Chaotic Existance

"Ah, the beginning of another day—one step closer to greatness or absolute chaos. And let me guess, you're here to see how this plays out, right? No judgment here. I'd probably watch this train wreck unfold, too. The stakes are high, the rivals are ruthless, and yet here I stand—calm, collected, and only mildly annoyed that I'm doing this again."

"Welcome to the Vesperian Academy, where ambition meets insanity, and where people like me have to pretend we're thrilled to face off against some of the most powerful beings in existence. Fun, right? Spoiler alert: It's not."

I lean back, watching the floating islands of the Academy hover lazily over the Aether-rich oceans below. Vesperian Academy. The place looked like it belonged in a fantasy tale, but the faces of the fresh competitors swarming the grounds were all too real—brimming with dreams and desperation.

""Two years. Two years since he vanished, and I'm no closer to finding him. Some friend I am." And now Rose wants me to head to this Academy?" I grunted under my breath.

"You'd better watch your mouth, kid," came the gravelly voice of Taroc, a burly man to my right. Mean mug for days. He had that face that just begged you to punch it. "Be grateful she even took you in after what happened. Show some damn respect."

I didn't even look at him. "Sure, sure, Taroc. Don't you have better things to do? Like, I don't know—maybe a bath? You smell like a wet dog. Oh wait... you are a dog. My bad." I smirked, cutting him a sideways glance.

Taroc bristled, his eyes narrowing. "You little shit. I don't know what happened on that mission two years ago, but I think you need to be put in your place."

He cracked his knuckles like he was preparing to make an example of me.

"Taroc," I replied, turning my head with a grin, "if you even think about throwing a punch, this jet is going down. I can swim. Can you?" I tilted my head, crossing my leg over my knee casually.

His mouth twitched in frustration, but he backed off. I let out a soft chuckle. The Academy was already starting to look more like hell with each passing second.

As we neared Vesperian's hovering islands, my stomach tightened. The entrance exams loomed ahead, and I had a feeling today was going to be anything but ordinary.

Looking back out the window to my left, I caught my first real glimpse of Vesperia, and damn—it didn't disappoint. The entire city shimmered like a jewel in the sky, a perfect blend of futuristic technology and ancient architecture.

Vesperia was the beating heart of everything—a city that never slept, where neon lights danced alongside arcane symbols etched into towering skyscrapers. The skyline looked like something out of a sci-fi fever dream. Gigantic holo-screens flickered with moving images, advertising the latest breakthroughs in Aether Tech, while massive towers of steel, glass, and Aether Crystals loomed over the streets like sentinels.

The buildings weren't just structures; they were alive with energy—pulsating with the kind of raw power that could only come from the fusion of magic and tech. Hover cars zoomed between colossal platforms, weaving through aerial lanes while Aether Trams connected various districts, leaving glowing trails in their wake. Below, bustling streets were filled with vendors peddling enchanted gadgets, street performers bending elemental arts, and citizens from every race and species imaginable—humans, beastmen, elementals, and other beings, each one more outlandish than the next, all living side by side.

But as grand and polished as Vesperia seemed from the skies, I knew the truth. Behind those sleek exteriors and flashing lights were shadows—places where the underworld thrived and Syndicates ruled.

There was a sense of constant motion, like the city was always on edge, moving forward whether you were ready or not. It was a place where ambition thrived, but also where dreams were just as easily crushed. And at the heart of it all, high above the chaos of the streets, was the Vesperian Academy, perched on its floating islands, casting a literal shadow over the city below.

"I've heard the rumors—entrance exams here aren't just a test, they're a bloodbath. But I guess you can't make an omelet without breaking a few bones, right?" Taroc stated.

"Are you prepared for the exams?" Taroc asked.

"Yea, thanks to you and the others I was able to get a bunch of training in. You are the best punching bag no wonders your a defender." I snickered patting his shoulder as he grunted swatting my hand away. 

"As you know though the world has been gowing through constant changes especially in peoples Arts and Aether. Arts are becoming more…chaotic I would say." Taroc stated looking down.

"It's because Arts are created off the imagination of the caster and the more vivid the stronger the Art." I replied.

"Where did you learn that?" He asked. 

"Can't tell all my secretes lets say I ran some experiments." I redirected .

"Right… then why haven't you disclosed that to the "Savant Society" I'm pretty sure that they haven't found out how to use aether and if what you say is true then that's something people should know. Your very smart comarped to others at Vermillion Phesant especially when it came to Phantasms but your arts are amazing. So the fact that your an asshole people can overlook because your not mean." Taroc looked me starighgt in my eyes. I felt like he what he was saying was genuine. 

"I believe that they probably already know this so there's no need. If there are genius's far smarter than me they've already reached this conclusion so why bother." I refuted looking away. "Ever since the world's Aether went haywire, Arts have been getting more chaotic. That's what they say, anyway. My Arts? They've always been chaos, so I wouldn't know."

"Such a pessimist, well they will soon find out how you "visualize" your arts so your bound to ruffle some feathers. Well be landing soon so be prepared, upon landing we have a Hotel booked for you to stay until you get the results." He replied getting up from the seat across from me. 

