The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 29: The Final Test – Combat Trial Against Wolf Constructs
Chapter 29 - The Final Test – Combat Trial Against Wolf Constructs
The air around the field grew thick with anticipation as the third exam ended. There was a brief pause—students murmured amongst themselves, processing the performances they had just witnessed.
Professor Aldros, now floating high above the field once more, waved his hand to summon a deep, resonating silence.
"Now, for the final portion of the exam," he announced. "This will test your combat skills, as well as your ability to deal with pressure and unforeseen circumstances."
A series of barriers shimmered into place, enclosing an expansive area in the center of the field. The air shifted, and the ground beneath the students rumbled.
"You will face magical constructs—wolves created from elemental magic. These constructs are not real beasts, but they will be a true test of your skill and resourcefulness. You will fight against them, one-on-one. Do not hold back. Your performance will determine your final score."
A low, growling sound echoed across the field as large, ethereal wolf shapes began to materialize—fierce eyes glowing, smoke curling around their forms. The wolves' bodies were made of swirling, ethereal blue fire, their paws crackling with electricity and ice.
Zen stood still, watching. He wasn't sure what to expect from this test, but he felt an unexplainable calmness flow over him. This was his element—combat, a direct challenge.
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Lyra's Challenge
The first students were called up. Lyra was among the first batch, and as her name was called, she squeezed Zen's arm.
"Good luck," she whispered, her smile warm but tinged with nervousness. "I've got this."
Zen gave her a small nod, his gaze focused.
She stepped forward into the arena, and a single wolf construct appeared before her. The ground crackled beneath its feet.
"Tear her apart."
The words from the construct's magic-filled maw reverberated as it lunged forward, baring its jagged teeth.
Lyra held her breath, but instead of retreating, she raised her hands and chanted. The green aura enveloped her, and the wolf, which had once seemed menacing, suddenly slowed, its ferocity fading as it weakened. Healing light emanated from her fingertips.
"Hold still, you beast," Lyra muttered under her breath.
With a few controlled movements, she weakened the wolf enough to gain control over it. The wolf stilled and dropped to the ground with a defeated whimper. The audience was stunned.
"Incredible!" Professor Aldros called out. "A healing specialist who can manipulate the constructs... Unique and precise. Well done, 9.5 out of 10!"
Lyra, slightly flushed, walked off the field, waving at Zen.
Zen gave her a quiet thumbs-up, smiling slightly. Her magic had been stunning.
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Zen's Challenge
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Then it was Zen's turn. His body tensed slightly, but his mind cleared. He knew what had to be done.
The next wolf construct that appeared before him was massive—about five feet tall, made of crackling elemental energy. Its glowing blue eyes locked onto Zen, and the creature snarled as it slowly advanced, its body blazing with power.
Zen stepped forward and drew his sword, his movements calm and deliberate.
The wolf lunged with ferocious speed, but Zen was already moving—his blade cutting through the air in a perfect arc. The wolf didn't even have time to react. With a swift motion, Zen's sword pierced through the construct's heart, instantly shattering it into shards of magic. The beast dissolved into nothingness with a brief flash of light.
The audience gasped, but Zen wasn't finished.
Before anyone could even blink, five more wolf constructs appeared. They circled Zen, their growls vibrating through the air. This time, the wolves were stronger, their forms crackling with even more intense elemental energy.
Zen didn't flinch. His grip tightened on his sword.
The wolves lunged together, attempting to overwhelm him, but Zen was faster. With a single, fluid motion, he spun, his sword cutting through the first wolf with effortless precision. The magical wolf shattered before it could even land a strike.
Zen didn't pause. He darted forward, slashing the second wolf clean through the middle. The construct disintegrated as it was struck.
The third wolf barely had time to adjust before Zen's sword whistled through the air and struck it down in an instant, its form breaking apart like glass.
The fourth wolf barely managed to get close before Zen's blade moved once again, and it crumbled with a sharp, crackling sound. Only one remained.
The fifth and final wolf attempted to circle around him, but Zen had already predicted its movements. With a single decisive slash, he cleaved the construct in half, the magical energy dissipating immediately into the air.
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The Aftermath
The field went silent. Zen stood with his sword lowered, his breathing calm but steady. The five wolves had been dispatched in mere seconds. He hadn't even broken a sweat.
Professor Aldros floated down, his eyes wide with shock. "...Incredible." He paused for a moment before speaking again. "I've seen many students in my time, but never someone with such refined combat instincts. You defeated the constructs in an instant."
The professor adjusted his glasses and nodded, still in disbelief. "It was... effortless for you. That was no ordinary skill. Zen, you may have just redefined what I thought was possible in this exam. 10 out of 10."
The crowd gasped in astonishment. The students looked at Zen, some awe-struck, others burning with jealousy. His silent demeanor and the way he had cut down the constructs without hesitation left a lasting impression.
Zen said nothing. He simply wiped his sword clean, sheathed it, and walked calmly off the field.
Around him, the rest of the students continued their battles, one by one finishing their trials—some with cheers, others barely holding on. But none matched the storm Zen had just left behind.
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New Faces and Rivals
As Zen returned to his spot, a few nobles exchanged glances.
One of them, a tall figure with black hair and piercing green eyes, stepped forward. "Zen, was it?"
Zen looked at him without speaking, his posture cool and casual.
"I was wondering..." the noble continued with a smirk. "If you're truly worthy of being here... I don't believe we've met properly. My name's Darian Outhorne. You may want to watch your back in the coming months."
Zen didn't respond to the veiled threat, but he made a note to keep an eye on Darian. There was something about him that seemed dangerous.
Beside him, Veyra Kelmire raised an eyebrow. "You've got talent... for a jungle rat," she said. "But don't think you can easily beat me."
Zen glanced at her, his expression unreadable. He didn't reply—just turned away and focused on Lyra, who was already waving at him from the sidelines.
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End of the Final Exam
As the exams concluded, students gathered in the field once more. Some looked smug, others worried. But for Zen and Lyra, this moment wasn't about the others. It was about what came next—the academy entrance.
