Cage of the Puppeteer | COTE x Xianxia

Sun Min unceremoniously picked me up and started floating upwards into the air.
So Immortals can fly? To be truthful, it's not a comforting feeling having the ground vanish beneath my feet with no way to land safely on my own.
"Don't worry about falling," Sun Min said without turning back. "With me, you're secure."
I remained silent; my lack of response didn't seem to bother him, as he immediately increased his pace. I noticed the faint shimmer of a barrier forming around me—a translucent shield, thin but evidently effective.
Moments later, I heard the sharp crack of a sonic boom echoing around us. We had breached the sound barrier.
The idea of traveling at Mach 1—or faster—was both exhilarating and unnerving. Without this protective barrier, it would have been fatal. At such speeds, the friction of the air would generate immense heat, enough to scorch flesh and bone. The G-forces alone would crush my body, while the pressure changes from the sonic boom would likely rupture my organs. A human body wasn't meant for this kind of velocity without shielding.
It isn't even raw the speed that would kill but the acceleration forces that would, if it weren't for the barrier.
Sun Min maintained a relatively low altitude, perhaps five thousand meters above the ground. From this height, I could clearly see the terrain below: rolling hills, jagged cliffs, and patches of dense forest. The speed at which we were traveling, however, made it impossible to take in details before the landscape blurred past.
As we ventured deeper into the Nocturnis Vale, the geography became more extreme. The valley's once modest size expanded dramatically, its cliffs towering higher and its expanse widening into an almost unending labyrinth of darkened woods and shadowed gorges. If I had landed here instead of the outskirts near the village, my survival chances would have been drastically lower.
As we were traveling within the valley, the surrounding cliffs, reached higher than I could see, passing the layer of shadowed clouds above me.
The sheer scale of these cliffs was beyond comprehension—towering far above even Mount Everest's peak, which, back on Earth, is the furthest point from the planet's center. Here, the cliffs seemed to stretch endlessly, as if trying to touch the heavens themselves.
The sight was both awe-inspiring and humbling, a stark reminder of how alien and vast this world was compared to anything I had ever known. The shadows cascading from the cliff faces added an eerie, otherworldly ambiance as if the valley itself was alive.
Sun Min settled into a cruising speed beyond Mach 1—perhaps 1,500 or 1,600 kilometers per hour. His expression remained calm and unbothered, making it clear he could go much faster. The limitation was purely for my sake.
Never in my life would I have imagined this. The idea of a human being capable of traveling at such speeds, entirely under their own power, was incomprehensible. It was one thing to theorize about Immortals and their abilities; it was another to witness the reality firsthand. The power these cultivators wield eclipsed anything I could have imagined.
We traveled in silence for nearly four hours. At these speeds, we had covered over 5,500 kilometers—more than the distance between London and Boston.
Incredible.
Sun Min remained taciturn throughout the journey. He wasn't one for idle chatter, and I had no intention of initiating a conversation. The quiet gave me time to think and to reflect on the sheer disparity between his world and mine.
Finally, Sun Min spoke, his voice breaking the silence for the first time since we had taken off. "We're approaching the Nightshade Monastery."
His tone was calm, but there was a subtle weight to his words. 
As we slowed, the shimmering barrier around us thinned, allowing me to take in my surroundings in more detail. The air grew cooler, the light dimmer. Shadows lengthened unnaturally across the landscape as if the very valley bent to the will of the Monastery. 
Perched high on a jagged mountainside, the Nightshade Monastery emerged from the mist like a vision out of myth. Its sprawling structure was a masterpiece of dark stone and shadowy elegance, with towering spires that seemed to pierce the sky itself. The architecture blended seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs, as though it had grown from the earth rather than been constructed. Flickering lanterns lined the winding path to its gates, their light muted and ghostly.
The aura emanating from the Monastery was palpable—an oppressive weight that pressed against my senses, cold and unrelenting. It wasn't malevolent, but it demanded reverence. Power resided here, and it tolerated no weakness.
