The sound of the class bell echoed, and the students began leaving the wooden classroom one by one. Neyvar, sitting in the last row, slowly stood up and quietly headed toward the courtyard. The midday sun cast its warm light across the academy's stone walls. The chatter of students mixed with the chirping of birds in the sky.
He sat on one of the stone benches in the courtyard, his gaze falling upon the black sword resting in its sheath. He ran a hand over it.
"Is it really cursed?" he whispered. He still didn't know why he had chosen this sword—he only knew it gave him a strange, eerie feeling.
Moments later, a loud voice caught everyone's attention:
"Students! Proceed to the Practical Training Hall. The test begins immediately!"
Neyvar stood up and moved through the crowd toward the main training hall.
The Practical Training Hall of Velmora Academy resembled a vast garden. Stone platforms surrounded the arena for spectators and instructors. In the center stood Instructor Bellenor—one of the academy's strictest teachers. Broad-shouldered, piercing eyes, and a silver light armor coat symbolizing his rank.
"Welcome to the practical exam!" His harsh voice echoed across the hall. "Today, we'll see how well you apply what you've learned in training."
He paused, then added,
"You'll be divided into teams of four. This will be a group battle. Failure will result in a penalty, but more important than winning… is teamwork. Be careful—we're not just looking at strength."
Neyvar looked around. Before he could say anything, an assistant approached and said,
"You're with these three."
Neyvar turned and saw three faces.
The first: a girl with brown hair and calm gray eyes.
The second: a boy with silver hair, furrowed brows, and an arrogant, disdainful look.
The third: a grim-looking teenager who stared at Neyvar with a frown, saying nothing.
The girl stepped forward and gave a short smile. "I'm Rina. Nice to meet you."
Neyvar only gave a slight nod, saying nothing. He glanced at the other two, clearly unfriendly from the start.
Instructor Bellenor shouted,
"Team Three, enter the field!"
Neyvar and his team stepped into the arena. Their opponents: another team of four students. The bell rang—combat began.
The field lit up with magic and clashing swords. Instructor Bellenor watched closely, ready to intervene if things got out of hand. Neyvar stayed back at first, observing. Enemy fighters began advancing. His teammates rushed in without coordination.
As the battle continued, Neyvar was defending when suddenly two opponents surrounded him. One slipped past his teammates and rushed toward Rina, who was holding the flag. Rina froze for a second.
Neyvar swiftly drew his sword, struck the two flanking him, and dashed toward Rina, stopping the attack just in time.
"What the—who the hell is this guy? How is he so fast?!" the attacker yelled.
Neyvar turned to Rina. "Are you alright?"
Rina nodded. Neyvar then looked at the attacker, gripping his sword tightly.
The black blade pulsed with a strange darkness.
With a single swift strike, he knocked the enemy unconscious.
One of the spectators whispered in awe, "That sword… isn't it strange?"
The fight went on. Neyvar didn't shine in an obvious way, but through his intelligence, defense, and precise attacks, he became the center of attention.
As the battle neared its end and Neyvar's team gained the upper hand, Instructor Bellenor's voice rang out:
"Enough!"
Everyone stopped.
"Team Three, you did not win. Due to lack of teamwork..."
At that moment, a low voice came from among the spectators.
"Interesting trial… let's see who truly survives in the end."
Neyvar turned—no one was there. Just a shadow standing above, in the darkness of the arch… then gone.
Neyvar stood still, gazing at his sword… then at the sky.
End of Chapter 13