The skies over the island shifted into hues of stormy grey as the trial wore on. Lightning danced in the distance. The land itself groaned beneath the weight of the combat.
With 92 students scattered across the vast regions — volcanic cliffs, dense forests, poisonous swamps, and crystalline lakes —
In the southern gorge, Veer zipped between trees like a phantom, blades of wind slicing through stone-armored boars. His orb blinked rapidly as his kill count soared.
Veer: "Too easy. Come on, throw me something faster."
His cloak fluttered behind him as he launched into the air with Windstep, spinning midair and calling down a Tempest Fang. The entire clearing exploded — ten monsters gone in one flash.
On the northern ridge, Saki fought by a rushing river, her movements fluid and elegant. Dozens of aquatic beasts surrounded her, jaws snapping.
Saki: "Mirror Lake Illusion."
A dozen clones shimmered into existence across the water, confusing the predators.
"Tidebind Serpent."
A massive serpent of water emerged, wrapping around a giant fanged eel and crushing it midair. The rest scattered.
She knelt beside the stream for a moment, catching her breath.
"I wonder if Anay is okay…"
Meanwhile, deep beneath the island, far from light or sound, Naman stood before a yawning cavern mouth. The air was heavier here, ancient and thick with pressure.
Naman: "There's something down here. Something… massive."
He stepped forward.
The tunnel was narrow, but pulsing with veins of red crystal. Each step echoed with a metallic hum. Then the path opened into a massive underground arena — a coliseum of black rock.
And in the center stood a monster unlike anything yet seen.
Eight feet tall, with blood-red skin, obsidian horns, and claws like scimitars. A sigil glowed on its chest — a Devil Rune, but ancient… refined.
Its voice thundered.
"Human. You've wandered into the wrong tomb."
Naman: "Or maybe I found the right one."
The Devil surged forward.
Scene: Naman vs. Boss Devil – Crimson Depths
The fight ignited like a supernova.
Naman barely dodged the creature's first swing, the impact shattering a stone pillar behind him.
He unleashed Blazing Palm Technique, striking the creature's chest — but it barely flinched.
Devil: "Weak."
A backhand sent Naman flying into the wall.
He coughed, blood dripping down his lip — but he grinned.
Naman: "You hit harder
He powered up — eyes glowing, feet enveloped in fire. Using Phoenix Burst Step, he danced around the Devil's attacks, slamming into its knees, chest, back, with precision.
Still — it endured. And struck again.
The Devil grabbed Naman mid-dash and threw him into the ground, cracking the cavern floor.
Devil: "Your spirit is strong. Join me. Contract, and I shall make you eternal."
Naman: (panting) "You think I'd make a deal with something like you? Not a chance."
The Devil roared, conjuring a blade of molten shadow and charging for the kill.
"This ends here."
Naman closed his eyes, let his breath slow — then, at the last second, unleashed everything.
His aura flared. Fire and wind surged together, forming a spiral around his body.
"Blazing Cyclone — Final Drive!"
He launched upward in a flaming tornado, piercing the Devil's core rune with a clean strike.
The beast shrieked.
Cracks spread across its chest — then its entire body shattered into dust and ash.
Silence.
Scene: The Flare of Destiny
Naman collapsed to his knees, exhausted, the cavern crumbling slightly around him.
But then, in the center of the space where the Devil once stood, a strange energy hovered — a flickering orb of pure white flame… but it pulsed like a heartbeat.
Naman: "What… is that?"
He reached out.
The moment his fingers touched the orb, it imploded into his chest, spiraling into his core.
A surge of raw energy surged through his veins. His body arched, eyes glowing silver for a moment as ancient runes circled around him.
"This… this isn't just energy. It's a flare… a gift?
As the sensation faded, he stood up.
Stronger. Sharper. Balanced.
Naman: "Whatever that was… it changed something in me."
.
"This island… it's hiding more than monsters."
He turned back toward the exit — and the trial continued.