"I am allowed outside right?" I asked

"Are you gonna cause any trouble?" Taroc replied.

"Nope I won't just wanna stretch my legs." I smiled. 

"Then yes Rose didn't tell me to place you on house arrest just monitoring you to make sure you don't have anymore episodes." He looked away after saying that as if he was trying to avoid my glare. 

"Sigh, I accidentally flood a city one time and its the end of the world. It's not like I meant to!" I exclaimed.

"That maybe true but your anger issues combined with your Arts are very… Destructive. On top of that no one has the level of Water manipulation as you. It's very alarming so we have to do what we can to mitigate any damages and issues." He replied

"We're about to land get ready." He stated after patting me on my shoulder and walking away. 

"Well whatever there better be some entertaining people here. What I hate the most is being bored.. I wonder how they are doing. Those two are supposed to be coming here too." I mumbled to myself as turbulence set in the and our decent into the city made everything grow into view.

The jet began its descent toward Orion, the heart of Vesperia's industrial and cultural district. Unlike the pristine floating islands of the Academy, Orion felt gritty, alive, pulsing with the hum of the city. It had the same skyline of gleaming, Aether-fueled towers and sky-high holo-screens that broadcast the latest news and technology, but down here on the ground, everything felt a little more... raw.

As we neared the landing platform, the first thing that caught my eye was the Orion Arena, a massive structure that dominated the district. From above, it looked like an open-air coliseum, but instead of stone and mortar, the whole thing was constructed with sleek, reflective Aetherium plating. The outer walls shimmered in shades of blue and gold, powered by streams of raw Aether running through the veins of the structure. This was where Vesperian citizens came to see all kinds of fights and contests—whether it was for sport or something more sinister, depending on which circles you ran with.

Around the arena, the streets of Orion were packed. Vendors pushed their carts, selling everything from enchanted street food to high-tech gadgets and weapons. The air buzzed with excitement and energy, a mix of neon lights and magic-infused lamps illuminating the area even in broad daylight. I watched as groups of people, some human, others beastmen, hurried between shops, making deals or preparing for whatever contest the Arena had planned for the night.

The landing strip stretched out in front of us, a sleek surface glowing faintly with the traces of Aether energy. As the jet hovered above the platform, I glanced out again, taking in the sprawling cityscape. Orion was like a beast, a living, breathing monster of a district, with life pouring out of every corner. A place where ambition and desperation danced a little too close for comfort.

"You've got that look again," Taroc's voice cut in, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"What look?" I asked, resting my head against the seat with a smirk.

"The 'I'm-too-good-for-this-place' look. We're landing in one of the toughest parts of Vesperia, kid. You'd better check that attitude at the door."

"Trust me, I can handle myself," I replied, stretching as the jet came to a stop on the glowing strip. "Besides, I'm just here to see the Academy. Not to pick fights with every street tough that eyeballs me."

Taroc grunted but said nothing more as the door hissed open, and we stepped out onto the landing platform.

The moment I set foot on the ground, I felt it—a rush of Aether flowing through the air like an invisible current. Vesperia wasn't just a city; it was a living force. You could feel it beneath your skin, like the heartbeat of something ancient. It made sense that the Academy was here, in the middle of all this. A place where the flow of Aether was thickest, where everything was a little more alive… and dangerous.

"Alright, kid. You've got a few hours to stretch your legs before you need to check into the Academy's grounds. Don't get into trouble," Taroc warned, already eyeing some of the local shops. "I need to pick up a few things for myself. I'll meet you back here in two hours."

"Got it." I waved him off, already making my way down the platform steps and into the bustling streets of Orion.

The city was intoxicating. Every corner was a new sensory overload—Aether-powered bikes zipped by on air currents, street performers manipulated elements for crowds, and towering billboards projected the latest fights scheduled at the Arena. Everything was amplified by the natural Aether running through the ground, fueling the technology and the magic around me.

But in the distance, past the shimmering chaos of Orion, I caught sight of what I was really here for: Vesperian Academy.

The Academy was situated in what would've been the heart of this vibrant city—a place of serenity compared to the bustling streets of Orion. It floated high above, nestled on its islands like a fortress looking down on the chaos below. From here, I could see the sprawling, interconnected buildings that made up the school. Some structures were impossibly tall, their sleek surfaces glittering with embedded Aether crystals, while others resembled ancient temples, their walls etched with intricate designs and arcane symbols that pulsed with energy.

Bridges of pure Aether connected the floating islands, allowing students to travel from one part of the Academy to another with ease. Even the air around the Academy felt different—like it was denser, heavier with untapped power, as if the very atmosphere demanded that only the strongest would thrive.

I couldn't help but grin. This was what I'd been waiting for—the place where I would finally push my limits.

The Academy was more than just a school. It was a battleground, a place where the strongest minds and the fiercest warriors honed their skills. From what I'd heard, students here weren't just trained in combat; they were trained to master the Aether, to wield it like a weapon and mold it into whatever form their minds could conjure.

I took a deep breath, the Aether in the air crackling around me, charging me up like an overclocked machine. This place is going to be hell, I thought, but it's the kind of hell I need.

