Dawn hadn't broken yet.
But hundreds of students already stood assembled in the central field beyond the academy walls, their silhouettes illuminated by magical lanterns hovering overhead.
Most formed tight groups, talking, planning, casting minor buffs or adjustments. Others stood in duos. And then there were a few like Nclai... still.
Lyra pulled the edge of her cloak tighter, watching her breath fog the air. "It's colder than I thought."
Nclai didn't answer. He was adjusting the straps of his equipment pack, tucking in the Score Crystal beneath his inner sleeve, and double-checking the location of the Recall Crystal.
Lyra eyed him sideways. "You know... we could've brought gloves."
"You didn't mention it," he said.
"Neither did you."
They shared a quick glance before looking away again. The air between them was strange, not cold, but not warm either. Just... alert.
A shimmer pulsed through the air ahead.
The barrier opened.
Dozens of gates shaped from red light spiraled into view, each labeled with a zone. Professor Ileron's voice echoed once more through the field.
"...All groups, step through the assigned gates. Objectives have been randomized. Target sigils and challenge relics must be captured and returned to earn bonus score."
He paused.
"...Recall Crystals are active. Use them wisely. Good hunting."
Nclai and Lyra approached the portal marked Zone 4B. The forest beyond looked dense, layered in hanging mist and cracked stonework.
Before stepping through, Lyra exhaled. "Last chance to back out."
"I won't."
She grinned. "Figured."
Together, they stepped through.
......
[Zone 4B – Eastern Territory]
The moment they crossed the threshold, the environment changed.
Temperature dropped. Light dimmed.
Trees towered high, their roots split and coiled over remnants of forgotten ruins. The moss underfoot whispered as they walked.
A faint rune at Nclai's wrist blinked blue.
Score Tracking Active.
Group Detected: [Duo], Individual Share: 50%
Objective: Capture and return Sigil of Binding (Marked Location)
Nclai traced the map projection hovering before him.
"North-east ridge," he said.
Lyra leaned in, checking it. "Looks like two miles uphill. Through pretty bad terrain."
"We'll make it."
She nodded. "Okay. No unnecessary fights. We go clean and fast."
But five minutes into their journey, the forest already tried to disagree.
A massive root system blocked half the trail. Sounds echoed in the distance, creatures, or students already fighting.
Lyra muttered, "Hope people remember this is still a test."
They passed three downed trees and a stretch of cracked stairway that led through a mossy arch. Old beast markings littered the surface, claw lines, deep and jagged.
"We're being watched," Lyra said suddenly.
"I know."
Nclai didn't stop. But the hairs on his arms had already begun to rise.
Whatever it was... it hadn't attacked. Probably just a scout-beast.
Or another team.
But they didn't pursue. And Nclai didn't waste time.
......
By the time they reached the ridge, the terrain had steepened.
Stone met their boots. Wind howled through exposed gaps. A ruined temple structure jutted out from the side of the hill.
Location Reached: Sigil Chamber – Unclaimed
A faint pillar of red light rose in the center of the broken dome.
"This is the objective," Lyra said. "You keep watch?"
Nclai stepped forward. "I'll get the sigil."
She blinked. "You sure?"
He didn't respond.
He walked into the center, where the sigil floated above a jagged pedestal of bone-metal. As soon as he reached out...
Challenge Triggered
Two minutes to maintain contact
Increased beast activity detected in zone
A low growl echoed across the trees below.
Lyra's expression tightened. "Guess that was the catch."
"I'll hold," Nclai said calmly.
She turned, drawing her blades. "Then I'll handle what comes."
......
Two minutes.
That's how long it took.
A trio of hounds, mutated beasts with crystal-spike spines, emerged from the low path. They charged.
Lyra didn't wait.
She moved fast, blades flashing, cutting the first one down mid-lunge. The second snapped at her leg, but she pivoted, buried her dagger through its eye.
The third skidded and leapt...
A snap of red thread whistled through the air.
Crack.
Nclai's finger flicked while holding the sigil.
The hound split mid-air, blood unwinding in the shape of a thin ribbon.
Lyra stared for half a second, then turned away. "Show off."
Sigil Claimed
Bonus Score Received: +150
Current Standing: Top 10%
Nclai let go of the pedestal. The red light dimmed.
He turned to Lyra.
"We move."
She smirked. "You didn't even look tired."
"Should I?"
She rolled her eyes. "Come on, Bloodlord. Let's get more points."
......