above the feasting tables, their candlelit glow a stark contrast to the coldness that pervaded the air.
From the massive iron-clad doors, a herald's voice boomed through the chamber, his words carrying the weight of an ominous arrival.
"His Eminence, Tekfur Kekaumenos of Kumaruchaisan, along with his son, Lenotes, and his right-hand, Lord Alphagut!"
As the doors groaned open, a procession of black-cloaked figures strode in. At the forefront, Tekfur Kekaumenos exuded an aura of supremacy, his piercing silver-blue eyes scanning the room like a hawk surveying its prey. His battle-worn features bore the lines of countless campaigns, yet the cruel smirk on his lips remained untouched by age.
Beside him, Lenotes walked with a limp—his injuries from Justilia Forest still visible, though his pride refused to let him falter. He bore an expression of vengeance unquenched, his jaw clenched as though he could still taste the bitter defeat at Aleeman's hands.
Trailing closely was Alphagut, a monolithic figure clad in blackened steel, his expression ever unreadable beneath the heavy shadow of his helmet. A predator is waiting.
At the centre of the hall, upon a throne of carved bone and ivory, sat Queen Liskarm Jee. Draped in imperial crimson, her silver-blonde hair was adorned with an obsidian crown, her eyes—cold as the tundras of Faliton—watching her guests with measured intrigue. At her side stood her daughter, Princess Velimira Kuznetsov, a vision of regal beauty with a heart of vengeance burning beneath the surface.
A smirk played upon Liskarm Jee's lips as she extended her hand.
Kekaumenos did not hesitate. He approached with the grace of a warlord and took her hand, pressing his lips upon it in a kiss of reverence—a gesture not of love, but of respect between two predators of the same ilk.
"My queen," Kekaumenos murmured. "The pleasure is mine."
Liskarm Jee tilted her head, her cold gaze shifting to Lenotes, her lips curling in amusement.
"I see Aleeman has left you a mark."
Lenotes stiffened but did not lower his gaze.
"A minor inconvenience, Your Majesty. Nothing that won't be avenged tenfold."
Liskarm Jee chuckled, her laughter laced with venom.
"Good."
She gestured towards the long banquet table where roasted venison, spiced fowl, and exotic delicacies from conquered lands were laid before them. Goblets of dark wine glistened under the candlelight, an unspoken invitation to revel in the impending carnage they would soon unleash.
"Come," she purred, "let us dine… and plan the ruin of Aleeman Hakiman."
As they took their seats, a hushed murmur settled over the table. The clinking of goblets and the tearing of meat were the only sounds accompanying the sinister thoughts that wove themselves into the air.
Liskarm Jee leaned forward, her nails tapping against the goblet in her grasp.
"Aleeman is bold," she mused. "Perhaps too bold for his own good. First, he slaughters my husband and son. Then, he humiliates your forces in Justilia. And now, he dares to infiltrate Ji-Gong? What is his game?"
Kekaumenos smirked, swirling the wine in his cup before taking a slow sip.
"The boy is playing at empire-building, my queen." He chuckled darkly. "Conquering Abjannas was not enough—he seeks dominion over all of Halmosian. But ambition makes men reckless."
Lenotes clenched his fists.
"Then we must break him before his roots grow too deep."
Velimira Kuznetsov spoke for the first time, her voice smooth as silk but edged with steel.
"Aleeman is but one problem. The other is this… cursed dragon-woman."
A cold silence fell upon the table.
Alphagut arched a brow.
"The fallen prince of Ji-Gong…"
Liskarm Jee smiled, cruel and calculating.
"Wei Yang Hong—now Shi Zhao Mei." She took another sip of wine, her gaze dark with malice. "A prince turned princess. A disgrace to the throne he was born to inherit. And yet, it seems Aleeman has taken an interest in this anomaly."
Lenotes gritted his teeth.
"He infiltrated Ji-Gong for her."
Alphagut chuckled, the deep timbre of his voice laced with amusement.
"Then she is his weakness."
Kekaumenos exhaled slowly, a sinister smirk creeping across his lips.
"Then it is settled." He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a deadly whisper. "We do not strike Aleeman first. We strike her. We take Shi Zhao Mei, and we make her a message he will never forget."
Liskarm Jee sighed in satisfaction, setting down her goblet.
"A curse must be broken one way or another. Whether she dies at our hands or her father's, it matters little. But Aleeman… he will burn for his insolence."
Velimira smirked, tilting her head in thought.
"And what shall we do once we have her?"
Kekaumenos grinned.
"We let him watch."
As the feast continued, the plan was set into motion. Spies would be sent to Miracheneous Academy. Their agents would move unseen, awaiting the perfect moment to strike.
As the candles flickered against the cold stone walls, the unholy alliance was forged in blood and vengeance.
The forest of Chenyou Mountain, with its twisted trees clawing at the heavens and its thick fog slithering between the foliage, carried an eerie silence—a silence that whispered of lurking danger. The damp scent of moss and earth clung to the air as Mei-Xi-Li and Wang Ji-Pang wandered deeper into the wilderness, their breaths forming pale ghosts against the crisp morning chill.
