Only three students had reached the final checkpoint—and all three collapsed as soon as they did. Unconscious. Paralyzed.
Arthur narrowed his eyes, trying to make sense of it. There were no visible injuries and no sign of a physical attack. His thoughts turned to one possibility.
Darkness.
His brother wielded that element. Could it have been a mental assault? Some illusion or curse that struck their minds instead of their bodies?
The instructor and council officers quickly rushed in, helping the fallen students back to their places. A healer arrived to revive them. After all, there were still at least two more rounds to go.
The crowd of students buzzed with unease. Whispers filled the air as they debated what had happened—and more importantly, how to guard against it.
Arthur, however, didn't join in. He looked toward Kevin.
And Kevin…was already looking at him.
He never told me about this.
