Lykaa drew a deep breath, endeavoring to steady her nerves as she readied herself for the final ordeal within the healing hangar.This test would decide her future as a healer, a mantle both daunting and exhilarating to bear.
As she collected her thoughts, she perceived a comforting presence at her side. It was Yeric, a fellow aspirant and friend. Despite his own apprehensions, he offered her words of reassurance.
"You seem uneasy, Lykaa, but fret not. You shall fare well," Yeric intoned earnestly.
Lykaa gazed up at him, her eyes alight with a mixture of amusement and gratitude. She couldn't help but notice the beads of perspiration upon Yeric's brow, betraying his own anxiety. His attempt to console her, notwithstanding his own disquiet, was endearing.
"Thank you, Yeric," Lykaa responded, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "But perhaps you should heed your own counsel and strive to relax a bit yourself."
They shared a lighthearted moment, finding solace in each other’s company during this critical juncture. Lykaa cherished Yeric’s presence, particularly since she had been parted from her friends Astraa and Minosa. Together, they forged a bond of mutual support and encouragement, bolstering each other’s spirits as they faced the trials that lay ahead.
Lykaa cast her gaze around at her fellow candidates, endeavoring to discern their levels of apprehension. Leo, with his confident bearing and eager countenance, appeared prepared to confront whatever challenges Lady Hermiosa might present. His palpable excitement was infectious, igniting within Lykaa a resolve to match his fervor.
Synatra, by contrast, exhibited a trace of nervousness, yet she maintained a firm grip on her emotions. Lykaa discerned the steely determination in Synatra’s eyes, indicating that she had fortified herself mentally for the forthcoming trials. It was evident that Synatra was focused and resolute in her commitment to excel in the test.
Amara, however, stood apart from the rest. She radiated an aura of calm and poise that was captivating. Lykaa could not help but admire Amara’s composed demeanor, as though she possessed a profound understanding of what was to come. The faint smile that played upon Amara’s lips hinted at a confidence that reassured Lykaa.
As Lykaa surveyed her fellow candidates, she discerned that each possessed their own unique method of managing nerves and approaching the impending test.
Leo’s enthusiasm, Synatra’s measured focus, and Amara’s tranquil poise served as wellsprings of inspiration for her.
With renewed resolve, Lykaa redirected her attention to her own preparations. She understood that she must rise to the occasion and perform to the utmost of her abilities, not solely for her own benefit but also to uphold and support her friends Astraa and Minosa in their respective journeys.
The once laid-back and somewhat heedless individual she had been had metamorphosed into a determined and resolute candidate, ready to confront the forthcoming challenges with unwavering purpose.
Lady Hermiosa’s commanding presence soon gathered the attention of all the candidates, Lykaa among them. They assembled as she prepared to elucidate the task that would constitute their final test.
"One of you, procure a turunt," Lady Hermiosa declared, her voice resonating with authority. Without delay, Leo, brimming with eagerness, volunteered and hastened to locate a turunt.
After a brief search, he returned not with one but with two of the creatures.
“I requested one, yet hold on to the other, for it will be required in your trial,” Lady Hermiosa remarked, her tone carrying a subtle rebuke. Leo, undeterred by his error, acknowledged her words and retained the additional turunt.
With her curiosity aroused, Lykaa watched with rapt attention as Lady Hermiosa delicately grasped the turunt by its ears and set it upon the medical table. This table, ordinarily reserved for the treatment of wounded eternal warriors, now seemed destined for a novel purpose. Lykaa pondered how the turunt might play a role in their final test.
As the candidates gathered, Lady Hermiosa readied herself to demonstrate the task, her demeanor solemn and intent. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, each candidate brimming with eagerness as they awaited the revelation of the test that would challenge their skills and capacities.
Lykaa’s thoughts swirled with conjectures, striving to link the presence of the turunt to the techniques they had acquired through their training. A blend of excitement and apprehension gripped her, her resolve firm as she prepared to confront the forthcoming trial with steadfast determination.
Lady Hermiosa's demonstration was on the brink of commencement, and Lykaa fortified herself mentally and emotionally for the forthcoming challenge. This final test marked the zenith of their training, and she was determined to give her utmost, alongside her friends, in their quest to become eternal warriors.
With a grave expression, Lady Hermiosa retrieved a small medical knife from the satchel at her waist.
The candidates watched with rapt attention as she placed one hand firmly on the turunt, applying pressure that elicited a distressed squeal from the creature. Lykaa’s heart sank at the sound.
In a shocking turn of events, Lady Hermiosa wielded the medical knife to deliver a precise and deliberate stab, piercing the turunt's flesh with exacting accuracy. The table beneath it soon became stained with the creature’s blood. The candidates, caught unawares, could scarcely believe what they were witnessing. Lady Hermiosa, renowned as a healer dedicated to saving lives, had just performed an act that seemed to defy her very role.
