Seiji’s heart pounds in his chest as the White Shadowwolf closes the distance between them. Time feels as though it’s slowing down, the world narrowing to the sharp, silver gleam of the creature’s eyes. The ground beneath him is crumbling, his muscles screaming in protest as he scrambles to get his bearings.

  But it’s too late.

  The wolf’s fangs gleam as it lunges toward him, a blur of speed and death. Seiji’s instincts scream for him to move, but his body is too slow. His fingers twitch toward the Skill Card Book in desperation.

  Suddenly, there’s a flash of motion—Tatsuya.

  Without a second thought, Tatsuya throws himself in front of Seiji, his sword raised high. The blade clashes with the White Shadowwolf’s claws in a burst of sparks and energy. The force of the collision sends shockwaves through the air, and Seiji is knocked back from the sheer power of it. The world spins as he hits the ground again, his vision blurring with dizziness.

  “Tatsuya!” Seiji shouts, panic creeping into his voice.

  Tatsuya doesn’t reply, his focus entirely on the beast before him. Sweat beads on his forehead as he grits his teeth, his muscles straining with the effort to hold his ground against the overwhelming strength of the White Shadowwolf. The wolf snarls, a guttural growl escaping its throat as it takes a step back, but its glowing eyes never leave the two of them.

  Seiji can hear the ferocity in the wolf’s growl, feel the weight of its gaze even from the ground. His thoughts race—he has to do something, but what? His cards are still locked, and he can barely hold onto his consciousness as pain throbs through his body.

  Then, a flicker. Something within him shifts.

  A surge of energy pulses from his Skill Card Book. It’s faint at first, but it grows. The glow from the page’s dances like firelight in the darkness. It’s not just a passive skill this time. Seiji can feel it. Something different. Something new.

  Seiji's heart skips a beat as the energy surging from the Skill Card Book intensifies, a wave of power that feels both foreign and familiar. His body tingles with the weight of it, and in the midst of the chaos, something materializes before him.

  A new card. It hovers just in front of his face, shimmering with an almost haunting glow. Seiji’s pulse races, the weight of his situation pressing down on him, but the card feels... right. It calls to him, and instinctively, his fingers reach out and grasp it.

  The moment his fingers make contact, a rush of shadowy energy fills him, and a weapon materializes in his hand—a blackened, jagged dagger, its edges sharp and glimmering with an otherworldly darkness. Seiji’s grip tightens, his eyes narrowing as he feels the power thrumming within the blade.

  Without thinking, he leaps to his feet, muscles burning from the effort. His mind races—Tatsuya needs help. The White Shadowwolf is closing in, its claws slashing with deadly intent.

  But Seiji doesn’t hesitate. With a quick glance at his best friend, he sees Tatsuya holding his ground, his sword raised to block another strike from the beast. Sweat beads on Tatsuya’s forehead, his eyes locked with the glowing silver ones of the wolf. His sword shakes under the force of the wolf’s strikes, his stance faltering with every blow.

  Seiji doesn’t wait any longer. He pushes forward, the dagger feeling like an extension of his own body, its dark energy pulsing in time with his heartbeat. He darts to Tatsuya’s side just as the White Shadowwolf lunges once again.

  “Tatsuya, look out!” Seiji shouts.

  Tatsuya doesn’t have time to react, his focus on the wolf. In that moment, Seiji thrusts the dagger forward, aiming directly at the wolf’s exposed flank. The blade sinks deep into the creature’s side with a sickening hiss of energy. A surge of dark power erupts from the blade, destabilizing the wolf’s form.

  The White Shadowwolf lets out an enraged howl, its body flickering as if caught between the physical and spectral worlds. It staggers back, releasing its grip on Tatsuya for the briefest of moments. Seiji can see the shock in his friend’s eyes.

  “What the hell—Seiji, did you—?” Tatsuya starts, but there’s no time for an explanation.

  The wolf is disoriented, and Seiji takes advantage of the moment, pulling the dagger out and slashing it again, this time aiming for its hind leg. The blade leaves a deep, glowing wound as dark energy pulses through the wolf’s body.