I made my way toward the central path that led up to the entrance of the Academy grounds. The streets got quieter the closer I got, the hustle and bustle of Orion fading away as the towering gates of Vesperian Academy loomed before me.

"So this is it," I muttered, glancing up at the towering gates that separated the Academy from the rest of Vesperia. The gates shimmered with lines of Aether, pulsing in time with the heartbeat of the city.

"Let's see if this place lives up to the hype."

As I passed through the gates, the weight of the Academy's reputation hit me like a wave. There was no turning back now. Behind me was the world I'd known—chaos, Syndicates, and the endless game of survival. Ahead of me was something far more dangerous: Vesperian Academy, a place where ambition either forged you into a legend or broke you completely. And I didn't plan on being broken.

"Well, time to raise some hell."

As I passed through the grand gates of Vesperian Academy, a smirk crept onto my face. This was it—the place where legends are made and where chaos becomes the proving ground. Most students were probably still waiting for the official start of the entrance exams, no doubt packed into the briefing halls, preparing themselves mentally for whatever challenges lay ahead.

But me? I didn't have time to waste.

I walked straight up the steps, weaving through the courtyard with purpose, past other wide-eyed newcomers who were still gawking at the academy's towering structures. The air crackled with excitement, and every step made me feel like I was sinking deeper into an electric current. I could already feel the tension rising, the anticipation of what was about to unfold.

No one stopped me, no one even questioned why I wasn't in the designated starting area for the exams. Maybe it was the look on my face, the way I carried myself, or maybe it was because the aura around me—charged with Aether—was enough to tell them I wasn't someone to mess with. Either way, it didn't matter. I had no intention of waiting for things to officially kick off.

"Let's see what this place has to offer," I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the academy grounds.

And then, I saw it.

In the middle of the sprawling, futuristic courtyard stood a massive arena, its shimmering walls and wide-open space beckoning like a battlefield. Floating Aether screens hung above the arena, displaying live rankings and statistics from the ongoing free-for-all trial. Even from a distance, I could hear the echoes of combat—clashing Arts, screams of triumph, and the groans of defeat.

I smiled to myself. I didn't need an invitation.

With a flick of my wrist, I activated the Aether seal on my arm, the tattoo-like emblem glowing faintly as it connected me to the Academy's internal network. My rank, name, and registration for the trials appeared on one of the floating holo-screens.

"Lucian Draconis... Welcome to the Trials."

Let's make this quick, I thought as I stepped into the arena.

The roar of battle greeted me as I entered the trial arena. Already, students were throwing themselves at one another, testing their strength, their Arts, and their Aether control. I couldn't help but notice how chaotic it all seemed. Fists and elements flew everywhere—some controlled, some desperate. No discipline. No strategy.

Pathetic.

I was just about to engage when a voice cut through the chaos—sharp, calculated, and irritatingly familiar.

"Well, well, well. Look who finally showed up."

I didn't need to turn to know who it was.

Kiran Valeris—the walking embodiment of tactical superiority and mind games. His calm yet cutting voice had always grated on my nerves.

"Kiran," I replied, turning slowly to face him. He stood with his arms folded, his expression one of mild amusement, as if he had already calculated how this fight was going to end. Behind him, two other students lay unconscious, victims of his quick wit and precise manipulation.

"I figured you'd arrive late," Kiran said smoothly. "After all, making a grand entrance is kind of your thing, isn't it?"

"Late? Nah," I shot back, smirking. "I just prefer not to waste time with the warm-up act. Figured I'd skip ahead to the real challenge."

Kiran's eyes narrowed slightly. "Careful, Lucian. That overconfidence might cost you."

"Don't worry about me, Kiran," I replied. "Worry about yourself."

Before Kiran could reply, the arena trembled under the force of an explosion, and a blur of speed crashed into the ground between us, kicking up dust and debris.

"Nikolai..." I muttered under my breath.

Nikolai, the self-proclaimed fastest and strongest student in this trial, emerged from the dust cloud. His eyes burned with intensity, his body radiating pure, raw power. Unlike Kiran, who preferred to break his opponents down with words and strategy, Nikolai was all about brute strength and unrelenting force. The two of them were complete opposites, but both equally annoying in their own way.

"Draconis!" Nikolai growled, the corners of his mouth twisting into a grin. "I've been waiting for this!"

"Great," I muttered. "Just what I needed—a meathead."

Without warning, Nikolai launched himself at me, his body a blur of motion, Aether crackling in his wake. He was fast, no doubt about it. The wind whipped around him as he closed the distance in seconds, his fist already drawn back for a devastating blow.

I raised my hand, summoning Aetheric Shields, layers of energy forming a barrier in front of me. His punch slammed into the shield with a deafening impact, the force of it reverberating through the arena. My shield cracked but held, pushing him back just enough for me to counter.

With a fluid motion, I summoned a surge of Aether, manipulating it into sharp tendrils that lashed out at him. Nikolai dodged, but the tendrils caught him by surprise, cutting through the air with precision and forcing him to back off.

"Well, you're faster than I remember," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I guess even a broken clock's right twice a day."

Before Nikolai could respond, a surge of Aether wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my sides. I cursed inwardly.