Sun Min began to descend toward a large open courtyard near the Monastery's entrance. The courtyard was vast, lined with intricate carvings depicting scenes of cultivation, shadowy beasts, and celestial battles. 
"Welcome to the Nightshade Monastery," Sun Min said as we touched down. His tone was still calm, but there was an undeniable edge of authority now. "Your journey begins here."
I didn't respond. My gaze was fixed on the Monastery ahead. Its towering presence loomed like a dark sentinel over the valley, its vast silhouette etched into the twilight sky. The structure exuded a foreboding yet commanding presence, as though it had existed since time immemorial, watching over this shadowed expanse.
The main gates were massive, carved from dark stone, and inscribed with intricate patterns that seemed to shift when viewed from different angles. They radiated an aura of power, one that felt almost alive. Beyond the gates, a dim glow flickered, casting faint light against the shadows and hinting at the life within.
The path forward was clear—and it led directly into the shadows.
Sun Min motioned with a slight gesture, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Step forward. The gates will open for you when they deem you worthy."
The gates will decide? Intriguing. Without hesitation, I walked forward, my footsteps deliberate and steady. As I approached, the intricate carvings on the gates began to glow faintly, their light pulsating rhythmically as if matching the beat of an unseen heart.
When I was mere steps away, the glow intensified, spreading along the gate's surface like veins of molten metal. The air felt heavier, charged with an invisible force that pressed against me. It was a test—not of strength but of will. The pressure seemed to push against my very soul, demanding resolve, demanding proof that I belonged here.
I didn't falter. The weight bore down on me, but I met it with unwavering composure, taking one step, then another. The pressure relented slightly, as though acknowledging my resolve.
With a resonant groan, the gates began to part, their movement slow and deliberate. The space beyond was bathed in dim light, revealing a grand courtyard flanked by towering spires and interconnected structures, each one exuding an aura of shadow and secrecy.
Sun Min walked up beside me, his expression unreadable. "You've passed the first test. The gates have accepted you."
"I wasn't aware the gates were sentient," I said flatly.
"They are not sentient in the way you think," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But they are infused with the Dao of Shadow and the Dao of Darkness. They can sense intent, strength, and potential. Only those who are deemed suitable may enter."
Dao of Shadow and Dao of Darkness?
I nodded, saying nothing more as we stepped through the gates. The courtyard was vast, its floor paved with dark stone that gleamed faintly under the dim light. Around us, cultivators moved with purpose, their expressions solemn and focused. Each one exuded an aura of power, some stronger than others. The hierarchy here was palpable, like a carefully structured web where every thread had its place.
As Sun Min led me through the towering gates into the courtyard of the Nightshade Monastery, the atmosphere shifted palpably. The bustling activity of cultivators came to an almost immediate halt, and a reverent hush swept through the area. One by one, the cultivators present turned toward him, their expressions a mixture of awe and respect.
Bowing deeply, they greeted him in unison, their voices ringing out in perfect harmony, "Greetings, Elder Sun!"
The sound echoed across the grand courtyard, reverberating against the dark stone walls of the Monastery. Even the most powerful cultivators in the vicinity bowed their heads, a testament to the immense status and authority Sun Min commanded within this realm.
Sun Min acknowledged the greetings with a faint nod, his expression calm and composed. "Carry on," he said simply, his voice carrying an unspoken authority that left no room for hesitation.
The cultivators immediately returned to their tasks, their movements precise and disciplined, though I noticed many of them casting discreet glances in my direction. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to skepticism, clearly wondering who I was to be walking beside an Elder of such stature.
As we continued deeper into the Monastery, Sun Min's aura remained steady and unshakable. I could feel the weight of his status pressing subtly against the air, an unspoken reminder of the hierarchy within this world of cultivation.
At the center of the courtyard stood a towering obelisk, its surface covered in inscriptions that seemed to shift and writhe like living shadows. Sun Min led me toward it, his pace steady.
