Chapter 11: The Trials of the Unknown (Realized)
The Trials of the Unknown (Realized)
The weight of the elder's gaze lingered long after his words. "You will face the Trials. Only then will we decide if you are worthy."
Ryu felt the subtle shift in the air—an unspoken challenge that went beyond physical strength. The Beastman clan's territory was unlike anything he had experienced. Jagged cliffs loomed on all sides, a labyrinth of stone and mist. The warriors here carried themselves with quiet intensity, their movements sharp, precise.
Fenn leaned closer to Ryu, his voice low. "This place… it's different. They're not just fighters. These people are hunters."
Ryu nodded. "And we're the prey until we prove otherwise."
Trial One: The Path of Endurance
The first trial began at dawn. A group of warriors gathered at the base of a steep incline, each carrying a massive stone. The elder stood at the edge of the clearing, his voice booming.
"You must climb the path to the summit, each carrying the weight of your resolve. Only then will you understand the burden of power."
Ryu stepped forward, hoisting the stone onto his shoulders. The weight was crushing, but he gritted his teeth, his Beast Assimilation skill kicking in to strengthen his muscles and adjust his balance. Beside him, Fenn struggled but managed to lift his own stone.
"You sure about this?" Ryu asked, his tone teasing despite the strain.
Fenn shot him a smirk. "You think I'm letting you do this alone?"
The climb was brutal. The path was narrow, the air thin, each step a battle against the weight pressing down on their bodies. Ryu's breaths came in short bursts, but he pressed on, his focus razor-sharp.
Halfway up, the ground beneath them gave way, and Fenn slipped. Ryu reached out, but before he could grab him, Fenn activated his power. A golden glow surrounded him as he redirected the energy of his fall, propelling himself back onto the path.
"Nice save," Ryu said, impressed.
"Thanks," Fenn replied, his grin returning. "But let's focus on not dying, yeah?"
The summit came into view, and with one final push, Ryu and Fenn reached the top. The elder was waiting, his expression unreadable.
"You've completed the first trial," he said. "But this was only the beginning."
The Hero's Arrival
As the sun set over the mountains, the sound of wings echoed through the air. A figure descended from the sky, clad in armor that shimmered like molten gold. Luminar. His presence was overwhelming, his aura radiating authority.
Ryu stepped forward, his fists clenched. "What do you want?"
Luminar's gaze was cold, calculating. "You're walking a dangerous path, Ryu. The power you're chasing—it will consume you. Leave this place before it's too late."
Fenn stood beside Ryu, his stance defensive. "Who are you to decide what's right for him?"
Luminar ignored him, focusing solely on Ryu. "I've seen what happens to those who let their strength define them. They become monsters. Is that what you want?"
Ryu's laugh was sharp, filled with defiance. "You don't know anything about me. I'm not afraid of power. I'll master it."
"Then prove it," Luminar said, drawing his weapon.
The Fight
Luminar struck first, his blade slicing through the air with blinding speed. Ryu barely dodged, the force of the attack sending a shockwave through the clearing. Fenn countered, redirecting the energy of Luminar's strike, but the hero adapted, using the momentum to launch himself higher.
"Stay focused!" Fenn shouted as Luminar unleashed a barrage of light-based attacks.
Ryu activated Beast Assimilation, his senses heightening as he tracked Luminar's movements. He dodged and weaved, closing the distance. With a roar, he delivered a powerful punch, but Luminar blocked it with ease.
"You're strong," Luminar admitted. "But strength alone isn't enough."
Ryu smirked. "Good thing I've got more than strength."
Drawing on his Beast Assimilation, Ryu unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one faster and more precise than the last. Luminar faltered, and Ryu seized the opportunity, landing a blow that sent the hero crashing to the ground.
Luminar stood, battered but unbroken. "You've passed my test," he said, his tone begrudgingly respectful. "But remember this: power without purpose is a path to destruction."
With that, he ascended into the sky, leaving Ryu and Fenn to contemplate his words