Chapter 21: The Final Sprint

Kael led the group through the forest, moving with purpose but caution. Every step brought them closer to the finish line, but it also increased the risk of another ambush. They had fought hard to secure the relic, and the closer they got to the starting point—the end of the trial—the more desperate the other teams would become.

His Sharp Senses (Stream) were on high alert, picking up the smallest sounds of the forest around them. The tension in the air was thick, and every rustling leaf or snap of a twig sent a jolt through his body, keeping him on edge. They had been lucky so far, but Kael knew their luck wouldn’t hold out forever.

Sera walked next to him, her hammer resting on her shoulder, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. Alec and Tarin flanked them, their weapons ready, while Mira trailed just behind, her healing magic at the ready if needed.

“We’re getting close,” Alec said, his voice low as he checked the map. “We should be at the edge of the final clearing soon. The scouts will be waiting there.”

Kael nodded, his grip tightening on the relic in his hand. It still pulsed with a faint blue glow, its weight a constant reminder of how much was at stake. The relic was their ticket to the Academy, but it was also a beacon for every competitor who wanted to take it from them.

“We need to be ready for a final push,” Kael said, his voice calm but commanding. “Once we hit the clearing, it’s going to be a straight sprint to the finish line. There’ll be no cover and nowhere to hide.”

Sera grunted, her determination unwavering. “Good. I’m ready to smash anyone who tries to stop us.”

Alec glanced at Kael, his expression serious. “What if they’ve set up an ambush? There could be teams already waiting at the clearing, trying to intercept anyone who comes through.”

Kael considered this for a moment. Alec was right—if he were in their enemies’ position, that’s exactly what he would do. The final stretch was the most vulnerable point, and any smart competitor would set up traps or ambushes to catch those carrying the relic.

“We’ll have to move fast,” Kael said, his mind working through the possibilities. “If we’re quick enough, we can break through before they can react. But if it looks too dangerous, we’ll need to change tactics.”

The group pressed on, the forest growing quieter and denser as they neared the clearing. The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground. Kael could feel the tension rising, the sense of impending danger growing with every step.

Suddenly, his Sharp Senses picked up something—a faint sound, too distant to identify clearly but enough to put him on alert. He raised a hand, signaling the group to stop.

“What is it?” Sera asked, her voice low but tense.

“Someone’s up ahead,” Kael said, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the sound. “I can’t tell how many, but they’re waiting.”

Alec cursed under his breath. “An ambush.”

Kael motioned for them to move silently, and the group crept forward, taking cover behind the thick trees. As they reached the edge of the forest, the final clearing came into view. It was a wide, open space, the ground flat and grassy. On the far side, Kael could just make out the scouts waiting near the finish line. They were so close.

But so were their enemies.

Three teams were already in the clearing, positioned strategically behind large rocks and fallen logs. Kael could see them clearly now—archers, swordsmen, and at least one mage, their eyes scanning the treeline, waiting for anyone who might try to sprint for the finish.

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“They’ve got the whole area covered,” Alec whispered, his expression grim. “If we try to run through, we’ll get picked off.”

Sera clenched her fists, clearly frustrated. “We can’t just sit here. We’ve fought too hard to get this far.”

Kael’s mind raced. They couldn’t afford a direct confrontation—there were too many enemies, and the open field offered no protection. But they couldn’t stay hidden forever, either. The other teams would eventually notice them, and the longer they waited, the more dangerous it would become.

“We need a distraction,” Kael said, his eyes flicking over the enemy positions. “Something to draw their attention away from the finish line.”

Tarin, always quick with his bow, nodded. “I can start shooting at them from here, pick them off and get them to focus on me.”

Kael shook his head. “No, it’s too risky. They’ll figure out where you are too fast, and you’ll be outnumbered.”

He thought for a moment, then looked at Mira. “Do you have any spells that can create a big light or noise? Something flashy?”

Mira blinked, clearly surprised to be addressed, but then nodded. “I—I think I can do something. It won’t hurt anyone, but I can make a bright light that might blind them for a second.”

“That’ll do,” Kael said, formulating the plan. “Here’s how we play it. Mira, you cast your light spell to blind them. As soon as you do, Tarin fires arrows to keep them pinned down. Sera and Alec, you’ll move in fast and hard, draw their attention to the front.”

