When Adrian and Alisha ascended the final staircase of the dungeon, the oppressive chill of the lower levels gradually gave way to air that carried a faint trace of the surface. That troll wasn’t normal. Whatever’s going on here… it doesn’t feel right.

The faint glow of the exit ahead offered a fragile sense of relief. His eyes darted toward Alisha, whose calm expression betrayed none of the uncertainty he felt.

When they finally stepped out of the dungeon and into the open chamber above, Adrian’s stomach tightened. The area was meant to serve as a regrouping point for teams, but not a single other student stood in sight. Where is everyone?

Alisha stopped just ahead of him, looking over the empty space. Her posture remained poised, but her subtle pause told Adrian she was taking in the same disquieting details. “It seems we’re the first ones out."

“Not sure how I feel about that, considering what we just went through." Adrian said.

"Do you think the others also had to fight that weird armored troll like we did?"

"I… hope not, but let's check with the instructor and let him know what we went through."

"Agreed."

Adrian and Alisha crossed the chamber toward the instructor. His stern features softened slightly as they approached, his sharp gaze locking onto them with an unmistakable mixture of approval and curiosity.

“Sir, we need to talk to you. Something happened down there.” Adrian said.

The instructor inclined his head slightly. “You two have done well. But what’s this about something happening?”

Alisha stepped forward. “We encountered a troll. A large, armored one. At first, it went down after a tough fight, but then it got back up. Its skin turned pitch black as it returned to life. We had to work together to bring it down again.”

The instructor stared at them for a moment. Then, to Adrian’s surprise, he chuckled. “A troll? In a trial dungeon? That’s not possible.”

Adrian frowned, jaw tightening. “She's not joking. It wasn’t like any troll I’ve ever heard of. My flames barely touched it after it got back up.”

The instructor shook his head, still smiling. “I appreciate the story, but let me assure you, trolls are far too dangerous to include in a trial dungeon like this. Even a weakened one could be lethal to students."

Adrian clenched his fists, knuckles whitening. Does he think we’re lying?

“We’re not making this up,” Adrian said. “That thing wasn’t just real, it was wrong. Its skin turned black, its eyes glowed red, and it wouldn’t stay down."

The instructor’s smile faltered slightly, but his expression remained unconvinced. “I understand your concern, but the academy goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of students. All creatures in these trial dungeons are carefully selected, harmless enough to challenge you, but not put you at serious risk. Trolls, especially ones fitting your description, are strictly prohibited.”

Adrian shot Alisha a glance. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze steady and unwavering. He doesn’t believe us. How can we make him see?

“We don’t need to make excuses. If you don’t believe us, fine. But at least check the lower levels for yourself.” Adrian said.

The instructor sighed, his gaze flickering to Adrian’s hand before resting back on his face. “I’ll make a note of your claim and have it investigated, but—”

A sudden commotion at the dungeon entrance drew their attention. The sound of hurried footsteps and labored breathing echoed in the chamber. Adrian’s head turned sharply as he saw students emerging from the dungeon, their faces flushed with exertion but otherwise unmarked by the fear or intensity he had expected to see.

Leading the group was Kael. He tilted his head and smiled as he saw Adrian. “Looks like we’re out. Not bad for a bunch of amateurs, huh?”

Adrian closed the distance between them quickly. “Kael, tell me, what did you fight on the last floor?”

Kael scratched the back of his head, his expression shifting to one of confusion. “Uh, nothing crazy. Just some kind of oversized lizard thing. Why?”

Adrian exchanged a quick look with Alisha. Her calm demeanor cracked for just a moment, her brows knitting together in disbelief.

“You didn’t see anything else?” Adrian pressed. “No troll, no blackened skin, nothing that wouldn’t stay dead?”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Kael tilted his head, his grin fading into a puzzled frown. “Nope. Just the lizard. Are you feeling okay, Adrian?”

The knot in Adrian’s stomach twisted tighter. How is that possible? How could they have faced something so tame while we fought… whatever that was?

Alisha folded her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied Kael. “You’re sure? Nothing unusual at all?”

Kael raised his hands in mock surrender. “Promise. Just your run-of-the-mill dungeon stuff.”

The instructor, who had been silently observing, cleared his throat. “See? Likely a misunderstanding. These trials can be stressful. It’s easy to misinterpret what you encounter.”

Adrian’s hands balled into fists again, heat rising in his chest. He bit back a retort, his mind racing. Misunderstanding? I know what we saw. I know what we fought.

Alisha exhaled quietly, her gaze still fixed on Kael before shifting to Adrian. “Let’s… drop it. This isn’t the place.”

Adrian hesitated, the words he wanted to shout dying in his throat. Finally, he nodded, his jaw tight. “Fine.”