"This is the Nexus Obelisk," he explained as we approached. "It is where new initiates like yourself register for the entrance examination. Beyond this point, your performance will determine your place within the Monastery—or if you have a place at all."
I studied the obelisk closely. The inscriptions seemed to radiate an energy that was both alluring and ominous. As we neared it, a ripple passed through the air, and a faint voice echoed in my mind.
State your name.
I hesitated for a moment, carefully weighing my options. "Bái Xūé," I said, my tone steady and composed.
Immediately, the inscriptions on the obelisk shifted, and a deep crimson glow erupted across its surface, bathing the courtyard in an unsettling light. My expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever, but the reaction had clearly drawn the attention of nearby cultivators.
Sun Min observed the scene with a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. "A falsehood," he said calmly, his tone devoid of judgment. "The Nexus Obelisk accepts only truth. You must tell it your real name."
For a brief moment, I considered doubling down, attempting to convince the obelisk with another lie. But the crimson light was unyielding, a silent reminder of its purpose. There was no room for deceit here.
With a sigh, I relented. "Ayanokoji Kiyotaka," I said, my voice flat and unchanging.
The inscriptions on the obelisk immediately shifted again, glowing a bright green that bathed the surroundings in an almost serene light. The ripples in the air calmed, and the obelisk pulsed once, as though satisfied.
"Good," Sun Min said, his tone now devoid of amusement. "The Monastery values truth, even when it is inconvenient. Remember this."
The cultivators who had stopped to watch quickly averted their gazes and returned to their tasks. I noted their reaction—not curiosity but disciplined disinterest. It was as if they had seen this process countless times before and had no reason to dwell on it.
The obelisk's voice echoed in my mind again.
State your age.
"Thirteen," I said.
This time, the inscriptions glowed green, confirming my statement.

State your origin.
I paused again, deciding on an answer that would avoid unnecessary complications. "From the Nocturnis Vale."
In the background, I could see Elder Sun's brows furrow when hearing my answer.
The green light returned, pulsing gently before fading once more.
State your intent.
This question gave me pause. Intent was a loaded word, and the wrong answer could jeopardize my entry. After a moment, I replied, "To uncover the truth of this world and grow stronger."
The inscriptions shifted once again, glowing green in apparent approval. The obelisk pulsed rhythmically before dimming, and the air around it seemed to settle.
Sun Min stepped forward, his golden eyes scrutinizing me. "You've passed the preliminary assessment. But from this point on, words and intentions mean nothing without action. Follow me."
Ahead, a series of archways led into the main structure of the Monastery. Each archway was inscribed with symbols similar to those on the obelisk, glowing faintly as though alive with their own energy.
As we stepped through one of the archways, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air grew cooler, and the shadows seemed to deepen, pressing in around us. We entered a vast chamber lit by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. At the far end of the chamber stood a group of figures—other prospective initiates. Their expressions ranged from calm determination to barely concealed anxiety.
Sun Min gestured toward them. "These are your peers. The entrance examination will test your mind, body, and spirit. Only the strongest and most capable will be accepted."
I moved to join the group, my gaze flickering over the other initiates. Each one carried themselves differently, their postures and expressions revealing glimpses of their personalities. Some appeared confident, exuding a quiet assurance in their abilities. Others seemed more apprehensive, their eyes darting around the chamber as if searching for threats.
"The tests will begin shortly," Sun Min said, his tone as sharp as the edge of a blade. "Prepare yourselves. The Nightshade Monastery has no use for mediocrity."
With that, he turned and walked away, his presence leaving the chamber as silently as it had entered. The remaining prospective initiates and I were left alone to face the trials ahead.
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
Sun Min floated silently in the air, his presence commanding even without a word. Beside him hovered an equally imposing figure, an old man with crimson-streaked hair and a beard to match. This was Mo Hong, known throughout the Nightshade Monastery as "Red North," a title that reflected his mastery in the Dao of Fire and Shadows. Like Sun Min, he was a Nascent Soul cultivator, his status equal to the one he now accompanied. The two elders watched over the massive courtyard below, where a group of initiates stood gathered, their faces marked by varying degrees of fear, determination, and doubt.
