The golden light of dusk spilled across the rolling hills as the group of four stood atop a rocky rise overlooking Stonevale City—a vast sprawl of shining rooftops, tall spires, and bustling streets cradled by the emerald Verdan Range.
A soft breeze swept across them, ruffling their travel-worn cloaks. Bells chimed faintly from the distant city gates, mingling with the chirping of birds and the occasional roar of a beast echoing from the mountains.
Kael stepped forward, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed with anticipation. "So this is Stonevale, huh? Looks like a real battlefield for rising swordsmen."
Lyra squinted toward the gates, the wind brushing her silver strands across her face. "Look at all those banners… they're announcing the sect exams."
Dozens of vibrant flags danced along the outer walls—each bearing the emblem of a powerful sect:
A crackling thunderbolt: Lightning Sect
A crimson phoenix in flight: Fire Phoenix Sect
A blooming lotus: Flower Sect
A crescent moon surrounded by falling snow: Ice Sect
As they entered the city, the air thickened with excitement and tension. Hundreds of hopefuls lined the examination halls, their spirits burning with the fire of ambition.
---
The Sect Exams Begin
Stonevale's Grand Arena—an oval colosseum of pale stone—was packed to the brim. Crowds of cultivators, nobles, and elders filled the viewing stands. Excitement crackled in the air as the first round of combat began.
Kael vs. Taren of the Thunder Gorge
Kael stepped into the ring. Across from him, a bulky teen from Thunder Gorge glared menacingly. Taren gripped a broad glaive, lightning flickering across its blade.
The bell rang.
Taren charged first, swinging with brute force. Kael leapt back, eyes narrowing. "Thunder Slash!" he roared, his blade crackling with lightning.
Taren's glaive clashed against Kael's thunder-infused blade, and lightning exploded across the arena. Dust flew. The crowd gasped.
Kael spun, footwork swift and precise. "Lightning Movement!" His body became a blur—dodging Taren's next strike. He appeared behind his opponent in a flash.
Taren turned, too slow—Kael's blade struck his shoulder, and sparks flared. Roaring, Taren slammed his glaive down in desperation. Kael blocked it with one arm wrapped in lightning armor, gritting his teeth. The impact cracked the tiles beneath him.
With a yell, Kael swept Taren's legs, knocking him down. He placed his sword at Taren's neck.
"Winner—Kael of Liria!"
The crowd erupted.
Kael turned to the stands, sweat running down his brow, heart pounding. He grinned.
---
Lyra vs. Marin of the Scarlet Hollow
Marin danced into the arena, twin daggers gleaming.
Lyra stepped forward, calm but focused, a pink aura blooming behind her. "Petal Storm Style," she whispered.
Marin lunged first—daggers spinning. Lyra danced to the side, and her blade shimmered like falling petals.
Marin slashed, but Lyra's petals exploded into a blinding mist, cutting visibility. "Illusion Bloom!"
From the mist, Lyra struck—quick slashes against Marin's arms and legs. Blood sprayed lightly. Marin backed off, furious, then lunged again.
Lyra parried with grace, dancing between strikes. Then she unleashed a rapid flurry—"Lotus Slash!"
Her final strike cracked Marin's blade and sent her tumbling to the ground.
"Winner—Lyra of Liria!"
Cheers filled the air.
---
Reina vs. Vyren of the Frost Fields
Vyren was cold, quiet, and skilled—his aura freezing the stage. Reina, her soul sword of flame humming, burned with a quiet fire.
Their clash was elemental—ice versus fire.
Vyren launched spears of frost. Reina dodged and slashed, melting them midair.
He froze the ground beneath her. She slipped, but with a spin, slashed the ice and propelled herself back upright. "Phoenix Rise!"
A surge of fire lifted her into the air, and she came down like a meteor. Her blade collided with Vyren's, fire and ice screeching in a storm.
Reina's aura exploded, melting Vyren's defense. Her final strike knocked his sword from his hands.
"Winner—Reina of Liria!"
The audience roared.
---
Aftermath
Outside the arena, the three of them stood victorious, breathing heavily, blades at their sides.
Kael clapped Reina's shoulder. "You torched that ice boy."
Lyra smiled. "We all passed… but where's Eren?"
They turned to find him leaning against a pillar, arms crossed.
"I'll be heading out tomorrow," Eren said.
"What?" Kael blinked.
"I'm not joining any sect," Eren replied calmly. "I'll train on my own. My path is different."
There was silence.
Lyra stepped forward. "Alone? Are you sure?"
Eren gave a faint smile. "I promised someone I'd return stronger. I have to walk my own way to keep that promise."
Kael looked at him, fists clenched. "Then you better not lose to me the next time we meet."
"I won't," Eren said, eyes shining.
They all smiled then, under the falling sunset.
The path of their futures had begun—blazing, cold, chaotic, and full of sword light.