Phoenix Warriors

Chapter 6

It's been three weeks since I started training with Garick, and tomorrow is the first trial. Time seems to have slipped through my fingers. The past few weeks were a blur of training—sparring sessions that left my muscles aching and bruises blooming on my skin, but also a sense of strength that had slowly been building inside me. Garick had pushed me hard, harder than anyone ever had, and I know I've become stronger. But even that thought doesn't settle the gnawing feeling in my gut.

Now, as I sit in the assembly hall, surrounded by everyone—students, professors, even the Six—there's an unspoken tension in the air. The trial is looming, and it feels as though the entire room is holding its breath.

Atlas sits next to me, still cracking his jokes like he always does, though I can tell he's more nervous than he lets on. "You think the trial's a dance-off? Because I've been practicing my two-step," he whispers, nudging me with his elbow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I can't help but smile at him, though my mind is elsewhere. Tomorrow, I could die. The thought slips in, uninvited but persistent. Tomorrow, I'm either going to kill someone, or someone is going to kill me. It's that simple. Or that brutal.

Professor Frederick steps up to the front of the hall, his deep voice cutting through the low murmurs. "Tomorrow marks the beginning of the trials, the first of three tests that will determine who among you has what it takes to become a Phoenix Warrior." His eyes sweep the room, settling briefly on each one of us. "Every lesson, every fight, every moment of training has led to this."

I should be focused on his words, but I keep drifting. I've fought before, I've survived things most people couldn't dream of surviving, but this feels different. The stakes are higher now. It's not just about fighting for my life—it's about proving I belong here, proving that I'm not like everyone else who crumbles under the weight of this pressure.

Atlas is still murmuring under his breath, a steady stream of sarcasm and attempts at humour that don't quite hide his fear. I glance at him, noticing how his hands are gripping the edge of his seat, his knuckles turning white. He's scared. We all are. Even the ones who don't show it.

Frederick's voice pulls me back to reality. "This trial will be the first of three. It will test your strength, your wits, and your resolve. It is designed to push you to your limits, and not everyone will pass."

His words send a shiver through the room, and I feel a knot forming in my stomach. I can't let it get to me. I've trained too hard to let doubt take over now.

I glance up at the Six, their faces impassive as they watch us. The Six—legends in their own right, warriors who have survived this very trial. I wonder what they think of us, if they're sizing us up, already guessing who will make it through and who won't. I force my gaze away, trying not to think too much about it. I don't need their judgment hanging over me.

Frederick continues, his tone growing sharper. "This is a rare opportunity. To pass this trial is to prove your worth. It is an Honor to be here, and only those who survive will move forward."

I sit up straighter, trying to focus. Survive. That's the key word here. Tomorrow, it's all about survival. I've never had trouble with that before—I've spent my whole life surviving. But this is different. This is life or death, and it's not just about me. I might have to kill someone. And someone might kill me.

Atlas leans in, his voice barely a whisper. "You think we'll make it?"

"I don't know," I reply honestly, my voice low. I wish I had more certainty, but I don't. No one does. Not even the cockiest of us.

Frederick's voice breaks through my thoughts again. "The first trial will separate those who are ready from those who are not. It will be brutal, yes, but if you make it through, you'll be one step closer to becoming Phoenix Warriors."