“Dual Spirits: Rising Beyond the Ranks”

The arena erupted in cheers as the team emerged, victorious yet weary. Kayn met Cedric's gaze evenly. "I look forward to stronger foes." One by one departed teams gathered at the arena. The aftermath of the Rift Trial lingered in the academy and also showed the cruelty of the of the rifts. Out of the five teams that had entered, only three emerged victorious. Two teams had been crushed under the weight of the elite monsters, forcing their early elimination. The announcement left murmurs spreading through the student body, and the stakes of the competition felt heavier than ever.

Kayn's team sat together in the academy's training hall, resting after the brutal trial. Ren was sharpening his blade, Maeve whispered incantations softly to strengthen her Moonlight Stag, and Lira meditated while her serpent spirit coiled protectively around her.

Kayn, however, remained on edge.

The memory of the Abyss Stalker's sudden appearance gnawed at him. It wasn't scheduled. Even Cedric had looked surprised.

Before he could dwell further, a voice broke his thoughts.

"Don't speak of this to the headmaster." Cedric's words came from the shadow of the hall, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

Kayn's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean? That Stalker could've killed someone."

Cedric stepped closer, lowering his voice so only Kayn could hear. "There are forces at play, Kayn. Forces that extend beyond the walls of this academy. Reporting this incident will do nothing but put a target on your back."

Lira noticed Cedric's arrival, frowning. "What are you talking about?"

Cedric ignored her, his cold gaze fixed on Kayn. "Stay quiet, and don't let curiosity drive you into something you can't handle."

Before Kayn could respond, Cedric turned and left the hall, his footsteps echoing ominously.

That night, Kayn felt a heavy weight pressing against his chest. Unable to sleep, he wandered outside the dormitory to clear his mind. The moon hung low, casting faint shadows across the academy grounds.

As he neared the eastern wing, he stopped abruptly.

Voices drifted from the edge of the forest.

"His growth is abnormal. It won't take long before he becomes a threat," Cedric's voice whispered.

Kayn narrowed his eyes and moved closer, keeping to the shadows. Another voice responded—calm, yet heavy with authority.

"Leave him be, for now. His talents will benefit us later. If he survives, he will either serve or be eliminated."

Kayn's clenched his fist. He recognized the voice. Valen Gryphorn—one of the prodigies of the Verdant Gryphorn Clan. The realization made his pulse quicken.

Why was Cedric reporting to Valen? And why was Kayn the topic of their discussion?

Before he could step forward, Cedric's eyes flicked toward the forest edge. "Who's there?"

Kayn stepped from the shadows, meeting Cedric's gaze without fear. "Interesting conversation. Care to explain?"

Valen simply smirked. "Curiosity will be your downfall, Kayn. Walk away while you can."

Kayn didn't respond but held Valen's gaze for a moment longer before turning back toward the dormitory. The weight in his chest only grew heavier.

By morning, the crowd in the academy was at the peak. Everyone knows this was the debut of the descendant of six great clans. The next phase of the competition had been announced—individual matches between the surviving students and the six-clan prodigies. The victor would not only receive the empire's grand reward but also gain recognition across the continent.

In the academy courtyard, students gathered in droves. The coliseum had been transformed overnight, glowing with runes that marked the boundaries of the arena. These magical runes made a barrier over arena. So, competitors can show their their full strength, without hurting or affecting people in the podium.

Headmaster Arden stood at the top of the viewing platform, his eyes sweeping the field below.

"You have all come far," Arden's voice boomed across the coliseum. "But today, we enter a more dangerous phase. The six great clans have each sent their finest prodigies to compete alongside you. Only the strongest will stand victorious."

The crowd parted as six figures stepped forward—each representing one of the great clans.

Valen Gryphorn led the Verdent Gryphorn Clan. A tall, silver-haired woman, Eira frostfang, represented the Frost Fang Clan. A stoic man wrapped in lightning, Zara Stormwing, stood for the Thundrake Clan. From the Radiant Pheonix Clan came a heavily armored youth, Darius Flint. Two more prodigies, cloaked in darkness and mist, remained unnamed, representing the elusive Obsidian Shadow and Abyss Serpent Clans.

Kayn's eyes met Valen's across the courtyard. The smirk that lingered on Valen's face did nothing to ease his tension.

"Prepare well, Kayn," Valen called out. "You'll need more than shadows to stand against me."

As the matches were arranged, Kayn gathered his team.

"Stick together. There's more to this tournament than what we see on the surface."

Ren nodded, cracking his knuckles. "Doesn't matter. We'll break through whatever stands in our way."

Lira's eyes softened. "Just don't shoulder everything alone, Kayn."

Maeve smiled faintly. "We fight as one."

Kayn's chest eased slightly. But even as his team stood by him, Cedric's warning echoed in his mind.

The tournament had become more than just a competition. It was now a game of survival.

And Kayn was determined to win.