The cold air in the academy’s training yard bit at Vax’s skin as he stood among the other students. Before them loomed the entrance to the Shadowgrove Dungeon, a sprawling labyrinth of stone and magic said to test even experienced adventurers. For the students, it was a mandatory trial meant to showcase their skills—and their ranks.

“This test will evaluate your ability to handle pressure in a real-world environment,” the instructor barked, pacing before the gathered group. “Your rank determines the difficulty of your assigned task. S-ranks will face the highest challenges, and F-ranks…” His gaze landed on Vax, lingering for a moment before moving on. “Well, F-ranks will do what they can to stay out of the way.”

Snickers rippled through the crowd.

Vax kept his face neutral, though his nails dug into his palms.

“Teams will be assigned based on rank synergy,” the instructor continued. “And remember: failure to complete your assigned task will reflect poorly on your final evaluation.”

When the groups were announced, Vax wasn’t surprised to find himself paired with other F-ranks. Their assignment was simple—patrol the outer edges of the dungeon and collect mana crystals from low-level creatures.

“Good luck, Vax,” Aisha said as she passed him, her voice dripping with mockery. Her team of A-ranks, armed with gleaming weapons and enchanted gear, was assigned to clear the dungeon’s inner sanctum. “Try not to get eaten.”

Vax didn’t respond. He adjusted his simple leather armor, the only protection he could afford, and joined his group at the dungeon’s entrance.

The Shadowgrove Dungeon was dark and oppressive, its narrow corridors lit only by the faint glow of mana-infused moss. The air smelled of damp stone and something metallic—blood, perhaps. Vax led the way, his senses sharp despite the low stakes of their mission.

His group encountered a few minor creatures—slime-like entities and skittering insects. They worked together to dispatch them, using rudimentary spells and basic sword strikes. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough.

Then they heard the roar.

It reverberated through the dungeon, low and guttural, shaking the very walls.

“What was that?” one of Vax’s teammates whispered, their voice trembling.

Vax didn’t answer. He gestured for the group to stay back and crept forward, his footsteps silent on the stone floor.

When he rounded the corner, his heart nearly stopped.

A B-rank monster towered before him, its hulking form covered in jagged scales. Its eyes glowed like embers, and its claws scraped against the ground, sending sparks flying.

The creature had been disturbed by another team—Aisha’s team. The A-ranks were in disarray, their confidence shattered as they struggled to fend off the beast. One student lay unconscious, and another was barely managing to hold up a defensive barrier.

“Help them!” someone in Vax’s group whispered urgently.

“What can we do?” another F-rank hissed. “That’s a B-rank monster. We’d only get in the way.”

Vax ignored them. His body moved on instinct, stepping into the fray before he even realized what he was doing.

The monster’s gaze locked onto him, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

This is it, Vax thought. No holding back.

Golden runes flared to life along his arms as he unleashed a surge of magic. The air crackled with energy as he cast a spell, one far beyond the capabilities of any F-rank. A massive bolt of lightning struck the monster, sending it reeling.

The A-ranks stared in stunned silence as Vax pressed the attack, weaving between the monster’s strikes with precision and speed. Each spell he cast was more powerful than the last, until the creature finally collapsed with a deafening thud.

When it was over, the dungeon was eerily quiet.

Vax turned to face the others, his chest heaving. The A-ranks were still frozen in place, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.

Aisha was the first to speak. Her voice was sharp, but there was an edge of uncertainty to it. “How… How did you do that?”

Vax didn’t answer. He simply walked past her, the golden light of his runes fading as he clenched his fists.