Crestfall: Darkness Unveiled

The light filtering through the academy windows had softened with the approach of spring, carrying a quiet warmth that felt almost alien after months of winter's grip. Students filled the hallways with subdued chatter, their faces reflecting a mix of anxiety and excitement as the midterms loomed closer. In their usual corner of the library, Sosuke leaned back in his chair, balancing precariously on its two legs while flipping through a manual on combat strategy.

"Look, all I'm saying is, if we technically bring back a monster carcass that weighs more than 500 points, do we even need to spend three days out there?" Sosuke mused, a teasing grin playing at his lips.

Ren glanced up from his notebook, one eyebrow raised. "Because hauling back a colossal corpse through an unpredictable forest sounds so much easier than just doing the work?" His tone was calm, but there was a faint edge to his words that wasn't there before.

Sosuke shrugged, the grin never faltering. "I mean, I'm just brainstorming here. Gotta think outside the box, right?" He flicked a small ball of paper at Ren, who caught it effortlessly without looking.

Rin sat nearby, her chin resting on her hand as she skimmed through an advanced alchemy text. She chuckled softly at their exchange, though the sound felt slightly rehearsed. Her gaze lingered on the page longer than necessary, the words blurring together. She had reread the same paragraph three times without absorbing it.

"Did you read that whole thing already?" Sosuke asked, tilting his head toward her book.

"Some of it," Rin replied lightly, flipping to the next page. "Just checking if the author actually knows what they're talking about. Spoiler alert: they don't." Her words came out with an air of sarcasm, but her tone lacked its usual weight, as though she were trying to remind herself how the joke should sound.

Before the conversation could drift further, Professor Aleron's voice echoed from the doorway. "I hope you're all ready for the midterms." He strolled into the library, his gaze sweeping over the trio. "Or have the details already slipped your minds?" He leaned against a nearby table, folding his arms with a faint smirk.

Sosuke straightened in his seat. "Slipped? Never. We're the picture of preparedness, right, team?" He gestured broadly, but his eyes darted toward Rin and Ren for backup.

Ren closed his notebook and rested his hands on it. "Jog our memories anyway. Can't hurt."

Aleron's smirk deepened. "Fair enough. For those of you who forgot or are pretending not to, the midterms will take place in the Kirrindal Forest. Your objective is simple: survive for three days while collecting a minimum of 500 points. Points are awarded based on the monsters you defeat. Low-tier creatures will get you smaller amounts, medium-tier creatures more, and high-tier creatures the most. How you approach this challenge is entirely up to you."

Rin glanced up from her book, her voice cutting through the explanation. "And the reward for the top-ranking team?"

Aleron nodded approvingly. "Ah, I see you haven't forgotten that detail. The highest-scoring team will receive a secret reward, along with the usual accolades and a unique opportunity to train with a special mentor." His gaze lingered on Rin for a beat longer, but he didn't comment further.

"What's the catch?" Ren asked, his tone measured.

"The catch," Aleron said, "is that this test is not staged. The Kirrindal Forest is dangerous, and while we'll have safety measures in place, the challenges you face will be very real. You'll need to rely on each other, your skills, and your instincts. There will be no interference unless absolutely necessary."

Sosuke leaned forward, his grin now sharpened with genuine anticipation. "Sounds like a blast."

Aleron gave him a dry look. "I'd advise you to take it seriously, Sosuke. This isn't a game. And remember: it's not just about survival—it's about teamwork. You're only as strong as your weakest link."

The professor straightened and began to leave. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

The trio exchanged glances after he left. Sosuke's grin softened, Ren's brow furrowed in quiet thought, and Rin closed her book with deliberate care, her expression unreadable as her fingers traced the cover.

The next morning, the three met up in the first-year hub. They had all the things they thought they'd need for the trip and were prepared to the fullest.

"I think we're going top every other group. Who do the others groups have anyway?" Sosuke shrugged confidently.

"Really? One of the top groups is Arthur, Lyra, and some other kid. That's only from our class. You do realize 13-A aren't the only people in this school, right?" Ren asked, unsure if Sosuke is aware of the challenge.

"I know, I know, it's just that we're better. C'mom, we are definitely up there in skill. Even if we hadn't planned or trained we'd be guaranteed top…8?" Sosuke said.

"See, you're not even sure of it yourself." Ren accused, adjusting the straps of his bag.

"No it's just—" Rin cut Sosuke's words short.

"Can we leave already? I think they're gathering everyone outside now. It's 9:30." Rin crossed her arms and frowned.

"Okay, no need to rush us." Sosuke raised his hands in a mock surrender.

They headed down the stairs and outside toward the back of the school. There was a massive crowd full of purely first-year students, the air wasn't as loud as Sosuke expected. It seems everyone exuded a shred of nervousness at least.

The trio pushed their way through the crowd of students, some of whom were talking in low voices, others staring into the distance as they waited for instructions. The tension in the air was palpable, but Sosuke couldn't help but crack a smile, his earlier energy still intact. "Look at this crowd. It's like the whole school is here for an opening ceremony," he said, scanning the sea of faces.

