Each team underwent a different challenge, unaware of what others faced.
Team 117 returns… the look in their eyes says everything.
But not one word is spoken.
In the courtyard, all students stand in lines, awaiting instructions.
Whispers… silent tension.
“All students must submit a written report on their assigned mission.”
Levan sits beside his team and writes—nothing more, nothing less.
Inside the academy offices, supervisors review the reports.
Details range from forest simulations to tunnels and old observation posts.
Nothing exceptional.
“Team 117 mentioned an old research facility… but nothing unusual.”
“They returned without injury… just visible exhaustion.”
“Trainers reported nothing suspicious. Looks like it’s over.”
Or so they thought.
In the courtyard, the head instructor stands before a stone board with names etched on it.
“Based on performance, composure, and teamwork… results are in.”
“Failing teams will be transferred to the Eighth Order for reconditioning.”
“Only 12 teams have passed.”
“Team 117… qualified.”
Rumo smiles calmly.
Ena stares at the ground.
Levan says nothing.
A supervisor steps onto an elevated platform:
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“The next test is individual… but its result is collective.”
“If one member fails… the entire team is disqualified.”
Murmurs among the trainees.
Rumo (whispers):
“More than pressure… this is hidden elimination.”
Ena:
“Only those who can stand alone… will stay standing at all.”
Tall towers… a crowd of students and trainers.
At the center: a giant iron cage.
A creature emerges…
4 meters tall, broad-shouldered, standing upright, skin dark crimson, with exposed fangs.
The supervisor announces:
“Creature level: Class F.”
“Instructions: Evade five attacks… and land five of your own.”
“Survival isn’t about strength, but focus.”
The first trainee enters.
The creature moves fast—
A sudden strike nearly hits his face, but he dodges just in time.
He lands a hit, retreats, gets attacked again.
Eventually… he completes the task.
He exits—exhausted, but successful.
[Parallel Scene]
At a checkpoint near the state’s outer wall, three soldiers talk at night.
“Did you hear? Three Orders were tasked with a new recon mission.”
“They’ve been hearing strange sounds beyond the wall every night…”
“Are the Commanders going?”
“No. They can’t risk it. Nature itself wouldn’t tolerate that much power in one place.”
“Then who?”
“Deputy Commanders… with elite squads.”
A female trainee steps in… but fails.
Three hits land before she scores even one.
The supervisor raises his hand:
“Team 3… disqualified.”
Gasps, disappointment, silence.
[ Near the Tenth Order]
On a cliff overlooking the Abyss, the Commander of the Tenth Order stands.
His back to the camera, hands behind his back.
Footsteps approach…
A man stands beside him.
“We haven’t spoken in over five years… old friend.”
His name… his face… unrevealed.
But the air tells this is no ordinary meeting.
The arena prepares for Team 117.
Ena adjusts her glove.
Rumo takes a deep breath.
Levan stares at the ground.
Rumo (with a faint smile):
“We all know our role.”
Ena (calmly):
“Just don’t be the weakest… or the strongest.”
Levan steps forward…
The iron gate opens…
The beast roars.
End of Chapter 14.