Kiran's doing.

"You're predictable, Lucian," Kiran said, his voice smooth and smug. "Always so focused on brute force. You never see the bigger picture."

I gritted my teeth, struggling against the invisible bonds of Aether Kiran had wrapped around me. His Aetheric Bind was designed to restrict movement, but it wasn't perfect.

"You talk too much, Kiran," I said through clenched teeth.

In a flash, I unleashed a burst of Aetheric Disruption, shattering the bind around me. Kiran's eyes widened slightly, just enough for me to notice.

I lunged at him, closing the distance with a single step. But before I could land a hit, a wave of icy blue energy rippled through the arena, separating the three of us.

"Enough!" A voice boomed, powerful and commanding.

I turned to see two figures standing at the edge of the arena, their presence immediately recognizable.

Vallen and Lilith.

It had been two years since I'd seen them, and yet here they were—stronger, more imposing, and standing in my way.

"Looks like we're all competitors now," Vallen said, his eyes locking with mine. There was a tension there, something unresolved.

Lilith stood beside him, her gaze steady, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something that reminded me of the bond we once shared. But now... now we were rivals.

"Guess this reunion's going to be more interesting than I thought," I muttered, preparing for the inevitable clash.

The moment Vallen and Lilith appeared, a flood of emotions surged through me, but I quickly pushed them down. There was no time for nostalgia, and besides, the tension in the air was thick enough to drown in. We were no longer the same people we used to be, and this reunion wouldn't be some heartwarming get-together. No, this was about proving ourselves. And if that meant fighting them, so be it.

The arena buzzed with the crackling energy of anticipation. Kiran, with his infuriating smirk, stood off to the side, already plotting his next move. Nikolai's grin widened, and before I could blink, he was rushing me again, a blur of wind and force. But this time, I wasn't going to let him close the gap so easily.

"Let's see how you handle this," I muttered, planting my feet firmly on the ground.

With a swift movement of my hands, I channeled the Aether around me, pulling at the moisture in the air and the earth beneath us. Within seconds, a surge of water erupted from the ground, forming an undulating wave that crashed forward, blanketing the entire arena floor. The shimmering water spread out in all directions, covering the battlefield with a glistening sheet, just enough to give me the edge I needed.

Water had always been my element. It flowed with me, shifting and bending to my will, unpredictable and untamable—just like me. I could feel the power coursing through it as the liquid danced under my control, ready to turn this trial into a watery grave for anyone who dared underestimate me.

Nikolai's momentum faltered as his boots splashed into the rapidly rising water. For someone whose abilities relied on wind and speed, this wasn't his ideal terrain. His eyes narrowed as he skidded to a stop, already trying to find his footing on the slick surface.

"Surprised?" I called out, raising my hand. The water rose with it, tendrils of liquid coiling and twisting like serpents, ready to strike.

"You think a little water's going to stop me?" Nikolai growled, his body vibrating with energy. His wind powers flared up, whipping around him in spirals as he tried to create a vortex to push the water away. The swirling gusts picked up debris from the arena, forming a small whirlwind around him.

But I wasn't done.

With a flick of my wrist, the tendrils of water surged toward him, crashing into the vortex. The two forces collided with a deafening roar, the wind trying to disperse the water, while my control over the liquid forced it to hold its form. Nikolai's eyes widened in frustration as the water began to overpower his winds, wrapping around his legs and slowing him down further.

"That's the thing about water, Nikolai," I said, my voice carrying over the noise of the battle. "It adapts. You can try to push it away, but it'll always come back."

Just as I was about to press my advantage, a flash of red and black shot past me, and suddenly, Nikolai wasn't my only problem.

Vallen.

His flames erupted in a swirling arc, crashing into my water with a sizzling hiss. Steam exploded around us as the intense heat met my flood head-on. The sheer force of his fire was something else—strong, unrelenting. His flames didn't just burn; they consumed everything in their path.

"Lucian," Vallen said, his voice steady and calm, "I'm not here to reminisce. If you stand in my way, I won't hold back."

I clenched my fists, pulling the water back as steam rose between us. "Funny, I was going to say the same thing."

Vallen didn't waste any more time with words. He thrust his hand forward, and a blast of flame erupted from his palm, snaking toward me like a raging inferno. I reacted instantly, summoning a massive wall of water to intercept it. The fire met the water with an explosive hiss, steam billowing into the sky as the two elements clashed violently. But Vallen wasn't done. With a powerful stomp, he ignited the very air around him, sending shockwaves of fire racing across the waterlogged ground.

The heat was intense, but I wasn't going to let him have the upper hand.

"Not bad, Vallen," I muttered, extending my arms. The water beneath us rippled, then surged upward in massive waves. I raised them higher and higher, forming towering pillars of liquid that spiraled around me like twin serpents.

And then I sent them crashing down.

The waves rolled forward with unstoppable force, flooding the arena in a relentless tide. I watched as the water engulfed Vallen, but he wasn't one to be caught off guard. His body burst into flames, evaporating the water around him as he launched himself toward me, his fists blazing with fiery energy.