Wang, despite his usual bravado, walked with caution, his sharp eyes darting at every rustle in the undergrowth. His suspicions, however, were rudely ignored by Mei-Xi-Li, who strode ahead with reckless excitement, her curiosity outweighing caution.
"Hey! Look over there," Mei suddenly declared, pointing toward a yawning mouth of darkness nestled between the gnarled roots of an ancient tree.
Wang's expression immediately darkened as he folded his arms.
"Mei, I think there are dangerous species. We must leave this place."
Mei-Xi-Li smirked, tilting her head at him.
"What are you, a scaredy cat?"
Wang narrowed his eyes, his lips twitching with irritation. He let out a slow, exaggerated sigh, clearly battling his inner turmoil.
"I am merely being cautious, Mei. Something you should consider once in a while."
Mei rolled her eyes before marching toward the cave entrance.
"Oh, come on! What's life without a little risk?"
Wang, his pride now wounded, clenched his fists and followed.
"Fine. But if we get eaten by some horrible monster, I'm haunting you in the afterlife."
As they stepped into the cavern, darkness swallowed them whole. Wang struck flint to steel, sparking a flame that licked at the air before settling into a steady glow upon the torch. Shadows slithered across the damp walls, revealing ancient carvings of serpentine figures, their eyes hollow and menacing. The air was thick with an unearthly chill.
A loud, unnatural hissing echoed through the tunnel.
Mei froze.
Wang felt something coil around his foot.
He slowly glanced down.
His face turned an unnatural shade of white.
"It's a giant snake! RUN!"
Without a second thought, they bolted toward the entrance, but the ground beneath them trembled violently. A deep rumble echoed through the cavern as the walls themselves shifted, revealing not one, but two massive pincers clamping onto the entrance. A monstrous scorpion, its obsidian exoskeleton glistening under the firelight, barred their way.
Mei skidded to a halt, her heart slamming against her ribcage.
"Are you kidding me? A snake AND a scorpion?"
Wang clutched her sleeve.
"You wanted adventure! Here it is! Congratulations!"
Mei shoved him off.
"Less talking, more running!"
They scrambled into another tunnel, their lungs burning as they fled from both creatures. The scorpion's stinger lashed out, embedding itself into the stone behind them with a sickening crack.
With no other options, they plunged deeper into the cavern.
The further they ran, the tighter the walls became, forcing them into a narrow passage that opened into an eerie chamber. Golden inscriptions lined the walls, glowing faintly with an otherworldly shimmer. In the centre, upon a stone pedestal, lay an old parchment.
Mei-Xi-Li picked it up, squinting at the strange writing.
"A riddle?"
Wang groaned.
"Oh no, not another one of these..."
The parchment read:
"I have no voice, yet I speak to you. I tell of all things that men wish to know. I hold the past within my arms, yet I am not alive. What am I?"
Wang rubbed his temples.
"I hate riddles. This is why I failed my first-year exams."
Mei huffed.
"Think, Wang. It's something that 'tells' stories but isn't alive."
Wang snapped his fingers.
"A gossipy old woman?"
Mei facepalmed.
"No, you idiot! A book!"
The moment the answer left her lips, the ground beneath them trembled once more.
A deep, guttural growl resonated from the shadows.
Mei-Xi-Li's breath hitched.
Wang felt something wet and slimy land on his shoulder.
He slowly turned his head.
His face turned pale.
A thick glob of saliva dripped from above.
They looked up.
And there it was.
A monstrous abomination— half-wolf, half-serpent—its elongated, sinewy body coiled around the cavern's ceiling, its razor-sharp fangs glistening with venom. Its pale, hollow eyes locked onto them with predatory hunger, and from its mouth came a guttural snarl that made their bones vibrate with dread.
The Xìngshòu (行兽)—The Beast of the Forgotten Trials.
Wang's legs turned to jelly.
"Why is it looking at me like that?"
Mei slapped him.
"Because you look like a tasty snack, genius! RUN!"
They sprinted through the tunnels, the creature's massive frame slithering after them at a terrifying speed.
"AHHHH!" Wang screamed. "WHY IS IT FOLLOWING US?!"
Mei shoved him forward.
"WHY ARE YOU ASKING IT QUESTIONS?! IT'S NOT GONNA ANSWER YOU!"
Wang glanced back.
"I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE IT HAS MANNERS!"
The Xìngshòu let out an ear-piercing screech that sent a gust of putrid breath washing over them.
Mei gagged.
"EW! What did this thing eat?!"
Wang glared.
"Probably its last victim. WHICH IS ABOUT TO BE US!"
Mei-Xi-Li skidded to a halt.
"Enough running. We have to fight it!"
Wang's jaw dropped.
"Excuse me?! Who died and made you the brave one?!"
Mei grinned, cracking her knuckles.
"Relax, Wang. You just have to act like bait."
Wang froze.
"Oh. OH. I see how it is. I see how it—WAIT, WHAT?!"
The sunlight, once a golden crown upon the peaks of Chenyou Mountain, now wept through the thick canopy in feeble rays, struggling against the ever-thickening fog that coiled around the trees like silent phantoms. The air carried the scent of damp earth, and every gust of wind whispered ancient secrets long lost to time.
Hua-Jing walked beside Finn, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her brows furrowed in irritation. The mere thought of her brother partnering with the Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker—that cursed woman, Shi Zhao Mei—was enough to make her blood boil.
