Chapter 13: The bonds that break
The second chamber was warmer, but not comforting.
It pulsed.
The walls were alive veined with crimson light, breathing in silence. Thalen stepped carefully, Kindle in hand, as the corridor narrowed.
Eventually, it opened into a wide, circular arena with no ceiling only a black sky swirling with silver mist.
The other candidates trickled in behind him. Rheis. Elya. Maika. Twenty-five remained.
Then the voice returned.
> "You survived yourself. Good.
Now survive each other."
The Second Trial: Divide
Without warning, barriers of searing red light erupted between them separating each student into pairs.
Thalen spun. His barrier hummed, crackling with energy. Across from him, through the translucent field, stood...