But before he could reach me, Nikolai came charging back into the fray, his wind powers cutting through the steam and water like a razor. He swept in from the side, using his speed to throw off Vallen's trajectory, creating a whirlwind that forced both of us back.

"Get in line, Vallen!" Nikolai snarled, his eyes wild with competitive rage. "Lucian's mine!"

Vallen's flames flared in response, but before either of them could attack, I shot a jet of water between them, forcing them apart.

"Keep fighting each other, for all I care," I said, forming water blades in each hand. "But if you come at me, you'd better be ready."

Across the arena, Lilith and Kiran were locked in their own battle of wills. Lilith's psychic energy crackled around her, lifting debris into the air as she manipulated the battlefield with the sheer force of her mind. Kiran, always the strategist, kept his distance, using his own telekinetic abilities to counter her attacks while maintaining a mental shield around himself.

"You can't win by playing defense, Kiran," Lilith taunted, her eyes glowing with power. She thrust her hand forward, and a massive piece of the arena floor lifted into the air, hurling toward Kiran at breakneck speed.

Kiran's eyes narrowed, and with a flick of his wrist, the chunk of debris stopped mid-air, held in place by his own psychic force. "You're too emotional, Lilith. That's why you'll lose."

With a grunt, Kiran hurled the debris back at her, but Lilith didn't even flinch. With a wave of her hand, the debris shattered into dust before it could reach her. Her psychic energy surged, creating a whirlwind of telekinetic force that tore through the battlefield, threatening to engulf Kiran in its wake.

But Kiran wasn't finished yet. He raised both hands, and his psychic power flared to life, forming a barrier around him that deflected the whirlwind. His lips curled into a smirk.

"I don't need to beat you, Lilith," Kiran said, his voice cool and calculated. "I just need to outlast you."

Back on my side of the arena, I could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on me. Nikolai and Vallen were relentless, their attacks coming at me from every angle—wind, fire, and raw force. I was using every ounce of my water manipulation to keep up, the arena now a chaotic battlefield of swirling waves, steam, and clashing elements.

"Time to wrap this up," I muttered, raising my hand again. The water around me surged, forming a massive whirlpool that circled the entire battlefield. I could feel the pull of the tides, the raw power of the ocean at my fingertips.

"Let's see how you handle this!" I shouted, sending the whirlpool crashing toward them both.

Nikolai's eyes widened, and Vallen's flames roared to life in response, but it was too late. The whirlpool crashed down on them, swallowing them both in a torrent of water.

For a moment, the battlefield was silent, save for the sound of rushing water.

But I knew better than to think it was over.

The steam cleared, and both Vallen and Nikolai stood, battered but still standing. They exchanged a glance, then turned their gazes back to me.

"Not bad," Vallen said, flames licking at his fists. "But we're just getting started."

Nikolai grinned, the wind swirling around him in a deadly vortex. "Yeah, don't think you're getting out of this that easily."

I smirked, water still swirling at my feet. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

The real fight was just beginning.

The whirlpool's aftermath left the battlefield in a state of eerie calm, steam still rising from the chaotic clash of water, fire, and wind. My body pulsed with the sensation of Aether flowing through me, the water still swirling at my feet like obedient serpents, awaiting my next command. Across the battlefield, Vallen and Nikolai were drenched but standing—each with fire and wind swirling protectively around them.

They were relentless, but I wasn't about to back down.

Nikolai cracked his neck, the grin still plastered on his face despite being hit by the full force of my water manipulation. He didn't seem fazed—if anything, he looked more eager, more determined. The wind around him intensified, whipping up the debris and water that remained on the ground.

"Nice try, Lucian," Nikolai shouted over the windstorm building around him. "But you're gonna have to do better than that if you want to take me down!"

Vallen, meanwhile, looked as calm as ever, though the flames on his body burned brighter, the heat radiating from him evaporating the water around his feet. "Nikolai's right," he added. "If we're going to do this, let's do it right."

I clenched my fists, drawing the water toward me again. I wasn't about to let them gang up on me.

"Enough talk!" I growled, raising both hands. The water obeyed, surging upward in two massive columns that spiraled toward Nikolai and Vallen with terrifying speed.

Vallen reacted instantly, unleashing a torrent of flames to meet the water head-on. The collision created a massive burst of steam, shrouding the arena in mist. But I could still feel the flow of the water, directing it like an extension of my own body. Even through the steam, I saw Nikolai darting toward me, using the cover to his advantage.

"Gotcha!" Nikolai shouted, wind swirling around his arms as he closed the distance. In a flash, he was upon me, the gusts forming sharp blades of air.

But I had seen this coming.

With a swift motion, I brought the water surging up around me in a protective shield. His wind-blades slashed into the barrier, but the water absorbed the impact, dissipating the force harmlessly. I grinned, countering with a stream of water that lashed out at him like a whip. Nikolai's eyes widened as he was sent flying backward, slamming into the ground with a splash.

"Not so fast, Nikolai," I said, stepping forward, the water swirling menacingly around me.

Nikolai struggled to his feet, his usual cocky grin faltering for a second. "You think you've won, huh?" He raised his arms, and the winds around him intensified, swirling into a full-blown tornado. The sheer force of it lifted debris and water into the air, creating a violent vortex.

