Chapter 36: Trials of the Venom Hunters

The Venom Hunters training ground was unlike any place John had ever seen. Nestled deep in an ancient forest, it was hidden from the prying eyes of the world, accessible only to the chosen heirs of powerful families. The air buzzed with tension and expectation as John arrived, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. His mother, Aira Jewels, had warned him of the challenges he would face here, but the reality was even more daunting than he had imagined.

The compound itself was sprawling, with high stone walls and imposing towers that seemed to touch the sky. Inside, the grounds were teeming with young heirs, each one carrying the weight of their family’s legacy on their shoulders. John could feel their eyes on him, measuring, judging, assessing.

As he made his way through the crowd, snatches of conversation floated to his ears.
“Is that the new guy?”

“Yeah, heard he’s from some unknown family.”

“He looks like he wouldn’t last a day here.”

John kept his head down, reminding himself of Aira’s advice to remain under the radar. He knew better than to rise to their taunts. He had come here for a purpose, and nothing would distract him from it.
On his first day, John was led to the main training hall, where rows of students were sparring and practicing with deadly precision. The atmosphere was intense, filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and shouts of determination.

The instructor, a grizzled veteran named Anamae, stood at the front, her eyes scanning the room with the keen awareness of a predator. Her presence commanded respect, and the students immediately silenced as she began to speak.

“Welcome to Venom Hunters,” Anamae announced, her voice booming through the hall. “You are here to prove yourselves, to push beyond your limits and become the leaders you were born to be. But make no mistake—this place will test you. Only the strong survive, and the weak are left behind.”

She paused, her gaze settling on John. “You there, step forward.”

John stepped into the center of the hall, feeling the eyes of every student on him.
“What’s your name, boy?” Anamae asked, her tone challenging.

“John,” he replied, using only his first name to maintain his cover.

Anamae raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “John, huh? We’ll see if you live up to that name.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd, but John stood firm, refusing to be cowed.

After the initial introductions, the training began in earnest. John found himself paired with a tall, arrogant student named Victor, whose family was known for their ruthless business tactics and extensive network of influence.

Victor smirked as they faced off, clearly relishing the opportunity to humiliate someone he thought was beneath him.
“So, you’re the new guy everyone’s talking about,” Victor sneered. “I bet you’re not as tough as you look.”

John met his gaze steadily, determined not to back down. “Let’s find out.”

The sparring match began, and Victor immediately launched into a series of aggressive attacks, his movements quick and powerful. John dodged and parried, his mind racing as he tried to anticipate Victor’s next move.

“You’re pathetic!” Victor taunted, swinging his staff in a wide arc. “You don’t belong here!”

But John was not without his own skills. Drawing on his training and natural instincts, he countered Victor’s blows with surprising agility. He could sense the crowd watching intently, waiting to see if he would falter.
Victor pressed his advantage, but John remained focused, waiting for the right moment to strike back. As Victor overextended himself, John seized the opportunity, delivering a sharp blow that sent Victor stumbling backward.

The hall fell silent as Victor regained his footing, his expression a mixture of shock and anger.

“You’ll pay for that,” Victor growled, his eyes blazing with fury.

Before Victor could retaliate, Anamae intervened, stepping between them with a commanding presence. “Enough!”

Victor glared at John, seething with rage, but he knew better than to defy the instructor’s authority.

“You got lucky this time,” Victor spat, turning away in disgust. “But this isn’t over.”

As the days passed, John continued his training, his skills growing with each session. He could feel the change within himself, a newfound strength and confidence that fueled his determination to succeed.
Despite the animosity he faced from some of the other students, John found allies in unexpected places. A few of his fellow trainees, impressed by his resilience and tenacity, began to offer their support and camaraderie.

One evening, as John rested after a particularly grueling session, a quiet voice interrupted his thoughts.
“You handled Victor well today.”

John turned to see a girl standing nearby, her eyes thoughtful and curious. She was petite, with striking blue eyes and a calm demeanor that belied her strength.
“I’m Nadia,” she introduced herself, offering a small smile. “Don’t let Victor get to you. He’s all bluster and no bite.”

John chuckled, grateful for her reassurance. “Thanks. I’m John.”

Nadia sat down beside him, her expression contemplative. “You know, not everyone here is out to get you. Some of us just want to survive this place and make it out in one piece.”
“I appreciate that,” John replied, sensing a kindred spirit in Nadia. “It’s hard to know who to trust here.”

Nadia nodded, her gaze steady. “Trust is a rare commodity in a place like this. But you’ll find your way.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion near the entrance. A group of students had gathered, whispering excitedly as they watched a new arrival enter the hall.
John’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the figure at the center of the crowd—Aira Jewels, his mother, her presence commanding and regal.

Aira’s arrival sent ripples through the training ground, her reputation preceding her. The students parted to let her pass, their respect and awe evident in their expressions.
John stood, meeting her gaze as she approached. He could see the pride in her eyes, the satisfaction at seeing her son thriving in this challenging environment.

“John,” Aira greeted him, her voice warm yet authoritative. “I see you’ve been making quite an impression.”

John smiled, feeling a surge of confidence at her words. “I’m doing my best, Mother.”

Aira’s gaze swept over the assembled students, her expression thoughtful. “You’re all here because you have the potential to shape the future. But remember, power is not just about strength—it’s about understanding your own limitations and those of your enemies.”

She turned to John, her eyes filled with a fierce determination. “Remember why you’re here, John. You have a legacy to uphold, and I expect nothing less than excellence.”

As Aira departed, John felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was more determined than ever to prove himself, to rise above the challenges and emerge as a true leader.
But he also knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty. The Venom Hunters were only the beginning, and he would need every ounce of his skill and cunning to navigate the treacherous world of the Celestial families.