Cinders of Conquest

Chapter 6: The Trial of Ascension

The dawn was still breaking over the horizon when the academy bells rang, a deep, resonant sound that echoed through the sprawling halls and courtyards. It was the signal everyone had been waiting for—the Trial of Ascension was about to begin.

Elowen stood in the courtyard outside the Hall of Trials, her breath misting in the cool morning air. Around her, the other students selected for the trial gathered, their faces marked with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She recognized several of them—upperclassmen, many from noble families—but her eyes were drawn to Seraphina, who stood near the front of the crowd. Her expression was as calm and focused as ever, her fiery red hair tied back in a tight braid. She radiated confidence.

Elowen could feel the tension between them. The rivalry that had begun as a spark was now a wildfire. Every glance they exchanged carried the weight of their previous duel, the unspoken challenge to prove themselves. But there was something else now, something that simmered beneath the surface—respect, perhaps, or a shared understanding that they were both in this together, against whatever trials awaited them.

"Students, gather close!" Master Caelum's voice boomed across the courtyard, and the crowd fell silent. The head of combat training stood at the center, his imposing figure casting long shadows in the early light. Behind him, the large iron doors of the Hall of Trials loomed, covered in intricate runes that glowed faintly with magic.

"The Trial of Ascension," Caelum began, his eyes scanning the gathered students, "is designed to test not only your physical and magical abilities but also your courage, your resourcefulness, and your resolve. Each of you has been selected because you have shown promise—potential that sets you apart from the rest. But promise alone is not enough."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

"Today, you will face challenges that go beyond what you have learned in your classes. These trials are crafted to exploit your weaknesses and push you beyond your limits. Some of you will rise to the occasion. Others... will fall."

A murmur rippled through the students. Elowen felt her pulse quicken. She had faced danger before, but the way Caelum spoke made it clear—this was not just a test. This was a crucible, designed to forge or break them.

Caelum gestured toward the iron doors. "The trials will take place within the labyrinth. Inside, you will face a series of challenges, both physical and magical. The labyrinth is enchanted—it will shift and change as you move through it, and the obstacles you face will be tailored to each of you individually."

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances. An enchanted labyrinth—no one had mentioned that before. Elowen's mind raced. A shifting, magical maze meant that they couldn't rely on typical strategies or brute force. They would need to think, adapt, and—above all—survive.

"The rules are simple," Caelum continued. "You must reach the center of the labyrinth. Only those who succeed will ascend to the next level of their training. But be warned—there will be no instructors to guide you, no one to help you if you falter. The labyrinth is unforgiving, and failure comes at a cost."

Elowen felt a cold knot form in her stomach. She glanced at Seraphina, who met her gaze with a steady, unwavering look. There was no fear in her eyes, only determination. Elowen could feel her own resolve hardening in response. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on.

"Prepare yourselves," Caelum said, stepping back as the iron doors began to creak open. "The Trial of Ascension begins now."

The labyrinth was darker than Elowen had expected. As she stepped through the towering doors, the light from the outside world faded, replaced by a dim, eerie glow that seemed to emanate from the very walls. The air was thick with magic, the kind that made her skin prickle and her senses sharpen.