  Tatsuya steps forward, his sword raised high once more, now with a renewed sense of focus. “Nice one, Seiji! Let’s finish it!”

  Seiji nods, heart still pounding. He’s not entirely sure what just happened, but he knows one thing for sure—the new power in his hands has made a difference. They can do this.

  The White Shadowwolf howls in fury, its silver eyes now filled with rage. It’s not defeated yet, but the advantage is theirs, if they can strike quickly.

  Seiji stands shoulder to shoulder with Tatsuya, ready for whatever comes next.

  [Shadow Pierce (Active)]

  Rarity: Uncommon

  Level 1: A concentrated stab imbued with shadow energy, allowing the user to pierce through solid defenses.

  Effect: Deals moderate damage to the target, with a chance to destabilize the enemy, leaving them vulnerable for a short period.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Enhanced Pierce – Increases the damage and range of the stab, and temporarily weakens the target's resistance to physical attacks.

  Unlocks at Level 10: Shadow Surge – Adds a burst of dark energy that disorients enemies in a small radius, reducing their accuracy and movement speed.

  The White Shadowwolf staggers back, still disoriented by Seiji’s strike, but it’s not down yet. It snarls, its glowing silver eyes flickering with malice, and readies itself for another charge.

  Seiji feels his breath come in short, sharp gasps, his body screaming with exhaustion. His hand still grips the dagger, the dark energy swirling around it, but before he can strike again, a blur of motion catches his eye.

  Rika.

  She’s there in an instant, her crimson blade flashing as she cuts through the air with deadly precision. A Shadowwolf—one that had been creeping up behind them—collapses with a strangled howl, its dark form evaporating into shadows as Rika effortlessly slices through its body. Her movements are graceful, fluid, each strike purposeful and devastating.

  She turns to face Seiji and Tatsuya, her gaze unwavering, her expression fierce. “Watch your backs. More are coming,” she warns, her voice cold as ice.

  Seiji’s heart skips a beat as he spots the movement in the forest—the flicker of shadows darting toward them from every direction. It’s as if the White Shadowwolf has called for reinforcements. The clearing around them is rapidly becoming a battlefield, filled with swirling shadows and the growls of more approaching beasts.

  Tatsuya grits his teeth, his sword still raised, ready for another fight. “We can’t afford to be surrounded. We need to end this now.”

  Rika doesn’t hesitate. She sweeps her blade in a wide arc, clearing space around them. The air crackles with the intensity of her aura as she forces the remaining Shadowwolves to retreat, her skillful strikes creating openings for the others to move freely. She flicks her blade to the side, blood splattering the ground before she darts forward to engage another wolf, her movements a blur of efficiency.

  Seiji, still recovering from his previous strike, stands tall, his gaze flicking between the chaos unfolding around him. He tightens his grip on the Shadow Pierce dagger, his thoughts racing. He knows they need to work together if they have any chance of surviving this onslaught.

  “Seiji!” Tatsuya’s voice pulls him back to the present. “We take down the White Shadowwolf now, or we’ll be overwhelmed.”

  Seiji nods, his gaze hardening with resolve. The new skill, the Shadow Pierce, is powerful, but it’s not enough on its own. They need to deal with the White Shadowwolf—now.

  As the White Shadowwolf charges again, Seiji darts forward, Rika and Tatsuya flanking him. Tatsuya’s sword clashes against the wolf’s claws once more, and Rika’s blade cuts through the air in a deadly dance. Seiji, with his dagger in hand, moves to the side, watching for an opening.

  The wolf growls, its eyes focusing on Tatsuya, its claws raised to strike. Seiji knows this is their moment.

  With a sharp cry, Seiji thrusts his Shadow Pierce dagger forward, aiming for the creature’s chest. The dark energy intensifies, the blade sinking deep into the wolf’s side as a burst of shadow ripples outward. The creature’s body flickers again, destabilized by the overwhelming force of the strike.

  But the wolf isn’t done yet. With one final, enraged howl, it lunges at Tatsuya, its claws slashing down in a brutal arc.