Finn, who had been trying to suppress his amusement, finally let out a snort of laughter.
"Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker?" he echoed, shaking his head. "Hua-Jing, I swear, if the gods ever give me a daughter, I'm letting you name her."
Hua-Jing shot him a glare, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"This is no laughing matter, Finn. My brother—our commander—is blindly stepping into a trap with that...that vixen!" She waved her hands dramatically. "She's probably scheming something right now!"
Finn grinned, raising a playful brow.
"Scheming what? To steal his heart?"
Hua-Jing stumbled over a root, nearly falling flat on her face. She quickly steadied herself, cheeks burning as she turned to Finn with daggers in her eyes.
"You're impossible!"
Finn shrugged.
"Or maybe you're just worried because your precious big brother might actually find someone who isn't just another sword or strategy map."
Hua-Jing huffed, crossing her arms even tighter.
"I'm worried because he doesn't think with his head sometimes! And that woman—she's nothing but trouble!"
Finn grinned wider, nudging her.
"Mmmhmm. If you say so."
Hua-Jing glared at him, but before she could protest further, something caught her eye.
A weathered stone tablet stood before them, half-buried in the earth, its surface carved with glowing runes of ancient origin. A faint hum resonated from it, as if the stone itself breathed in quiet slumber.
Hua-Jing knelt before it, brushing her fingers against the inscriptions, her brows knitting in concentration.
"It's a riddle," she murmured.
Finn leaned in, adjusting his rifle over his shoulder.
"Read it out loud."
The runic letters shimmered under her fingertips as she read:
"I am not alive, yet I grow. I do not breathe, yet the wind makes me stronger. I do not have a mouth, yet I can drown in water. What am I?"
Finn groaned.
"Oh, fantastic. More riddles. Because the world really needed more ways to make me feel stupid."
Hua-Jing ignored his grumbling, tapping her chin.
"Something that grows without being alive… something that the wind strengthens… something that can drown…."
Finn snapped his fingers.
"A fire."
Hua-Jing blinked, then turned to him, lips parting slightly in realization.
"You might actually be onto something."
Finn placed a hand on his chest in mock offense.
"'Might'? Hua-Jing, please, give me some credit. I am the one carrying the brains in this duo."
Hua-Jing rolled her eyes, reaching out to press her palm against the riddle stone. The moment she did, the runes flared to life, the letters shifting into embers before fading into the wind. The ground rumbled beneath their feet.
Finn immediately readied his rifle, his hand instinctively gripping the polished mahogany stock.
The bushes rustled violently. Something massive stirred within. The earth trembled with each movement, a heavy presence weighing down the very air around them. The scent of salt and decay filled their lungs.
Hua-Jing drew her weapon, her grip tightening as her heartbeat hammered in her ears.
Finn brought up his rifle, the polished silver barrel gleaming under the dim sunlight. The intricate gears along its side whirred softly, adjusting the etheric energy chamber embedded within the stock. The rifle, known as the Serpent's Fang, was a masterpiece of steampunk and arcane engineering—its bullets infused with condensed lightning, designed to pierce through armor and flesh alike.
Hua-Jing, meanwhile, wielded her Crescent Mirage, a bladed fan crafted from moon-forged steel, its edges sharp enough to slice through bone, yet flexible as silk in the hands of a skilled wielder. The moment she unfurled it, the air shimmered around her, distorting like ripples across the surface of a pond.
The creature finally emerged.
A monstrous shadow loomed before them, its serpentine body slithering across the forest floor, armored scales gleaming like polished obsidian. Its eyes burned with an eerie, luminous blue, and its gaping maw was lined with rows of jagged teeth, each one the size of a dagger. Long tendrils unfurled from its spine, twitching in anticipation, their barbed tips dripping with a venom that hissed upon contact with the ground.
Finn's face paled.
"Oh, fantastic. It's ugly, too."
Hua-Jing grimaced.
"The Abyssal Leviathan."
The beast reared its head, letting out a guttural snarl that sent shockwaves through the air.
Finn glanced at Hua-Jing.
"I'm shooting it."
Hua-Jing nodded.
"I'm slashing it."
Finn cocked his rifle.
"Perfect teamwork."
And then the Abyssal Leviathan lunged.
The forest stretched endlessly before them, shrouded in a dense mist that weaved through the trees like spectres lost to time. The towering pines swayed as the wind whispered secrets only the ancient roots could understand. The golden touch of dawn had long been swallowed by the thick canopy above, leaving behind an eerie twilight where even the light dared not linger.
Aleeman walked ahead, his footfalls steady, his eyes locked onto the unseen path before him. The chain that bound his wrist to Shi Zhao Mei's jingled softly with each step—a constant reminder of their forced partnership.
Shi Zhao Mei lagged slightly behind, her expression unreadable, yet her mind swirled in turmoil. The weight of her hidden identity pressed against her chest, her heartbeat echoing like war drums within her ears.
"He knows."
The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
She inhaled sharply before breaking the silence.
"Aleeman…"
The name fell from her lips softer than she intended.
Aleeman halted, his posture unwavering as he turned his head slightly, his dark gaze meeting hers without a flicker of emotion. The golden hue of his eyes reflected the dim glow of the fireflies dancing between the trees.
