BLACK IPEE (WN)

Later that night, Lucian lay on the stiff cot in his dorm, his gaze fixed on the dim ceiling. Sleep didn't come easily—not after everything. The air around him buzzed faintly with the energy of the Arcane Network, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

The memory of the bear lingered, vivid and unrelenting. Not the monstrous beasts they spoke of here, but the one he had fought back in the forest of his old world. He could still feel the weight of its massive body, the searing pain of its teeth sinking into his arm.

That was the first time I truly stared death in the face.

The scent of blood, the snap of bone—it all came rushing back. He remembered the moment he had chosen to stop running. The branch, the rock, the sheer desperation. And then... the impossible. His wounds closing, his body mending itself as the bear's blood seeped into him.

That moment had been the turning point, the first crack in his understanding of himself. They said I awakened my powers. Is that what happened back there? His hand flexed, the memory of the warmth spreading through his veins as vivid as the fight itself.

No matter how much he replayed it, he couldn't deny the truth: he survived because he refused to hesitate. Not because of luck. Not because of mercy. He had calculated every move, exploited every weakness, and made choices that others would've faltered on.

And that's what I'll do here too.

The following day, Lucian stood in the Nexus Testing Facility, his expression cold and unreadable as he scanned the room. Other recruits surrounded him, their chatter low and nervous. He ignored them, focusing instead on the holographic screens displaying various monstrous creatures.

Most of the recruits looked uneasy. A boy with shaggy blond hair was nervously tapping the hilt of his dagger. A pair of twins whispered frantically to each other, their eyes darting to the arena entrance. Lucian studied them all in silence, noting their tells, their weaknesses.

Most of them won't last a day here.

A sharp voice cut through the tension.

"Listen up."

Lucian turned as a tall man with striking green eyes strode into the room. His presence alone seemed to demand attention. He carried himself like someone who had survived countless battles and didn't tolerate failure.

"I'm Instructor Kael Draven," the man said. "Today, you'll be tested. You'll either rise to the challenge or prove that you don't belong here. If you die, that's on you. But for today's test, if your life is truly in danger, we'll step in. Barely."

Some recruits sighed in relief. Lucian didn't move. He was already analyzing the implications of Draven's words. They want us to fight like our lives depend on it, but they won't let us die. Not today.

Draven gestured to a glowing orb set on a pedestal. "Step up, place your hands on the Arcane Assessor, and it will display your abilities. Only you will see the results. Use that knowledge to survive."

One by one, recruits approached the orb, some with trembling hands, others with forced bravado. Lucian remained still, watching how each one reacted upon seeing their results. Most walked away with pale faces, some with quiet smirks.

Finally, it was his turn.

He stepped forward with measured steps, placing his hands on the orb without hesitation. Heat surged through his palms, and a burst of light engulfed his vision.

[User: Lucian D'Acron]

Traits: Cold-blooded

Age: 20

Race: Human

Arcane Magic: 50

Spirit Energy: 20

Physical Power: Regeneration (Tier 2)

– Can heal broken bones or severe injuries in minutes.

Soul Power: Blood Crafting (Tier 2)

– By consuming the blood of others, temporarily replicate one of their abilities for up to 24 hours.

Mental Power: Pain Immunity (Tier 9)

– Immune to physical pain.

Lucian's eyes scanned the results quickly, committing every detail to memory. Regeneration and blood crafting—those explained the impossible events during his fight with the bear. Pain immunity? That was new, but useful. So I'm built to survive and adapt. Good.

He stepped back from the orb, his expression betraying nothing as he rejoined the group.

Draven led them into the arena, where the terrain morphed in real time—dense forests, jagged cliffs, barren deserts. The recruits murmured in awe, but Lucian stayed focused, his mind already racing with possibilities.

"Your task is simple," Draven said. "Survive. You'll face either a Common or Uncommon monster. The choice is yours. Choose wisely, because the monsters won't hold back."

The recruits hesitated, exchanging nervous glances.

Lucian stepped forward. "Uncommon."

Draven raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. A few recruits looked at him like he was insane. Lucian ignored them. It's a risk, but calculated. If I can handle this, I'll learn more about what I can do—and what I can't.

The arena shifted, forming a rocky clearing surrounded by cliffs. Across from him, a hulking creature emerged from the shadows—a Razorfang Panther. Its sleek, black fur shimmered under the artificial sunlight, and its glowing red eyes locked onto him with predatory intent.

Lucian's mind raced as he studied it. Fast. Agile. Sharp claws and fangs. It'll try to overwhelm me with speed.

The panther prowled closer, its movements fluid and deliberate. Lucian remained still, waiting for it to make the first move.

When it lunged, he sidestepped at the last moment, driving his blade toward its flank. The panther twisted midair, narrowly avoiding the strike. It landed gracefully, already preparing for another attack.

Lucian's eyes narrowed. It's testing me, looking for an opening. I can't let it dictate the pace.

He feigned a stumble, and the panther took the bait, lunging again. This time, Lucian sidestepped and slashed upward, his blade grazing its side. The creature hissed in pain, black blood dripping onto the ground.

For several minutes, they danced around each other, the panther's speed countered by Lucian's precision. But as the fight dragged on, Lucian felt his muscles burn. I can't keep this up. I need to end it.

The panther charged, and Lucian made his move. He dropped his blade and lunged forward, grabbing the creature by its neck. Its claws raked across his torso, but he didn't flinch. With a primal growl, he drove his knee into its chest, then twisted its head sharply.

The panther collapsed, its body dissolving into shimmering mist. Lucian stood over the spot where it had fallen, his chest heaving.

Draven's voice echoed through the arena. "Pass. Barely."

Lucian looked up, meeting Draven's gaze. He didn't respond, simply wiping the blood from his hands.

"You start pre-class tomorrow," Draven announced to the group. "You'll learn everything you need to survive here—about monsters, the Arcane Network, and the world beyond. Dismissed."

As the recruits filed out, Lucian stayed behind for a moment, his eyes lingering on the shifting terrain.

At the end of the day, survival is about one thing: knowing yourself better than your enemy. And I'm just getting started.