  “Seiji! Now!” Rika’s voice cuts through the air.

  Seiji reacts on instinct, pulling the dagger free and striking once more, this time aiming for the wolf’s throat. The dark energy coalesces into a concentrated force, and the blade sinks into the creature’s vulnerable spot. The White Shadowwolf lets out one final, agonized howl before its form disintegrates into shadows, the beast collapsing into nothingness with a rush of wind.

  The clearing falls silent, save for the sounds of the wind and the distant rustling of the forest. The remaining Shadowwolves retreat, unwilling to face the combined strength of the group.

  Seiji, breathless and bloodied, lowers his dagger, staring at the empty space where the White Shadowwolf once stood. Tatsuya, still panting, gives him a nod of approval, while Rika wipes her blade clean, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats.

  “That... was close,” Tatsuya mutters, a grim smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

  Rika exhales sharply. “We’ve still got to be careful. There may be more out there. But for now... we’ve won.”

  Seiji, his heart still pounding in his chest, looks down at the dagger in his hand. He’s not sure how he did it, or what just happened, but he knows one thing—this fight was only the beginning. And whatever power his Skill Card Book has unleashed, he’s going to need it.

  The clearing falls into an uneasy calm, but the tension remains thick in the air. Seiji, Tatsuya, and Rika are momentarily still, catching their breath, eyes scanning the dense forest around them for any other surprises. Despite the White Shadowwolf's defeat, the sense of danger lingers, palpable and suffocating.

  Then, a voice breaks the silence.

  "Is everyone okay?"

  It’s a familiar voice, though no less strained from the battle. The three of them turn, their gazes meeting the few remaining students who’ve made it through the onslaught. They’ve dealt with the other Shadowwolves that had appeared behind them during the chaos, and now they’re cautiously making their way toward the center of the clearing.

  "We're good," Tatsuya mutters, his voice low as he keeps his sword in hand but at ease now. "But it's not over yet."

  Rika’s eyes scan the survivors, ensuring there are no immediate threats. Her blade still gleams with fresh blood, but her movements are sharp and calculated, assessing every angle. "You dealt with the others?"

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  A brief nod from one of them, and Seiji can tell they’ve managed to push back the remaining wolves. But it’s clear that everyone is exhausted, and the clearing still feels too quiet.

  "Let's not linger," Rika says, her tone a warning, as her gaze flickers to the shimmering portal now standing before them. It pulses with ethereal light, beckoning them forward, but they all know better than to trust its safety too easily.

  "Everyone in," Tatsuya says, his voice firm and authoritative.

  The group begins to move toward the portal, eyes darting around to make sure nothing lurks in the shadows. Seiji can feel the weight of the fight still lingering in his muscles, but the portal is their only hope—it's the one thing that can get them out of this nightmare.

  Rika leads the way, her steps steady and sure. Seiji follows closely, with Tatsuya right behind him. The others fall in line, their faces still etched with the remnants of fear and exhaustion, but they know better than to question the only path that offers them a way out.

  As they approach the portal, Seiji steals a glance back toward the forest. It’s hard to believe the battle is over, that the White Shadowwolf and its pack are gone. The fight feels like it just began, and yet they’re already moving toward the next unknown.

  But for now, there’s no time to dwell on it. With one last step, they all cross through the shimmering gateway and disappear into the unknown.

  The moment Seiji and the others step through the shimmering portal, a sharp chill cuts through the air, and they find themselves standing in an unfamiliar, expansive courtyard. The landscape is vastly different from the forest they just fought their way through, with towering structures looming in the distance and the sounds of distant activity floating through the still air. The portal behind them flickers, fading as if it never existed at all.

  Before them, standing in a perfect line, are several figures. At the forefront is Itou Kurogane, his imposing presence as commanding as always. His sharp eyes sweep over the group, assessing them with a mix of curiosity and caution. Beside him stands the ever-grim Principal Daigo Arakawa, his posture stoic as usual, but there's a flicker of something in his gaze as he looks at the students who made it through the trial. Behind them, several other Upperclassmen—older students who’d been monitoring the trial—stand quietly, observing the scene with a detached air, their expressions unreadable.

