The league of Shadows: The Glass Shard

Chapter 6: Tests of strength

The air crackled with anticipation as Ace stood in the arena, his heart pounding in his chest. Around him, the other boys prepared themselves for the progress tests, their faces set in determined expressions as they faced the challenge ahead.

The arena shimmered with the energy of magic, the scent of ozone filling the air as the elemental creatures materialized before them. With a deep breath, Ace summoned his nature magic, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through his veins.

For a while, things went smoothly. The boys worked together, their combined efforts driving back the elemental creatures with skill and determination. But then, as if sensing their impending defeat, the remaining elementals began to grow restless, their eyes glowing with a dark purple light.

Ace's heart raced as he faced down the advancing creatures, his instincts screaming at him to flee. But he stood his ground, channeling his magic with fierce determination as he fought to protect himself and his companions.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Ace saw Drystan, his normally serene expression twisted with anger as he unleashed his celestial powers upon the rogue elementals. The air crackled with energy as Drystan's celestial light danced across the arena, striking down their foes with a force that left Ace breathless.

For a moment, Ace was frozen in awe, his gaze locked on Drystan's figure bathed in celestial light. There was a raw power in Drystan's anger, a strength that left Ace feeling both exhilarated and unnerved.

But as the last of the elementals fell, Drystan's anger seemed to dissipate like smoke in the wind, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity. With genuine concern, Drystan approached Ace, his wings enveloping him in a protective embrace.

"Are you okay?" Drystan asked, his voice soft with concern as he checked Ace for injuries.

Ace nodded, unable to tear his gaze away from Drystan's piercing eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Drystan's wings tightened around him, offering a sense of comfort and security that Ace hadn't realized he craved. And as they stood there, bathed in the afterglow of their victory, Ace couldn't help but feel a flutter of something deep within him—a spark of something new that he knew he couldn't ignore for long.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the warmth of Drystan's embrace and the unspoken bond that held them together. For in that moment, amidst the chaos of the progress tests, Ace knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, he would face them with Drystan by his side, their friendship a beacon of strength in the face of adversity.

In a separate arena, away from the boys, Evelynn, Saria, and the other girls prepared themselves for the progress tests. Tarian stood among them, their usual sarcastic demeanour replaced by a focused determination as they faced the challenge ahead.

The air hummed with anticipation as the girls summoned their magic, preparing to face the elemental creatures that materialized before them. With a shared glance, they nodded to each other, a silent vow passing between them to stand strong against whatever came their way.

At first, the tests progressed smoothly, the girls working together with seamless coordination to repel the advancing elementals. But then, as if sensing their impending defeat, the creatures began to grow restless, their eyes flashing with a dark, ominous light.

Evelynn's heart raced as she faced down the advancing creatures, her hands crackling with elemental energy. Beside her, Saria fought with fierce determination, her movements fluid and precise as she danced through the chaos.

But as the elementals grew more aggressive, their attacks becoming more coordinated and calculated, the girls found themselves pushed to their limits. Tarian, in particular, faced a difficult challenge as they struggled to keep up with the relentless onslaught.

Despite their best efforts, the elementals seemed to gain the upper hand, their dark energy overwhelming the girls' defences. Panic threatened to take hold as they fought desperately to hold their ground, their minds racing with fear and uncertainty.

But then, just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a surge of determination coursed through the group. With renewed resolve, they fought back against the rogue elementals, channelling their magic with unparalleled focus and intensity.

As the battle raged on, the girls found strength in each other, drawing courage from the unwavering support of their friends. Together, they faced the darkness head-on, their bonds of friendship proving stronger than any force the elementals could muster.

And as the last of the creatures fell, defeated by the combined efforts of the girls, a sense of triumph washed over them. Exhausted but victorious, they stood together amidst the aftermath of the battle, their hearts filled with pride and determination.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, a group of cloaked figures gathered in a secluded clearing deep within the forest. In the centre of the clearing stood a throne, its imposing presence a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness.

Upon the throne sat a hooded figure, their voice distorted as they addressed the gathered assembly. Their words rang out with authority, commanding the attention of those who stood before them.

"We have succeeded in our task," the figure declared, their voice echoing through the night. "The elementals have been unleashed upon the progress tests, just as we planned. However..."

But as the figure continued to speak, their tone grew increasingly agitated, their words laced with anger and frustration. It was clear that something had gone wrong, something unexpected had occurred during the tests.

"We put them in danger," the figure exclaimed, their voice tinged with regret. "Especially... especially him. He must be protected at all costs, do you understand? If anything happens to him, if so much as a single strand of his silver hair is harmed, there will be consequences."

The figure's words hung heavy in the air, a solemn reminder of the stakes at hand. Whatever their motives, whoever they were, it was clear that they would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of the one they held dear.

And as the cloaked figures dispersed into the night, their faces hidden in the shadows, the identity of the hooded figure remained a mystery, their intentions shrouded in secrecy. But one thing was certain—their protective instincts ran deep, their loyalty unwavering, and they would do whatever it took to keep their beloved safe from harm.