Asher's team stood together at the edge of the Wildshade Forest, each member sizing up their companions and preparing for the challenges ahead. The simulated biome stretched out before them, a dense expanse of towering trees, tangled vines, and faintly glowing flora. The air buzzed with faint energy, hinting at the dangers lurking within.
Freya, looking around, twirled her Flame Hound Daggers, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "So, leader, what's the plan?" she asked, her tone teasing but expectant.
Asher crossed his arms, his crimson eyes scanning the forest. "We need to move systematically. First, map out the area. Liora will scout ahead for traps or enemies. Kai, stay close and use your illusions to mask our movements if needed. Caden and I will handle any immediate threats. Freya, you're on crowd control. Use your flames to clear dense vegetation or distract larger threats."
Freya mock-saluted him. "Aye-aye, captain!"
"Also, make use of your World tree to clear things out , we are in forest use your ability, you are in your own Domain" he said as Freya shrugged " That's why I am not using it, World tree is powerful but it is also weak" She said as Asher tilted his head "what do you mean?".
"never mind" she said as Asher just nodded as he nodded to others.
The team moved out, each falling into their designated roles. Liora crept ahead, her movements silent as a shadow. Her keen eyes spotted small glimmers in the underbrush—core shards, faintly glowing with magical energy. "Two shards, 20 meters to the east," she whispered, pointing toward a cluster of thorny bushes.
Kai created a faint illusion of rustling leaves in the opposite direction, drawing away a nearby predator that had been lurking. The team moved swiftly, retrieving the shards with minimal effort.
The further they ventured into the forest, the more challenging the environment became. The first zone had been relatively tame, populated by low-level creatures like horned rabbits and vine serpents. But as they crossed into the second zone, the air grew heavier, and the creatures more aggressive.
A pack of Shadow Wolves emerged from the underbrush, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light. They circled the group, their low growls sending a shiver down Kai's spine.
"Freya!" Asher commanded. "your turn"
Freya grinned, leaping forward with her daggers igniting into blazing arcs. The wolves hesitated, snarling at the sudden burst of flame. With a flourish, she created a wall of fire, forcing the pack to split and giving the team an opening to attack.
Caden stepped up, slamming his fists into the ground. Jagged pillars of earth erupted beneath the wolves, throwing them off balance. Asher darted in, his crimson blades moving with precision as he dispatched two wolves with clean strikes.
"Behind you!" Liora shouted, loosing an arrow that embedded itself in a wolf lunging at Asher's back. He gave her a brief nod of acknowledgment before focusing on the remaining threats.
Though he was fully aware but he didn't said anything, allowing them to score some points, after all thanks to his upgraded Blood Supreme he can see a lot of powerful figures hidden and watching over them.
Kai used his illusions to confuse the wolves, making them snap at phantoms while the real team moved in for the kill. Within minutes, the pack was defeated, and the group emerged relatively unscathed.
"Not bad," Freya said, wiping soot from her cheek. "Though you could've let me handle them all. My flames are pretty efficient, you know."
Asher shot her a look. "This isn't about showing off. It's about efficiency and survival."
"Touché," she replied with a grin.
They continued deeper into the forest, encountering increasingly dangerous foes. In the third zone, they came across a towering creature—a Golem of Thorns, its body covered in razor-sharp vines that pulsed with a dark green light. The core shard embedded in its chest was clearly their target.
"How do we handle this?" Caden asked, his fists clenched.
Asher analyzed the creature. "It's slow but heavily armored. Liora, aim for the joints with your arrows to restrict its movement. Kai, use illusions to distract it and keep it from targeting us directly. Freya, your flames can weaken its vines. Caden and I will go for the core."
Freya smirked. "Finally, something big enough to really burn."
The plan unfolded with remarkable coordination. Liora's arrows found their marks, embedding in the golem's knee joints and slowing its movements. Kai conjured a mirage of another golem, drawing its attention away from the group. Freya's flames burned through its protective vines, exposing the core.
Asher and Caden moved in, their combined strength overwhelming the weakened golem. With a final strike, Asher pierced the core, and the creature crumbled into ash, leaving behind a large shard glowing with radiant energy.