Amidst the shock, even the ordinarily composed Amara and the typically confident Leo were visibly unsettled by the sight. Eric and Synatra felt their anxiety intensify, perplexed by the significance of this unsettling demonstration. However, it was Lykaa who was most profoundly affected.
As the turunt's pained cries echoed in her ears, Lykaa was transported back to the traumatic memory from her past. The injured turunt bore a striking resemblance to her cherished naiku, a creature she had loved dearly as a child. The sight of Lady Hermiosa stabbing the turunt served as a haunting reminder of the accident that had befallen her naiku. Overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions, Lykaa's mind spiraled into darkness, and she momentarily blacked out, her body unable to withstand the surge of memories and distress.
"Lykaa, are you all right?" Lady Hermiosa's concerned voice pierced through Lykaa's disconnected state. With Yeric's gentle nudge, she snapped back to reality, realizing she had drifted away into her own thoughts. Blinking away the remnants of her daze, Lykaa nodded to assure them she was well.
As the group regained their composure, Lady Hermiosa, visibly annoyed by the interruption, redirected their attention to the demonstration. Placing both her hands over the wounded turunt, she commanded their full focus once more. Lykaa watched with renewed curiosity.
Lady Hermiosa's hands glowed with the gentle radiance of healing runes, her touch both delicate and powerful. She channeled her energy into the turunt, invoking the restorative powers of her craft. Lykaa's eyes widened in awe as she observed the cut on the turunt's flesh slowly knit back together. The wound closed, and before long, the turunt was restored to its original state of health.
Lykaa's gaze met Lady Hermiosa's, and tears welled in her eyes. The scene was bittersweet for her, reminding her of the healer who had once saved her beloved naiku when it was gravely injured. That event had ignited her desire to become an eternal healer herself. Now, witnessing Lady Hermiosa's healing abilities in action, her determination was rekindled.
A mix of emotions surged through Lykaa's heart—gratitude, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. She wiped away her tears, knowing that her path as a healer was reaffirmed in that very moment.
“Very well, who will be the first? Remember, you have but one opportunity. Take your time and apply all you have learned thus far,” Lady Hermiosa instructed. Her words lingered in the air, and the candidates exchanged glances, each contemplating who would take the initial step.
Despite his earlier hesitance, Leo summoned the courage to volunteer. “Step aside, Yeric. I shall go first,” he declared with resolute determination. Yeric obliged, making way for Leo.
As Leo passed by, Lykaa could not help but notice the stark contrast between the two candidates. Leo's towering stature and brawny physique seemed more fitting for a warrior than a healer, while Yeric’s slender frame appeared almost insignificant in Leo’s shadow.
With head held high, Leo approached the medical table, ready to confront the challenge. His determination was evident as he took a deep breath, preparing to utilize all he had observed thus far. The room fell silent, anticipation heavy in the air, as they awaited Leo’s demonstration of his healing abilities.
Holding the turunt in his hand, Leo approached the table. With a blend of determination and trepidation, he positioned the turunt and picked up the medical knife Lady Hermiosa had employed. As Leo endeavored to replicate her precise technique, his inexperience became evident. The turunt suffered significant blood loss, heightening Leo’s nervousness and agitation. Despite his efforts, his technique was flawed, and he struggled to staunch the bleeding.
Leo’s anxiety intensified as he hastily absorbed the sunlight, attempting to replenish his energy and save the turunt. In his haste, he activated the healing runes. Time seemed to slip away, compounding his panic. Desperation seized him as Leo transferred all the energy he could muster towards the wounded creature, but the wound remained obstinately unhealed. The turunt weakened with each passing moment, mirroring Leo’s growing desperation.
Unbeknownst to Leo, he had depleted his energy reserves, leaving him with nothing more to give. The healing runes vanished, and he was left at a loss. It was then that Lady Hermiosa intervened, recognizing his failure. With her seasoned expertise, she took over, tending to the turunt with practiced healing abilities.
The room descended into a heavy silence as Lady Hermiosa addressed Leo's shortcomings. She underscored his lack of composure and the vital importance of maintaining a steadfast mind, even amidst adversity. Leo, with his head bowed in silent acknowledgment, retreated to his group, burdened by his disappointment and the erosion of his confidence.
Lykaa, Synatra, and Yeric exchanged anxious glances, grasping that even the most assured among them were susceptible to failure. This realization imbued them with a renewed sense of apprehension, highlighting the formidable nature of the challenge they faced.
An air of trepidation enveloped the room as each candidate clutched their turunts, uncertainty gnawing at their hearts. Leo’s failed attempt lingered in the atmosphere, casting a pall of doubt over them. Yet, amidst the palpable hesitation, Lykaa stepped forward, her voice resolute and unwavering.
“I shall go next,” she proclaimed, her words cutting through the wavering silence. Yeric’s eyes widened in astonishment, witnessing his usually nervous comrade manifest an unexpected surge of confidence. Amara too was taken aback, observing a side of Lykaa previously unseen—a bold embrace of the challenge that lay before them all. Lady Hermiosa nodded in approval, acknowledging the growth in Lykaa’s spirit.