Shi Zhao Mei bit her lower lip, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the chain.
"Why?" she finally asked, her voice laced with hesitation. "Why did you come for me? Why did you save me after learning who I truly am?"
Aleeman exhaled, his expression remaining impassive.
"I didn't come to save you," he stated flatly. "I came to understand why the Ji-Gong Clan attacked my people. I came to uncover the connection between them and Kumaruchaisan."
Shi Zhao Mei felt an unexpected pang of something close to disappointment at his words. She opened her mouth to speak, but he continued.
"When you vanished from the academy, I investigated your room." He turned to her fully, his arms crossing as their bound wrists pulled taut between them. "And I found a letter."
Shi Zhao Mei's breath hitched.
"A letter?"
Aleeman nodded.
"It was left on your balcony—deliberately placed where only you would find it. The ink was fresh, the paper folded with precision." His voice took on an edge. "And it was written by your father himself."
Shi Zhao Mei staggered back slightly.
"I forgot about that…"
Aleeman continued, watching her reaction carefully.
"It said that your mother was gravely ill… that she wanted to see you one last time."
Shi Zhao Mei felt her chest tighten, her thoughts unraveling. The letter—she had left in haste, never considering someone else would find it.
Aleeman sighed and shook his head.
"That's when I knew you'd be at the Ji-Gong palace."
Shi Zhao Mei looked down, her fingers trembling slightly. He had pieced it all together. He knew the truth now. There was no more running from it.
"And… after you knew?" she asked hesitantly.
Aleeman was silent for a moment before he finally spoke.
"After I knew you were once the prince of Ji-Gong, I felt… sympathy for you."
Shi Zhao Mei froze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Aleeman held her gaze, his expression unchanging, yet his voice carried a rare gentleness.
"You've been cast aside by your own people. Betrayed by your father. Hunted by those who once swore loyalty to you." His voice softened. "I don't pity you, Shi Zhao Mei. But I understand you."
A warmth spread across Shi Zhao Mei's face, her cheeks glowing pink under the dim light. She turned away abruptly, clutching her cloak.
"What is this? Why do I feel this way?!"
Her mind screamed at her, yet her body betrayed her with the unmistakable heat crawling up her neck.
Aleeman raised an eyebrow.
"You're turning red."
Shi Zhao Mei snapped her head back towards him.
"I-I am not!"
Aleeman let out a small smirk.
"You are. Your face looks like a boiled crab."
Shi Zhao Mei huffed, tugging at the chain.
"Shut up, you brute."
Aleeman rolled his eyes.
"You're welcome, by the way."
Shi Zhao Mei gritted her teeth.
"For what? Almost getting killed because of you?"
Aleeman gave her a deadpan stare.
"For saving your life. Twice."
Shi Zhao Mei crossed her arms.
"No one asked you to."
Aleeman shrugged.
"And yet, here you are. Still breathing."
Shi Zhao Mei stomped ahead, dragging him along by the chain.
"Tch! Let's just find this stupid riddle!"
Just as they rounded a clearing, a deafening screech split the air, sending a violent gust of wind crashing through the trees. The ground trembled beneath them as if the earth itself had shuddered in terror.
Aleeman instinctively reached for his sabre, his sharp eyes darting upwards.
Shi Zhao Mei froze, her fingers curling around the hilt of her dao.
The canopy above them split apart as a monstrous shadow descended from the heavens, its massive wings slicing through the mist like obsidian blades.
A serpentine figure, covered in iridescent black scales, emerged from the darkness, its golden eyes glowing with primal hunger. Its wings, large enough to blot out the sky, beat against the air, stirring up whirlwinds of dust and leaves.
Its jaws unhinged, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and from its throat, a guttural growl rumbled like thunder before a torrent of scorching blue flames erupted toward them.
"DRÁKON AETÓS," Aleeman muttered under his breath, recognising the creature from ancient myth.
(Δράκων Αετός – The Winged Serpent of Perdition, a beast said to feast upon warriors who dared to challenge fate itself.)
Aleeman rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the scorching blaze.
Shi Zhao Mei unleashed her dao, 'Asina Wo Do Blood,' from her wrist, the crimson blade shimmering like liquid fire.
The blade pulsed, an extension of her very soul, its surface engraved with ancient sigils that seemed to bleed as she held it.
Aleeman drew his sabre, 'Wolf Claw,' the blade forged from black steel and silver, its jagged edge resembling the fangs of a beast ready to tear through flesh.
Their eyes met—both warriors standing side by side, weapons drawn, ready to confront the nightmare that loomed above them.
Shi Zhao Mei exhaled, shifting into a battle stance.
"I swear, if we die here, I'm haunting you in the afterlife."
Aleeman smirked.
"If we die here, you better hope you're fast enough to keep up."
The Drákon Aetós let out another monstrous screech before diving straight toward them.
The dense foliage whispered in hushed voices as the morning mist slithered between the towering cypresses, weaving an ethereal shroud over the damp forest floor. The sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced like phantoms upon the mossy earth.
Elizabeth Feng walked with her usual poise, her dark emerald eyes scanning their surroundings, her delicate fingers occasionally brushing against the engraved chain that bound her wrist to Mika Yamana's.