Ren glanced around, his gaze settling on the various students in groups, some looking confident, others like they might bolt at the first sign of danger. "A lot of these students look like they've never been in a real fight," he observed, his voice steady, but with a slight undertone of caution.

Rin, trailing slightly behind them, ran her fingers through her hair, her mind clearly elsewhere. She forced a nonchalant shrug. "It's not that big a deal. We've got this." She kept her gaze forward, not allowing herself to make eye contact with any of the others.

They reached the front of the group, where Aleron stood, flanked by several other professors and members of the academy's faculty. His eyes swept over the gathered students with an amused glance, though his expression sharpened when it landed on the trio.

"Ah, there you are," Aleron said with a slight nod, his gaze lingering on Rin for a moment longer before he addressed the group. "Gather round, everyone. We'll begin the briefing soon."

The students shuffled into place, some bumping shoulders awkwardly as they found their positions. Sosuke remained at ease, leaning slightly forward with a grin, but his eyes flicked to Ren and Rin occasionally, noting their reactions. Ren kept his distance, though the way he stood indicated a quiet readiness, his eyes scanning the area with a calculated focus. Rin's posture was still, but her arms were tightly crossed, her gaze fixed on the distant trees surrounding the academy grounds. The outward calm she wore wasn't fooling anyone who knew her well.

Aleron's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd as he began the briefing, the tension rising with every word. "As you're all aware, the midterms will be held in Kirrindal Forest. You'll be dropped at the edge of the forest, where you will have three days to complete your objectives. Your survival skills will be tested, and teamwork will be paramount. Remember—this is not just about defeating monsters, but also about using your wits. There are always more ways to earn points than simply fighting."

Sosuke's grin flickered as he looked back at Ren. "Hey, we're great at thinking our way out of things. Shouldn't be too bad."

Ren's response was a noncommittal grunt, but his eyes were sharp, processing the information. The Kirrindal Forest was known for its unpredictability. A place where even seasoned adventurers could get lost if they weren't careful. That wasn't something to take lightly.

Aleron continued, pacing in front of them, his voice steady and authoritative. "I trust that you've all prepared your supplies. After the briefing, you'll be assigned your drop points, and your three-day clock will begin. Any student who does not return with at least 500 points by the end of the three days will fail the midterms. There are no exceptions."

Rin's lips pressed into a thin line at that, though she said nothing. She wasn't scared, but she wasn't naive either. The stakes were high, and the weight of the test felt heavier than before. Sosuke noticed, but he didn't comment. Instead, he leaned toward Ren, whispering, "If the point system is the main focus, do you think we should play it safe or just dive in headfirst?"

Ren didn't answer immediately, his gaze distant as if contemplating the best approach. "The smart move is to stay flexible. We'll need to assess threats quickly."

Sosuke grinned again, the shift in his demeanor subtle but clear. "Always so serious. But you're right. Flexibility it is. We'll just have to adapt."

Aleron's voice returned, firm as ever. "And remember—there's no shame in retreat if it means surviving. You don't need to be a hero. Your lives are the most important thing here."

The crowd murmured in response, a few chuckles breaking the tension momentarily. But the reality of the situation still loomed large. No one here was truly ready to face the dangers of the forest. Not entirely.

"Now," Aleron continued, "I want everyone to get into your designated teams. You'll receive your assignments shortly."

The group dispersed, students shuffling to their respective groups. Sosuke, Ren, and Rin stayed close together, watching as the other students filed out in their own directions. Sosuke nudged Rin lightly. "This is it, huh?"

She gave him a half-smile, but it was fleeting, quickly replaced by the familiar guarded expression. "Yeah. Let's just get through it."

Ren didn't say anything, but the look he gave them both was enough. It was a look of calm assurance, though it was clear he was already calculating what they'd face once they stepped into the forest.

The journey to Kirrindal Forest was nothing like a typical school trip. Sosuke, Ren, and Rin stood with the rest of the first-years in the academy courtyard, awaiting their transport. The usual chatter of nervous students filled the air, but the crowd was oddly subdued, a quiet energy that felt different from excitement.

Above them, the rumble of massive wings soon vibrated the ground. Sosuke's grin widened. "Okay, I wasn't expecting this."

A line of majestic, silver-winged creatures—Skystriders—began to land gracefully in the courtyard. Each creature was large enough to pull a carriage, their wings beating steadily, creating gusts of wind. The professors motioned for the students to board.

Rin's gaze shifted to the Skystriders, recognizing them immediately. The rare magical beasts were used for only the most important events. As the first carriage touched down, students began to file inside, Sosuke eagerly leading the way.

Inside, the carriage was luxurious, with plush seats and compartments filled with supplies. Rin's fingers tightened around the straps of her bag as she slid into a seat beside Sosuke.

Once everyone had boarded, the Skystriders took off with a powerful surge, rising above the academy and into the sky. Sosuke leaned back, his usual playful grin in place. "Can you imagine the monsters when we come in like this?"

Rin stared out the window, her thoughts clouded. Sosuke's antics couldn't shake the unease weighing on her chest. Ren was silent, focused, his gaze distant as he observed the landscape growing smaller beneath them. The Skystriders flew steadily, the wind rushing past as they left the academy far behind.