  "You're the first ones out," Itou's voice breaks the silence, a low murmur that carries across the courtyard. His dark hair falls in loose strands over his forehead, his posture relaxed, but his eyes are sharp as he looks at Seiji, Tatsuya, and Rika. "Impressive."

  Tatsuya, still breathing heavily from the fight, grits his teeth but forces a grin. "Took longer than expected, but we made it."

  Rika stands beside them, silent as ever but scanning the area with a watchful gaze. She doesn’t show any sign of weariness, but it’s clear she’s not entirely at ease. The Upperclassmen seem uninterested in making small talk, their expressions stern, but there's something almost satisfied in their stance.

  As Seiji’s eyes shift between his group and the awaiting Upperclassmen, he can’t help but feel the weight of their presence. It’s as if they’re being sized up, waiting for some kind of reaction. But before he can dwell on it too much, the faint sound of the portal crackling to life behind them draws his attention.

  He turns, and his eyes widen slightly as more figures step through the portal, one by one, their expressions a mix of exhaustion, relief, and some... wariness.

  Kazumi Hoshino, her white hair flowing behind her like a veil, steps out first. She gives the group a quick, calculating glance, her emerald eyes sharp as ever. Next is Isamu Arashiro, his longbow slung across his back, his expression grim as he surveys the area. Leon Reinhardt steps out after him, the massive figure of the Colossus's Will seeming to dwarf the others as he looks around with a quiet intensity, clearly processing the surroundings. Finally, Nacht Elara steps through, her pale features sharp under the dim light, the slight flare of unease barely visible in her eyes as she glances at her fellow students.

  They all look around, their faces taut with tension from the trial they’ve just experienced.

  Seiji’s heart beats faster, knowing that they’re not the only ones who survived the challenge. He watches as the remaining students gather near them, standing in a loose formation.

  "It's over for now," Rika says under her breath, her gaze hardening slightly as she watches the others. "But there’s more to this than we know."

  Tatsuya stands next to her, his hand on the hilt of his sword, still wary. "What’s the deal with those who didn’t make it out?"

  Seiji furrows his brow at the question. He had wondered that too, the moments of doubt and panic as they fought. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the portal wasn’t just a gateway, but a test—a trial that determined who passed and who... didn’t.

  Principal Arakawa finally steps forward, breaking the silence with a measured voice. "You may have noticed that not everyone made it out," he begins, his voice calm, but heavy with an unspoken weight. "Those who failed to complete the trial were not truly lost, but... transported to a different courtyard."

  Seiji blinks in confusion, his body still sore from the battle. "You mean, they didn’t die?"

  Arakawa shakes his head slowly. "No. They were removed from the trial and placed in a separate area. The trial’s boundaries were designed to prevent those who couldn’t keep pace from being lost completely. They are alive, but they failed the test."

  Isamu steps forward, his brows furrowed with frustration. "So, they weren’t good enough to finish. How’s that fair?"

  Principal Arakawa’s gaze hardens. "It’s not about fairness. It’s about ensuring that only those capable of surviving and adapting to the trials can move forward. If they failed, they’ll need to learn from it and improve."

  Arakawa’s expression remains unmoved, but there’s a sharpness in his voice as he continues. "It’s not about fairness. It’s about ensuring that those who are capable of handling the challenges move forward. The trial tests more than just survival—it tests adaptability. Those who couldn’t complete the trial or failed to meet the conditions within the time limits have been removed. They will not die, but their failure will not be ignored."

  Rika’s gaze flickers briefly to Arakawa, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing his words. She’s clearly not satisfied, but she stays silent for now.

  Seiji looks over to Tatsuya, who is still breathing heavily, though he’s regained his composure. Seiji can’t help but notice the tension in his friend’s shoulders, as if the weight of the trial is only starting to settle in. He can’t help but feel the same. But as he looks around, he notices that some of the other students—those who were with them in the trial—are still visibly shaken. This isn’t the kind of trial they signed up for. They were tested in ways they couldn’t have imagined.