“What about you?” Sera asked, already itching to charge.

“I’ll cut through the side while they’re distracted,” Kael replied. “I’ll make a run for the finish with the relic while you keep them busy.”

Alec gave him a sharp look. “That’s risky. You’ll be exposed once they realize what you’re doing.”

Kael nodded. “I know. But it’s the best chance we’ve got. We can’t fight them all head-on. This is about speed and timing. We hit them hard, and we hit them fast.”

The group exchanged tense glances, but no one argued. They trusted Kael’s instincts, and they knew this was their only shot.

“All right,” Mira said, her voice trembling slightly but filled with resolve. “I’m ready.”

Kael took a deep breath and gave the signal.

Mira stepped forward, her hands glowing with a soft, blue light as she began to chant. The air around her shimmered, and a sudden burst of light exploded from her hands, blinding the teams in the clearing with a brilliant flash.

“Now!” Kael shouted.

Tarin loosed an arrow, striking one of the archers hiding behind a rock. Sera charged forward with a battle cry, her hammer raised high, while Alec darted in with his daggers, moving fast to engage the nearest enemies.

The teams in the clearing scrambled to defend themselves, blinded by the light and caught off guard by the sudden attack. For a few precious seconds, they were thrown into chaos.

Kael didn’t waste any time. He dashed around the side of the clearing, staying low as he moved quickly through the shadows. His heart raced as he neared the far edge, his eyes locked on the finish line where the scouts were waiting.

But just as he was about to make his final sprint, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Something was wrong.

His Sharp Senses flared, and Kael instinctively dropped to the ground just as an arrow whizzed past his head, embedding itself in the dirt where he had been standing. He rolled to the side, his eyes searching for the source of the attack.

And then he saw him.

Dalen.

The assassin had recovered and was standing near the treeline, his bow drawn, a cold, focused expression on his face.

Kael’s heart sank. Dalen was faster and stronger than before, and it was clear he wasn’t going to let Kael reach the finish line without a fight.

“Dalen!” Kael growled, his grip tightening on his sword.

Dalen lowered his bow, smirking. “You didn’t think I’d let you win that easily, did you?”

Kael’s mind raced. He didn’t have time for a prolonged fight—his team was depending on him to finish this. But Dalen was no ordinary opponent. He was relentless, and he had already proven he wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.

Kael rose to his feet, his sword ready, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t let Dalen stop him now. Not when they were so close.

“I’m not going to lose,” Kael said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Not to you.”

Dalen’s smirk faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. “We’ll see about that.”

And with that, the final showdown began.

Kael charged forward, his sword flashing as he closed the distance between them. Dalen drew his dagger, moving to intercept. The two clashed in a flurry of strikes, their blades moving in a blur as they fought for control.

Kael’s Sharp Senses guided his movements, allowing him to parry Dalen’s strikes with precision. But Dalen was fast—faster than Kael had expected—and his Stealth Talent (Veil) allowed him to disappear for brief moments, making him even harder to predict.

Kael’s mind raced as he fought. He couldn’t afford to waste time here. His team was counting on him to get the relic to the finish line, and the longer he fought Dalen, the more time the other teams had to regroup and attack.

He needed to end this, and fast.

With a burst of speed, Kael feinted to the left, drawing Dalen’s attention, then pivoted sharply to the right. Dalen moved to block, but Kael was faster. His sword slashed across Dalen’s side, drawing blood.

Dalen hissed in pain, stumbling back, but Kael didn’t stop. He pressed the attack, his sword flashing in a series of rapid strikes. Dalen blocked most of them, but Kael could see him weakening, his movements slowing.

Finally, with a powerful blow, Kael knocked Dalen’s dagger from his hand and kicked him to the ground.

Dalen glared up at him, breathing heavily, his eyes filled with hatred. “This isn’t over…”

Kael didn’t reply. He turned and sprinted for the finish line, the relic clutched tightly in his hand.

Behind him, the sounds of battle echoed through the clearing, but Kael focused only on the finish. His team had done their part—now it was up to him to win.

As he crossed the finish line, the scouts stepped forward, nodding in approval.

Kael collapsed to his knees, exhausted but victorious.

They had won.