The trial continued just as it had started—savagely. Like leaves falling in autumn, heads rolled, painting the once vibrant ground a dark, haunting red. The scent of blood soaked into the air, and screams echoed like war drums. This was no test… this was a massacre.
Bodies dropped one after another. Soul techniques clashed, swords danced in desperation, and elemental skills exploded across the battlefield like fireworks in a twisted festival of death.
When the dust began to settle, only thirty remained.
A chilling voice rang out across the field.
"Hehehe… finally, time for the main course."
A tall participant with crimson eyes and a sinister grin locked eyes with Eren.
"Frozen-haired brat… it's your turn to die."
Before anyone could react, he vanished like a shadow under the midday sun.
SWOOSH!
He struck from behind—but Eren's instincts screamed. With a twist of his body, Eren narrowly avoided a fatal blow, though a sharp sting spread across his right arm. A thin line of blood seeped out from a shallow cut.
"Tch… fast." Eren muttered, his expression calm despite the blood dripping from his arm.
Eren (smirking): "Soul Practitioner Level 2, huh? Stronger than me… but unlucky for you—there are no rules."
His blue eyes gleamed as he raised his hand. With a wave, the water surrounding the arena rippled violently. Then it rose—forming into enormous shapes.
Ten dragons.
Massive water dragons roared to life, their translucent bodies writhing with power.
"Go." Eren's voice was cold.
With thundering force, six of the dragons charged forward. The enemy barely had time to defend—one, then another, struck him with crushing force. His body was battered, flung into the dirt, kneeling and coughing blood.
Before he could recover, Eren vanished.
Using Lightning Step, Eren appeared before the man like a flash of judgment.
Eren (calm but deadly): "Make your last wish to God. You won't meet me again in your next life."
In one swift motion, Eren's sword slashed.
SHING!
The man's head fell to the ground, his body still kneeling upright for a moment before collapsing.
Without even sparing a glance, Eren turned toward the others and pointed at them.
"Go."
The remaining four dragons lunged toward the battlefield. Some of the participants managed to dodge, but others—already injured—were torn apart, screaming. And then… silence.
The brutal test was over.
From over a thousand participants, only twenty remained.
Elder Kael, the one who brought Eren from the city, rose from his seat with a smirk on his face. His voice boomed.
Elder Kael: "Congratulations, survivors. You are the last twenty standing. From this moment forward—you are outer disciples of the Shadow Sect."
Cheers erupted from the arena stands. Some were in awe, some in fear—but all eyes gravitated toward the silver-haired boy with blood on his blade and blue eyes that shone like ice.
Another Elder (smiling): "That one… he's something else."
---
Later that day, after resting, Eren walked to the Main Storage Hall where disciples collected their resources.
Eren: "Anyone here?"
An old man with a crooked back and annoyed expression looked up.
Old Man: "Huh? What do you want, boy?"
Eren: "I just joined. I came to get my robe and monthly allowance."
The old man raised an eyebrow and grumbled.
Old Man: "Tch… another one. So you passed the outer disciple exam, huh? Let me see your token."
Eren handed over the token Elder Kael gave him. The old man squinted, then blinked.
Old Man (softly): "Huh… this token has an elder's mark. Looks like you've got some bite, kid."
He opened a dusty chest and handed Eren a folded black robe with dark silver embroidery—the official garment of Shadow Sect's outer disciples.
Old Man: "Here's your robe. Durable, basic enchantment, don't lose it."
Then he handed Eren a small pouch filled with ten silver shadow coins and a low-grade soul nourishing pill.
Old Man (gruffly): "Your allowance. Try not to die before next month."
As Eren took the items, a young boy appeared.
Old Man: "Ronan! Take this one to Level 3 Mountain. Let him choose any open cave."
---
Ronan led Eren through winding paths until they reached Level 3 Mountain.
Eren: "What are these mountain levels?"
Ronan: "Based on soul power. Higher the level, the stronger the energy inside. Level 7 has soul spirit lakes and rare herbs. But only a few exist, and they're all taken."
Eren (thinking): "So soul spirit lake caves are level 6 and above… and I already have one."
A small smirk played on his lips.
Eren (thinking): "Better keep that secret… it'll be dangerous if word gets out."
Using his Dragon Vision, Eren scanned the mountain and chose a secluded cave with the strongest energy flow.
As he stepped inside, the air shimmered faintly with soul power. He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.
Eren (whispering): "From here on… my real path begins."
---