But I was ready.

Channeling my Aether, I focused all of my energy into the water around me. The ground shook as I summoned an even larger wave, towering above Nikolai's tornado. For a split second, everything seemed to freeze as my wave reached its peak, hanging in the air like the hand of some vengeful god.

And then, I brought it down.

The wave crashed into the tornado with a deafening roar, the force of the water overwhelming Nikolai's winds in an instant. I could hear him shout in frustration as the sheer weight of the water knocked him to the ground, pinning him beneath the flood.

He wasn't getting up from that.

Breathing heavily, I glanced toward Vallen, who had remained relatively unaffected by the clash. His eyes burned with determination, but I could see the weariness creeping in. He was strong, but even he had his limits. I felt the exhaustion creeping up on me as well, my arms shaking from the strain of controlling so much water at once.

Vallen and I locked eyes, and in that moment, we both knew what was coming.

With a final surge of energy, Vallen ignited his entire body in flames, creating a massive explosion of fire that sent steam billowing into the sky. I countered with one last push, sending the remaining water crashing toward him. Fire and water collided in a spectacular display of raw power, the sheer force of it sending shockwaves across the arena.

For a moment, the world went white, the steam and heat obscuring everything. I could feel the ground shake beneath me, the power of our final attacks causing the very air to vibrate.

And then, silence.

When the steam cleared, Vallen and I stood across from each other, both of us panting heavily, our Aether reserves nearly depleted. The ground between us was scorched and soaked, a testament to the sheer intensity of our battle. But neither of us had won. We were both still standing—barely, but standing.

Vallen wiped the sweat from his brow, giving me a small nod of respect. "Looks like it's a draw," he said, his voice hoarse.

I smirked, wiping some blood from my lip. "Yeah, looks like it."

Across the arena, Lilith and Kiran's battle was reaching its peak. Lilith's psychic energy rippled through the air, distorting reality itself as she hurled waves of telekinetic force at Kiran. The ground cracked and split beneath her power, chunks of debris rising into the air as she prepared to crush Kiran with sheer psychic pressure.

But Kiran was nothing if not resourceful. His psychic barrier shimmered around him, deflecting Lilith's attacks with precise, calculated movements. Sweat dripped down his face, but his eyes remained sharp, his focus unyielding.

"You can't keep this up forever, Lilith!" Kiran shouted, his voice strained. "Your power is impressive, but it's not limitless!"

Lilith's eyes blazed with fury, her psychic energy flaring even brighter. "I don't need forever," she growled, raising her hand. A massive chunk of the arena floor ripped free from the ground, floating ominously above Kiran.

With a roar, Lilith hurled the debris at Kiran with deadly force.

Kiran's eyes widened, and for a split second, I thought he wouldn't be able to block it in time. But at the last moment, he raised both hands, his psychic energy surging to life. The debris stopped mid-air, suspended by Kiran's willpower alone.

The two of them stood locked in a battle of wills, their psychic energies clashing in a fierce contest of dominance. The strain was visible on both their faces, sweat pouring down their brows as they pushed their powers to the limit.

But time was running out. The arena's massive clock loomed overhead, ticking down the final seconds of the exam.

With one final, desperate push, Lilith unleashed a burst of psychic energy that sent Kiran stumbling backward. But before she could follow up, the clock's bell rang out, signaling the end of the trial.

The battlefield fell silent.

Lilith lowered her hand, breathing heavily, her psychic energy dissipating. Kiran, still standing, wiped the sweat from his brow, his barrier flickering before fading away.

"It's over," the voice of the head examiner boomed across the arena. "The trial is complete."

I let out a long breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling into my bones. I glanced at Nikolai, still unconscious under the flood of water I had left him in. Then I looked at Vallen, who gave me a tired but genuine smile.

"Well fought," Vallen said, offering a hand.

I took it, pulling myself up. "You too."

I took Vallen's hand, pulling myself up as the exhaustion from the trial settled in. Despite the tension during the fight, there was no animosity in his expression. Just the calm respect we had always had for each other.

"Well fought," he repeated, giving a small nod before turning to glance at Nikolai, still unconscious under the remnants of my water manipulation.

"He'll be fine," I said with a shrug, rolling my shoulders to relieve some of the tension. "Stubborn bastard, but he's strong."

Vallen chuckled, his flames flickering away as he relaxed. "Yeah, but we should probably get him out of there before he wakes up angry."

As I retracted the water surrounding Nikolai, letting it drain back into the ground, Vallen walked over and shook his head. "He's gonna be pissed," he muttered with a grin.

Just as I was about to respond, the hum of energy rippled through the air, and a voice boomed across the arena. "Candidates, you have one hour before the Entrance Exam commences. All students are to report to the debriefing area immediately."

I sighed. So much for downtime.

"Looks like it's starting," Vallen said, his eyes scanning the arena. "We've got 20 minutes for the debrief, then we prep. Better get moving."

As we made our way toward the debriefing area, I couldn't help but notice the others filing in around us. The tension was palpable. The students were either sizing each other up or caught in their own heads, strategizing for the exam.

