Volume 2, Chapter 11
The Chosen Fifty
Date: 20-11-400 Location:City tower of Astragar, Yuravan Kingdom
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Part 1
The city of Astragar was alive with motion. Warriors of every race and region gathered under the golden banners of the Trial of Vaga. Cheers echoed in the air like thunder.
The commentator's voice boomed across the arena.
"So! Are you all ready for the most anticipated Round 3 of the Trial of Vaga?!"
The crowd responded with a roaring cry.
"Today, I have the honor of revealing the format of this round! Round Three is officially titled: Biome Survival Round!"
He continued, pacing dramatically.
"This team-based challenge takes place across four deadly environments!"
He raised a hand.
"First, the Sand Desert of Sura — a blazing Desert, twelve kilometers across. The heat alone will make some participants collapse."
"Second, the Dense Wildforest of Jaaga, infested with wild beasts and dangerous plants. This is where you'll gather resources — but be warned, even the fruits and water can be poisonous."
"Third, a treacherous four-kilometer lake filled with sea beasts. You will either find a way across or risk being trapped in Jaaga."
"Fourth and final, the Frozen Desert. Unstable ground, blizzards, and biting cold await. If you finish this within seven days, you may even be offered a position as a national army captain."
He raised his voice.
"You must build your team based on your reputation — either through family name or your performance in the first two rounds."
"Each team must consist of at least three, and no more than five members."
A beat of silence.
"You are forbidden from using magical artifacts, enchanted tools, or any external assistance. All you get is basic iron armor and a weapon of your choice. Survive by your own strength and prove your worth."
"Only the first three teams to complete the challenge will move on to Round Four! Any other team that finishes afterward will only receive rewards and a chance at military rank — but not advancement."
The crowd absorbed the gravity of the announcement. Cheers faded into murmurs. The real test had begun.
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Part 2
Far from the crowd, the trio of Nile, Arnox, and Ruby stood watching from a raised corridor.
"So her information was right," Nile murmured.
Arnox raised an eyebrow. "You doubting Ruby's words?"
Nile quickly shook his head. "No. I'm just relieved they didn't change the format at the last minute. Sometimes, they do."
Ruby smiled. "Thanks for trusting me and letting me join your team."
Arnox shrugged. "No problem."
Nile added, "You scored higher than both of us. If anything, we should be thanking you."
The arena below buzzed with warriors forming alliances. One figure, in particular, drew the most attention: Klein Vale.
Arnox narrowed his eyes. "That Klein's gathering a crowd."
"High rank attracts followers," Nile replied.
Just then, a lean warrior approached.
"Lady Ruby of Auralith," the man said with a slight bow. "May I join your party?"
Ruby blinked, then gestured to Nile. "I'm actually joining theirs."
The man turned to Nile. "Then you are the leader, sir?"
Nile shook his head. "Sorry, that would be Arnox."
Arnox raised both hands. "I thought we weren't doing the whole leader thing. Neutral footing. But... if you're a dagger user, I don't think it'll work. We need a tank."
"Michael Bruce. The Hunter," the warrior said, nodding. "Understood."
As he walked away, Arnox muttered, "He thought Ruby was the leader."
Nile smirked. "She did rank highest."
Ruby turned. "Still, Nile, I think you'd make a better leader."
"No way," Nile laughed. "Arnox might be dumb, but he's good in battle."
"When did I become dumb?!" Arnox snapped.
Ruby smiled. "I trust you, Arnox. With my life."
Arnox looked stunned, then nodded. "Sure."
"He's dumb, isn't he?" Nile whispered to Ruby.
Ruby blushed. "Maybe."
---
Part 3
Meanwhile, Klein was forming his team.
"Michael Bruce," Klein called out. "Join us."
Michael nodded. "Understood."
Standing beside Klein was a black-haired elf clad in a sleek, dark outfit, and a pale mage girl with amber eyes.
Klein then turned to another figure.
"Ursus Martimus, I want you in."
Ursus looked him over.
"You're strong, but your team is unbalanced."
"That's why I want you."
Ursus stepped forward, voice low.
"I respect power. But if you act arrogant again, I'll forget formalities."
Klein hesitated. "Fine. But when my team finishes first, you'll regret not joining."
Ursus walked away without a word.
Elsewhere, at the Skygarden Plaza, Lenslot Morningstar sat with Lyrenya Aerasyl. Their team had already formed:
Lenslot Morningstar (Angel, Male)
Female Angel
Lyrenya Aerasyl (Forest Elf, Female)
Male Elf
Female Elf
A complete five-member party. The quiet glances between Lenslot and Lyrenya hinted at mutual respect—and competition.