The team collected the shard, their spirits high despite the mounting fatigue.
As the trial neared its end, Reynold's voice echoed through the forest, signaling the conclusion. "All teams, return to the starting point. Time is up."
The group made their way back, their collection of core shards safely stowed. At the clearing, the other teams were already assembling, some looking battered and others triumphant.
Reynold stood at the center, his expression neutral as he surveyed the students. "Today's trial was about more than collecting shards. It was a test of strategy, adaptability, and teamwork. Some of you excelled. Others... not so much."
He glanced at Asher's team, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Team Magnus performed exceptionally, showcasing coordination and resourcefulness. Well done."
Inwardly Asher rolled his eyes as he many times had to use the Blood Manipulation to redirect his party from harm and also to let them attack the beasts at right points.
Freya nudged Asher with her elbow. "Look at you, golden boy. Winning hearts and praise."
Asher rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint smirk that tugged at his lips.
The students were dismissed, their performances recorded for future evaluations. Asher returned to his dorm, his body weary but his mind sharp. The trial had been a success, but he knew the academy would only continue to challenge him further.
Freya, as always, lingered outside his door. "Same time tomorrow?" she teased.
Asher sighed, closing the door without answering. Behind the closed door, he allowed himself a small smile.
"Hmm, it isn't boring as I thought, he laid there as he thought"
"But I guess time to check it out" Asher mumbled as he looked at his System screen.
After obtaining the first rank in Academy he got an Cheat opportunity, and now he is going to use it.
"Do the Gacha" he said as System started to Roll the Gacha.
[ Congratulations Host on obtaining a Demi plane Cheat : Dark Existence Demi Plane ]
[Dark Existence Demi Plane]
Type: Demi-Plane of Shadows
Size: 100 million square kilometers
The Dark Existence Demi Plane is a shadowy realm shrouded in mystery and dark energy. This plane exists in a perpetual twilight, with rivers of obsidian and forests of blackened, glowing flora. It's a place of intense power, suited for hosting dark rituals, cultivating forbidden resources, and nurturing shadow-based entities.
Shadow Nexus: A powerful energy core located at the heart of the demi-plane. It generates a limitless supply of shadow energy that can be harnessed by the host or entities within the realm.
Nightshade Grove: A sprawling forest of bioluminescent trees and plants, useful for crafting unique items or enhancing shadow magic.
Obsidian Forge: A volcanic region rich in rare materials like shadowsteel and obsidian. It serves as a prime location for creating legendary weapons and armor.
Void Gates: Portals scattered across the realm that allow for instantaneous travel within the demi-plane or to other connected realms.
Dark Entity Cultivation: The plane can nurture shadow-based lifeforms, making it ideal for raising a personal army of creatures attuned to darkness.
Shadow Weaving: Enhance all shadow-related abilities by 50% while in the demi-plane or while using its resources.
Infinite Expansion Potential: The demi-plane can grow by absorbing other realms or resources, increasing in size and capability over time. ]
"Is it like my personal dimension?" Asher asked, tilting his head curiously.
[Yes, Host. It is your own personal dimension,] the system responded.
[This dimension has been growing for billions of years, and countless ancient entities now inhabit it. Host should be ready to face them.]
Asher frowned. "How is it a cheat if I can't even properly use it?" he asked, his tone skeptical.
[Do not worry, Host. The strongest existence tied to this plane is now your servant after your successful binding with it.]
The system paused before continuing: New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
[Would Host like to bind with it?]
Asher nodded without hesitation.
Suddenly, a sharp flash overwhelmed his vision, and his mind was whisked away into an unfamiliar expanse. He found himself standing beneath a vast, dark sky, filled with swirling crimson and black clouds. As the image zoomed in, Asher realized he was inside an enormous hall.
Ahead of him was a beautiful black-and-red coffin, massive in size, exuding an aura of ancient power. He tried to move closer, but his body felt paralyzed. Just as he gathered his strength to approach, the image shifted again, and he found himself standing directly before the coffin.