Alden lay on his dorm bed, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. The soft glow of the mana lamp flickered slightly as the night wind rattled the windows. The Expedition Trial was only hours away, and while everyone else was excited, he knew better.
This wasn't just some simple training mission.
This was an event of critical importance.
A crucial turning point for the protagonist and main cast in the original game.
The Verdant Shadow Woods was infamous for its dangers. Not only did it house various magical beasts, but deep within the forest, powerful foes lurked—mercenaries, rogue mages, and creatures far beyond what students should normally face.
In the game's story, Leonhardt and the others would grow significantly during this event. Their battles would push them beyond their limits, unlocking latent potential and raising their ranks. Some would gain new abilities, others would face near-death encounters that would shape their future.
Alden wasn't worried about their survival.
He was worried about how much he should intervene.
Normally, the protagonist and his companions would return from the expedition much stronger. Leonhardt would awaken his true affinity for lightning, Alicia would push her fire magic to a new level, and Seraphina would unlock her glacial domain ability.
If Alden interfered too much, he might alter the flow of events in a way that would cause unpredictable consequences.
"…Tch. Annoying," he muttered.
Should he stay passive? Should he step in if things went wrong?
As if sensing his thoughts, a soft, amused voice echoed from beside him.
"Overthinking again, huh?"
Alden turned his head toward the sleek black katana leaning against the wall.
Kurenai.
Ever since the soul bond had formed between them, his katana had occasionally spoken to him. A consciousness hidden within the blade, cryptic yet oddly familiar.
"I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared," Alden replied.
"You worry too much."
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
A soft yip came from the corner of the room.
A pair of golden eyes peered up at him from atop his desk, a small white fox curled up lazily.
Shiranui, his nine-tailed fox companion, blinked at him, tails swishing. "He's always like this, Kurenai. It's part of his charm."
Alden sighed, rubbing his temples. "You two are way too comfortable talking like this."
"Well, I am your sword," Kurenai said with a hint of amusement. "And I can feel your tension through our bond. So maybe lighten up a bit?"
Shiranui rolled onto her back, stretching. "Besides, worrying won't change anything. Just go with the flow."
Alden closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling. He understood the risks, but he wasn't the same weak noble who got kicked out of his house.
He was Alden Blackwood now.
And whether fate wanted him involved or not…
He would survive.
---
Morning of the Expedition
The academy courtyard was buzzing with life. Groups of students gathered in formation, some adjusting their equipment while others exchanged excited chatter. The ranking duels had already begun shaping new rivalries, and for many, this was another chance to prove themselves.
The S-Class students stood separately, their presence radiating confidence.
Alden stood with his group—the main cast.
Leonhardt adjusted the strap of his sword sheath, looking eager. "This is going to be interesting."
Alicia smirked, cracking her knuckles. "About time we did something real."
Seraphina stood with arms crossed, her silver hair catching the morning light. "Don't get reckless."
Luca Ashenpaw stretched, his beastkin instincts sharpening as he sniffed the air. "Hope there are strong opponents."
Sylvara and Elena were having a quiet conversation, discussing the healing potions and supplies they had prepared.
And then there was Reynard, standing near Alden with his usual sly grin. "I bet at least five of us get ambushed in the first few hours."
Alden remained silent, adjusting his gloves.
Their excitement was understandable.
But for him, this was just another event where things could spiral out of control.
Let's see how much I can hold back.
---
Instructor Magnus' Announcement
A heavy bootstep echoed as Instructor Magnus arrived, standing at the front with a commanding presence.
"All right, listen up," he barked. The crowd of students fell silent instantly.
"This Expedition Trial will be a test of survival and teamwork. Your objectives are simple—complete tasks, survive, and return. Those who excel will receive merit points, and those who fail…" He let the words hang ominously.
Several students gulped.
Magnus continued.
"There will be three main objectives scattered across different parts of the Verdant Shadow Woods. You will be in groups, but nothing stops you from working together or competing against other teams."
Leonhardt grinned. "Sounds like a challenge."
Magnus ignored him.
"The trial will last for four days. Food and supplies are limited. You'll have to hunt, gather, or steal from others. If you can't manage, then you'll fail. This is not a test where you can simply wait it out."
A wave of murmurs spread across the students.
Hunting. Gathering. Stealing.
Alden already knew what would happen. Factions would form. Some would turn to ambush tactics. Others would act as scavengers, taking from the weak.
This was more than just a combat test.
It was a battle of survival.
"Remember," Magnus finished. "The instructors will not intervene unless your life is in immediate danger. You will be on your own."
Silence.
Then, a flicker of excitement spread among some of the students. Others paled at the thought.
Alden merely adjusted his sunglasses, hiding his eyes.
His body had already begun to tense with anticipation.
This was going to be dangerous.
But that was exactly why he needed to be there.
---
Final Moments Before Departure
After Magnus left, the groups began making last-minute preparations.
Leonhardt gathered everyone. "Let's stick together for now. The main cast should be in the same area anyway."
Alicia stretched. "Works for me."
Reynard nudged Alden. "You nervous?"
Alden glanced at him. "Why would I be?"
Reynard smirked. "You're usually the one watching from the sidelines. This time, you're in the middle of the storm."
Alden didn't respond.
Because Reynard wasn't wrong.
He had tried to stay out of major events. But this one was different.
This time, he wasn't just a spectator.
He was a participant.
---
As the groups prepared to head to the teleportation platform, Alden felt a familiar presence in his mind.
"Be careful, Master."
Shiranui's voice, soft but serious.
"Yeah," Kurenai added. "Try not to die out there."
Alden smirked slightly. "I'll be fine."
Because no matter what happened in the next days…
He would carve his own path.
---
To Be Continued…