Born of a lie

The third day inside the Goblin Forest arrived with a sharp wind and the sun struggling to peek through thick clouds. Most students had grown visibly tired. Injuries, bruises, and dirty clothes were common now. The forest, once terrifying to many, had become an arena where only the toughest stood.

Kain walked alongside Kai, his companion over the last two days. After their last encounter with goblins and surviving some close calls, their bond had strengthened. Though Kain didn't talk much, his thoughts swirled with questions. Why was he getting close to someone like Kai, who came from the noble Dawn family? And more than that, he kept thinking of Inventor—the voice that had spoken to him in dreams, the strange guidance and warnings that haunted him.

"Why am I even getting stronger?" Kain thought, staring at the faint glow of the sky above the forest canopy. "Is it just because of that voice? Inventor... why me?"

He looked at Kai, who remained calm even in the dangerous forest. Kai was different. Focused, strong, and always watching.

As they moved, shouts echoed through the trees. Other students were fighting goblins and testing their skills.

Anna from the Morgan family stood out the most. Her blessing, "Ice Empress," allowed her to summon sharp ice shards and freezing winds. She was calm in battle, her ice magic stunning and slowing goblins with elegance. Other nobles like Erik from the Rozen family used wind-enhanced agility, darting between trees, while Nolan of the Crestfall family relied on brute strength from his "Stonehide" blessing, turning his skin as tough as rock.

Even with all this talent, Kain still wondered about himself. He didn't have any divine mark, and his blessing was unknown to others. Still, his instincts kept him alive.

Kai turned to him suddenly as they moved past a stream.

"Kain," he said, looking curious. "You're strong, but I've noticed... you don't have a divine mark. What's your deal?"

Kain hesitated, then simply said, "I don't know. I just try."

Kai raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. He nodded slightly. "Well, whatever it is, it works. You've got something others don't."

The sun dipped lower as they moved toward the safe point. Then suddenly—a scream.

Before they could react, a group of masked figures emerged from the forest. Dark-robed and fast, they targeted the noble children. The ambush was precise. Two students from lower-ranking noble families were captured almost instantly.

Kai reacted quickly, drawing his sword, eyes sharpening. "Get ready!"

One of the attackers lunged at Kai—but stopped mid-charge, trembling. Kai's "Hunter Eye" blessing activated. Anyone weaker than Kai fell into a state of fear, their stats dropping slightly.

Despite that, the attackers were experienced. One managed to slash Kai's side. Kain rushed in, battling with raw strength and desperation. His "Battle Instinct" kicked in, helping him remain calm despite fear. Still, he was overwhelmed and knocked out after defending Kai.

As the attackers tried to drag Kai away, a powerful aura filled the air.

A figure landed like lightning.

"You picked the wrong students," said Teacher Vairon.

With swift strikes and powerful spells, he drove the attackers away. One of the masked figures shouted as they fled:

"The organization will take control over the kingdom and destroy the difference between nobles and commoners!"

The forest went silent again.

Teacher Vairon looked at the two boys. Kain unconscious, Kai injured but awake.

His voice low, he muttered, "Things are moving too fast."

And so, the third test neared its end—not with goblins, but with a real threat that had finally shown its face.