Absolute Cheater

The misty figure turned its intense gaze toward the girl, its glowing eyes narrowing with interest.

"The test," it began, its voice low and resonant, "is not a simple trial of brute force. You will face illusions, fears, and obstacles that will push your mental and physical limits."

The figure's dark-blue form flickered as it gestured toward the gate behind it. "You must each walk the path alone. Your strength, wit, and resilience will be judged in ways you cannot anticipate. Those who prove worthy will find the gate open for them at the end of their journey."

A murmur spread through the gathered students as they exchanged nervous glances. Some looked apprehensive, while others, like Asher, remained steady and determined.

"Begin," the figure commanded, its voice booming as the mist parted. A dark passage stretched out from the base of the gate, lined with shimmering, ethereal flames that cast an eerie light.

One by one, the students began stepping forward, each disappearing into the misty path. When it was Asher's turn, he took a deep breath and moved toward the entrance, his eyes sharp and focused, ready to face whatever awaited him.

Servator, the ancient guardian of the Academy gate, watched intently as the young, ambitious students approached, one by one, ready to step into his domain. On the outside, he appeared as a simple gate, solid and unmoving, but in reality, he was a sentient being, a Realm Gatekeeper connected to a treacherous plane known as the Den of Nightmares. This was no ordinary test of skill; it was an ordeal crafted to challenge each entrant's resilience, wit, and courage.

The Den of Nightmares was a labyrinthine realm, half-formed from the remnants of forgotten worlds and brimming with horrors that took shape from one's innermost fears. No two paths were the same, for each illusion, each winding corridor, and each shadowy creature was molded from the subconscious mind of the challenger. To pass through to the Academy, the students needed more than raw power—they needed the mental fortitude to face their darkest fears head-on.

As each young aspirant entered, Servator's keen awareness swept over them, sensing the unique essences they brought. This year's class was impressive, brimming with talent from the Academy's most distinguished families. He took particular interest in a few of the entrants, those who came from bloodlines of power and prestige, each possessing a legacy as well as a reputation.

"Ah, three Terrors from the Magnus family this year," he noted, a trace of admiration in his voice. The Terrors, known for their mastery over several abilities, possessed the uncanny ability to manipulate Blood—a skill that could either confuse the creatures within the Den or bend the very nightmares themselves. Magnus heirs were trained to weaponize fear, a useful skill within the Den.

Then came the Hell flames ability family, the fierce and resilient "Hounds." Known for their fearsome destructive abilities, strength, and combat instincts, these young members of the Hell flame clan entered with heads held high and an unshakeable resolve. "Two Hounds this year," Servator mused with a low chuckle. They were known to be relentless hunters and well-prepared for the physical dangers lurking in the shadows of the maze.

They were like predators—the second most feared family after the Magnus household. Their flames had the power to burn souls, and they were notorious for torturing their targets by slowly roasting their souls until the victims died from unbearable pain.

Hence the name "Hounds"—nightmarish creatures from hell, known for their relentlessness. The Helion family took pride in this reputation; they found the name fitting, a perfect emblem of their ruthless nature and unwavering pursuit of their targets.

Behind them, two students from the necromancer family of Black family, known as the "Death Seekers," passed through the gate, each bearing a dark aura. Necromancy was a skill feared by many, but the Death Seekers embraced it. They had learned to manipulate life and death, summoning the spirits of the dead or controlling spectral entities. Within the Den, they would face both the lure of their dark powers and the temptation of controlling the very nightmares they encountered.

Finally, he sensed the Golden Sword clan's heirs—the "Saints." He felt three of them enter, each radiating a holy energy that flickered like pure light through his consciousness. Saints were renowned for their mastery of defensive magic and their immunity to most forms of dark influence. Though their power was traditionally used to protect, he wondered how they would fare in a place where their own fears would be weaponized against them.

Then there were others: the Sea Kings from the Riverdale family, the Thors from the Indra family, the Deatheyes from the Artemis family, the Loki from the Darius family, the Druids of the Enrose family, and, last but not least, the Iron Blood from the Dagon family.

Each family had sent an average of two elites, making this year's gathering especially formidable. Only once a year were these elites presented, yet this time, the number of representatives from each family was unusually high!

"An elite group indeed," Servator thought with satisfaction. "Each of these families has brought their best… let's see how far they'll go." As he closed his eyes, he willed his consciousness to expand into the endless sky of his realm, where shadows and terrors awaited in anticipation.

The maze within was shifting, forming endless pathways and hidden traps. Shadows flickered in the dark, while creatures began to take shape—feral, vicious entities, each crafted from the latent fears of the entrants themselves. In this realm, the fears took form as Nightmares: giant, predatory beasts, sinister specters, and eerie, disembodied voices that whispered anxieties and doubts.

"Come," he whispered as his voice echoed through the maze. "Let's see what nightmares you bring to life."

Servator wasn't the only one watching this gathering. Numerous teachers and veteran warriors, known as "old monsters," observed the trial intently, eager to assess new talent and potentially pass down their skills. This year, six of these formidable figures had emerged from seclusion, stirred by curiosity and excitement to see which students could capture their attention.

The Academy's current Principal stood among them, gazing over the scene. His expression wavered between awe and apprehension. "Damn it," he thought, "no wonder that old man was so eager to hand down the principal's position." His mind wandered back to the previous headmaster, a legendary figure of unmatched strength. Although powerful in his own right, the Principal knew he'd barely last ten moves in a direct duel with his predecessor.

The memory sent a chill down his spine, making him subconsciously tense up.