As the sun rose over the kingdom, its golden rays illuminated the rugged landscape of the Inner Region. Hayden Frost stood on a cliff, the morning light casting a resolute glow on his face. The breathtaking view before him—snow-capped mountains, a vast cold lake, and the rugged terrain—was both awe-inspiring and daunting.

Hayden, Noah, and the other selected students gathered at the training area, where Master Valen and Ms. Seraphine awaited them. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as the instructors prepared to outline their mission

“You all will stay alongside each other just like it’s the battlefield,” Ms. Seraphine began, her voice steady and commanding. “You will face Skelos—lowly demons—but you must take care of each other as if it is a life-and-death situation. You will venture into the valley where conditions are almost identical to the outside world. The mist will be thicker, and the temperature will be harsh. You will spend three days camping amid these dangers.”

She paused for effect. “We have released a few Skelos in the valley. Although they are lower-level demons, they can still pose a threat, especially when they come in numbers. You must rely on both your personal strength and your combined strategy to overcome them and emerge victorious.”

Mr. Valen stepped forward, his expression serious. “Before everything, your safety is paramount. If you encounter something beyond your capabilities, do not hesitate to retreat. You will also face wild creatures in the valley, so stay alert.”

With a final nod, Ms. Seraphine signaled for the students to prepare for departure. They set off, their spirits high despite the daunting task ahead.

On the first day in the valley, the students struggled to cooperate. Tensions ran high as Class C students, including Thorne and his group, resisted collaboration. Some Class B students also isolated themselves, exacerbating the chaos.

Hayden, determined to maintain some semblance of order, worked to unite Class A and Class D students, with varying success. However, as the day wore on, divisions remained, and some students from Class A and Class B went off on their own. The groups scattered, adding to the disarray.

As night fell, Hayden and Noah, along with their friends, camped together. They hunted for food and tried to settle into their temporary home, but the unease of the day lingered.

Thorne stepped forward with a taunting grin. “Well, if it isn’t the heir of the emperor, reduced to Class D. Don’t you remember me, Hayden? I’m Thorne, once the strongest in Class C until you defeated me with your ‘foul tricks’.”

Hayden smirked, unfazed. “Just another sore loser, I see. Why are you trying to fight me? Clear the way if you don’t want to get hurt.”

Thorne’s expression darkened. “This time, you’re outnumbered. I will defeat you!”

Hayden sighed, preparing for another battle with fellow students. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Reluctantly, Hayden prepares to fight. As Thorne and his followers attack, Hayden defends himself. He pushes them back, and when Thorne charges, their swords clash. Despite Thorne’s efforts, Hayden’s precision cuts through Thorne’s clothes again. Enraged, Thorne calls upon Class B’s strongest, Mikael Aris.

"Thorne, you can’t handle him on your own," Mikael says as he and Thorne advance on Hayden. "Let’s see how you fare against us both."

Just then, Noah, Lena, Tobias, and Elara arrived, positioning themselves strategically to protect Hayden. Elara immediately checked on Hayden, her concern evident. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” Hayden assured her, though the battle had taken its toll. “Thanks for coming. I’m alright.”

Tobias addressed the group of attackers. “We’re not here to fight each other. Save your strength for the real enemy.”

Noah, unsheathing his sword, challenged them directly. “If you really want to fight, then come at me. But don’t waste your time here.”

Thorne and Mikael, recognizing the futility of their situation, withdrew, taking their followers with them. The immediate threat was gone, but the tension remained.

That night, as Hayden and Noah patrolled the area, they saw Thorne and Mikael struggling against a horde of Skelos. The lowly demons seemed stronger and more cunning than expected, and their tactics were surprisingly effective.

Without hesitation, they rushed to Thorne’s aid. Hayden, wielding his sword with precision, cut through the demons’ defenses, pushing them back. Noah, with his unmatched strength, struck down the Skelos that tried to surround them. Despite the intensity of the battle, they managed to create an opening.

“Thorne, you and your team need to move—now!” Hayden shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Thorne, sweat dripping down his face, nodded and led his team through the gap Hayden and Noah had created. As they retreated toward the camp, the Skelos pursued them, but Hayden and Noah held their ground, defending the rear. The Skelos were relentless, but with coordinated strikes, they managed to fend them off just long enough to regroup with the others.

Upon returning to their camp, they were met with a horrifying sight. The camp was in flames, the result of an unexpected Skelos attack. The other students were overwhelmed and struggling to fend off the demons. Hayden and Noah sprang into action, joining the fight to protect their peers.

Realizing the situation was untenable, Hayden and Noah made the tough decision to withdraw. They planned to ensure the safety of the other students first. Finn Lark, determined to help, stepped forward.

“I’ll engage the demons too,” Finn declared, ready to fight alongside them.

Hayden and Noah focused on their plan, while Elara, despite her injuries, insisted on staying. Hayden, concerned for her safety, refused. “No, Elara. You need to go with Lena. I’ll take care of things here.”

Elara reluctantly agreed, with Lena escorting her away from the danger. Tobias also stayed behind to fight. The scene intensified as the group faced the relentless Skelos.

As the battle rages, Mr. Valen and Ms. Seraphine, observing from a distance, assess the dire situation. Mr. Valen attempts to enter the fray, but Ms. Seraphine advises him to make a more strategic plan. They call for assistance from the royal castle, requesting General Hale and his knights to come to the Inner Region.

The scene shifts to the castle, where General Hale, standing by the emperor’s side with Zara, receives the message. Zara, tense and anxious, pleads with the emperor to let her accompany the general.

"Emperor, please, let me go. Hayden has always been there for me. I need to be there for him."

Moved by her plea, the emperor reluctantly agrees, granting her permission.

As the general and his knights prepare to leave, Zara watches with concern. "Hayden, please be safe," she silently prays.

Chapter 8 highlights the themes of teamwork and resilience as Hayden and his peers face unexpected dangers and internal conflicts, with a growing sense of urgency as they struggle to manage their mission and seek rescue.