Ascension of the Forsaken Genius

The Decennial Trial had officially begun. A grand spectacle of strength, intelligence, and survival, the trial determined the future elite of the kingdom. The massive floating screens around the coliseum displayed a live feed from the Verdant Shroud, the vast, ancient forest where one thousand participants had been teleported.

These screens, engraved with runes, received their transmissions from the Celestial Eye, an artifact created by the Emberlane Energon Association. It captured every battle, every alliance, and every betrayal, ensuring that the spectators would not miss a single moment.

At the heart of the coliseum, Grand Energist Voren, leader of the Emberlane Energon Association, stood at the highest podium. His presence alone commanded silence as he surveyed the crowd before him.

Then, he spoke, his deep voice reverberating across the arena.

"One thousand participants have entered the Verdant Shroud," he announced. "Only those who survive for seven days shall advance."

The coliseum erupted into murmurs of anticipation and excitement. This was more than a contest of physical might—this was a crucible that tested adaptability, intellect, and willpower. Those who emerged victorious would be forever changed.

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The Verdant Shroud was no ordinary forest. Spanning hundreds of kilometers, it was a place where the weak perished and only the strong endured. Ancient and teeming with dangers, its landscape was unpredictable—towering trees, dense undergrowth, winding rivers, and jagged cliffs formed a natural labyrinth.

But the greatest threats were not the environment. Magical beasts, ruthless competitors, and unpredictable phenomena lurked in every shadow.

To ensure fairness, each participant was randomly teleported across the trial grounds. Some appeared near advantageous positions—water sources, defensible cliffs, or ruins filled with hidden resources. Others were not so fortunate, materializing near dangerous beasts or in exposed open fields.

Each competitor carried a metal plate inscribed with teleportation runes, a safeguard designed to remove them from the trial if they sustained life-threatening injuries. However, those who were forced out this way would suffer public disgrace.

Above it all, the Celestial Eye transmitted every movement, ensuring that the entire kingdom bore witness to their struggle.

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Many of the competitors belonged to powerful noble houses, prestigious institutions, or feared factions, each with its own agenda.

The Royal Academy – The Kingdom’s Foremost Institution

Dorian Valenhart – A strategist with a reputation for turning unwinnable battles in his favor. His unique energy harmonization technique made him a dangerous opponent, able to adjust his fighting style based on his enemy.

Elise Valenhart – A specialist in barrier formations, she focused on endurance and survival rather than direct combat. She was a master at delaying enemies until an opportunity presented itself.

The Royal Military Order – The Kingdom’s Strongest Warriors

Darian Falkenrath – Son of a renowned general, he had trained on the battlefield since childhood. His fighting style was relentless, his greatsword capable of cutting through steel.

Emberlane Energon Association – Masters of the Arcane Arts

Selene Valeheart – A frost mage, whose mere presence chilled the air. She fought with a graceful yet merciless style, freezing rivers and encasing enemies in ice.

The Iron Fang Guild – Mercenaries and Rogues

Phantom Wraith – A masked assassin who had never failed a mission. His movements were ghostlike, his presence barely detectable even by the most experienced warriors.

Independent Competitors – The Unpredictable Wildcards

The Black-Armored Spearman – A nameless warrior, clad in an impenetrable suit of armor, wielding a spear that had never been seen chipped or broken.

The Cloaked Shadow – A figure with no known allegiance, moving through the forest unseen, always one step ahead of danger.

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As the teleportation settled, the trial began in earnest.

The floating screens in the coliseum flickered between different competitors, showing their first moments in the Verdant Shroud.

Dorian Valenhart was already constructing a fortified position, gathering allies, and securing resources. His tactical mind was evident—while others rushed into battle, he secured dominance over the land itself.

Selene Valeheart froze an entire river to trap a group of hostile cultivators, eliminating them without even needing to fight.

Darian Falkenrath crushed a beast with a single swing of his greatsword, proving why the Royal Military Order had sent him.

Phantom Wraith had already claimed his first victim, appearing behind them like a ghost before they even had time to react.

Meanwhile, Rael Aldreth had already seized control of his immediate surroundings. Forming a temporary alliance with other noble heirs, he used military strategy to dominate their section of the forest. His commands were swift and efficient, ensuring that his group wasted no time in securing resources and eliminating threats.

Other competitors scattered throughout the forest, some forming groups, others moving alone, trusting in their abilities to survive. But all knew that the true danger would come at night—when the weaker competitors had already been eliminated, and the real hunters would begin to make their moves.

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Back in the coliseum, Sylas Aldreth watched the unfolding trial intently. Though not a participant, his sharp eyes studied the competitors, analyzing their techniques, their strategies, and their weaknesses.

He had no desire to enter this trial himself—not yet. There was far too much to learn, too much to prepare for. But he knew that soon, his time would come.

"This trial isn’t just about survival."

"It’s about understanding power in all its forms."

As night began to descend on the Verdant Shroud, the real test was only just beginning.

The weak would fall. The strong would rise.@@novelbin@@

And the true monsters of the trial had yet to reveal themselves.