Chapter 8 – A New Challenge

The early days at Hadin Academy passed quickly. Students began adjusting to the rhythm of life: theory classes in the morning, practical training in the afternoon, and evening self-study sessions back at the dorms. The entire academy buzzed with energy, from the noise of students fighting for a spot in the cafeteria line to the laughter and cheers echoing from the training grounds.

But for Zareen, every day felt like a mental trial. No matter how hard he tried, his results were still far below the class average. His offensive spells were nothing more than faint glimmers of light, while his support magic was as fragile as thin glass.

“Don’t lose hope,” Gino told him one night. “Your moment will come. Just wait.”

Zareen only snorted, half believing him, half not. He wanted to trust Gino’s words, but the sound of his classmates’ laughter still haunted him.

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The Announcement

One morning, the long bell rang three times—signaling an important announcement. All students were gathered in the main hall. Standing at the front was the Headmistress of the academy, a middle-aged woman named Madam Elira. Her purple robes shimmered under the light, and her crystal staff glowed faintly.

“Children,” she began, her voice calm yet commanding, “it is tradition at Hadin Academy for every new batch of students to undergo the First Field Trial. You will leave the safety of the academy walls and face low-level monsters. The purpose of this test is to train your teamwork, courage, and basic combat ability.”

A wave of excitement rippled through the hall. Some students grinned eagerly, while others paled with fear.

“The test will be held three days from now,” Madam Elira continued. “Groups will consist of four students, chosen at random. Prepare yourselves well.”

Whispers erupted across the hall. The First Field Trial was a milestone—it could make or break a student’s reputation.

Zareen felt his stomach twist. Monsters? I can barely make a light appear, and now they expect me to survive outside the walls?

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Preparation

From that day onward, the atmosphere in the academy changed. Students trained harder than ever. The practice halls were filled with shouts, bursts of magic, and the sound of clashing spells.

Gino seemed more excited than anyone. “This is our chance, Zareen! If we succeed, your reputation will rise. People will stop looking down on you.”

Zareen only stared at his staff, his expression doubtful. “What if I just hold everyone back?”

“That’s what a team is for,” Gino said, patting his shoulder. “No one survives out there alone. You just have to believe in yourself.”

Even with those words, Zareen couldn’t shake off his anxiety.

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Team Assignments

Three days later, all students gathered again in the front courtyard. Master Ardian read from a long list, announcing the teams.

“Team One: Lira, Dovan, Mira, and…” He paused briefly. “…Zareen.”

Zareen froze. He glanced at the students whose names had been called.

Lira, a confident red-haired girl with a fiery personality; Dovan, a tall boy with a sturdy build; and Mira, a bespectacled girl known for her intelligence and calm demeanor.

Lira raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? We’re stuck with Mr. Candlelight?”

A few students nearby snickered. Zareen lowered his head, his face burning.

From the distance, Gino waved cheerfully. “Don’t worry, my rival! Show them what you’re made of!”

Zareen wanted to reply, but his voice was drowned by the noise of the crowd.

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The Journey Beyond the Walls

The next morning, the students set out beyond the academy walls. Several instructors followed at a distance to observe and keep watch. Their destination was the western training forest, a place known for its low-level monster population.

Zareen’s team walked in tense silence. Lira marched at the front, her posture proud and commanding, while Dovan casually carried his staff on his shoulder. Mira occasionally jotted notes in her small notebook.

Zareen trailed behind, trying not to make things more awkward.

“Listen, Zareen,” Lira said sharply, glancing back at him. “This trial is important. If you can’t contribute, then at least stay out of our way.”

Her words stung. They were harsh, but Zareen couldn’t deny that they held some truth.

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First Encounter

It didn’t take long before they encountered their first monster—a Green Goblin, a small creature with rough green skin and a crude club. Low-level or not, it was still dangerous for beginners.

“Attack formation!” Lira shouted. She stepped forward and cast a fireball. It struck the goblin squarely, making it stumble back.

Dovan followed up with a gust of wind, pushing the creature farther away. Mira stayed behind them, casting a thin barrier to shield her teammates.

Zareen stood frozen, his grip on his staff slippery with sweat. This is it… I have to do something now.

He took a deep breath and channeled his energy. “Light… shine forth!”

The tip of his staff glowed, producing a faint lavender light—slightly brighter than before, but nowhere near enough to hurt the goblin.

Lira scowled. “That’s it?!”

The goblin snarled and leapt toward Zareen.

“Look out!” Dovan shoved him aside and sliced through the goblin with a wind strike. The creature fell, only to be finished off by Lira’s second fireball.

The fight ended quickly, but the tension worsened.

“At this rate, we’ll die before the trial is over,” Lira said coldly. “You’re dead weight.”

Zareen lowered his head, shame burning in his chest. He wanted to defend himself, but no words came out.

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Night at Camp

That evening, the group camped in the forest, setting up simple tents. A campfire crackled in the center, casting warm light against the cool night air.

Zareen sat apart from the others, staring at the starry sky. His heart was heavy with shame and frustration.

Why am I so weak? he thought. Why was I the one summoned to this world?

Soft footsteps approached. Mira sat down beside him, still holding her notebook.

“You know,” she said gently, “no student starts off great. Even Lira once failed to cast fire.”

Zareen turned to her, startled. “Really?”

Mira smiled faintly. “Yes. The difference is, she never let anyone see her fail. You’re just… too honest. But don’t let that honesty make you give up.”

Her words lit a small spark in his chest. For the first time, someone was encouraging him instead of mocking him.

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The End of the Trial

The following days were filled with small skirmishes against more low-level monsters. Lira continued to dominate the fights with her strong fire magic, Dovan with his gust attacks, and Mira with her tactical barriers and sharp observations.

Zareen still struggled, but bit by bit, he began to improve. His lavender light lasted longer now, and one night, it even helped guide the team when they got lost in the forest.

When the trial ended, the instructors praised each group’s cooperation. Lira still refused to acknowledge Zareen’s efforts, but Mira gave him an encouraging smile, and Dovan nodded silently.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

For the first time, Zareen felt like he had taken his first real step toward something greater.