Absolute Cheater

Elder Valen nodded in satisfaction as he reviewed the final tally. Over 140 students had managed to pass the Trial by Combat, a record in itself, a testament to the academy's talented new recruits. As the last of the students exited the clearing, the Elders exchanged knowing glances, each understanding that the coming days would demand the same intensity—and more—from these hopefuls.

"Impressive," Elder Valen remarked to the Elders beside him. "I don't remember the last time we saw such resilience from this many students."

Elder Seraphine, a dignified woman from the Enrose family, nodded thoughtfully. "The families have done well this year. Each elite displayed considerable skill, though some… surprised even me." She glanced over at Asher, who was quietly catching his breath among the other students, his eyes still scanning his surroundings with a wary determination.

"Indeed," added Elder Braxton of the Dagon family. "That boy—Asher Magnus. He lasted beyond the expected threshold. A Magnus with that level of control… unusual." He stroked his beard, a glint of interest in his eyes. "I'd say he has potential, and if he continues like this, he could be a serious contender."

Other Elders nearby murmured their agreement. Some had their attention on students from their own families, but all had taken note of Asher. His unyielding resilience had struck a chord, especially as he had faced the golem alone for nearly sixteen minutes.

Elder Valen cleared his throat and addressed the gathered students. "You have all done well to pass the Trial by Combat. However, understand that today's challenges were merely the beginning. The academy demands both strength and perseverance, and each of you has a long path ahead. But those who proved themselves today"—he paused, allowing his gaze to rest momentarily on Asher, as well as others who had shown notable skill—"should be prepared. Greater challenges await."

The students, some still panting, some brimming with pride, and others with quiet resolve, exchanged glances as they absorbed Elder Valen's words. The elite family members, despite their prestige, felt the weight of the academy's expectations. Even Darren of the Dagon family, usually smug and self-assured, seemed thoughtful as he stood among his peers.

As the Elders concluded the trial, the academy grounds buzzed with conversations. Many students discussed strategies, seeking insight from those who had lasted the longest. A few from the prestigious families, like Sylas of the Black family and Freya of the Enrose family, cast curious glances in Asher's direction, subtly acknowledging his unexpected endurance.

Yet, for Asher, the trial was a mere step. His mind was already on the challenges ahead, each test a chance to confront the shadows of his past and grow beyond them.

Elder Valen addressed the students again as they gathered, anticipation thick in the air.

"You have each shown the strength of your minds by overcoming the Nightmares," Elder Valen began. "Then, in the Trial by Combat, you displayed the power within you to conquer formidable foes. But now, we will test your endurance and resilience. The next trial is the Trial of Stamina. Only those with unwavering perseverance will succeed."

Murmurs rippled through the group, students sharing glances of both excitement and apprehension. This trial was rumored to push even the strongest bodies and wills to their breaking point.

Elder Valen raised his hand for silence. "The Trial of Stamina will take place in the Abyssal Fields. There, a gravity field enhanced by ancient magic will test your physical endurance and ability to remain focused under immense pressure. Every five minutes, the gravity will increase by another 25%, and you will need to withstand the weight bearing down on you for as long as possible. You may use any abilities at your disposal, but be aware—this trial is not simply about brute force."

The students felt a mix of fear and excitement, with some eagerly discussing strategies. Asher, however, remained quiet, absorbing the details of the trial. The Academy was testing not just his power but his capacity to endure challenges that went beyond combat.

"Remember," Elder Valen continued, "there is no shame in surrendering when the gravity becomes too intense. You must know your own limits." With that, he gestured toward the Abyssal Fields, and the students made their way there, each preparing mentally and physically for what lay ahead.

Upon reaching the field, the students could feel the intensity of the magic-infused ground. Even standing still felt as though the ground was pulling them downward, anchoring them to the spot. One by one, they entered the designated zone, and the trial began.

