All 125 participants now stood in formation, their nerves tight with anticipation, their hearts pounding with excitement and tension. This was it—the third and final trial. The last step that would determine who among them had the strength, resolve, and spirit to gain entry into the prestigious Holy Beasts Bond Master Academy.
In front of them stood Tai Zhi, majestic and composed, his golden robes fluttering slightly with the morning breeze. The sun gleamed off his robe's embroidery, and the sheer force of his aura kept the crowd hushed in reverent silence. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd of young hopefuls before he raised his voice, his tone firm and commanding.
"This is the third and final trial," he declared. "Whoever passes this trial will be eligible to become a student of the Holy Beasts Bond Master Academy."
A wave of cheers and hopeful cries erupted from the group. Sparks of excitement danced in the eyes of the children. Many of them had trained and dreamed of this day for years. Now, they stood at the edge of the final challenge.
Among them, Lan Zhen stood quietly, his hand gently holding Gu Na'er's. Though the crowd was buzzing with noise and anticipation, Zhen's attention was solely focused on her. His brows were furrowed in worry. The memory of her being injured during the previous trial still haunted him.
Na'er looked at him and offered a soft, comforting smile. "Don't worry, Zhen. I'm totally fine."
Zhen gave a hesitant nod, trying to suppress the concern etched in his heart. His thoughts were already swirling—what could the final trial possibly be?
As if answering his question, Tai Zhi continued, "The third trial is a combat trial—Survival Arena. There will be five battlefields. All 125 candidates will be randomly assigned to one of the arenas, 25 in each. The trial is straightforward: survive and remain standing. You'll have one hour. At the end of that hour, those still on their feet will be declared winners."
A hush fell across the participants. Gasps and murmurs followed. This was no ordinary test—this was a full-scale survival combat scenario. No teams. No assistance. Just each candidate and their bond.
Excitement surged again. Every single participant had awakened their first bond skill during the second trial, and now, finally, they had the chance to truly wield them.
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath their feet. A rumbling echoed across the trial field as five massive, majestic arenas emerged from the earth, each surrounded by shimmering golden energy barriers. They stretched wide and tall, with platforms and varied terrains designed to test every skill imaginable.
Each arena had a unique landscape—one was a volcanic battlefield with molten lava streams, another a lush jungle filled with trees and vines, a third an icy tundra, a fourth had sharp rocky cliffs, and the last was a vast desert with shifting dunes. Each arena would pose a different kind of challenge.
The candidates stood in awe. These arenas weren't just battlegrounds—they were stages for greatness.
Tai Zhi raised a glowing hand and summoned a massive floating screen into the sky. All 125 names appeared on it, glowing with power.
"Now," he announced, "the system will randomly divide you into five groups."
The names began spinning rapidly, cycling through bright flashes and flickers of light. No one could predict the outcome. Everyone watched with bated breath.
After a tense minute, the names settled into five distinct groups of 25.
Zhao Xiong's eyes narrowed as he read the list. He and two of his followers were in Group One. But his third follower, Zhao Li, had been assigned to Group Two.
"Tch," Zhao Xiong sneered. "Why isn't that Lan Zhen brat in my group? I wanted to crush him. And his annoying teammates aren't here either. What a waste. This will be boring."
Then, something caught his eye. His smirk returned.
"Ah, so Zhao Li is in Group Two... and so is that silver-haired, purple-eyed girl—Gu Na'er."
Turning to his follower, he called out, "Zhao Li, come here."
Zhao Li stepped forward obediently. "Yes, young master?"
"You're in the same group as her. You're already a Rank 10 Spirit-Forged Fire Lion Master. Don't hold back. That girl once refused me. It's time she pays the price. Hurt her. Show her what defiance costs."
Zhao Li nodded with a sinister smile. "I understand. I'll burn her down with my Fire Lion."
On the other side, Zhen scanned the list carefully. He spotted his own name in Group Four—alongside Lei Wei. Shi Feng and Bing Queer had landed in Group Three. Gu Na'er, however, was in Group Two.
Lei Wei grinned. "Looks like we're together, Zhen."
Zhen managed a small smile. "Let's give it our best." They bumped fists with a soft thud.
Bing Queer clapped her hands. "Shi Feng and I are together? That's great! I can support him with my barriers and he can cut down anyone who comes close!"
Na'er, meanwhile, looked over her group list and sighed. "Looks like I'm alone."
Bing Queer quickly grabbed her hand, eyes determined. "You're never alone. You've got the Fire-Ice Phoenix. That's a powerful bond, Na'er. You've already proven how strong you are."
Shi Feng and Lei Wei both gave her encouraging nods.
Zhen stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Na'er, you're braver than anyone I know. Just believe in yourself and trust your bond. We'll meet again after this."
Na'er's eyes sparkled as she nodded. "Yes, I'll do my best. I promise."
Bing Queer pouted, crossing her arms. "Seriously? Is his cheering more valuable than mine?"
Everyone burst into laughter, the tension easing just slightly.
Up on the platform, Tai Zhi observed with a thoughtful gaze.
Suddenly, a reddish-black mist swirled beside him. From within it emerged Long Yi, graceful and commanding. Her dark robes fluttered despite the still air.
Tai Zhi turned to her. "Are you satisfied now, Long Yi? Gu Na'er, with her dual fire-ice phoenix bond, and Yu Xiaotao, with her thunder phoenix bond, are in the same group. Lan Zhen and Lei Wei, the two dragon-bonded boys, are also together. And Shi Feng and Bing Queer are united as well."
Long Yi's lips curled into a small smile. "Yes. I'm very satisfied. I'm particularly curious to see how those dragon boys cooperate in real combat."
She turned slightly away, her expression clouded for a moment as she whispered under her breath, "And that dragon claw of Lan Zhen's… it felt familiar. Too familiar."
The air suddenly grew heavy with anticipation.
Tai Zhi raised his arm high.
"Let the third trial… begin!"
The entire battlefield shuddered with energy. With a blinding flash, the children were transported into their designated arenas.
And so, the final trial began. The ultimate test of strength, courage, and will.
For the first time, they would face not just magical beasts—but each other.
Only the strongest would emerge victorious.