The debriefing area was a large open space at the center of the arena, filled with rising columns of holographic screens displaying previous exam footage. The sight was overwhelming, but I quickly tuned out the noise and zeroed in on the figure standing at the front of the room.

Nasir Florgale.

The moment he appeared, the murmurs stopped. The man was an imposing figure—tall, with a hard gaze that seemed to pierce through everything in its path. His reputation preceded him. The rumors said he was one of the fiercest proctors the Academy had ever seen, known for pushing students to their limits—and beyond.

Nasir's voice boomed across the room, sharp and to the point. "Welcome, candidates. I'll be overseeing your Entrance Exam today, so listen carefully. The next hour will determine your standings, your rankings, and your future here at Vesperian Academy."

He tapped on a floating hologram, causing the massive screen behind him to shift to a map of the arena. Multiple sections of the arena were highlighted—forests, ruins, and rocky terrain, all meticulously designed to simulate real combat scenarios.

"The exam will take place in an open combat arena. Phantasms will be released into the field, and it is your job to not only survive but prove your worth. Points will be earned for defeating Phantasms, incapacitating your opponents, and utilizing your Aetheric Arts to their fullest potential. This isn't just about brute strength. You'll be graded on your tactical ability, your adaptability, and your teamwork—or lack thereof."

I scanned the arena map, mentally plotting out the best areas to use my water manipulation. The ruins could work to my advantage—plenty of debris to flood and use against my enemies.

Nasir's voice cut through my thoughts. "Now, you may have noticed that there will be no one monitoring your health during this exam. Injuries will happen. You might be broken, beaten, or worse. But that's the point. This is Vesperian Academy. If you can't handle it, you don't belong here."

A cold chill ran through the room. Everyone knew the stakes, but hearing it said aloud made it all too real.

Nasir's gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on me before moving on. "You have 30 minutes to prepare. Use that time wisely." He turned, and with that, the briefing was over.

The energy in the air was electric as the students scattered across the arena, preparing for what was about to unfold. I found a quieter corner to gather my thoughts, leaning against one of the large, holographic pillars. It was a momentary respite, but I could feel eyes on me—other competitors measuring me up.

Vallen joined me after a few moments, a small, amused smile playing on his lips. "Quite the pep talk, huh?"

I snorted. "He really knows how to make a guy feel welcome."

From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Nikolai, now fully recovered, walking over with a familiar cocky grin plastered on his face. "Well, look who's still standing. I'll give you credit, Lucian, you pack a punch. But don't think for a second that round two's gonna go the same way."

Vallen chuckled. "Pretty sure you were the one knocked out, Nikolai."

Nikolai's grin didn't falter. "Maybe. But that just means I'll have to work twice as hard to wipe the floor with you next time."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "You keep telling yourself that, buddy."

Nikolai was a teammate of mine when I was in raiding rifts with Rose's Syndicate. He's a very rowdy and rambunctious person but when it comes to an all out brawl he'll ace in most cases. He's too one track on force that he doesn't see the whole picture.

As for Kiran he was the same but he seemed to have a issue with me since we first met. Always trying to outmatch me in anyway he could. "Not like I cared."

Before Nikolai could retort, I felt a shift in the air. The crowd parted slightly as Kiran approached, his presence commanding attention without so much as a word. Lilith wasn't far behind him, her silver eyes glowing with barely restrained psychic energy.

"Well, well," Kiran said with his usual smooth tone, "looks like the gang's all here."

I raised an eyebrow. "Here to talk, or are you planning to do something about it?"

Kiran smirked, crossing his arms. "That depends on whether you're ready to lose."

Lilith's gaze flickered between us, her expression calm but focused. "We don't have time for this. The exam starts in less than half an hour."

Vallen straightened up, his earlier amusement gone. "She's right. If we spend all our energy here, we won't have anything left when the real test begins."

Kiran didn't respond, but the gleam in his eye told me everything I needed to know. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.

For a moment, we all stood there—five of the strongest candidates, each one waiting for the other to make the first move. The tension between us was palpable, an unspoken rivalry simmering just beneath the surface.

Finally, Nikolai broke the silence with a laugh. "This is gonna be fun."

Lilith rolled her eyes. "Speak for yourself."

Vallen gave a resigned sigh, but there was a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Fun isn't exactly the word I'd use, but we'll see."

As the minutes ticked down, I could feel the pressure mounting, the weight of the upcoming exam hanging over all of us. It wasn't just about power—it was about proving we belonged here, that we were worthy of the challenges that lay ahead.

And in less than half an hour, we'd find out who would rise to the top—and who would be left in the dust.

As the crowd of candidates dispersed after the debriefing, each competitor brimming with nervous energy, I felt the weight of Nasir's parting words sinking in: "Points are also scored individually as well as as a group. Make sure you find people you can trust."

A party was mandatory for this exam. Typical. Vesperian Academy was designed to test your ability to work with others, even in a competitive environment where only the strongest and smartest came out on top. Trust? Trust was a tricky thing, especially here. I wasn't sure if anyone here could be trusted—not fully—but a team was non-negotiable.