***

Mistral Royal Academy Grand Hall.

The grand hall pulsed with an atmosphere of solemn triumph. Sunlight poured through towering stained-glass windows, their vibrant hues of gold, sapphire, and crimson dancing across the polished marble floor.

Adrian stood among them, Kael’s relaxed posture to his left contrasting with Alisha’s poised and disciplined stance on his right. His own hands rested clasped behind his back, but his thoughts churned. Despite what happened… I am glad that at least I made it here.

The sheer scale of the hall was almost difficult to truly comprehend. The vaulted ceiling stretched impossibly high, its arches etched with intricate carvings depicting tales of legendary warriors and scholars.

The murmurs of the assembled students faded into silence as the instructor stepped onto the raised podium at the front of the hall. His sharp eyes swept over them like a blade, and the room stilled.

Adrian’s breath hitched as the instructor’s gaze passed over him, lingering for a fraction of a second too long. I wonder if he's hiding.

“First of all, I'd like to congratulate each and everyone of you for making it this far.” He announced.

“You have faced the trials,” the instructor continued, his gaze scanning the crowd. “You have tested your strength, your skill, and your resolve. And today, you stand here not as mere prospective students but as individuals who have proven capable of greatness.”

“You have all been offered a place at Mistral Royal Academy,” the instructor continued. “This institution is more than a school, it is where leaders, warriors, and thinkers are forged. Take this opportunity and carry it with the honor it demands.”

The hall filled with the sound of applause, a thunderous acknowledgment of the instructor’s words. Adrian clapped along, though Kael nudged him with his elbow. “Looks like we’re in the big leagues now, huh? Hope you’re ready to keep up.”

Adrian smiled. “I’m not the one who has to worry about keeping up.”

Alisha turned her head slightly, her crimson gaze cutting between them. “Maybe focus less on the banter and more on what’s coming next.”

Before Adrian could retort, the instructor raised a hand, quieting the room once more. His sharp gaze swept over the gathered students, his voice carrying effortlessly over the murmurs. “Before we dismiss, the principal of Mistral Royal Academy has asked to address you all personally. It is a rare honor, so listen well.”

Anticipation swept through the hall as the grand doors behind the podium swung open with a low creak. Every eye turned toward the figure stepping gracefully into the room.

Adrian’s breath hitched as she entered, her presence commanding the space without a word. She was tall and statuesque, with flowing silver-white hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. Her pale complexion contrasted sharply with her vivid red eyes, which held an intensity that sent a shiver through him. They seemed to pierce through every student in the hall, as though seeing far more than what lay on the surface. She's strong, I can feel it.

She wore a dark, form-fitting dress with a corset-style bodice, the deep crimson and black color scheme striking against her alabaster skin. Intricate patterns adorned the fabric, shimmering faintly with each step. A wide-brimmed black hat perched atop her head, enhancing her mystical, almost witch-like air..

The room was silent as she reached the podium. With a single glance over the gathered students, she commanded attention effortlessly. “Welcome,” she said, her lips curling into a faint smile. “I am Myrael Faesbane, principal of Mistral Royal Academy.”

Her gaze swept across the crowd, lingering briefly on Adrian’s row. “It is my privilege to stand before you today, as you take the first steps into a world that will challenge you, shape you, and ultimately define the person you choose to become.”

Her words were measured, each syllable deliberate and clear. Adrian couldn’t look away. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. Definitely someone to look out for.

“You have all proven yourselves capable through your trials,” she continued, her crimson eyes locking on the crowd. “But understand this: passing those trials was not an end, it was a beginning. What lies ahead will demand your growth not only as individuals but as future leaders of this kingdom.”

The faintest hum of magic seemed to accompany her words, a subtle vibration that Adrian felt deep in his chest. He exchanged a glance with Alisha, who remained as composed as ever, though her gaze hadn’t wavered from Myrael. Kael, on the other hand, shifted slightly, his head tilted as if he could feel it too.

Myrael’s smile deepened, though there was an edge to it now, something sharper and more calculated. “At Mistral Royal Academy, we do not merely train warriors, scholars, or tacticians. We cultivate legends. The question is not whether you are strong or intelligent, it is whether you have the will to rise above mediocrity and leave your mark on history.”

Adrian swallowed hard, his fists tightening at his sides. She makes it sound like failure isn’t even an options, which is fair enough given where we are

“Take this moment to reflect on what brought you here,” Myrael said. “But do not rest too long in your pride. What awaits you is far more than what you left behind.”

She stepped back from the podium, her gaze sweeping over the students one last time. “Welcome to Mistral Royal Academy. I look forward to seeing who among you will rise.”