Temporal Dominion

Morning arrived faster than Lucian expected.

He stood before the towering entrance of the Combat Evaluation Hall, a massive structure designed specifically for testing the academy's most promising fighters. It loomed over him, its reinforced walls engraved with sigils of power, a testament to the countless battles fought within.

The weight of expectation pressed down on him.

This wasn't just a test.

It was a trial.

A confirmation of whether his power was worth acknowledging—or if his victory against Ethan had been nothing more than a fluke.

Taking a steady breath, he stepped inside.

The moment he crossed the threshold, he felt it.

A shift in the air.

Power.

Raw, undeniable power radiating from the individuals within.

The hall was vast, illuminated by golden runes that hovered along the walls. Several instructors stood in the distance, conversing in hushed tones, their gazes briefly flicking toward him.

But what truly caught his attention—

Were the other students.

He wasn't alone.

A dozen figures occupied the room, each exuding an aura of strength. Some familiar. Some unknown.

And all of them—without exception—dangerous.

Lucian quickly realized the truth.

These weren't just students.

They were the best.

Top-tier combatants. Individuals who had already made names for themselves within the academy.

And now, he was standing among them.

A presence moved toward him.

Lucian turned just as a tall figure approached, his expression unreadable.

Darius Kael.

The son of a renowned hero. A combat prodigy. Gold-Tier.

Lucian had heard the name before—but now, standing before him, he could feel the difference in power.

Darius studied him for a moment before speaking.

"So, you're the one they're talking about." His voice was calm, measured, but there was an edge to it.

Lucian met his gaze evenly. "I suppose I am."

Darius tilted his head slightly. "Beating Ethan was impressive. But one fight doesn't make you special."

Lucian said nothing.

Darius smirked. "I'll be watching." Then, without another word, he walked past, his presence lingering like a shadow.

Lucian exhaled.

He could already feel it—the unspoken challenge.

But before he could dwell on it, the doors at the far end of the hall slammed open.

A familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Enough."

Instructor Kael Verdan stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping across the assembled students.

"The fact that you're here means one thing." His voice was absolute. "You have potential. But potential means nothing without control. Without refinement."

He folded his arms. "This evaluation will determine whether you are worth the academy's investment. Whether you are worth the power you hold."

Kael's eyes flicked toward Lucian for the briefest moment.

Lucian clenched his fists.

This wasn't just a test.

It was a reckoning.

And failure was not an option.