  Seiji turns his attention back to Arakawa, trying to make sense of it all. "So, we were the ones who made it out... first?"

  "Correct," Arakawa responds with a nod. "Your group was the first to complete the trial and exit the alternate reality. The others who failed will undergo evaluation, and they will be given an opportunity to reattempt the trial once they’ve been reassessed."

  Seiji feels a small sense of pride at the mention of their success, but it’s overshadowed by the weight of the situation. As much as he’s relieved to be out of the trial, something feels wrong about the whole process. He looks at Tatsuya and Rika, then back to the others. There’s a lot more going on here than he initially realized.

  The trial had finally ended. The students stood in a weary silence, the weight of the ordeal settling in. Just as the tension was about to become unbearable, the healer department arrived, their robes fluttering as they moved quickly toward the group. With practiced hands, they began to tend to the wounded, offering healing potions and quick spells to alleviate the injuries from the intense trial.

  Isamu, still processing the outcome, stepped forward, eyes narrowed in confusion. "So, what happens to them? The ones who failed? Are they just out of the running now?" His voice held a sharp edge, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

  Kazumi, standing next to him, chimed in with her usual sharpness. "Yeah, if they couldn’t make it, does that mean they’re done for good? Was all this just a waste for them?"

  Principal Arakawa regarded them both calmly, his expression unreadable. "They are not out," he replied firmly. "Failing the trial does not mean permanent disqualification. It simply means they were removed temporarily. They will undergo reassessment and, if found capable, will be given another chance. This trial was never solely about surviving—it was about proving adaptability and learning from failure. Those who couldn’t complete it in time or failed to meet the necessary conditions have been pulled out, but they will not die, nor will they be forgotten."

  Seiji watched, his own chest still tight from the physical toll, as he tried to understand the full meaning behind Arakawa’s words. "So they’re alive?" he asked, his voice small, uncertain.

  "Yes," Arakawa confirmed. "They’re alive. This is a safety mechanism built into the portal. If someone fails before they are truly lost within the alternate reality, they are removed. The trial is meant to test how well you adapt to its challenges—not just how well you can survive them."

  Isamu wasn’t entirely satisfied with the explanation. His eyes flashed, and he shook his head slightly. "But it just feels like they’ve been kicked out, you know? Like they weren’t good enough." There was a bitterness in his tone, a frustration with the notion of failure.

  Arakawa’s gaze hardened slightly, but his tone remained even. "It’s not about being ‘good enough.’ It’s about what you do when you fail. The test is about more than survival. It’s about resilience. Can you adapt to new challenges? Can you push through when things get tough? Those who fail are given the chance to learn from their experience, to return stronger. But those who cannot learn from their failures are the ones truly lost."

  Seiji glanced at his friends, still trying to make sense of it all. "So, they’ll be able to try again?"

  "Yes," Arakawa nodded. "They’ll be evaluated and, if necessary, retrained. When they are ready, they will face the trial again. But understand this—there is no shame in failing. The trial is a crucible. You’re tested not just by what you can do, but by how you respond to adversity. Those who fail today may succeed tomorrow, but only if they’re willing to learn and grow."

  Seiji could feel the weight of Arakawa’s words settling on him. It wasn’t just about passing a test. It was about how you handled failure, how you got back up when the world knocked you down. The trial was more than just a physical test—it was a mental and emotional one as well. The students who hadn’t made it, they would have their chance again. But for Seiji, the knowledge that failure wasn’t the end gave him a little more confidence. He wasn’t alone in this.

  "So... what do we do now?" Seiji asked slowly, his mind still reeling. "What happens next for us?"

  Arakawa’s expression softened just a touch, as if he understood the weight of the question. "For now, you rest. Take some time to recover. You’ve been through a lot. The healer department will tend to your injuries. But know this: The next phase of training begins soon. This trial is only the beginning."

  Tatsuya, who had been quiet up until now, surveyed the others around him—his friends, the other students—each of them with their own wounds, their own exhaustion. He knew, without a doubt, that this wouldn’t be the last challenge they’d face.

