Chương 16: Chapter 15: The Invitation

The following morning. A letter arrived. Black wax. Golden seal. The symbol of the Astra Academy. Special Operations Division. The elite program. Only the strongest students received invitations. Rayan opened the letter. Inside were only a few words.

"Forest Trial."

"Report in seven days." The Guardian immediately appeared. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. His expression unreadable.

"The first trial begins." Rayan frowned.

"You know about it?" The Guardian laughed.

"Of course." The prince folded the letter.

"What is the Forest Trial?" For the first time— The Guardian looked genuinely serious. The answer came slowly.

"An opportunity." Rayan nodded.

"That sounds good." The Guardian's eyes darkened.

"It is also where many students die." Silence. The wind stopped. The atmosphere changed. The Guardian pointed toward the distant horizon. Far beyond the kingdom. Far beyond civilization. A colossal forest appeared in the sky. An illusion. A memory. An ancient battlefield hidden beneath endless trees.

"The Forest Trial is not a school exercise." The Guardian's voice became grim.

"It is a gateway." Rayan felt a chill.

"A gateway to what?" The answer echoed through the Hall of Origin s.

"To the ruins of the First Age." Far away. Inside a forgotten temple. A black portal slowly opened. Dozens of Hollows emerged. Kneeling before a cloaked figure. The figure smiled.

"The Forest Trial approaches." Crimson eyes glowed beneath the hood.

"And so does the death of the Dharma Heir." To Be Continue....