The sun was just sliding down the horizon when the envoy's promise proved true.

In no time, they reached a camp that looked far more structured than the makeshift stops they were used to.

Tents stood in neat rows, staked deep and tied tight, and fire pits were arranged in clear circles.

The air smelled of cooked meat and smoke, with elemental users and guards in light armor moved about, their movements showing discipline even in a temporary outpost.

One envoy gestured ahead. "That tent there. It's been set aside for your group. Rest. You'll be summoned once the others return from their own hunt."

Arden offered a polite nod. "Understood. We'll be ready when called."

Inside the tent, space was tighter than he expected but clean. A rug had been laid over the dirt floor, with low stools and mats to rest on. His companions each claimed a spot with little fuss.

After a few short exchanges about the day's march, silence fell, the kind that came from shared understanding rather than fatigue.

Arden drew a small vial from his pouch and set it on the mat between them. "Same as last time. Don't overdo it."

Rael gave a short grin. "Don't worry, we won't."

Nyra said nothing, just nodded once, already steadying her breathing. Zephyra lowered herself to the corner, tail coiling, her eyes half-closed though Arden knew she was never really asleep.

They drank sparingly, each settling into their cultivation. Threads of aether swirled faintly, drawn into their veins as they pressed against their limits.

Arden leaned back, but he did not remain idle. He let his own energy flow, channeling life force through every path he could find, sometimes letting the edges of his proto-domain unfurl just enough to taste the space around him. It drained him fast, but each time he pulled it back he felt his control grow steadier.

Time slipped away unnoticed. The world narrowed to steady breathing, faint hums of energy, and the pulse of progress.

One by one, Nyra and Rael pushed to their limits and finally exhaled, sweat dampening their brows. Arden drew in his domain once more, quiet satisfaction settling in his chest.

It was then the flap of the tent shifted, and a young elemental users stepped in. "You've been summoned. The council tent."

They rose quickly, straightened their gear, and followed.

The larger tent stood at the heart of the camp, its canvas higher and broader, poles etched with faint runes for reinforcement.

Inside, a long table had been set, envoys seated in measured silence. Several new faces turned as Arden's group entered.

One envoy, a man with sharp eyes and a clipped tone, gestured to them. "The Outbounds. I've heard much about your progress. It seems the rumors weren't exaggerated."

Arden inclined his head respectfully. "We only did what was asked of us."

He didn't speak more than needed. The weight of his words lay in their simplicity, something the envoys seemed to note.

But Arden's attention shifted as the envoy continued, "Now, introductions. You'll be sharing this trial with another group."

From the opposite side, four figures stepped forward. They were already standing with their backs straight, each one dressed in refined gear that marked them as nobles rather than wanderers.

The envoy took his time describing them, his voice carrying pride as if announcing champions.

"First, Kaelen, battle mage. Steel affinity, known for overwhelming offense." A tall young man, red hair pulled back, sword strapped across his back. His eyes burned with a sharp gleam, already dismissing Arden's group with a glance.

"Selira, elemental mage. Lightning affinity, swift and ruthless." A woman with dark braids and piercing eyes, sparks flickering faintly around her fingertips as if her body itself carried charge.

"Doran, assassin. Shadow affinity, quick strikes and silence." He was lean, clad in muted leathers, his gaze restless, weighing everyone in the tent.

"And Lysandra, battle mage/archer. wind affinity, her arrows break even steel." A tall woman with braided gold hair, bow slung with casual ease, chin lifted proudly.

The envoy finished with no small flourish. "Each of them awakened with S-rank veins, the finest potential of their generation."

The four stood with pride fitting the introduction, yet their eyes carried another look, one of disdain. To them, Arden and his group were outlanders, strays from the north, hardly worth sharing the same space.

Arden felt Rael shift slightly beside him, but he said nothing. He met the stares with calm eyes, unbothered, and let silence stretch.

The envoy then gestured back toward Arden's group.

His tone shifted, more measured. "And here, the Outbounds. Dual affinity users. Arden, their leader," his eyes flicked toward him. Nyra, wind and ice. Rael, ice and lightning. And their beast companion—"

"Zephyra," Arden cut in smoothly before the envoy could move on.

The Crimson Fangs chuckled at that, one of them letting the sound linger.

Zephyra's growl rumbled through the tent, low and dangerous, fire faintly curling between her teeth.

Arden only rested a hand lightly against her side, voice calm. "Ignore it. Not worth the breath."

She stilled, though her eyes never left them.

The envoy cleared his throat, pushing past the tension. "Good. Now that you know each other…"

The flap of the tent shifted again, and the envoy leader entered.

His presence filled the space with ease, silencing even the faint hum of pride from the Crimson Fangs.

He spoke plainly. "The trial is simple. Find the cause. The beasts grow more feral, more berserk by the day. Discover why. The count of kills does not matter if we remain blind to the source."

His gaze swept across both groups. "Now. Report."

Kaelen stepped forward, clearing his throat. "We found little today, sir. Only more berserk beasts, no different than yesterday. Some were Ironmanes, others lesser fiends, but all maddened. The numbers increase, but we've yet to find the origin." His words grew defensive, as if he sought to polish failure into progress.

The leader listened without scorn, then gave a firm nod. "Okay. Each battle gives us more understanding. Continue."

Then his eyes turned toward Arden's party. "You've proven effective. But remember, though you are two parties, you are still one mission. Share what you learn. The Crimson Fangs will show you the ropes of working within our ranks."

The other group straightened at that, pride swelling. Arden caught it, but didn't rise to it. He answered plainly, "We'll do what needs to be done. Nothing more, nothing less."

That earned him a faint twitch of a smile from the leader.

"Good," the man said at last. "Tomorrow at dawn, you begin. I expect results. You're dismissed."

The two groups filed out, the weight of unspoken tension hanging between them. Arden walked calmly, his hand brushing Zephyra's shoulder as her growl still rumbled low in her chest.

"They look down on us," Rael muttered once they were clear of the tent.

"They'll keep doing it until they learn better," Arden replied evenly. "And we'll make sure they do."

Nyra gave him a sidelong glance, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Confident, aren't you?"

Arden shrugged lightly. "Just honest."

Zephyra's flame flickered faintly in her throat, her voice a quiet growl. "They will burn."

"Maybe," Arden said, his calm tone steady as ever. "But only if they get in our way."

The night deepened around them, and with dawn would come the true beginning of their trial.

A/N:

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