CHAPTER 83: CHAPTER 83: TRIAL 1- TIMER

When he looked back up, Elder Mairead was no longer staring with sharpness—her eyes had softened, a glint of interest flashing behind them. Then she looked away with a faint smile, turning her gaze forward as if nothing had happened.

Axelius frowned deeply and muttered under his breath, "...What the fuck was that?"

The Grand Duke’s hand twitched slightly as he snapped his head toward him. "Language," he said sharply through gritted teeth.

Axelius rolled his eyes but said nothing more, standing straighter as the elders finally stepped forward.

Elder Thayven took a step ahead, raising a hand lightly.

"Children of the Dravenhart, Today marks the beginning of a tradition older than many of the kingdoms we stand beside. A tradition not of blood alone, but of fire, strength, and legacy."

Elder Velric continued next, "This Trial is not for show. It is to remind you who you are, what you carry, and what will be expected of you in the years to come. Not every noble line earns power through name alone. Dravenharts are forged, not gifted."

Elder Cassiel chuckled, his voice more relaxed. "Each one of you—no matter age or skill—will face something today. Some will succeed. Some will fall. But all will learn. So smile, little flames. The forest is waiting."

Then Elder Mairead finally stepped forward. Her presence alone made the leaves seem to pause in their rustling. She spoke in a calm, even tone—her voice like velvet over steel.

"May your hearts stay steady. May your beasts walk beside you. May your instincts guide you true." She paused, eyes scanning the rows again, briefly flicking to Axelius with amusement before she looked away.

"Welcome, children... to the Dravenhart Trial."

_____

Elder Velric raised his hand again, and everyone became quiet.

"This year’s Dravenhart Trial," he said, "is a test of survival. You will enter the Veilshade Forest. Your goal is simple—make it to the end without giving up or being taken out."

Some of the children stiffened, others looked excited. A few seemed nervous.

Elder Thayven stepped forward next, "There are paths in the forest, but they are not straight. You must think, move, and keep going. Do not trust everything you see. Watch your footing. Trust your instincts. And remember—you are being watched."

"The Trial is timed," he added, looking at the rows of children. "You will not all enter together. We’ve divided the age groups. Ages six to nine will go first. They’ll have one hour to reach the marked end. Ages ten to thirteen go next, with a two-hour time limit. And finally, ages fourteen to sixteen will have three hours."

"The forest will adjust to each group," said Mairead calmly. "But if you fall behind too long, you will be removed. If you are injured or too scared to continue, say the exit phrase—’I forfeit.’ You will be taken out and marked as failed."

There was a long silence after that. Some of the younger kids were already starting to look uneasy.

Axelius crossed his arms and yawned. "So it’s just running through a forest for hours?" he said under his breath.

Owen poked his cheek. "It’s not just running, dummy. They said it changes... You think it’ll be that simple?"

"Hmph," Axelius muttered. "Guess I’ll find out."

Then, a horn blew in the distance.

Elder Thayven nodded once. "First group—six to nine—prepare yourselves."

The field began to shift as the younger children stood up, Tension began to build in the air. Whispers passed through the crowd as some older kids watched closely, already thinking about their turn.

Axelius stretched his arms behind his head and looked at the forest entrance. "Still boring," he mumbled.

As the youngest group slowly disappeared into the forest path, swallowed by the misty edges of Veilshade, the atmosphere grew quieter, heavier. Time ticked slowly. The rest of the children waited under the sun, eyes shifting between the entrance and the elders, some fidgeting with their sleeves, others whispering nervously to their siblings or servants.

Axelius sat back down, chewing on a stick of dried fruit Millie had handed him earlier. He didn’t look worried. Just sleepy.

Owen whispered from his shoulder, "See that? The forest’s already reacting. It’s changing based on their age, see how the mist thickens and thins? It’s magic."

"I get it," Axelius said, chewing lazily. "Scary forest. Don’t trip. Don’t cry. Got it."

Millie, who was brushing off a bit of dust from his pants, looked up and frowned. "You better take this seriously, young master. The duke is watching."

Axelius didn’t even look. "He always watches. What’s new?"

Millie sighed, clearly used to this behavior.

After exactly one hour, a loud chime rang from a tall pillar beside the elders. The forest shimmered, and a slow stream of kids began returning—some scratched, some crying, but most still walking on their own feet. The elders gave small nods of approval. A few butlers ran to their young masters and mistresses, checking them.

Then Elder Velric raised his voice again, "Ages ten to thirteen—your time begins now. Proceed."

"Looks like we’re next," Owen said, voice calm now.

Axelius stood and stretched, arms above his head, shirt lifting slightly and revealing his lean, trained stomach.

"Alright, let’s get this over with," he said.

The Grand Duke stepped beside him and looked down. "Don’t cause trouble. Just finish properly."

Axelius gave him a half-smile. "You say that every time I leave the house."

The Duke narrowed his eyes but didn’t speak further other’s stand up Among them were Cyruz and Cedric. Cyruz turned slightly and smirked at Axelius.

"Try not to cry and Don’t embarass our Father." he sneered before walking off with his group.

"Yeah, yeah," Axelius said with a mouthful of fruit. "Go trip on a root."

Owen giggled.

As they entered, the mist around the forest darkened slightly, the air turning more humid. A few watching adults murmured about the forest adapting again. Elders observed closely. The second group vanished into the green.

"Time for the lazy prince to run!" Owen teased.