Chapter 14 – The First Field Test

Morning sunlight bathed the academy’s main courtyard. Rows of students stood in perfect formation, their expressions a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Today was unlike any other. This wasn’t just a practice session, nor another simulation—today, they would face their first real field test beyond the safety of the academy walls.

Master Ardian stood at the front, his black robe swaying gently with the morning breeze. His voice was steady, carrying the weight of command.

“Starting today, you are no longer students who train only within these safe walls. The world outside will become your new teacher. You will face real dangers, dangers that even the academy cannot fully control. Use everything you have learned so far.”

The courtyard fell silent. Then, like a wave, excited murmurs spread among the students. This was the moment they had been both waiting for—and dreading.

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The First Mission

The task sounded simple enough—or so the announcement claimed. The students were to investigate the northern forest, where a number of wild monsters had been spotted approaching nearby villages. Their mission was to assess the situation, drive away the monsters if necessary, and return with a detailed report.

Groups were assigned according to the teams formed during previous exercises. This meant Zareen was once again paired with Dyra, Brant, and Arven.

When their names were called, Dyra placed a hand on Zareen’s shoulder. “This time… we’re counting on you too.”

That simple statement made Zareen pause. Before, he had always been seen as a burden. Now, there was acknowledgment in her voice. He nodded firmly. “I’ll do my part.”

Brant still wore his usual stoic expression, but there was no longer any trace of mockery. Arven gave a brief smile—subtle, but enough to tell Zareen he was now accepted as part of the team.

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Preparing to Depart

At the academy gates, the students donned travel cloaks. Some carried staffs, others swords or enchanted weapons.

Gino arrived with his team, his confident stride as noticeable as ever. He glanced at Zareen, a grin playing on his lips. “Try not to die out there. It would be embarrassing if my rival lost before we ever had a proper fight.”

Zareen returned a faint smile. “You be careful too. I don’t want to end up sharing a room with a ghost.”

Several nearby students chuckled. There was no mockery in their laughter this time—just lighthearted banter, a sign that the two were now seen as equals, even if their rivalry was still burning.

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Entering the Forest

Zareen’s team stepped into the northern forest. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting long, dappled shadows. Birdsong mixed with the rustling of leaves, but beneath it all lurked an eerie sense of being watched.

Dyra took command. “Standard formation. I’ll take the lead with wind magic. Brant, left flank. Arven, right. Zareen, stay in the center and focus on support.”

Zareen nodded. This time, he did not feel sidelined. He knew exactly what he was supposed to do—protect the team.

The group moved cautiously. Every so often, Arven would stomp the ground to sense vibrations below, while Brant crackled small sparks of lightning to scare off lesser beasts.

Zareen kept a thin barrier active around the team at all times. Even when there were no attacks, that faint glow gave everyone a little more confidence as they pressed deeper into the woods.

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Monster Attack

Suddenly, a loud, guttural roar shook the forest. From the shadows emerged three hulking, dark-furred beasts, their glowing red eyes fixed on the group. Saliva dripped from their long fangs as their heavy steps shook the ground.

“Shadow wolves!” Dyra shouted. “Defensive formation!”

Brant responded instantly, sending a bolt of lightning into the nearest wolf, making it snarl and stagger. Arven slammed his foot down, raising a wall of stone to block another.

But the third wolf leapt high, clearing the wall and aiming straight for Dyra.

Instinct took over. Zareen raised his staff. A violet shield flared to life just as the claws struck, stopping the attack mere inches from Dyra’s face. The impact shook the earth, but the barrier held.

Dyra’s eyes widened. “You… you saved me.”

Zareen exhaled sharply. “Stay focused. We’re not safe yet.”

With swift coordination, the team fought back. Brant’s lightning drove the beasts back, Arven reinforced the stone wall to cut off their retreat, and Dyra unleashed a powerful gust of wind, forcing the pack to scatter and flee into the trees.

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Earned Respect

When the fight ended, the group stood still, catching their breath.

For once, Arven spoke first. “If you hadn’t reacted so fast, Dyra would’ve been badly hurt.”

Brant crossed his arms, grumbling. “Guess you’re not just a walking shield after all.”

Dyra smiled softly. “You’re an essential part of this team, Zareen. Don’t ever doubt yourself again.”

Her words warmed Zareen’s chest. For the first time since he entered the academy, he truly felt like he belonged.

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Night at the Camp

The students set up a small campsite in the forest. Fires crackled, casting flickering light on their tired but determined faces.

Across the fire, Gino sat with his own team, deep in discussion about strategies for the next day. From time to time, his gaze wandered to where Zareen sat.

Zareen, adding wood to the fire, caught the look. This time, Gino’s expression wasn’t just rivalry—it was also recognition.

Brant, who rarely spoke outside of battle, gave Zareen a solid pat on the shoulder. “Tomorrow, if something attacks, I’ll make sure your line stays clear. If your shield falls, we’re all done for.”

Zareen gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thanks. I’ll hold out as long as I can.”

Dyra and Arven nodded as well. For the first time, the team sat together not just as assigned partners, but as comrades who trusted one another.

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Returning to the Academy

Several days later, the students returned to the academy. They were tired, dirt-streaked, but smiling with pride.

Master Ardian listened to each team’s report, nodding with satisfaction. “You have faced real danger and survived. This proves that you are ready to take your next steps forward.”

Cheers filled the hall. Zareen’s team shared relieved smiles.

That night, back in the dormitory, Gino leaned back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. “So, they’ve started recognizing you now, huh?”

Zareen paused as he organized his notes. “I don’t care about recognition. What matters is… they’re safe.”

Gino chuckled softly. “Figures. But don’t think that means I’m done challenging you. I’ll still be the one at the top.”

Zareen gave a faint, determined smile. “And I’ll still be right here. Your rival isn’t going anywhere.”

The dorm room fell into a comfortable silence. Two students, walking two different paths—bound together by a rivalry that was only growing stronger.