Mika sighed heavily, her free hand adjusting the ribbon in her raven-black hair, a glint of mischief flashing in her sapphire eyes.
"I still can't believe I got paired with you," she drawled, flicking a speck of dust off her sleeve. "No offence, Liz, but I was hoping for a partner who wouldn't bore me to death."
Elizabeth arched a perfectly sculpted brow.
"I wasn't particularly thrilled either," she retorted smoothly. "I was hoping to partner with someone who possessed an ounce of self-discipline."
Mika rolled her eyes.
"Discipline is overrated. Survival is all that matters."
Elizabeth scoffed.
"Survival requires intelligence, which, in your case, seems to be as scarce as a summer snowflake."
Mika paused mid-step, placing a dramatic hand over her chest.
"Ouch. Right in the pride."
Elizabeth ignored her theatrics and focused ahead. Their path led to a peculiar clearing where an ancient stone tablet stood, half-buried in creeping vines and surrounded by twisted roots.
The tablet was cracked, its weathered inscriptions barely legible. However, amidst the decayed engravings, a single line of elegant script shimmered faintly, as if awaiting its next challenger.
Mika tilted her head, reading the inscription aloud.
"The soul that sees, yet does not look—
The heart that speaks, yet makes no sound—
The hand that moves, yet stays still—
Tell me, who am I?"
The air around them shifted, heavy with anticipation. The leaves trembled, though there was no wind.
Elizabeth exhaled slowly, deep in thought.
"This riddle…" she murmured. "It speaks of paradoxes. Something that exists, yet does not act conventionally."
Mika hummed in amusement.
"Like you?"
Elizabeth shot her a glare.
"Focus, Mika."
Mika grinned but turned her attention back to the riddle.
The moment lingered, stretching in silence, until suddenly…
A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the clearing.
The ground beneath them trembled slightly, as if the very earth shuddered at the presence of something unnatural.
From the shadows beyond the tablet, twin golden eyes glowed like molten fire. A hulking figure emerged, its muscular body covered in scales as dark as the abyss. Its elongated tail slithered across the forest floor, hissing softly as it curled in anticipation.
Its head, reminiscent of a lion yet adorned with obsidian-black horns, tilted slightly as it sniffed the air. Smoke coiled from its nostrils, the faint scent of sulphur tainting the air.
Elizabeth inhaled sharply.
"Al-Ifrit."
(العفريت) — The Phantom of the Lost
A legendary beast said to be born from the cursed souls of warriors who perished in the abyss, forever doomed to wander the world as an untamed force of destruction.
Mika whistled lowly.
"Great. I was hoping for a pet, but I guess this one isn't house-trained."
Elizabeth gritted her teeth.
"Stay focused. Ifrits are known for their speed. If we let it take the first strike, we won't have time to react."
The beast snarled, smoke and embers curling from its maw as it reared back, ready to pounce.
Mika grinned, unfurling a long, curved blade from her back—a katana of unparalleled craftsmanship.
"Akai Tsukikage," she murmured, the name of her sword slipping past her lips like a whispered promise.
(赤い月影 – The Crimson Moon's Shadow)
The blade shimmered under the dim light, its edge sharp enough to cleave through bone like butter. Along the steel, faint crimson engravings pulsated as if the weapon itself was alive, thirsting for battle.
Elizabeth stood firm, bringing forth her own weapon—a slender, yet deceptively deadly rapier, its hilt adorned with sapphire gemstones that glowed faintly with ethereal light.
"Lüe Xīfèng."
(略西风 – The Western Wind's Elegance)
The rapier hummed softly, its intricate silver blade forged from the rarest celestial metals, designed for precision and agility.
The Al-Ifrit let out a deafening roar, its claws digging into the earth as it lunged forward, flames erupting from its mouth in a torrent of blistering heat.
Mika grinned wildly, gripping her katana with both hands.
"Now, this is my kind of test."
Elizabeth sighed.
"Then let's make sure we pass."
With that, the battle began.
The forest trembled beneath their feet as four separate battles unfolded like verses in an unfinished ballad, each combatant tethered by the cruel chains of fate—bound to a partner, bound to a trial, bound to a beast that lurked in the shadows of destiny.
From the east, the Abyssal Leviathan slithered through the undergrowth, its scaled body coiling like a serpent wreathed in malevolence, its obsidian eyes fixated upon Hua-Jing and Finn, who dashed through the dense foliage, narrowly evading the monster's lunges.
From the north, Al-Ifrit pursued Mika and Elizabeth, the air around it thick with the acrid scent of sulfur, its burning maw spewing embers that scorched the very ground upon which it walked.
From the west, an unknown horror, its form twisted and grotesque, clawed at the very fabric of reality as Wang and Mei-Xi-Li sprinted for their lives, its guttural screeches reverberating through the trees.
And from the south, where the sunlight shimmered upon the treetops, Aleeman and Shi Zhao Mei ran, pursued by the majestic yet deadly Drákon Aetós—a beast with the body of a scaled lion and the wings of an eagle, its talons dripping with venomous ichor.
Their chains rattled, a constant reminder of their bound fates, their symphony of breaths coming in ragged synchrony as they fought to keep ahead of death.
Then, through the static of their earpieces, a voice rang clear.
