MTLNOVEL Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Forest of Trials
Certainly! Below is the fourth chapter of
The academy's grand gates loomed before them, a towering structure of ancient stone and intricate carvings that seemed to hum with latent energy. The air was thick with anticipation as hundreds of hopeful candidates gathered, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness. Among them stood the MC and Alaric, two unlikely companions who had found themselves thrust together by fate.
The MC adjusted the strap of his bag, his eyes scanning the crowd. He could feel the weight of the academy's expectations pressing down on him, but he pushed the unease aside. This was his chance to prove himself, to step out of the shadows and into the light. Alaric, ever the picture of calm confidence, stood beside him, his icy blue eyes glinting with amusement.
"Nervous?" Alaric asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Not at all," the MC replied, though his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty. "Just ready to get this over with."
Alaric chuckled. "Relax. It's just a survival exam. How hard can it be?"
Before the MC could respond, a loud gong echoed through the courtyard, silencing the crowd. A tall, imposing figure stepped forward, his robes adorned with the academy's crest. This was Professor Thorne, the head of the entrance exams. His voice boomed across the courtyard, commanding attention.
"Welcome, candidates," he began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Today, you will face the first of many trials on your path to becoming students of this prestigious academy. The rules are simple: survive the forest beneath the academy for twenty-four hours. You may form teams, but only the strongest will prevail. Beware—the forest is filled with dangers, both natural and magical. Good luck."
With that, the gates creaked open, revealing a dark, foreboding staircase that led into the depths of the forest. The candidates surged forward, eager to prove themselves. The MC and Alaric exchanged a glance before following suit.
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### The Hidden Forest
The forest was unlike anything the MC had ever seen. Towering trees with twisted branches reached toward the sky, their leaves casting an eerie green glow. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else—something primal. It was as if the forest itself was alive, watching and waiting.
"Stay close," Alaric said, his voice low. "This place is dangerous."
The MC nodded, his senses on high alert. They moved cautiously through the underbrush, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of moss that covered the ground. It wasn't long before they heard the sound of voices ahead.
"Looks like we're not the only ones here," the MC muttered.
Alaric smirked. "Let's see what they're up to."
They crept closer, peering through the foliage to see a group of candidates gathered around a clearing. Among them stood a tall, muscular boy with fiery red hair and a cocky grin. Beside him was a girl with silver hair and piercing violet eyes, her expression calm and composed.
"That's Kael," Alaric whispered. "He's from one of the noble families. Strong, but arrogant. And the girl is Lyra. She's... different."
The MC raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
"You'll see," Alaric replied cryptically.
Before the MC could press further, Kael's voice rang out. "Well, well, look who decided to show up. The prince and his shadow."
The MC tensed, but Alaric stepped forward, his expression calm. "Kael. Always a pleasure."
Kael's grin widened. "Save the pleasantries, Alaric. This is a survival exam, not a tea party. If you're not careful, you might not make it out alive."
Lyra placed a hand on Kael's arm, her voice soft but firm. "Enough, Kael. We have more important things to worry about."
Kael shrugged her off, his eyes narrowing. "Fine. But don't think I'll go easy on you, Alaric."
With that, Kael and his group disappeared into the forest, leaving the MC and Alaric alone once more.
"Charming guy," the MC said dryly.
Alaric chuckled. "You get used to him. Come on, let's keep moving."
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### The First Battle
They hadn't gone far when they were ambushed. A pack of shadow wolves emerged from the trees, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. The MC drew his dagger, his heart pounding as the creatures circled them.
"Stay behind me," Alaric said, his voice calm but firm.
Before the MC could protest, Alaric raised his hand, and the air around them grew cold. Frost spread across the ground, and with a flick of his wrist, shards of ice shot toward the wolves, impaling them mid-leap. The creatures let out a final howl before disintegrating into shadows.
The MC stared in awe. "That was... incredible."
Alaric shrugged, though there was a hint of pride in his eyes. "It's nothing. Just a little trick passed down in my family."
"A little trick?" the MC repeated. "That was more than a little trick."
Alaric smirked. "You haven't seen anything yet."
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### The Campfire
As night fell, they decided to make camp. The MC gathered firewood while Alaric set up a small shelter. Once the fire was lit, they sat down to rest, the warmth of the flames driving away the chill of the forest.
"Hungry?" the MC asked, rummaging through his bag.
Alaric nodded. "Starving."
The MC pulled out a pot and some ingredients, including a handful of mushrooms he had found earlier. He tossed them into the pot, stirring them into a stew. The aroma was enticing, and soon they were both eating heartily.
But as the minutes passed, the MC began to feel... strange. His skin felt hot, and his thoughts grew hazy. He glanced at Alaric, who seemed to be experiencing the same thing. The prince's cheeks were flushed, and his breathing was uneven.
"What... what did you put in this?" Alaric asked, his voice strained.
The MC frowned, trying to think clearly. "Just... just some mushrooms. They looked safe."
Alaric groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You idiot. Those were lust mushrooms. They're known for their... effects."
The MC's eyes widened. "Effects?"
Before Alaric could respond, the MC felt a surge of desire coursing through him. His gaze lingered on Alaric, and for a moment, he couldn't look away. The prince's lips parted, and the MC found himself leaning closer, his heart racing.
But just as their faces were inches apart, the MC's shadow energy flared, snapping him out of the haze. He pulled back, his breath coming in short gasps.
"What... what just happened?" he asked, his voice shaky.
Alaric looked equally shaken. "Your shadow energy. It must have countered the effects."
The MC nodded, though his mind was still reeling. He glanced at Alaric, who quickly looked away, his cheeks still flushed.
"We should... get some rest," Alaric said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The MC agreed, though sleep was the last thing on his mind.
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### Nyx's Explanation
As the fire died down, the MC felt a familiar presence in his mind. It was Nyx, the shadow spirit who had been his companion since childhood.
"You're lucky your shadow energy is different from regular mana," Nyx said, her voice echoing in his thoughts.
"Different how?" the MC asked.
"Mana is the energy used by humans and monsters alike," Nyx explained. "It's pure and versatile. But shadow energy... it's darker, more primal. It's the energy of demons and the void. It can resist certain influences that mana cannot."
The MC frowned. "So that's why I snapped out of it?"
"Exactly," Nyx replied. "But be careful. Shadow energy is powerful, but it comes with a price. The more you use it, the more it will consume you."
The MC nodded, though the weight of Nyx's words hung heavy on his mind. He glanced at Alaric, who was already asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily.
As the forest whispered around them, the MC couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much larger—and much more dangerous.
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