I glanced at Vallen, Nikolai, Kiran, and Lilith—my competition and, apparently, my potential teammates. Our histories were messy, to say the least. Old bonds twisted by rivalry, broken promises, and a few unresolved tensions. But in the end, I didn't have much of a choice.

Nikolai was already stretching, his wind Aether swirling lazily around him like it was second nature. "This whole 'trust' thing, I'm guessing, is just a formality, right? We're all in it for ourselves. But I suppose I could use someone to watch my back while I take out those Phantasms."

Vallen, ever the calm strategist, shook his head. "Trust isn't optional, Nikolai. If you don't trust your team, you'll end up getting us all killed, and yourself along with us."

Lilith floated nearby, her silver eyes glowing softly as if already halfway into her psychic space. "He's right. In a Rift, the Phantasms come from everywhere. If you're not synchronized, you'll be overwhelmed."

Kiran crossed his arms, studying each of us with his usual calculating gaze. "The points system complicates things. Working together is the key to survival, but let's not pretend we're all on the same side. Even in a group, we'll still be competing. I'll help you if it benefits me. Simple as that."

I chuckled darkly, watching them. "Sounds about right. Just don't get in my way, and we'll get through this."

The silence that followed was thick with tension. This wasn't just any group coming together for an exam. We were all driven by our ambitions, our rivalries. No one wanted to be the one to fall behind. But if we could put our differences aside for just this exam, we might actually have a shot.

"Well then," Vallen said, stepping forward. "Looks like we've got ourselves a party. I'll take the lead for this one."

Nikolai grinned, wind swirling around his fists as if daring the others to challenge him. "Fine by me, but I'm not taking orders. I'll do what I want."

Kiran rolled his eyes. "Typical."

Lilith merely shrugged, floating alongside Kiran with a slight nod.

Nasir's booming voice returned, cutting through our planning like a blade. "You have twenty minutes left before the exam begins. Use this time wisely to coordinate your teams. Remember, this exam is a battle not only against the Phantasms but each other. You'll be graded on how well you manage your group dynamics and your individual prowess. The Rift opens in exactly twenty minutes. Don't be late."

I turned away from the group for a moment, scanning the area to assess the other candidates. Everyone was scrambling, hastily throwing together teams and partnerships. You could tell some were desperately trying to ally with the strongest they could find, while others huddled with familiar faces, their trust already established.

As I stood there, wondering if maybe I'd misjudged this whole "team" thing, my Aether Phone buzzed in my pocket.

"Lucian."

I groaned inwardly before even looking at the screen. Taroc. What now?

I swiped the phone to answer, holding it to my ear. "What do you want, Taroc?"

"You at the Academy yet?" his gruff voice asked. I could hear the familiar barking of his other defenders in the background. "Rose is worried you didn't make it on time."

"I'm here," I grunted, watching as Kiran and Nikolai exchanged heated words in the distance. "About to start the exam. You know, the one you've been training me for."

"Good," he replied, but I could hear the tension in his voice. "Stay focused. Don't let that temper of yours screw things up. And keep an eye on those people. Some of them aren't what they seem."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, sure. Anything else?"

He hesitated, which wasn't like Taroc at all. "Just... don't do anything reckless, alright? Remember, this exam isn't just about winning. It's about surviving."

The call cut off before I could reply. Typical Taroc.

I turned back to the group, who had finally settled into a tense, silent agreement. Nikolai had stopped arguing with Kiran for the moment, which felt like a minor miracle.

"Let's just get this over with," I muttered to myself.

The clock was ticking down. Ten minutes to go.

We gathered near the Rift gate at the center of the arena, along with the other teams. The air was heavy with anticipation, the kind that made your blood pump just a little faster. The gate shimmered in the distance—a swirling vortex of Aether energy that pulsed and throbbed, like a heart waiting to beat us senseless.

Nasir stood before the Rift, his arms crossed, eyes cold and calculating as he surveyed the crowd. "Remember, you're here to prove yourselves. Inside the Rift, there are no second chances. Phantasms, enemies, and the environment itself will test every aspect of your Aetheric abilities. The weak will fall, and the strong will rise. Let's see where you all stand."

With a nod from Nasir, the Rift began to swirl more violently, the Aether energy crackling in the air like lightning. The entrance opened, a dark and swirling gateway into the unknown.

"All right, let's do this," Vallen said, stepping toward the Rift. "Stay close, watch each other's backs, and we'll make it out of this alive."

Lilith, her eyes glowing with psychic energy, nodded. "We're ready."

Nikolai, always eager for a fight, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Finally, some real action."

Kiran, with his usual calculating smirk, simply stepped forward without a word.

And me? I was already picturing the field ahead, mentally preparing myself to flood it with water and gain the advantage. My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped toward the Rift.

As we crossed the threshold into the swirling darkness, the world shifted around us. The arena behind us faded away, replaced by an eerie, twisted landscape that seemed to defy the laws of nature. The ground was uneven, jagged with chunks of rock and shattered ruins. Massive, looming trees with glowing Aetheric roots towered overhead, casting long shadows over the battlefield.

The Phantasms were waiting.

"Welcome to the real exam," I muttered under my breath as we stepped further into the Rift.

And with that, the battle began.