"The new recruits gather," Mo Hong said, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "It's not often that you take a personal interest in the entrance examination, Elder Sun. Let alone recruit someone yourself."
Sun Min's gaze didn't waver as it settled on a single figure among the group. "That one is different," he said, his tone as neutral as always. "You will see."
Mo Hong's sharp eyes followed Sun Min's line of sight, landing on a boy who stood unnervingly still. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Unlike the others who fidgeted, whispered, or scanned their surroundings nervously, he exuded an unnatural calm. Even as the other initiates exchanged glances or shifted in place, Ayanokoji remained as steady as a stone. Mo Hong raised an eyebrow.
"Him? He doesn't look like much," Mo Hong remarked. "Calm, yes, but that is not enough to succeed here. The trials are designed to break even the composed."
Sun Min gave a faint smile. "Perhaps. But his calm is not born of naivety. It is the calm of one who has already survived greater trials than most here could imagine."
Before Mo Hong could reply, a lean man with sharp features stepped forward into the chamber below. His black robes bore crimson accents that marked him as one of the Monastery's senior examiners. The crowd of initiates quieted as his voice rang out, clear and commanding.
"Welcome to the Nightshade Monastery's entrance examination. You stand on the precipice of greatness, but know this—only the strongest in body, mind, and spirit will earn the right to tread the path of shadows."
The initiates stood transfixed, their attention fully captured by the examiner's authoritative presence. He began pacing before them, his hands clasped behind his back.
"The first trial, as you have already begun, is the Nexus Obelisk," the examiner said, gesturing toward the towering stone monolith at the edge of the courtyard. "It has judged your truths and your lies, measuring your worth before you even set foot on this sacred ground. If you stand here now, it means you have passed the Obelisk's scrutiny. But do not grow complacent. That was merely the beginning."
The initiates exchanged uneasy glances, and a ripple of tension passed through the group. A few shifted their weight uncomfortably, while others straightened their postures, forcing themselves to appear confident.
Sun Min's expression remained unreadable as he observed the scene. Mo Hong, however, smirked faintly. "The Obelisk is a useful filter, but it hardly separates the wheat from the chaff. The real trials begin now."
The examiner gestured toward a massive stone gate at the far end of the courtyard. With a low rumble, the gate began to creak open, revealing a dark passage beyond. The air seemed to grow colder as shadows spilled forth from the opening.
"The second trial," the examiner continued, "will test your mind, body, and adaptability. Beyond this gate lies the Shadowed Labyrinth—a maze imbued with the Monastery's essence. Within it, you will face illusions crafted to mislead you, fears meant to unnerve you, and obstacles designed to test your physical limits."
A faint gasp escaped from one of the initiates, but the examiner pressed on, his tone unyielding. "Physical prowess alone will not suffice. You must rely on your intellect and your ability to discern truth from deception. Those who emerge from the labyrinth will prove themselves worthy of continuing."
Ayanokoji's gaze flicked toward the gate, his expression betraying no emotion. He had already begun analyzing the possibilities, considering the variables that might await him within the labyrinth.
Mo Hong's eyes narrowed as he watched Ayanokoji. "That boy does not react like the others. Not a flinch, not even a flicker of doubt. It is as if he has already mapped the labyrinth in his mind, despite not having seen it."
Sun Min gave a slight nod. "He sees the trial not as an obstacle but as a puzzle. For him, this is simply another problem to solve."
"Yet that lack of emotion can be a weakness," Mo Hong countered. "The Dao of Shadows demands balance. He may find himself at a disadvantage if he cannot adapt beyond logic."
The examiner's voice cut through their conversation. "Those who survive the labyrinth will face the third and final trial—the Circle of Shadows. A test of combat prowess, where you will face your peers in an all-out, free-for-all battle. Strength, strategy, and skill will determine your rank within the Monastery—or whether you belong here at all."
