Chapter 9: Unseen Tests
**Dawnspire, Eldoria – Year 9**
The dawn light crept over Dawnspire Academy, painting the cobblestone yard with a soft golden hue as kids aged 8–9 gathered for a new day. Taren, now nine, stood among them, the cool breeze ruffling his hair as he took in the scene. The tall stone building rose proudly, its Mana Stone lamps glowing faintly in the morning, and the yard buzzed with the chatter of excited voices and the gentle hum of mana. Zane Ryde's old life—marked by fierce business battles and fight ring triumphs—felt like a distant shadow, but his sharp mind remained focused and ready. This year promised harder trials, bringing him closer to the age of coming at 11–13 when his true power would awaken.
Master Veyn gathered them near a rocky field, his gray beard dusted with dew, his voice cutting through the noise. "Today, you'll face a survival test," he said, pointing to a rugged area with scattered stones and low bushes. "Find food and water, and return before dusk. Use your skills." Taren joined the group, his heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. The field stretched out, wild and untamed, and he moved carefully, scanning for signs. A faint mana tingle guided him to a small stream, its water clear and cool, and he filled a pouch, feeling a surge of *Aether Resonance* as he worked.
A *ding* rang sharply in his mind.
*ding*
- New Objective.
- Objective: Survival Trial – Gather food, water, and return safely.
- Reward: Endurance Boost (D-rank).
- Penalty: +10 Profile Points (PP).
Kael strutted nearby, his silk clothes catching on branches, sneering, "You'll starve out here, peasant." Taren ignored him, focusing on the task, and spotted wild berries under a bush. He picked a handful, careful to avoid the sour ones, and shared some with Mina, who had lagged behind. His past life's knack for leading surfaced, turning the challenge into a chance to help. As they moved, he noticed a cave opening, its darkness hinting at secrets, but he stayed on course, returning with his finds as the sun dipped low.
After the trial, Taren explored the academy's quieter corners. The training yards rang with older kids' spell chants, their lights flickering like tiny stars. The library drew him again, its shelves heavy with dusty books, and he overheard a girl mention a lost artifact tied to the mana stones—a clue that fired his curiosity. Gavren's story of a birth-night light echoed in his mind, linking to the energy he felt. The **Dusk Circle**'s dark rumors grew thicker, whispering of hidden threats, but other mysteries remained out of reach, teasing his thoughts.
That night, Taren sat in his dorm, the candle casting shaky shadows as he held the berry pouch, replaying the trial. He focused on the mana flow, his small body tiring but driven, the energy pulsing faintly in his hands. A *ding* broke his focus.
*ding*
- Progress Check.
- Host's effort noted. Mana sensitivity rising. Keep going.
The next day, Veyn introduced a tracking exercise, handing out maps with faint marks. Taren studied his, spotting a trail leading to a hidden spring. He moved quietly, ears tuned to rustling leaves, and found the water, its mana hum strong. Kael followed, mocking, "You're lost!" but tripped over a root, giving Taren a lead. He guided Mina to the spring, their teamwork earning a rare smile from Veyn. The field's wild beauty felt alive, the mana weaving through it like a hidden thread.
During a break, Taren sat by the spring, watching older students summon water orbs, their hands steady and sure. He wondered if those skills unlocked deeper power, adding to his growing questions. A dark figure flickered near the trees, gone in a flash, stirring that old unease. No one else seemed to notice, and he kept it silent, sensing a watchful presence tied to his past.
*ding*
- Event Detected.
- Unknown presence noted. Avoid attention to prevent PP spike.
Taren nodded mentally, returning to the group. The academy's walls felt like a shield and a puzzle, pushing him to uncover more. Lira visited with bread, her worried eyes scanning him. "Stay safe, Taren," she said, hugging him tight. Gavren's tales of odd market lights, silent traders, and a strange rift sighting deepened his curiosity about Eldoria's hidden layers.
That evening, Taren practiced alone, moving through staff forms in the dorm, the wood thumping softly. The mana flow grew clearer, and he imagined leading a team, building a legacy as the Obsidian Sovereign. The title took root in his heart, a goal to chase with every step. He recalled the cave, wondering if it held answers, but focused on his current path.
The next morning, Veyn added a twist—track in pairs under timed pressure. Taren paired with Mina, their map leading to a rocky outcrop. They moved fast, Taren listening for clues, and found a mana-charged crystal, its glow warm. Kael's group lagged, and Taren's team won, earning praise. The field's mana hum felt like a friend, guiding him through.
Afterward, Taren sat with Mina, sharing berries, their talk turning to the academy's secrets. She mentioned a rumor of a hidden teacher who tested worthy kids—a tale that lit his imagination. The cracked sky above hinted at more, its rifts a silent call. A dark figure lingered longer this time, its outline vague, then vanished, deepening his unease.
*ding*
- Quest Update.
- Quest Accepted: Survival Trial.
- Time Limit: 10 days.
- Reward: Endurance Boost (D-rank).
- Penalty: +10 PP.
As night fell, Taren looked out at the glowing Mana Stones, the cracked sky promising challenges. *This is my road,* he thought, his resolve hardening. He pictured a future where he stood tall, guiding others, the Obsidian Sovereign name his to earn through grit and quiet growth. The academy's hum, the figure's shadow, and Eldoria's mysteries fueled his drive to uncover truths, step by steady step.
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