The next morning, Ravenfall City awakened long before sunrise.
The streets that were usually quiet at dawn had transformed into a sea of people. Merchants shouted over one another as they sold potions, dried rations, and inexpensive weapons to hopeful candidates making their final preparations. Parents embraced their children, offering words of encouragement while trying to hide the worry in their eyes. Hunters clad in polished armor stood along the roads, maintaining order as the crowd steadily moved toward the city's northern gate.
Kael tightened the strap securing his sword to his waist and took a slow breath.
Today was the day.
His mother adjusted the collar of his dark leather tunic before brushing an invisible speck of dust from his shoulder. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone," she said softly. "Just come home safely."
"I will."
She smiled, though her eyes betrayed her concern.
Rowan stepped forward and handed Kael a small leather pouch.
"What's this?"
"Emergency supplies."
Inside were two healing herbs, a strip of dried meat, and a few silver coins.
"It isn't much," Rowan admitted, "but it might help if things don't go as planned."
Kael carefully tied the pouch to his belt.
"Thank you."
Before anyone could say another word, Lena wrapped both arms around him.
"You promised."
Kael smiled and gently patted her head.
"I know."
"No matter what happens..."
"I'll come back."
Only then did she let go.
With one last look at his family, Kael turned toward the city square.
The massive plaza was already overflowing with candidates.
Some wore expensive enchanted armor engraved with glowing runes. Others carried beautifully crafted weapons that would have cost more than Kael's family earned in several years. A few noble heirs stood surrounded by personal guards, laughing confidently as though the trial had already been won.
Kael ignored them.
He had learned long ago that comparing himself to others achieved nothing.
He simply needed to do his best.
"Kael!"
A familiar voice called from behind.
Marcus waved as he approached with three others.
Marcus Ashford had been Kael's closest friend since childhood. Tall and athletic with short brown hair, he possessed a natural confidence that drew people toward him. The two had trained together for years, often competing to see who could master a sword technique first.
Walking beside him was Elena Frost, one of the most talented archers among the younger generation. Her sharp green eyes rarely missed anything, and although she spoke little, she had always been dependable.
Behind her came Darren Holt, whose broad frame made him look older than the rest of them. Despite his intimidating appearance, he was surprisingly gentle and often acted as the group's protector.
The last was Finn Carter, a cheerful young mage whose jokes somehow found their way into even the most serious situations.
"There you are," Marcus said, grinning. "We thought you overslept."
Kael laughed.
"My sister made sure that didn't happen."
Finn folded his arms dramatically.
"I barely slept at all. Every time I closed my eyes, I dreamed a monster was chasing me."
"You'd probably outrun it," Darren said.
"No."
Finn sighed.
"I'd trip first."
The group burst into laughter.
For a brief moment, the nervousness surrounding the trial disappeared.
These were the friends Kael trusted more than anyone outside his family.
They had trained together.
Lost together.
Improved together.
If there was anyone he wanted beside him inside the Abyss, it was them.
A loud horn echoed across the plaza.
The laughter instantly faded.
Every candidate turned toward the enormous stone platform overlooking the square.
A man clad in silver armor stepped forward.
Even from a distance, his presence demanded respect.
Commander Gareth.
One of Ravenfall's strongest Hunters.
Scars crossed his face, while the enormous greatsword resting behind him radiated an aura that made even experienced Hunters stand straighter.
His voice carried effortlessly across the silent crowd.
"Welcome."
"Today, five hundred and twelve candidates will attempt to become Hunters."
He paused, allowing his words to settle.
"History says fewer than fifty of you will succeed."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Some swallowed nervously.
Others tightened their grip on their weapons.
Gareth continued.
"The Abyss does not care who your parents are."
"It does not care how talented you believe yourself to be."
"It rewards only those who survive."
His gaze swept over the candidates.
"If fear controls you..."
"Leave now."
No one moved.
A faint smile crossed Gareth's face.
"Good."
Behind him, the enormous black gate began to tremble.
Ancient runes carved into its surface slowly ignited, glowing with a deep blue light.
The ground shook beneath everyone's feet.
A low rumble echoed through the city.
Then the gates slowly parted.
Cold air poured from the opening like a living thing.
It carried the scent of damp earth, ancient trees, and something else.
Something that made every instinct scream to stay away.
Beyond the gate stretched a dense forest shrouded in black mist.
Towering trees reached toward a sky hidden beneath thick clouds, while strange vines wrapped around weathered stone ruins scattered throughout the landscape.
This was only the outer region of the Abyss.
The safest part.
And yet hundreds had died here over the years.
Commander Gareth raised one hand.
"The trial is simple."
"Enter the outer forest."
"Retrieve one Monster Core."
"Return before sunset."
"If you fail..."
His expression remained cold.
"Do not expect anyone to rescue you."
Silence followed.
Then another Hunter began distributing small silver bracelets to each candidate.
When Kael fastened his around his wrist, faint runes briefly glowed before disappearing.
"They'll identify every participant," Marcus said.
"And if someone dies?"
Finn asked quietly.
Marcus didn't answer.
He didn't have to.
Everyone already knew.
Another horn sounded.
The gates were fully open.
"This is it," Darren said, adjusting the shield strapped to his arm.
Marcus looked toward the group.
"We stay together."
Everyone nodded.
Together, they stepped forward with hundreds of other candidates.
As Kael crossed the threshold, a strange chill ran through his body.
It lasted only a heartbeat.
He glanced back.
Outside the gate, his family remained among the crowd.
Lena raised both hands, waving enthusiastically despite the distance.
Kael smiled and waved back.
Then he turned toward the forest ahead.
None of them noticed the faint pulse of black light that flickered deep within the sword hanging at Kael's waist before disappearing as quickly as it had come.
The Abyss had been waiting for a very long time.
And for the first time in countless ages...
Something inside it had awakened.