The tension in the chamber thickened as the initiates processed the examiner's words. Some clenched their fists, their determination hardening. Others paled visibly, their confidence shaken.
As the first group of initiates began filing through the gate, the two elders watched in silence. Their sharp eyes tracked Ayanokoji as he stepped into the shadows without hesitation, his form disappearing into the darkness of the labyrinth. Mo Hong stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Interesting," he murmured. "Very interesting."
Sun Min didn't reply, his focus entirely on the unfolding trial. High above the courtyard, the two Nascent Soul cultivators remained silent observers, their anticipation growing with each passing moment as the trials of the Nightshade Monastery began in earnest.
...
As Ayanokoji stepped into the Shadowed Labyrinth, a palpable tension filled the air. The heavy stone door sealed behind him with a low, echoing rumble, cutting off any retreat. The air within was dense and cold, carrying a faint hum that seemed to vibrate through his very being. Whispers brushed against his ears, indecipherable but persistent, like the labyrinth itself was alive and aware of his presence.
The walls shifted subtly, the shadows rippling as though they were watching, waiting. The ground beneath his feet felt oddly unstable, each step a reminder that nothing in this place could be trusted. Ayanokoji's expression remained unreadable as he took his first deliberate steps forward, his eyes scanning his surroundings with calculated precision. Every flicker of movement, every subtle shift in the shadows, was cataloged in his mind.
High above, Sun Min and Mo Hong observed silently, their forms floating effortlessly as they watched the labyrinth unfold below. The labyrinth's interior was projected before them, its shifting, unpredictable pathways laid bare.
"He entered without hesitation," Mo Hong remarked, his tone contemplative. "That alone sets him apart from the others."
Sun Min nodded slightly, his sharp eyes fixed on Ayanokoji. "He does not fear the unknown. More importantly, he adapts without resistance."
Within the labyrinth, other initiates were faring far worse. One panicked figure sprinted blindly through the dark corridors, the whispers growing louder with each step until they became mocking laughter. He stumbled into what appeared to be an open doorway, a faint light spilling through. Relief washed over his face—until the floor gave way beneath him. His scream was brief, swallowed by the shadows.
Elsewhere, a young girl clutched a dagger tightly as she crept along the walls. Her eyes darted nervously as the shadows ahead of her coalesced into a snarling beast. She lunged at it, her blade striking nothing but air. The shadowy figure enveloped her, and she vanished without a trace.
Ayanokoji, meanwhile, moved steadily through the maze, undeterred by the labyrinth's attempts to unsettle him. At a fork in the path, he paused briefly, his gaze flicking between the two options. One corridor was bathed in a faint, inviting glow, while the other was shrouded in darkness.
"A trap," he murmured, stepping into the darker path without hesitation.
The labyrinth responded almost immediately. The shadows ahead of him swirled, forming the shape of a hulking figure with glowing red eyes. The creature roared and charged, its claws slicing through the air. Ayanokoji sidestepped smoothly, his movements precise and unhurried. He observed the way the creature's form flickered as it moved, its instability revealing it as an illusion.
Without wasting a moment, he struck the creature's center with a calculated blow. It dissolved into the shadows, its fragments fading into the walls.
Above, Mo Hong stroked his beard thoughtfully. "He sees through the labyrinth's tricks with an ease that is almost unnerving."
Sun Min's gaze remained fixed on Ayanokoji. "He understands the labyrinth. It is not strength that it tests, but perception and control. He sees through its deceptions because he does not let them affect him."
Deeper within the labyrinth, the stakes grew higher. The corridors narrowed, the whispers intensified, and the traps became more insidious. One initiate hesitated at a fork, his indecision costing him precious time. The walls began to close in, the corridor shrinking until there was no escape. His final cry echoed briefly before silence reclaimed the space.
Ayanokoji encountered a similar fork but moved through it with the same calm deliberation that had marked his every action. When the floor beneath him shifted, threatening to collapse, he adjusted his steps effortlessly, his balance unshaken. The labyrinth seemed to resist him, its illusions growing more aggressive, but he remained unaffected.