"Gather at the open field."
It was Aleeman.
Hua-Jing snapped her head up, her dark eyes flickering with a mixture of irritation and begrudging respect.
"Why do I feel like he's just bossing us around at this point?" she muttered.
Finn let out a breathless chuckle as he ducked beneath a fallen branch, narrowly avoiding the Leviathan's lashing tail.
"Because he is. And we're probably going to listen anyway."
Mika skidded down a slope, glancing at Elizabeth with a wry smirk.
"You heard the brute, time for a reunion."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes but maintained her composed stride.
"If this gets us out of here alive, I suppose I'll tolerate his tactics."
Wang groaned, panting as he and Mei-Xi-Li dashed through the undergrowth.
"Why do I feel like this is going to be one of those plans that sound clever but end in a spectacular disaster?"
Mei-Xi-Li grinned mischievously.
"Because it's Aleeman."
Their feet pounded against the damp earth, their chains rattling like war drums as they converged towards the open field—a vast expanse of moonlit grass, the only place large enough to house the chaos they were about to unleash.
Shi Zhao Mei glanced at Aleeman as they sprinted side by side, her breath coming in measured exhales despite the fierce rhythm of their escape.
"So, Commander," she called, voice tinged with amusement despite the looming death chasing them. "What's the brilliant plan? Or are we just grouping up to die together?"
Aleeman kept his gaze forward, his sabre Wolf Claw clutched tightly in his free hand.
"If we're going to die, we may as well do it spectacularly," he replied, voice laced with dry humour. "But I don't intend on dying just yet."
Shi Zhao Mei huffed, her dark hair flowing wildly behind her.
"Then enlighten me, oh fearless leader."
Aleeman shot her a sidelong glance, his lips quirking slightly.
"We fight as one. Separate, we're just a bunch of students getting hunted like rabbits. But together?" He exhaled sharply. "We become the storm."
Shi Zhao Mei felt something tighten in her chest at those words—not fear, but something unspoken, something inconvenient.
"You talk too much," she muttered.
"You ask too many questions," he countered.
Their banter was short-lived as the beasts descended upon them.
Drákon Aetós screeched above them, its talons slicing through the air like scythes of death.
Al-Ifrit let out a roar of fury as it pounded towards Mika and Elizabeth, its molten veins pulsing with infernal energy.
The Abyssal Leviathan coiled around itself, preparing to lunge at Finn and Hua-Jing, its fanged maw opening to reveal an abyss of endless hunger.
The unknown horror stalking Wang and Mei-Xi-Li screeched in anticipation, its grotesque limbs unfurling like the branches of a cursed tree.
The moment the last of them reached the open field, Aleeman skidded to a stop and raised his sabre.
"NOW!" he commanded.
The battle had begun.
The air in the open field crackled with tension, the scent of scorched earth mingling with the damp breath of the morning mist. The golden dawn had barely stretched its fingers across the sky, yet the battlefield was already painted in ominous hues. Before them, four towering monstrosities loomed like forgotten gods, their presence warping the very air around them.
Aleeman stood at the forefront, his sabre Wolf Claw glinting under the morning sun. His dark eyes swept over his comrades, each one bearing a different expression—determination, wariness, and in Wang's case, slight regret for not staying in bed.
"Alright, listen up!" Aleeman's voice cut through the chaos, his tone sharp as a honed blade. "We fight together. We survive together. No reckless heroics—" he flicked a pointed glance at Finn and Wang, "—and no dramatic death speeches. If anyone dies, I swear I'll resurrect you just to kill you myself."
Finn grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Got it, Commander. No dying unless absolutely necessary."
Hua-Jing rolled her eyes. "Your concern is heartwarming, truly."
Shi Zhao Mei stood beside Aleeman, her dark crimson dao Asina Wo Do Blood resting against her shoulder. She smirked, shifting her stance as she met his gaze.
"So, Commander, what's the brilliant strategy? Or are we just going to hit things and pray for the best?"
Aleeman gave her a deadpan look. "That was my strategy."
Shi Zhao Mei blinked. "…Are you serious?"
Aleeman shrugged. "It's worked so far."
The moment for humour was short-lived, as the earth trembled beneath them.
The Xìngshòu (行兽)—The Beast of the Forgotten Trials—let out a guttural snarl, its massive, feline body shifting like molten ink, its obsidian fur streaked with veins of flickering blue light. Its eyes were twin voids of despair, locking onto its chosen prey.
The Abyssal Leviathan slithered across the battlefield, its serpentine form blotting out the light as it towered over them, each movement sending tremors through the ground. Its acidic breath hissed as it exhaled, the very air around it warping from the sheer toxicity.
Al-Ifrit emerged in a burst of infernal fire, its phantom-like form wreathed in blackened flames. It hovered above them, tendrils of fire licking the air as it let out a deep, unholy growl, its voice echoing like a thousand souls screaming in torment.
And above them all, wings blocking out the sun, Drákon Aetós circled like a vulture of death, its scaled body gleaming like polished onyx. The beast of perdition screeched, its cry sending shockwaves through the sky.
"Alright," Finn exhaled, "so who fights what?"
Aleeman smirked. "Simple. We fight them all."
The monsters struck first.
