The Continent of Aelisia, Grayport Town, Trial Registration Morning
A morning mist, like a veil, draped over the docks of Grayport Town. The salty sea breeze rustled the worn linen of Elena's clothes, causing them to flutter softly. She stood at the registration point at the far end of the pier, clutching ten silver coins in her hand. The weight was heavy—not just in metal, but in hope. This was her savings from the past three years, combined with the gains from last night's risky venture in the black market—her all-in bet on a better future.
The registration point was set beside a massive arcane airship, its hull bearing the emblem of Starflame Academy: a blazing star. A crowd swarmed around the ship, young hopefuls from across Aelisia gathered in a colorful array of garb. Noble scions draped in silk cloaks, mercenaries' offspring lugging battered weapons, even a few masked figures exuding an aura of mystery. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, like the calm before a storm.
Elena took a deep breath and pushed into the crowd. Her cloth shoes squished quietly on the muddy ground, drawing a few disdainful glances. A boy in a velvet jacket sneered, "Where did this beggar come from? This is the Starflame trials, not a charity!"
Elena lowered her head, pretending not to hear. She knew these people looked down on her origins, but she didn't care. If she could pass the trials, everything could change. She stood at the end of the line, behind several tall mercenaries who reeked of sweat and leather. Quietly, she scanned the crowd for familiar faces—Lilith, Vera, or the cold swordsman Kyle from last night.
"Next!" The gruff voice of the registrar cut through the murmur like sandpaper. Elena stepped forward, placing her ten silver coins on the table. The registrar, a balding middle-aged man dressed in Starflame's gray robe, eyed the coins and then Elena, sharp as a hawk. Frowning, he asked, "Name? Origin?"
"Elena. No surname. Grayport Town," she answered, calm but resolute.
The registrar snorted and scribbled her name on parchment. "No surname? A weed's life, yet dares to try the trials?" He waved a hand dismissively. "Take your number. Go in and don't die too fast."
Elena took the wooden token engraved with "137." Biting her lip, she turned toward the ship's entrance. Behind her, laughter and jeers rose, but she straightened her back, a stubborn fire burning in her eyes. The pendant around her neck warmed slightly against her chest, as if urging her onward.
Inside the Airship, Trial Waiting Area
The airship's interior was spacious like a grand hall, walls inset with glowing mana crystals illuminating hundreds of anxious faces. Elena found a corner and sat down, the wooden token hanging from her waist. She glanced over her meager gear: a rusty dagger bought at the market, a small pouch of rations, and her mother's necklace. Her entire possessions, laughably scant.
"Hey there, girl, you're keeping calm!" a familiar voice called. Elena looked up to see Vera pushing through the crowd with a grin. Still clad in tight leather armor, a dagger gleaming at her side, her chestnut hair lively under the lights. "Nice haul last night, huh? Got your registration fee?"
Elena took the half apple Vera offered and bit into it. The sweet and sour juice revitalized her. "Yes, thanks to you." She paused and asked quietly, "Why help me?"
Vera shrugged with a sly smile. "You just seem alright. In a dump like Grayport, a stubborn girl like you isn't common. Besides, the trials are dangerous—having a reliable partner is smart." She patted Elena's shoulder. "How about we team up?"
Elena blinked but nodded. "Okay." She wasn't good at making friends, but Vera's straightforwardness felt warm. Just then, a commotion rose behind them.
"Move aside! Don't block Miss Cavendish's way!" Toby's loud, arrogant voice cut through the noise. Lilith approached elegantly, still wearing a splendid gown, flanked by Brandon and Theo, with several noble followers trailing. Her gaze swept the crowd and settled on Elena with a cold sneer. "Look at that, a beggar actually scraped together the fee? Stolen, no doubt."
Elena tightened her grip on her dagger and replied calmly, "Whether I stole it or not is none of your concern. We'll see who's truly worthy in the trials, Lilith."
Lilith's expression hardened, a ball of blue magical flame flickering in her palm. "You dare talk back? Shall I—"
"Miss Cavendish." A cold voice interrupted. Kyle stepped forward from the crowd, black leather armor glinting in the light, a long sword at his side, his presence sharp as a blade. He looked Lilith in the eye. "The trials haven't even started yet. Save your strength."
Lilith gritted her teeth, dispelled the flame, forcing a smile. "Kyle, why protect this lowborn? She can't even use magic. She's just courting death."
Kyle ignored her and turned to Elena. His steely gray-blue eyes lingered a moment on her face. "Ready?"
Elena nodded, swallowing the nerves. "Ready." She didn't understand why Kyle kept helping her, but his gaze brought a strange comfort.
Suddenly, the ship shook. A broadcast echoed: "All trial participants, proceed to the deck! The first challenge—the Beastwood Forest—will begin shortly!"
The crowd erupted as the contenders surged toward the deck. Elena took a deep breath and followed Vera's lead. Kyle walked silently beside her, a solid shield of presence.