As he neared the end, the air grew colder and the whispers coalesced into a deafening roar. A massive shadowy figure loomed ahead, blocking the exit. Two other initiates stood before it—a wiry boy and a determined-looking girl. Both were battered and exhausted, their faces etched with fear.
"It seems that there were shorter paths," he thought to himself.
The shadowy creature lunged, its claws sweeping through the air with deadly precision. The girl screamed and charged with her dagger, but the creature swatted her aside effortlessly. The boy froze in place, paralyzed by terror.
Ayanokoji stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the creature. He studied its movements, noting the way its form flickered and destabilized with each attack.
"It's unstable," he muttered. "A distraction."
As the creature lunged at him, he sidestepped smoothly, avoiding its claws by a hair's breadth. The creature roared in frustration, its form flickering more violently.
With precision, Ayanokoji struck its center. The creature let out a final, piercing cry before dissolving into the shadows. The exit stood clear before him.
Above, Sun Min allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "He has surpassed the labyrinth. It did not test him; he tested it."
Mo Hong nodded. "Few initiates have navigated it with such clarity."
Sun Min's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "This is only the beginning. Let us see how far he can go."
Ignoring both the boy and the girl, Ayanokoji stepped through the archway, the cold air of the labyrinth giving way to a dimly lit chamber where the next phase awaited. He glanced back briefly at the labyrinth, then forward again, his expression as unreadable as ever.
The dimly lit chamber into which Ayanokoji stepped was stark and oppressive. Shadows seemed to coil along the edges of the room, whispering faintly.
Ayanokoji was the first one to arrive. After some time, some remaining initiates arrived, their faces pale and drawn. Their numbers had thinned significantly, a testament to the labyrinth's lethality.
At the far end of the chamber, the examiner from before, clad in dark robes stepped forward.
The dim chamber erupted with activity as the examiner announced the next phase of the trial. At the center of the room, the floor shifted, groaning as shadows stretched and twisted to form an enormous circular arena. A faint, ethereal light illuminated the edges, creating an eerie yet compelling glow. The remaining initiates, numbering around fifty, watched in tense silence as the arena solidified.
"This is the Circle of Shadows," the examiner declared, his voice carrying authority and finality. "In this trial, you will face one another in combat. Only the top twenty will proceed to the final stage. Strength alone will not guarantee your success."
The murmurs among the initiates grew louder. Anxiety and resolve flickered across their faces as they exchanged glances, gauging their competition. Ayanokoji, as always, remained detached, his brown-amber eyes scanning the arena with measured precision.
Sun Min and Mo Hong observed from above, their expressions calm but watchful.
"The Circle of Shadows," Mo Hong murmured, his gaze sharp. "A trial that weeds out the reckless and elevates the clever. I wonder how far your protégé will go."
Sun Min chuckled softly. "He will thrive, Elder Mo."
As the initiates were guided to the edge of the circle, the examiner raised his hand, and the faint glow intensified. Shadowy figures materialized at the arena's boundary, their forms indistinct yet menacing. "These phantoms will ensure fairness. Attempt to leave the arena or break the rules, and they will intervene."
The rules were simple: engage in combat, eliminate your opponents, and survive until the top twenty remained.
"Begin!" the examiner commanded, and the arena came alive with chaos.
The trial commenced with an eruption of chaos. Initiates rushed forward, their movements frantic as alliances were forged and broken within moments. The air crackled with the sound of clashing weapons and desperate shouts. Shadows danced along the circular arena, their edges sharp and deceptive, a reflection of the environment itself.
Ayanokoji stood motionless for a heartbeat longer, his keen eyes scanning the battlefield with surgical precision. Unlike the others, he made no immediate move, instead allowing the arena to become a study in human desperation. Each combatant revealed their strengths and weaknesses with every strike and parry, offering him a wealth of information.