Within the first five minutes, the gravity had already increased to a challenging level, and several students were visibly straining. Asher took a steady breath, feeling the pressure but holding his ground, his eyes focused on the ground as he steadied his stance. Some students employed their family abilities to assist them; Freya from the Enrose family used her World Tree ability to grow roots into the ground, anchoring herself and absorbing some of the pressure.

Around Asher, other elites battled the gravity field in their own ways:

Sylas of the Black Family, utilizing his Necromancy, summoned skeletal constructs to brace his body and provide support, though the gravity gradually broke the bones, forcing him to continually reanimate them.

Darren from the Dagon Family, known for his Overlord powers, summoned massive, resilient creatures to shield him from the increasing weight, allowing him to stay on his feet longer than most.

Evelyn of the Helion Family, her body cloaked in Hellfire, seemed to sear through the oppressive force for a while, but the strain soon showed as beads of sweat formed on her brow, her flames flickering under the unrelenting pressure.

As the gravity intensified to over twice its usual strength, some students were visibly struggling. Even the proud elites, accustomed to mastery over their abilities, were pushed to their limits. Asher remained rooted, using his Blood supreme ability to circulate blood to his muscles, heightening his physical resilience. He felt the intense pressure, but he adapted, focusing on his breathing and controlling his body with precision.

The Elders watched closely, noting each student's approach to overcoming the trial. Elder Seraphine nodded approvingly, her gaze lingering on Freya and Sylas as they used resourceful applications of their family powers. Elder Valen watched Asher, intrigued by his unconventional approach. "He is showing remarkable discipline," he muttered to himself, impressed.

By the fifteen-minute mark, some students dropped out, unable to withstand the force pressing down on them. Those who remained were drenched in sweat, faces etched with strain, yet their eyes held determination.

When the gravity reached its peak, pushing close to quadruple its normal strength, Asher gritted his teeth. His body trembled under the weight, but he held on. His Blood Ruler ability pulsed, forcing his muscles to endure the seemingly unbearable pressure. He glanced around and noticed that others were watching him—some with admiration, others with envy.

Finally, Elder Valen raised his hand. "Enough! The Trial of Stamina is complete. Those who remained standing have shown resilience worthy of Academy elites."

The gravity field lifted, and the students who had endured to the end staggered, taking in deep breaths. Elder Valen looked at each of them with approval.

"To survive the Abyssal Fields is no small feat," he announced. "You have shown both mental and physical fortitude. Remember these lessons, for your trials are not over yet."

Exhausted but proud, the students exchanged glances, nodding with respect toward one another, particularly to Asher. He had pushed beyond limits they hadn't expected, setting a high standard as they prepared for whatever trials lay ahead.

With the Trial of Stamina behind them, the students barely had a moment to rest before Elder Valen called them together once more. His eyes swept across the group, lingering on those who had endured the crushing force of the Abyssal Fields.

"You have shown physical resilience," Elder Valen began, his voice echoing over the silent crowd. "But now, we will test your adaptability and mastery over your powers. This next trial is known as the Trial of Elemental Chaos."

The name alone caused murmurs among the students. The Trial of Elemental Chaos was infamous within the Academy, known to test a student's ability to adapt quickly to unpredictable shifts in the environment.

Elder Valen continued, "In this trial, each of you will enter the Chaos Chamber—a vast arena filled with wild elemental energies that will shift without warning. Fire, water, earth, and air will clash and combine. You must survive, counter, or adapt to each element as it emerges and shifts. This trial does not simply test strength, but ingenuity and precision in controlling your abilities."

Asher and the others were ushered to the entrance of the Chaos Chamber. Inside, they could see the arena stretching out, an almost surreal landscape where fire blazed, water churned, winds howled, and chunks of earth floated or erupted unpredictably from the ground.

One by one, students were called to enter the chamber. Asher's name was announced, and he stepped forward, his expression set with determination. The doors closed behind him, and he found himself alone in the ever-shifting elemental landscape.