Back at the plaza gates, the commentator shouted from the balcony.
"The travel portal is now open! Before you enter, make sure to register your party."
Lines formed. One familiar face stood alone.
"Ursus?" Arnox asked.
Ursus gave a look. "You know why I'm alone."
"You still haven't joined a team?"
"No."
Arnox took a breath. "We need a tank. Are you in?"
Ursus nodded slowly. "You three are balanced. Strong. But lacking a divine user. Still... with me, you won't need a healer."
"I'll take that as a yes," Arnox said, grinning.
Nile whispered to Ruby, "Told you. Dumb, but somehow leads."
Ruby smiled. "Unexpected... but welcome."
Ursus looked between them. "You three are good friends. I like that."
Arnox smirked. "Didn't expect you to smile."
The registration officer stepped up. "Please place all magical and enchanted items into the locker before entering the portal."
"Register our team," Arnox said. "As warriors."
The screen displayed:
Team Registered:
Arnox Arakan | Spark of Arakan
Nile Zephyrions | Prodigy of Zephyrions
Ruby Auralith | Gem of Auralith
Ursus Martimus | White Bear of the Northern Shadow
---
Part 4
As the portal light faded, the team materialized in the blazing desert.
Ursus growled. "Too hot. This is unnatural."
"I can help," Nile said. He used Sprinkle, then followed it with Cold Air. A cool mist surrounded them.
"Thanks," Ursus sighed.
Arnox glanced around. "You're getting along quickly."
Ruby knelt, brushing her fingers against the sand. "Life force is low here. It's quiet. Too quiet."
Arnox grinned. "Your senses really are like a lynx."
Ruby flushed. "Stop that."
"I saw your lynx creature in Round One," Ursus said.
"Yes," Ruby confirmed.
"Cool bond," Arnox said.
They looked toward the dunes.
"Should we start crossing now?" Nile asked.
"No," Arnox replied.
"Why? We'll fall behind," Ruby said.
"Ruby," Nile chimed in, "this is a marathon. Not a sprint."
Ursus nodded. "Night travel is safer."
Arnox turned to Ruby. "Can you build us some shelter?"
"Easily," she said. "I can form a house, if needed."
"I'll chill the inside,After all I am Ice Element User" Ursus offered.
They rested through the scorching afternoon. As the sun set, Arnox stood.
"Alright, roles. Ready?"
Everyone nodded.
"Ruby, scout threats."
"Roger."
"Nile, rear support. Protect from behind."
"Roger."
"Ursus, you cover the front. Just don't overdo it."
"Got it."
They began walking: Ursus in front right, Arnox front left. Ruby rear right, Nile rear left.
Nile leaned toward Ruby.
"He's not that dumb."
"You two are close. Childhood friends?"
"Met him nine days ago."
Ruby blinked. "Nine days and you're this close?"
"Friendship doesn't need years," Nile replied. "Minutes can be enough."
Ruby looked ahead. "Arnox is carefree, but when it comes to others, he's serious. Maybe that's what makes him strong."
"You like that about him?" Nile teased.
"Stop teasing."
"Then tell me... back on Day One, what's this 'pea' thing Arnox loves?"
"Oh, that?" Ruby turned—
Then stopped. "Alert! Sand beasts approaching!"
Arnox spun around. "Form up!"
"Roger!"
Thunder struck the first wave of beasts. Ursus followed with Ice Burst, shattering the next.
Nile fired Aqua Jet. From the sand, a giant earthworm emerged.
"Flarefall!" Arnox cast. The flames barely scratched it.
The worm lunged. Ruby raised her hands.
"Rock Boulder Barrage!"
Boulders slammed the beast, obliterating it.
As silence returned, Nile asked, "Clear?"
Ruby closed her eyes. "Nothing within five kilometers."
Ursus chuckled. "You overkilled that worm."
Arnox turned to Ruby. "You said I had to protect you... but you're the one saving me."
Ruby blushed. "Count on me."
"Thanks."
She crossed her arms. "Just don't be reckless again you idiot."
As the group moved out, the camera panned to the trees on the horizon.
The forest of Jaaga awaited.
---
Narrator:
Round Three had begun. No longer was it just strength that mattered — but instincts, trust, and survival.
Now in the second biome, the trials would only grow harder. What dangers waited in Jaaga?
To Be Continued...