Then came a composed woman in a long crimson coat, her eyes glowing faintly like embers. "Captain Rhea Valen of the Crimson Oath, an elite guild that operates directly under the Central Seeker Council."
Finally, the third man—dressed in white and gold, exuding calm authority—inclined his head politely. "And this," Eloria said, "is Lord Eiden Kael of the Radiant Dominion, a top-tier guild that stands just beneath the City-class. His presence here today is an honor to us all."
She continued, "After all, you all know him well. He once fought against a beast tide of over ten thousand monsters alone—and saved an entire city."
The hall erupted into applause, the sound echoing like thunder. Even the other representatives nodded in respect.
Eiden Kael was well known and deeply admired. Ten years ago, when a Lord-class gate had opened deep in the mountain range, it had unleashed a massive tide of over fifty thousand monsters. Entire villages were destroyed, and the city of Xyren was on the brink of collapse.
When all seemed lost, one man stood against the tide—Eiden Kael. He fought for three days and nights without rest, holding the monsters back until reinforcements arrived. His strength and resolve saved countless lives, earning him the title of Hero of Xyren City.
Even now, years later, he held a prestigious position within the Seeker world, his name synonymous with valor and strength.
Murmurs spread across the hall; many students could hardly believe such figures were standing before them. Even Max, Sophia, and Alex exchanged stunned looks.
Eloria smiled faintly. "These guests are here not only to observe—but to select. Those who display potential during the upcoming trials may earn a recommendation or sponsorship from one of these guilds."
The hall erupted in whispers again, the air buzzing with excitement and nervous anticipation.
As Principal Eloria stepped back, Sir Darius Crowne took the stage. The man from the Lord-class guild carried himself with a quiet authority that instantly silenced the room.
"Today," he began, his deep voice echoing through the hall, "we're all looking forward to seeing your potential. The first test will be one-on-one combat."
A murmur spread among the students, excitement and tension mixing in equal measure.
"You will all fight against each other," Darius continued. "Each bout will test your skill, adaptability, and control. Afterward, a few of you will face us directly. Based on your performance and resonance, we will decide whether to recruit you into our guilds—or offer sponsorships, resources, or personal recommendations."
He gave a faint, confident smile. "Do your best. Remember, this is your chance to show the world what kind of Seekers you can become."
With that, he stepped back as Principal Eloria once again took the mic. "All participants, proceed to the arena grounds. The matches will begin shortly."
Chairs scraped and boots echoed as the students began to move in lines toward the exit. The air buzzed with raw energy and nerves.
Alex adjusted his cloak as he followed the flow of students. Beside him, Lyra perched lightly on his shoulder, chirping softly in curiosity.
Sophia glanced over at him with a small grin. "Nervous?"
He exhaled, offering a faint smile in return. "Excited, maybe."
"Good," Max said, bumping his shoulder playfully. "Because this is where things start to get real."
Alex chuckled softly, his golden eyes narrowing with quiet determination as they stepped out toward the sunlit arena grounds—where their first true test awaited.
The arena grounds stretched wide beneath the bright sun, its stone floor gleaming faintly with faint traces of mana inscriptions. The stands surrounding it were filled with murmuring students and faculty, the air alive with anticipation.
At the far end, Principal Eloria and the five distinguished guests from the guilds had already taken their seats on the elevated judges' platform, each radiating a distinct aura of power. Beside them, instructors and senior Seekers stood as assistants, ready to record data and assess performance.
Down below, the thirty-one students participating in the trials lined up in neat rows. Their expressions ranged from calm determination to visible nerves.
A large, rune-inscribed crystal sphere hovered in the air above the arena, its surface swirling faintly with blue light.
"This will determine your matchups," Eloria's voice echoed across the field. "Thirty-one participants—one will receive a bye for the first round. The rest will be paired randomly."
The crystal pulsed and began spinning, projecting names and numbers into the air one by one.
As the names flashed, a few students clenched their fists, others sighed in relief, and some exchanged sharp glances with their soon-to-be opponents.
The results settled: thirty participants were paired for combat, while one name blinked at the bottom of the display—Rian Kross, Rank 13.
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Lucky guy…" Max muttered under his breath. "He gets to skip the first round."
"Yeah," Sophia replied quietly, watching the board as her own name appeared. "But luck won't save him in the next."
Alex's eyes scanned the list until he found his own name paired with Darin Vale, Rank 24. He exhaled slowly, feeling Lyra stir on his shoulder, her feathers glinting faintly under the sunlight as if sensing his anticipation.
Principal Eloria raised a hand for silence. "Each match will take place in the designated rings. The use of abilities, skills, and bond powers is permitted—within control. Remember, this is an evaluation of your synergy, discipline, and adaptability, not just raw strength."
She gestured toward the arena gates. "Those in the first group, step forward."
Alex glanced once at Max and Sophia, who both gave encouraging nods.
He smiled faintly. "Alright then," he murmured, stepping out onto the stone floor with steady resolve as the first matches of the Seeker Academy Trials began.
Alex stepped into the ring, feeling the hum of mana beneath his boots as the barrier around the arena flared to life. The faint shimmer of blue light rose around them, sealing the stage and cutting off the noise from the audience.
Lyra shifted on his shoulder, chirping anxiously. Alex reached up and brushed a gentle hand over her head.
"It's alright," he murmured softly. "Stay in the Mystic Space for now. I'll call you if I need you."