As the trial started, Mixarnt's team found themselves deep in the forest. Althea and her knights immediately began discussing strategies, but Mixarnt remained silent, his mind still clouded by his emotional turmoil. Liva and Rosalind exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to handle his uncharacteristic behavior.
Althea, noticing Mixarnt's detachment, approached him. "Mixarnt, we need a plan. You're the leader of this team. What's your strategy?"
Mixarnt shrugged, his tone indifferent. "Do whatever you want. I don't care."
Althea's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Mixarnt, this is the Aether Knight Trial. If you don't take this seriously, we'll lose. Snap out of it!"
Liva stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. "Mixarnt, please... we need you. Whatever's bothering you, we can help. But right now, we have to focus on the trial."
Mixarnt looked at Liva, then at Rosalind and Althea. For a moment, his usual spark seemed to flicker, but it quickly faded. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
Despite his lack of enthusiasm, the team began to move, following Althea's lead. They decided to set up a defensive position near a river, using the natural terrain to their advantage. However, Mixarnt's heart wasn't in it. He moved mechanically; his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Moon.
The 4th Trial of the Aether Knight Exam was in full swing, but Mixarnt's team was struggling. Althea, one of the kingdom's top strategists, was growing increasingly frustrated. She knew exactly what to do, but the rules of the trial required Mixarnt, as the team leader, to give the commands. However, Mixarnt was moving like a robot, his mind clearly elsewhere. He kept sighing, his usual energy and enthusiasm replaced by a sense of boredom and detachment.
Liva, the noble mage who had joined Mixarnt's team, was equally unsure of what to do. She had hoped Mixarnt would take charge, but his lack of cooperation left her feeling lost. "Sigh..." Mixarnt muttered again, staring at the flag they were supposed to protect. The flag was protected by a magic barrier, preventing it from being stored in his dimensional pocket. "Sigh..." he repeated, as if the entire trial was a tedious chore.
The situation took a turn for the worse when a group of elves, accompanied by giant monsters, launched an attack on their camp. The elves had spotted their campfire—a decision Liva had made without consulting the team. Althea clicked her tongue in annoyance. She had known the campfire would expose their location, but as a general assisting the team, she couldn't override the participants' decisions or give proper advice without Mixarnt's consent, it was a rule set by them as they want the participants to think for themselves.
Mixarnt, without hesitation, charged into the fray. "Enigma Enhancement—100%!" he declared, black lightning crackling around him. He spun in the air, unleashing a mana wave that destroyed the incoming arrows. He then charged at the golems, taking them down with brute force. However, his recklessness cost him—arrows struck his shoulder and legs. Mixarnt barely flinched, plucking the arrows out as if they were mere annoyances.
"Oh no! He isn't thinking straight!" Rosalind exclaimed, her blue rose aura flaring to life. In a flash, she darted toward the elves, knocking them unconscious with precise strikes.
"Radiant Wave!" Mixarnt shouted, unleashing a powerful attack that destroyed trees and enemies alike. He panted heavily, his body trembling from the strain of Enigma Enhancement. Blood dripped from his wounds, but he ignored the pain. "Let's move," he said, limping forward. He nearly collapsed, but Althea rushed to his side, supporting him.
"That was reckless!" Althea said, her tone more worried than angry. She had seen what Mixarnt was capable of, but his lack of focus was alarming. The arrows shouldn't have hit him—he was usually far more agile and aware. It was clear that something was weighing heavily on his mind, distracting him from the trial.
In the throne room, General Kalavan, Percival, Lamorak, and Halik were watching the trial unfold. Percival leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face. "Who do you think will win? Aside from Xacion, the other four generals are the current strategists of the kingdom. This should be interesting."
Kalavan, slouched on a nearby sofa, shrugged. "I don't really care. I hate this part of the trial—it's all mind games. I'm more interested in why Xacion joined the trial."
Halik, ever the quiet observer, simply said, "Who knows."
Lamorak, however, dismissed the concern. "His presence doesn't matter. The trial will proceed with or without him."
Kalavan sighed, clearly bored. "Whatever. I'm just here to watch the chaos."
In the Royal Viewing Deck,
Sunshine was growing increasingly annoyed and worried. Her golden flame eyes were fixed on Mixarnt's group, her frustration evident. "What the hell are you doing, Mixarnt!?" she muttered under her breath. She had noticed immediately that Mixarnt wasn't himself. She hadn't had the chance to talk to him the previous day due to her duties as a general, but now she regretted it. Like Eclipse, Sunshine had felt a pang of jealousy when she learned about Alyssia and Elyssia being his lovers, but she was more straightforward with her emotions. She had decided that she wouldn't lose to the two princesses and would spend more time with Mixarnt to make her feelings clear.
Eclipse, standing nearby, was equally uneasy. Her Lunar Eyes were focused on Mixarnt, her expression unreadable. She remembered the hurt look on his face when she had slammed the table and left the tavern. It was a moment she couldn't forget, and now, seeing him so reckless and unfocused, she couldn't help but feel responsible.
Back in the forest, as Mixarnt's team regrouped, Althea took charge, applying first aid to his wounds. "You need to focus, Mixarnt," she said, her tone firm but caring. "This trial isn't just about strength—it's about strategy and leadership. If you keep acting like this, we'll lose."
Mixarnt nodded, though his mind was still clouded. He knew Althea was right, but the weight of his emotions was hard to shake. "I'll try," he said quietly.
Liva and Rosalind exchanged worried glances. They didn't know what was bothering Mixarnt, but they could see that it was affecting him deeply. For now, all they could do was support him and hope that he would snap out of it before it was too late.
The trial continued, but his struggles were far from over. As the hours passed, the pressure mounted, and the elves grew more aggressive attacking each group, Mixarnt knew he had to pull himself together—not just for the trial, but for the people who were counting on him. But with his heart was heavy and his mind distracted, it was easier said than done.