Chapter 4: Trial by Fire

The academy's large stone doors creaked open, revealing the bustling training grounds where students gathered in small groups, chattering about their upcoming tests. Edward, still mentally processing his earlier evaluation, was seated on a stone bench near the training field, observing the vast open space ahead. This was no ordinary day—today marked the second stage of trials, and by its end, teams would be formed for the upcoming dungeon simulation.

He scanned the crowd, noticing familiar faces from the magic assessment. Tobias was leaning casually against the wall, his fiery red hair as unruly as ever. Beside him stood Mira, quiet and focused, her hands clasped together, eyes darting towards the field where the instructors were preparing the next phase of their training.

Edward's thoughts drifted to his earlier performance. His magic abilities had been rated a six out of ten. The feeling of frustration still lingered, but he knew his physical strength would prove to be his real asset. His background as a knight in his previous life had gifted him remarkable endurance and combat skills, which remained with him even after his rebirth.

"Edward!" a voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Rin approaching. She flashed him a quick smile, her usual excitement barely contained. "Ready for the next trial?"

He gave her a half-smile, nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

Rin shrugged, her twin blades bouncing lightly against her sides. "I'm always ready. I heard we're going to be doing a lot of physical stuff next, and I'm pretty sure this will be easier than the magic tests."

The loud sound of a whistle echoed across the grounds, and all conversation ceased. The instructor, a tall man with graying hair and a stern expression, strode to the center of the field, his voice booming as he addressed the students.

"Today, we move to the second phase of your trials. You will be tested on your physical capabilities. After that, teams of five will be formed based on your combined magical and physical evaluations. These teams will enter the dungeon simulation together. As you know, cooperation is essential if you wish to survive."

The instructor gestured toward the massive open field. "Your first task is simple. Each of you will run ten laps around the field. This is not only a test of endurance but also your ability to maintain control under physical strain."

Edward's eyes narrowed. Running laps? This would be a breeze. His body, forged through years of intense physical training in his past life, had strength beyond what most others could fathom. Even though the magic evaluation had been somewhat disappointing, this was where he would shine.

The whistle blew again, signaling the start of the run. Edward took off at a steady pace, his feet pounding against the ground rhythmically. He felt the wind against his face, the steady beat of his heart, and the familiar stretch of muscles working in harmony. Around him, other students ran, some struggling to keep up, while others pushed themselves hard, determined to excel.

He noticed Tobias a few paces ahead, his fiery hair flicking back with every stride. Edward sped up slightly, catching up to him. "You're fast," Edward commented, falling into stride beside him.

Tobias glanced at him and smirked. "You're not bad yourself. But let's see if you can keep up."

Edward grinned and pushed harder, increasing his pace. Tobias, never one to back down from a challenge, did the same. The two sprinted around the track, their competitive spirits igniting. Behind them, Rin and Mira kept a more consistent pace, conserving their energy. It wasn't long before Edward had completed his ten laps, breathing easily as he slowed down and came to a stop.

"Well, that was fun," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow as he looked back at the others who were still finishing their laps. Tobias arrived a moment later, a satisfied grin on his face.

"You're not half bad," Tobias admitted, catching his breath. "But the real challenge will be in the dungeon."

Edward nodded. "I'm ready for it."

Once everyone had completed their laps, the instructor gathered them again. "Now that we've seen your physical abilities, it's time to form your teams. Your performance in both the magic and physical tests has been evaluated, and you'll be grouped based on your complementary skills."

Edward's eyes scanned the crowd as the instructor began announcing the teams. He listened carefully as the names were called out, waiting for his turn.

"Team Four," the instructor called, "Edward, Rin, Tobias, Mira, and Lian."

Edward blinked in surprise. Lian? He glanced around until he spotted her—she was standing off to the side, her long silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. She was a known healer, her magic focused on restoration and support. A vital asset to any team. It seemed the academy had chosen to balance their team carefully.

The five of them gathered together after the teams were finalized. Edward felt a surge of anticipation. This was it. His team was now set, and they would face the dungeon together.

"Well, looks like we're stuck with each other," Tobias said, grinning at them. "Let's make this count."

Mira nodded silently, her eyes serious as she glanced between them. "We need to play to our strengths. I'll handle the long-range attacks. Tobias, you're best up close. Edward, I assume you'll be fighting in the front lines?"

Edward nodded. "That's right. Rin?"

"I'm your backup," she said confidently, tapping her blades. "Fast and lethal."

"And I'll keep you all alive," Lian added with a soft smile. "Just don't get yourselves hurt too much."

Edward felt a sense of camaraderie forming between them already. It was strange, but something about this team felt right. They were balanced in a way that gave him confidence for the upcoming trials.

The instructor's voice cut through their conversation. "Your team will be entering the dungeon shortly. Inside, you'll face a variety of monsters. Your objective is to defeat the creatures and reach the dungeon's core. Be aware, the dungeon may present challenges that test both your physical and magical abilities, so be prepared for anything."

Edward clenched his fists, feeling the familiar weight of his sword at his side. His magic might not be as polished as the others, but he had a gut feeling his experience would carry him through.

The gates to the dungeon loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. The atmosphere among the teams had shifted, the playful banter now replaced by a focused tension.

As they approached the entrance, Edward noticed strange carvings etched into the stone walls, symbols he didn't recognize. The air inside the dungeon was cool and still, and the moment they crossed the threshold, a pulse of magic vibrated through the floor.

"Stay alert," Edward whispered, his eyes scanning the dimly lit corridor. The dungeon stretched ahead, twisting and turning into darkness.

It wasn't long before the first monsters appeared—small, swift creatures with sharp claws and glowing red eyes. Mira was the first to react, drawing her bow and firing a volley of arrows toward the creatures. They shrieked as the arrows found their marks, but more poured from the shadows.

"Tobias, up front!" Edward called, drawing his sword and moving to block the path. Tobias was at his side in an instant, his fists glowing with fire magic as he launched a blazing attack at the nearest creature.

Edward slashed through the monsters with practiced precision, his sword cutting cleanly through their thick hides. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, the thrill of battle sharpening his senses.

Behind him, Rin danced through the fray, her blades flashing in the dim light as she took down any monster that got too close. Lian remained in the back, her hands glowing with healing magic, ready to intervene at any moment.

As the battle continued, Edward felt a strange energy building within him. His magic was responding to the tension, and he could sense the light and dark within him shifting. He reached out, channeling the magic into his sword. A bright, glowing aura enveloped the blade, and with one powerful strike, he cleaved through the remaining monsters.

The chamber fell silent, the bodies of the creatures dissolving into mist. Edward took a deep breath, his heart pounding from the exertion.

"Not bad," Tobias said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got some real power there."

Edward nodded, though his thoughts were still on the magic he had felt during the battle. There was more to it than he understood, and he was determined to unlock its full potential.

For now, though, they had completed the first challenge. The dungeon still stretched ahead, and Edward knew that the real trials were yet to come.

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