"Stop!"
The sharp command echoed through the training hall.
Hope and the other students froze in place, their weapons still poised for combat. The hum of mechanical droids powered down, signaling the end of the session. Heavy breaths filled the air, sweat dripping onto the reinforced steel floor.
Hope exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling in rapid succession.
His limbs ached, weighed down by fatigue. The strain of combat combined with the relentless whispers in his head had taken its toll. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, but he clenched his fists, shaking off the exhaustion.
Weakness wasn't an option.
He'd learned to endure.
Even if it killed him.
The supervisor, a man hardened by years of battle, scanned the room with a keen eye. His arms were crossed, expression unreadable as he observed the tired students.
Then, after a moment of silence, he finally spoke.
"You all have done considerably well," he admitted, his deep voice booming through the training hall.
A few students visibly brightened at the rare praise, standing a little straighter. Hope, however, didn't react. He knew the next words wouldn't be as pleasant.
"Compared to the last time, most of you have improved." The supervisor nodded slightly. "I'm amazed."
A brief moment of relief settled over the room. Some students exchanged glances, shoulders loosening.
Then—
"But for those who haven't…"
His voice turned cold.
"Whether you improve or not, you'll still face the Veil. That's your headache."
The atmosphere shifted.
A few students stiffened at the reminder, their faces growing pale. The earlier sense of accomplishment shattered instantly.
Hope scoffed quietly, crossing his arms.
"True talk," he muttered under his breath.
It was brutal.
But it was also the truth.
In the end, the Veil wouldn't care whether they were ready or not.
It would come for them either way.
The supervisor let his words sink in before continuing.
"By next week," he said, his tone steady, "and two days before going to the Soulrealm—or Ashland—you all will be sent on a mission."
A ripple of unease moved through the students.
A mission?
That wasn't part of their usual training.
The supervisor's gaze darkened.
"You will be deployed to slay Veil creatures."
The murmurs intensified.
Some students looked excited, eager to prove themselves. Others? Terrified.
Hope remained still, digesting the information.
Killing Veil creatures…
It wasn't just training anymore.
It was real.
A glimpse of the nightmare that awaited them in the Soulrealm.
The supervisor continued, his voice unyielding.
"This mission is meant to prepare you for what's ahead. Experience is the only real teacher."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
Then—
"Ascended-ranked warriors and instructors will be present to ensure your safety."
Some students sighed in relief, but the supervisor's next words cut through them like a blade.
"But remember—"
His eyes sharpened, his presence suddenly oppressive.
"In the Soulrealm, no one will be there to protect you."
A cold silence settled over the room.
Hope felt his jaw tighten.
He already knew that much.
No one could truly protect them from the horrors of the Veil.
In the end, they were on their own.
The supervisor straightened, his expression unreadable.
"Class dismissed."
With that, he turned sharply on his heel, walking toward the exit without another word.
The students remained frozen for a moment, the weight of the announcement still pressing down on them.
Then—
Slowly, one by one, they began to leave.
Hope exhaled, his body still burning from exhaustion.
A mission to kill Veil creatures…
It wasn't the Soulrealm.
Not yet.
But it was the first step toward it.