As Ren, Alys, and Rex made their way toward the next trial, the distant murmur of the other contestants faded beneath a sudden, thunderous noise. The ground trembled. A surge of mana pulsed through the air, thick and suffocating.

They quickened their pace, emerging into the vast training grounds where a storm of elemental power raged.

At the center of the commotion stood four individuals, each radiating an overwhelming presence.

Elfin Elwin, heir to the noble elven clan, wielding terrifying mana manipulation. The air around him shimmered with raw energy as if bending to his very will. His silver hair and piercing emerald eyes exuded superiority.

Adasha Rena, descendant of the legendary Swift Sword, her presence like a blade drawn from its sheath. The wind around her howled, sharpening into deadly currents. Her long, crimson hair fluttered wildly as her blessing, Wind Pressure, flared.

Adira Gulferd, of the Magma Bloodline, his veins pulsing with molten fire. Lava-like cracks formed beneath his feet, steam rising as he sneered. His blessing, Magma Surge, threatened to melt the ground itself.

And lastly, Morgana Aveline, the shadow that walked between worlds. Darkness coiled around her like living tendrils, her golden eyes gleaming ominously. The shadows at her feet pulsed in anticipation, whispering secrets only she could hear.

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Elfin scoffed, arms crossed. “Hmph. This is nothing.” His gaze swept over the others dismissively.

Adira smirked. “My blessing is the strongest here.” He flexed his arms as molten cracks in his skin glowed brighter.

Adasha rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “You can barely control it. My Wind Pressure could slice you apart before you even get a chance to use that sluggish power.”

Elfin chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re both mistaken. It’s obvious who holds the superior blessing.” Then, his sharp gaze landed on Alys. His expression twisted in disdain. “Ah. That damn half-elf.”

Alys stiffened but held her ground, her fists clenched.

Elfin started toward her, but before he could reach—

BOOM!

A sudden explosion sent a shockwave across the training grounds. Dust and debris filled the air as a radiant light burst forth, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

When the dust settled, all eyes turned toward the source.

A lone figure stood at the center of the blast. A young man—Claude. A commoner. But the overwhelming glow surrounding him left the crowd in stunned silence.

His blessing… was Light.

Gasps echoed through the arena. Murmurs turned into an uproar.

“The same blessing as King Arthur…” someone whispered.

The priests overseeing the trials trembled, one of them breaking into a delirious laugh. “We found him! Our savior!”

Ren, watching from a distance, narrowed his eyes. His chest tightened—not with fear, nor envy, but a strange sense of inevitability.

This was the beginning of their fate.