He moved only when necessary, his form a blur as he darted between combatants, avoiding unnecessary confrontations. His first encounter came from a reckless initiate, their blade aiming for his side. With minimal effort, Ayanokoji sidestepped the attack, his Tang Dao flashing in a controlled arc. The opponent dropped, their weapon clattering uselessly to the ground.
Above the arena, Sun Min and Mo Hong observed in silence, their postures rigid with concentration.
"He doesn't fight like the others," Mo Hong noted, his eyes narrowing. "Every move is calculated. He wastes nothing."
Sun Min's expression remained neutral, though his gaze lingered on Ayanokoji. "He's not here to simply win. He's here to dominate."
The combat intensified as the phantoms patrolled the edges of the circle, their incorporeal forms gliding through the air. Their silent vigilance ensured the rules were upheld, and on more than one occasion, their intervention was swift and unforgiving. A young woman attempted to retreat beyond the boundary, only to be swept back into the arena by a shadowy tendril. Her terrified screams echoed briefly before she fell to another's blade.
Ayanokoji remained undeterred, his strategy adapting seamlessly to the ever-changing battlefield. He exploited the chaos, using the shadows to mask his movements. When two initiates engaged him simultaneously, he baited one into overextending before disarming them with a sharp twist of his wrist. The other hesitated, giving him the opening to deliver a swift strike that left them unconscious at the arena's edge.
From their vantage point, the two elders exchanged glances. "He fights as if the shadows are his allies," Mo Hong remarked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "It's almost unnatural."
Sun Min allowed a faint smile. "It's instinct, honed to a level that transcends ordinary understanding."
As the numbers dwindled, the arena grew quieter, though the tension remained suffocating. The remaining initiates began to form uneasy alliances, recognizing that survival demanded cooperation. Ayanokoji was approached by two combatants, their weapons lowered in a gesture of truce.
"We'll cover your flank if you cover ours," one of them offered, their voice strained but earnest.
Ayanokoji's gaze flicked to the shadows behind them. "Your flank is already exposed."
Before they could react, a third combatant emerged from the darkness, their blade aimed at the would-be allies. Ayanokoji sidestepped the attack effortlessly, allowing the ambusher to collide with their target. In the ensuing chaos, he dispatched all three with clinical efficiency, his expression as impassive as ever.
The phantoms glided closer now, their presence a stark reminder of the stakes. Another initiate attempted to feign unconsciousness, hoping to escape notice. The nearest phantom descended, its tendrils enveloping the deceitful figure in a silent, crushing grip. When it released them, they lay motionless, their chance at advancement extinguished.
Ayanokoji's attention remained on the task at hand. He moved through the arena like a specter, his movements fluid and precise. Each encounter ended swiftly, his blade finding its mark with unerring accuracy. His efficiency drew the attention of the other remaining combatants, many of whom began to view him as a greater threat than the phantoms themselves.
One particularly large initiate—a brute who had dominated earlier battles with sheer strength—confronted Ayanokoji directly. Their clash was brief but intense, the brute's heavy strikes meeting Ayanokoji's calculated deflections. With a well-timed feint, Ayanokoji exploited his opponent's momentum, sending them sprawling to the ground. A single, decisive strike ended the encounter.
The elder's voice broke through the din. "Enough!"
The phantoms receded as the remaining initiates—now reduced to twenty—gathered at the center of the arena. The survivors bore varying degrees of injury, their faces a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Ayanokoji stood apart, his demeanor unchanged, his breathing steady despite the exertion.
Mo Hong leaned closer to Sun Min, his expression unreadable. "He doesn't just fight to win. He fights to ensure there are no questions about his capability." Sun Min nodded, agreeing with Mo Hong.
The examiner stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the initiates. "You have proven your worth in the Circle of Shadows. You now stand among the top twenty, but the true trial lies ahead."
As he spoke, the shadows at the center of the arena coalesced, forming a pulsating orb that radiated a deep crimson light. The air grew heavy with its presence, a tangible pressure pressing down on everyone in the chamber.
