Chapter 30: The Winged Beast

The screech of the winged creature tore through the air, its powerful wings stirring the mist into a frenzy as it descended once again. Kael tightened his grip on his sword, his muscles coiled like springs, ready to react. The creature’s massive form was barely visible through the fog, but its glowing red eyes pierced the gloom, locking onto him and Mira.

The beast was faster than anything they had faced so far. Its wingspan stretched wide as it swooped down, talons extended, aiming directly for Kael.

“Move!” Kael shouted, diving to the side as the creature’s claws slashed through the space where he had just been standing. He rolled to his feet, his sword raised, and Mira scrambled behind him, her breath coming in quick, panicked bursts.

The creature circled above them, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light, as though it was more than just a beast—it was a manifestation of the Field’s will, designed to destroy any recruit who got too close to the banner.

“We need to take it down,” Kael said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. “We won’t make it out of here if we keep running.”

Mira’s hands were trembling, but she nodded, summoning her resolve. She wasn’t a fighter like Kael or Alec, but she had her own strength. “I’ll distract it. You find an opening.”

Kael frowned. “It’s too dangerous. One hit from that thing and—”

“I know,” Mira interrupted, her voice firmer now. “But you can’t do this alone. You need a chance to strike, and I’m giving it to you.”

Kael hesitated for a brief moment, but there was no time to argue. The creature screeched again, its wings folding in as it prepared to dive. They had seconds to act.

Mira stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly as she whispered a spell. A burst of light shot from her palms, exploding in the creature’s face just as it swooped down. The light disoriented it for a split second, its glowing eyes blinking in confusion.

Kael didn’t waste the opportunity.

He lunged forward, his sword cutting through the mist as he aimed for the creature’s exposed side. His blade connected with the beast’s leathery wing, slicing through it with a shower of sparks. The creature screeched in pain, flapping wildly as it struggled to regain altitude.

But Kael wasn’t done. He pushed forward, his sword a blur as he struck again, this time aiming for the creature’s leg. The beast twisted in the air, narrowly avoiding his strike, but Kael’s persistence was wearing it down. The creature’s movements became erratic, its wings flapping with less precision as it tried to shake off the damage.

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Mira moved quickly, casting another burst of light to keep the beast disoriented, but Kael knew they couldn’t keep this up for long. The creature was wounded, but it was still dangerous, and one wrong move could mean their deaths.

Suddenly, the creature let out a furious roar and dove straight for Mira, its talons outstretched. Kael’s heart lurched—she wouldn’t be able to dodge in time.

“Mira!” Kael shouted, his legs pumping as he sprinted toward her.

Mira turned just as the beast’s claws descended, her eyes wide with terror. Kael’s heart pounded in his chest, the world around him slowing as he threw himself between Mira and the creature’s deadly talons. His sword met the beast’s claws with a bone-rattling impact, the force of the blow nearly knocking him off his feet.

But Kael held his ground, his arms straining under the pressure as the beast tried to force him back. The creature screeched, its eyes blazing with fury as it beat its wings, trying to overpower him.

Kael gritted his teeth, pushing back with all his strength. His feet slid against the ground, but he didn’t let go. His God Eye flared, focusing on the beast’s weak spots—he could see the damage he had already done to its wings, the slight tear in its side where his sword had cut deep. But it wasn’t enough. He needed to end this.

With a surge of adrenaline, Kael twisted his sword, forcing the creature’s talons upward and throwing it off balance. The beast stumbled back, flapping its wings furiously as it tried to regain control. Kael seized the moment.

He charged forward, his sword glowing with the faint light of the essence he had absorbed from previous fights. With one final, powerful strike, he drove his blade deep into the creature’s chest.

The beast let out a deafening scream, its wings flailing wildly as it crashed to the ground. Kael barely managed to roll out of the way as the creature’s massive body hit the earth with a thunderous impact, shaking the ground beneath them.

For a moment, there was silence.

Kael lay on the ground, breathing heavily, his sword still clenched in his hand. The creature’s body twitched once, then went still, its glowing eyes fading to black.

They had won.

Mira rushed over to Kael, her face pale but relieved. “Kael! Are you okay?”

Kael nodded, pushing himself to his feet, though his body ached from the strain of the battle. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

Mira smiled weakly. “I wasn’t sure if that would work.”

Kael glanced at the creature’s lifeless form, still wary of any lingering danger. But the Field seemed to have quieted for now. The threat had passed, at least for the moment.

“We need to keep moving,” Kael said, his voice low but resolute. “The banner can’t be far.”

Mira nodded, and together they started moving again, the adrenaline of the fight still buzzing through their veins. Kael could feel the weight of the trial pressing down on them. The Field of Shadows was designed to break them, and so far, it had thrown everything it could at them—traps, illusions, and deadly beasts. But they had survived.

As they pressed forward, the mist began to thin slightly, and for the first time, Kael felt a glimmer of hope. They were getting closer to the center of the Field, closer to the banner.

But his sense of relief was short-lived.

Ahead of them, the mist parted, revealing a vast clearing. In the center of the clearing, standing tall and unmistakable, was the banner. Its dark fabric fluttered gently in the wind, the prize they had been fighting for. The goal of the trial.

Kael’s heart leaped. They had found it.

But they weren’t the only ones.

At least five other recruits stood in the clearing, all of them facing each other with tense, calculating expressions. Their eyes flicked between the banner and their fellow competitors, their weapons drawn. Each one knew what was at stake.

Only ten would succeed. And there were far more than ten standing in this clearing.

Kael’s hand tightened around his sword as he and Mira stepped into the clearing. The other recruits turned to face them, and Kael could see the exhaustion and determination etched into their faces. None of them were willing to back down.

This was the final test.

“Stay close,” Kael whispered to Mira, his voice low and steady. “We’re almost there. But this is where the real fight begins.”

Mira nodded, her face pale but resolute. She knew what was coming. They all did.

The Field had tested their strength and their wits, but now it would test their will to win. The final battle for the banner was about to begin, and only the strongest would emerge victorious.

Kael stepped forward, his sword ready.

It was time to fight for his place at the Academy.