Drákon Aetós dove from the skies, its talons extended towards Aleeman and Shi Zhao Mei like scythes of death.
Shi Zhao Mei spun on her heel, flipping backwards as she slashed upwards with her dao. A crimson arc of energy sliced through the air, barely grazing the beast's scaled underbelly.
Aleeman twisted to the side, his sabre intercepting the incoming claws. Sparks erupted upon contact, the force sending him sliding back across the battlefield.
Hua-Jing and Finn had their own problems.
The Abyssal Leviathan lunged forward, its massive maw snapping shut just inches away from them. Hua-Jing's body tensed as she leapt to the side, her weapon—a golden-tipped glaive named Sunfire Fang—twirling in her grip.
Finn was less elegant. He stumbled backwards, rolling out of the way just in time. He shot Hua-Jing a sheepish grin. "After you."
Hua-Jing snorted. "Coward."
Meanwhile, Wang and Mei-Xi-Li found themselves cornered by the Xìngshòu.
"Alright, Mei," Wang exhaled, shaking out his hands as his Arcane-Forged Gauntlets pulsed with energy. "Any bright ideas?"
Mei-Xi-Li twirled her Twin Crescent Daggers, the silver edges shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. "Yes. Don't die."
Wang grinned. "Solid plan."
Then Al-Ifrit struck, sending a wave of molten fire toward Mika and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth flickered out of existence, her Illusion Arts activating just in time to avoid the flames.
Mika was not as lucky. "HOT! HOT! HOT!" she yelped, dodging frantically as her Lightning-Forged Blades crackled with energy.** "Can someone please kill that thing before I become roasted Mika?!"
Wang launched forward, his Arcane-Forged Gauntlets crackling with electric energy.
"Steel Fist Technique—Stormbreaker!"
His punch connected with Xìngshòu's torso, sending a shockwave rippling through the air. The beast staggered, but recovered quickly, slashing towards him with claws that shimmered like stardust.
Mei-Xi-Li darted in, her Moonflow Blades dancing like liquid silver as she struck in a blur of motion. Her Ethereal Water Manipulation wrapped around her daggers, extending her reach in an elegant, fluid arc.
Across the battlefield, Mika finally had enough.
"Alright, no more running! Arcstorm Ascendancy!"
Her blades crackled as she spun in midair, releasing a storm of electrified slashes that cut through the infernal flames of Al-Ifrit.
Finn, meanwhile, activated his Temporal Manipulation, shifting in and out of existence like a phantom. He flickered behind the Abyssal Leviathan and slashed at its vulnerable scales, his Etherium Seal Arts glowing in intricate patterns across his arms.
Aleeman and Shi Zhao Mei fought side by side, their weapons a blur of steel and fire.
"Keep up, Commander," Shi Zhao Mei teased, parrying Drákon Aetós' tail swipe with a flick of her dao.
Aleeman scoffed, blocking an incoming strike with ease. "Try not to get eaten, Gemstone Bellied Troublemaker."
Shi Zhao Mei gritted her teeth. "You're still calling me that?!"
Aleeman smirked. "It suits you."
Shi Zhao Mei groaned. "If we survive this, I swear—"
Drákon Aetós roared, cutting off her sentence as it unleashed a devastating blast of wind.
Aleeman growled. "We finish this now."
He glanced at his comrades, their movements synchronizing, their attacks flowing together as if orchestrated by fate itself.
The moment had come.
The final strike was imminent.
The air trembled with the ferocity of battle, thick with the acrid scent of scorched earth and the metallic tang of blood. The ground beneath them quivered, splitting into jagged crevices as the four monstrous entities loomed over the battlefield, their collective power warping the very air around them.
Drákon Aetós hovered above, its onyx scales glinting under the sun, its luminous amber eyes narrowing as it drew in a breath—a deep, guttural inhale that sent ripples through the sky itself. Then, in an instant, it unleashed an unholy torrent of Hēiguāng Liúyán (黑光流焰 – Dark Radiance Flame).
The blast was a cataclysm of sheer destruction, an inferno of violet and obsidian flames laced with raw radiation. The very fabric of reality seemed to waver under its might, the ground below warping as molten cracks split the surface.
Hua-Jing reacted in an instant.
"Golden Barrier—Solar Veil!"
A shimmering, golden shield burst forth from her glaive Sunfire Fang, its radiant energy forming a translucent dome around them. The impact of the infernal flames clashed against her shield like a tidal wave crashing upon a brittle cliffside. Her body trembled, feet digging into the dirt as she gritted her teeth, pouring every ounce of her energy into sustaining the barrier.
But it wasn't enough.
Drákon Aetós let out another screech, intensifying its assault. From the other side, Xìngshòu lunged forward, its massive claws tearing through the battlefield before it unleashed a concussive sonic blast, the sheer force sending cracks through Hua-Jing's barrier.
The shield flickered. Fractured.
Collapsed.
The moment the barrier shattered, the raw energy detonated, sending them all hurtling backwards like fallen leaves in a storm along their chain attach to each others break up due to sonic blast.
Aleeman crashed into the dirt, the breath knocked from his lungs. His vision blurred as he rolled onto his side, ears ringing from the explosion. Instinct took over.
His eyes darted wildly.
Hua-Jing.