  Arakawa’s voice broke the silence again, cutting through the uncertainty. "The next phase will be harder. But it will prepare you for the trials ahead. This test was just a small glimpse of what’s to come."

  Seiji felt a shiver run through him at the gravity in Arakawa’s words. He wasn’t sure he was ready for what was next, but one thing was certain—the easy part was over. Whatever lay ahead, he couldn’t turn back now.

  And so, as the healer department continued to work on the group, applying restorative magic and salves to their wounds, Seiji knew that the true journey had just begun. Whatever this world was, however dangerous it could be, he was in the thick of it now. There was no going back.

  The trials would continue. And Seiji was going to have to rise to meet them.

  The healer department finishes tending to the group, and the students are left to gather themselves, their bodies exhausted but their minds still buzzing from the trial they had just endured. The courtyard falls into a moment of quiet—an eerie calm after the chaos of the trial.

  Principal Arakawa steps forward once more, his eyes scanning the students with a calculated gaze. "Now that the trial has concluded," he begins, his voice strong and authoritative, "it is time to shift focus. There is more to this institution than mere survival."

  He gestures toward the students, his tone taking on a more formal edge. "I’d like to introduce someone who will play a crucial role in your experience here at this school, as well as in your progression through these trials. It is with great responsibility that I call upon Itou Kurogane, the Student Council President, to step forward."

  The students murmur amongst themselves, curiosity piqued as they watch a tall figure emerge from the shadows, stepping into the clearing. Itou Kurogane stands tall, exuding an air of authority, his posture confident but not boastful. His uniform, sharp and well-kept, complements his stoic expression as he walks to the center of the group.

  Itou bows his head slightly, acknowledging the students' attention, and then stands straight. His voice is steady but carries the weight of someone used to being in charge.

  "Greetings," he begins, his eyes scanning the group, "I am Itou Kurogane, this year’s Student Council President. I trust that you’ve all felt the weight of your first trial, but understand this: it is only the beginning. Much like the trials, everything here is a test—a test of strength, adaptability, and your ability to rise through the ranks."

  Principal Arakawa steps forward, nodding in approval as he addresses the students again. "Itou is the Student Council President because he proved himself through strength and merit. This institution follows a ranking system where your power and ability define your position in the school hierarchy. The strongest students, those who excel in combat and strategy, will rise to the top, with the Student Council President being the pinnacle of achievement."

  He pauses for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "The Student Council President is not a position given by favoritism or seniority—it is earned. Only those who have the strength to back up their leadership will hold such a title. The trials, both the ones you’ve just faced and the ones to come, will determine your rank and your place within the school’s structure."

  Itou nods, his expression serious as he looks over the group. "I won this position through sheer will and strength, and I expect each of you to understand that here, only the strongest will truly thrive. Your ability to rise to the top will be tested repeatedly, and your journey here will depend on how well you face each challenge that comes your way."

  Principal Arakawa steps back, his gaze shifting to the students once more. "Your goal should not just be to survive the trials but to aim for greatness. Your rankings will be determined by how you perform in these challenges—how you adapt, how you fight, how you lead. The strongest will continue to rise, and those who fail to meet the standards will fall behind. But remember," he adds, his tone turning more contemplative, "failure is not the end. It is simply an opportunity to learn and grow. Only those who refuse to adapt are truly lost."

  Seiji feels a knot form in his stomach at the weight of Arakawa's words. The idea of ranking based on power—fighting for a spot at the top—suddenly feels much more daunting than it did before. He’s not sure what he expected from the school, but this, the promise of constant trials, only reinforces the truth: this isn’t just a school. It’s a battleground for survival, and only the strongest will succeed.

  Itou offers a small nod of finality, signaling the end of his brief introduction. "I look forward to seeing how each of you fares in the upcoming trials. May your strength carry you forward."

  With that, Itou steps back, allowing the weight of his presence to linger in the air for just a moment before he fades into the background. Principal Arakawa gives the students a moment to absorb the information before speaking once more.

  "Prepare yourselves," Arakawa advises, his voice quiet but intense. "The real trials have only just begun."