“Dual Spirits: Rising Beyond the Ranks”

Next day, arena was alive with anticipation again as dawn broke over Velaris Spirit Academy. The second phase of the Elimination Competition loomed, and tension gripped the students. Everyone was looking forward to the performance of Kayn's in this round. Some were holding expectation of his rise, while others try to see his limits and method to defeat him. In the grand coliseum, five teams stood in formation, each led by a professor overseeing their progress. The goal was simple—hunt and defeat as many Abyssal Rift creatures as possible within the allocated time.

However, hidden beneath the surface was a greater challenge. The presence of elite monsters and unpredictable threats would make this trial far more dangerous.

Kayn stood at the front of his team, flanked by Ren, Lira, Talen, and Maeve. Each of them carried a spark of nervousness, but their resolve was unwavering. Kayn's dual spirits—Abyss Shadow Wolf and Eclipse Shadow Dragon—rested silently within him, their power gave him confidence.

Kayn's friend Ren is sturdy as frontline. He is six feet tall and bulky with muscle. His spirit, the Ironback Bear (Rank: Advanced), boasted immense durability and crushing strength. Ren was calm under pressure, often shielding his teammates during battle and carry his role as tank with heavy sheild.

Lira is agile and sharp-witted. The color of her eyes are deep blue and had a long brown hair. Her spirit, the Sapphire Wind Serpent (Rank: High-Intermediate), specialized in long-range attacks and swift movements, making her the team's primary ranged fighter.

Talen has taken a role of strategist. The color of his hair are crimson red. His spirit, the Crimson Talon Hawk (Rank: Intermediate), provided scouting abilities and aerial support. Talen's keen eye often spotted enemy weak points.

Maeve is the most crucial member of the team. Together with the long blue hair and golden eyes as well pure white skin, her beauty is off the chart. Her spirit, the Moonlight Stag (Rank: Intermediate), had healing abilities and could project barriers, reinforcing the team's survivability.

A man strode to the center of the arena. Professor Cedric. His sharp eyes scanned the gathered students, though they lingered just a little longer on Kayn. Cedric was known for his disdain toward prodigies, especially those who rose too quickly.

"Listen closely," Cedric's voice echoed coldly across the arena. "This phase is not just about brute strength. You must work as a team, track efficiently, and prioritize survival. Some of you may not return unharmed. Remember that."

Lira elbowed Kayn lightly. "He always talks like we're about to march into the Abyss itself."

Kayn smirked but didn't respond. His attention was locked onto Cedric, whose lips curled into a faint smirk.

"Now," Cedric continued, "let the hunt begin."

Everyone was gathered at a huge magical engraving, which is difficult to decipher and then suddenly vanish into thin air. On the other side Kayn and his team teleported to the area where was the rift. These were are also precious resource for humanity, such as abyss creatures corpses can be converted into weapons, armors and alchemy materials. In bigger rifts, there is a chance to obtain powerful artifacts. Thus, empire put a strict prohibition on a spirit user to hand over their half of their gain to empire. Not only, this holding check against rogue spirit awakeners; but also use these resources for nurturing their soldiers.

Arcanis empire sent portion of these resources to the academy in hope of of raising powerful individuals, who can serve empire and protect them from external and internal threat. As a result, empire gave access of the rifts which they have control over to the academy.

After the security check, the gates to the Rift Grounds opened with a metallic groan, and before the teams dispersed into the sprawling dark forest that bordered the academy. Cedric said, "remember be on guard i will only help when you are in near death situations, but if it is other way around i will not come to protect you," in cold voice. The Rift Grounds were notorious for their volatile nature. Shadowed by dense trees and crawling with monstrous creatures, it was the perfect testing ground.

Kayn's team moved silently, their footsteps muffled by the thick foliage.

"Let's split into pairs," Ren suggested. "Cover more ground that way."

Kayn shook his head. "No. We stick together. The Rift isn't forgiving, and Cedric will be watching for any mistakes."

Ren nodded reluctantly, and they pressed forward. Within minutes, the growls and hisses of lesser Rift creatures filled the air.

A swarm of goblins emerged from the underbrush, their glowing crimson eyes locking onto the team. Without hesitation, Kayn summoned his Abyss Shadow Wolf, and it sprang into action, tearing through the creatures with ruthless efficiency.

Skill Activated: Shadow Rend – The Abyss Wolf's claws shimmered with dark energy, each swipe leaving lingering shadows that disoriented the beasts.

Lira's Sapphire Wind Serpent coiled around her, launching slicing gusts that scattered the remaining beasts.

– the serpent's fangs shimmered, firing concentrated wind blades that pierced the enemies.

Ren's Ironback Bear smashed through the frontline, shattering bones with each swipe of its massive paw. Talen's Crimson Talon Hawk dove from above, raining down small but precise attacks.

Within minutes, the first wave was defeated.

"That was almost too easy," Talen remarked, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Don't relax yet," Kayn warned. His instincts tingled, sensing something darker stirring ahead.

As the team ventured further, the ground trembled beneath them. A low growl pierced the air, and from the shadows emerged a towering figure—a twin-headed ogre. Its hulking form blocked the path, and its smaller, elite counterpart stalked nearby.

Ren cursed. "That's not standard for this phase!"

"Cedric," Kayn muttered under his breath. "He set this up."

The ogres roared in unison and charged. The team scrambled to form a defensive line. Ren's Ironback Bear lunged forward but was swatted aside by the ogre's club. Maeve's Moonlight Stag fired beams of light, yet they barely scorched the creatures' thick hide.

Seeing that attacks of abyss shadow wolf and his teammates didn't do any damage. Kayn stepped forward, summoning the Eclipse Shadow Dragon. Shadows coiled around him, and his eyes glowed faintly.

Skill Activated: Dragonflare Veil : The dragon exhaled black flames that spread like a veil, shrouding Kayn and his allies while burning foes that drew near. This give them enough time for Kayn's teammates to catch their breath and prepare for another clash.

Stay here I will handle this from here don't interfere in this battle, saidKayn's form blurred as he darted between the ogres, slashing at their legs with shadows that erupted from beneath him.

Skill Activated: Phantom Strike : Kayn's blade left afterimages as he slashed, making it difficult for the ogres to track his movements.

Lira's wind serpent constricted the smaller ogre, while Ren drove his bear's claws deep into its side.

As the battle raged, Voss watched from a high vantage point, arms crossed. A flicker of frustration crossed his face as Kayn began overpowering the ogres.

"He shouldn't be handling this so easily," Cedric muttered.

Suddenly, a third figure emerged—an Abyss Stalker. It lunged at Kayn's back.

Skill Activated: Shadowstep : Kayn vanished in dark mist, reappearing mid-lunge. The Abyss Wolf intercepted the stalker.

Kayn drove his blade into the ogre's chest.

Skill Activated: Eclipse Fang : Dark energy pierced the ogre's hide.

The creature collapsed, marking their victory.