His heart seized.
She was lying a mile away, motionless.
Aleeman scrambled to his feet, ignoring the pain screaming in his ribs. He sprinted through the battlefield, leaping over fallen debris, dodging burning embers, until he finally collapsed beside her.
"Hua-Jing!" he called, gently lifting her head onto his lap. "Hey, wake up! Say something!"
Her lashes fluttered weakly. A groggy groan left her lips as she blinked up at him, her voice faint.
"What… where am I?"
Aleeman let out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding, his shoulders sagging in relief.
"You're alive, that's where."
"Oh… lucky me," she muttered dryly. "What happened?"
Aleeman turned his gaze towards the battlefield.
His comrades were still fighting. Shi Zhao Mei stood alongside Finn, Wang, and the others, her crimson dao Asina Wo Do Blood dancing through the air as she weaved between the enemy's attacks with fluid precision.
Aleeman gritted his teeth. He couldn't stay here.
He lifted his gaze to Mika, who was panting but still on her feet, her Lightning-Forged Blades crackling with residual plasma.
"Mika!" Aleeman called out. "Stay with Hua-Jing!"
Mika snorted. "Yeah, sure, no problem. I love babysitting injured warriors while giant nightmare monsters try to kill us."
Hua-Jing groaned, waving her hand dismissively. "I can hear you, you know…"
Aleeman ignored them, turning back towards the battlefield.
Something wasn't right.
His instincts screamed at him. He could feel it—the eerie void where his power should be.
The same power that had torn through the auditorium walls.
But now, it was gone.
Why?
His hands clenched around the grip of his weapon. No time to question it. No time to hesitate.
He drew his revolver, Eshmûn Viper—a marvel of modernity fused with tradition, a sleek, steampunk-inspired firearm adorned with intricate golden engravings. The barrel pulsed with ethereal energy, its six chambers glowing with condensed celestial rounds. The grip was forged from obsidian steel, reinforced with Altherian circuits that hummed faintly.
If magic wouldn't answer his call, then steel and fire would.
He lifted the revolver, exhaling sharply.
Bang.
The gunshot echoed through the battlefield like a war drum, the bullet spiralling through the air before piercing the thick hide of the Abyssal Leviathan. The beast recoiled, shrieking in pain as black ichor oozed from the wound.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Aleeman fired again, his shots precise, each one striking true.
But the battle was far from over.
The air trembled, the very fabric of reality warping as Drákon Aetós let loose another catastrophic surge of radiation flames.
A searing wave of dark violet fire spiralled through the battlefield, a churning vortex of destruction tearing across the sky as it hurtled towards Mika and Hua-Jing. The heat alone was enough to distort the air, warping the very space around it.
Aleeman, Finn, Wang, Mei-Xi-Li, and Elizabeth watched in frozen horror, their breaths catching in their throats as time seemed to slow.
"Move!" Aleeman roared, his heart pounding in his chest.
But there was no time.
Just as the flames were about to consume them, a flash of crimson burst forth—an ethereal storm of scarlet light erupted like a tidal wave, blocking the attack at the last possible moment.
Hua-Jing blinked in astonishment, the world spinning in slow motion as the one who had saved her came into view.
Shi Zhao Mei.
A veritable tempest of blood-red energy coiled around her like a living serpent, pulsating with raw, ancient power. Her presence was overwhelming—a force of nature wrapped in human form, standing like an immovable pillar between life and death.
For a brief moment, Hua-Jing could only stare.
Admiration. Awe. A hint of something else—something dangerously close to respect.
But then—
Slice.
A thin line of crimson bloomed across Shi Zhao Mei's cheek.
A single, insignificant cut.
Shi Zhao Mei froze.
The battlefield fell eerily silent.
Aleeman raised an eyebrow.
Finn, Wang, Mei-Xi-Li, Mika, and Elizabeth glanced at one another, confused.
Shi Zhao Mei slowly lifted a hand to her cheek, touching the small trickle of blood. She stared at it. Then blinked.
Then her expression contorted into one of absolute, unholy fury.
"YOU FILTHY, MINDLESS BEASTS—HOW DARE YOU DAMAGE MY BEAUTIFUL FACE?!"
Silence.
The monsters paused.
Aleeman opened his mouth, then closed it. Then opened it again.
Wang whispered, "Did she—just—?"
Finn rubbed his temple. "We're in the middle of a battlefield, and she's—?!"
Mika groaned. "I've seen narcissists before, but this? This is next level."
Hua-Jing couldn't even be mad—she was too busy watching in both bewilderment and a tinge of reluctant admiration.
Shi Zhao Mei's eyes glowed with a dark crimson light, her fury manifesting as sheer, uncontainable power. The energy surrounding her twisted into a monstrous form—a dragon, its massive ethereal wings spreading wide, its fanged maw opening with a deafening roar.
The earth shook.
The sky darkened.
And then—
The Blood Dragon Awakens.
Her cultivation surged to its highest form— Xuè Lóng Jùjué (血龙拒绝 – The Blood Dragon's Judgement).
A maelstrom of raw, volatile energy expanded outward, consuming the four monstrous entities within its grasp. They howled in unearthly terror, their bodies writhing as tendrils of crimson flame wrapped around them, constricting, crushing