His gaze swept across the initiates, lingering briefly on Ayanokoji. "This trial will test your understanding of both the physical and the metaphysical. Before you stands the Crimson Orb of Resonance. Each of you will step forward, one by one, and place your hand upon it. The orb will assess your compatibility with the Dao of Shadow and Darkness."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, but Ayanokoji remained silent, his expression impassive.
The examiner raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "The orb will test the depth of your spirit and the strength of your will. Should you falter... the consequences will be yours alone to bear."
As the first initiate stepped forward, the atmosphere grew tense. The young man hesitated, his hand trembling as he reached for the orb. When his palm made contact, the orb flared brightly. His face contorted with pain, and he let out a strained gasp. After a few agonizing moments, the orb dimmed, and the examiner gestured for him to step aside.
"You pass," the examiner said, his tone indifferent. The initiate staggered back, his body shaking.
One by one, the remaining initiates approached the orb. Some passed, their faces pale but relieved. Others faltered, their screams echoing through the chamber as the orb consumed them in a flash of crimson light, leaving behind nothing but silence.
When it was Ayanokoji's turn, he stepped forward without hesitation, his footsteps steady and deliberate. The eyes of the room followed him, whispers rippling among the initiates. Even Sun Min and Mo Hong, observing from above, leaned forward slightly, their expressions attentive.
As Ayanokoji placed his hand on the orb, a sharp jolt of energy coursed through him. The orb flared brighter than it had for any of the others, its light shifting between crimson and black. Shadows coiled around his hand, writhing like living entities. The whispers in the chamber grew louder, almost deafening, but Ayanokoji's expression remained calm, his grip unwavering.
Above, Mo Hong's eyes narrowed. "He's... not resisting. The orb's power is meant to challenge the initiate, but he's letting it flow through him."
Sun Min smiled faintly. "He is not resisting because he has no fear of it. The shadows cannot unsettle a mind that is already an enigma."
The orb's light reached its peak, enveloping Ayanokoji in a shroud of darkness. For a moment, the chamber fell silent, the tension palpable. Then, with a sudden burst, the light dimmed, and the shadows receded. Ayanokoji stepped back, his expression unchanged, as the examiner regarded him with an unreadable gaze.
"You pass," he said, his voice quieter now, almost reverent. "You have demonstrated not only compatibility but mastery. The shadows recognize you."
As Ayanokoji returned to the group of initiates, whispers erupted anew. His performance had not gone unnoticed, and the reactions ranged from awe to suspicion.
With the trial concluded, the examiner addressed the group one final time. "You who remain have earned the right to enter the Nightshade Monastery. Here, you will hone your skills and seek enlightenment within the Dao of Shadow and Darkness. Remember: survival here is not guaranteed. Strength and cunning will be your only allies."
The chamber doors swung open, revealing the inner sanctum of the Monastery. A sprawling network of corridors and halls stretched out before them, illuminated by faint, flickering light. The air was heavy with the weight of countless secrets, and the whispers of the shadows seemed to beckon them forward.
As the initiates began to move, Sun Min and Mo Hong descended from their vantage point, their presence commanding immediate attention. The initiates stopped, bowing respectfully.
Sun Min's gaze landed on Ayanokoji. "You have proven yourself worthy, but your true journey begins now. Within these walls, you will either rise to greatness or be consumed by the darkness."
Ayanokoji met his gaze with quiet composure. "I understand."
Mo Hong stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Let us see how far you can go."
With that, the initiates were led deeper into the Monastery, their footsteps echoing through the shadowed halls. Ayanokoji bowed to the elders before he moved with the same calm precision that had defined him throughout the trials, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead.
Above, the shadows watched silently, their whispers fading into the cold stillness of the Nightshade Monastery.
***

A/N: Happy New Year! I hope you had a great start to the new year.

Just a short reminder: some topics I write about, like the treatment processes in chapters 3 and 4, and the talk about Mach 1 in this one, are based on research but not detailed research. I don't know if this information is correct or not; just imagine that this world has its own laws, separate from Earth.