With her heart racing, Lykaa approached the table, her turunt gripped firmly in her trembling hand. The weight of Leo’s failure lingered in the air, but Lykaa was resolute not to let it overwhelm her. She understood that this trial had to be faced, regardless of the outcome, and she was determined to press forward.
“Lykaa, proceed to the table with your turunt and commence your trial,” Lady Hermiosa commanded, her voice a steadying presence amid the prevailing apprehension. The room fell into expectant silence, eyes fixed upon Lykaa as she advanced, her gaze locked on the task ahead.
Lykaa's hand remained steady as she grasped the medical knife. With deliberate precision, she pierced the turunt’s flesh, mindful of the sanguine flow. She was acutely aware of the necessity to maintain a calm and composed mind in this pivotal moment. The candidates watched in awe as Lykaa absorbed the sunlight’s energy, her healing runes igniting flawlessly.
Focused and resolute, Lykaa initiated the healing process. She formed a connection with the turunt, their eyes meeting as if in silent accord. With soothing words of reassurance, she murmured, "You are healing. I sorrow for the pain I inflict, but rest assured, all shall be well."The candidates held their breath, their eyes riveted on the miraculous transformation unfolding before them.
The wound upon the turunt gradually sealed, its vitality restored with each fleeting moment. A renewed glimmer of hope shone in its eyes, and soon it stood, fully healed. Lykaa’s touch was tender as she stroked the turunt’s head, a gesture imbued with both gratitude and care. With a sense of deep satisfaction, she gently released the turunt to the floor, a testament to her healing prowess.
"Excellent, Lykaa," Lady Hermiosa’s voice echoed with pride. "You are the first to surpass the trials and attain the rank of apprentice healer. Your serenity and composure are virtues essential to the healer’s calling." A wave of elation surged through Lykaa as she rejoined her group, her heart buoyant with joy and her head held high.
"You were truly magnificent!" Yeric exclaimed, his admiration palpable. "You made it seem so effortless. I can only hope to achieve the same."
Lykaa offered her friend a warm smile. "Thank you so much, Yeric. Have faith in yourself, and rest assured that I shall be here, cheering you on every step of the way."
Filled with a resolute determination to prove herself, Amara stepped forward and carefully placed the turunt upon the table. With a swift and precise motion, she made an incision, causing the turunt to emit a slight cry. Though composed and collected, Lady Hermiosa observed Amara's approach with a keen eye, noting her lack of gentleness compared to Lykaa's technique.
Beneath the shimmering sunlight, Amara's emerald eyes sparkled with intensity. The healing runes etched upon her ebony skin began to glow, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Adorned in her black robe, she exuded an aura of divine power that captivated all who were present, including Lykaa, who could not help but admire her grace and beauty.
With unwavering precision and confidence, Amara commenced the healing process. To the astonishment of all, the turunt's wound began to close rapidly, and within moments, it was fully restored. Lady Hermiosa's voice rang out, acknowledging Amara's exceptional talent. "Congratulations, Amara. I have no doubt you will achieve great things."
"Thank you, Lady Hermiosa," Amara replied, her voice imbued with gratitude. "Your words mean a great deal to me. I aspire to live up to my family's legacy and contribute to the healing arts as they did."
Lady Hermiosa's affirmation sealed Amara's place as an apprentice healer. With the title thus bestowed, she joined Lykaa , imbued with a sense of pride and purpose, ready to embark upon the journey that lay ahead.
Lady Hermiosa's gaze then shifted toward the remaining two candidates, Yeric and Synatra, who appeared visibly anxious and uncertain as to who should undertake the next trial. Perceiving their apprehension, she addressed them directly, seeking a volunteer.
Overwhelmed by mounting anxiety, Synatra blurted out, "I’ll go next!" Her decision was driven more by her overwhelming nerves than by deliberate choice.
As the trial commenced, Synatra's trembling hands made the incision on the turunt. Her anxiety resulted in a cut deeper than intended, causing significant harm to the creature. With her healing runes activated, Synatra endeavored to heal the wound. Though her runes functioned flawlessly, the severity of the injury exceeded her present level of expertise. Despite her earnest efforts, the wound only partially closed, and the turunt continued to weaken, teetering on the brink of death.
Seeing the imminent loss of the turunt’s life, Synatra’s desperation compelled her to call out to Lady Hermiosa, conceding the inevitable failure of the trial. With swift precision, Lady Hermiosa intervened, employing her vast experience to save the turunt’s life.
"The initial incision you made was too deep, which hindered your ability to heal the turunt effectively given your current skills," Lady Hermiosa explained gently.
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"However, your dedication to healing and your presence of mind in prioritizing the creature's life, even at the expense of your own success in the trial, reveal the heart of a true healer. Do not lose hope, Synatra, and consider trying again next year. You have demonstrated great potential."
Synatra, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, expressed her gratitude to Lady Hermiosa, feeling a blend of sadness and hope. Though she had not succeeded in the trial, her actions and determination left a lasting impression on both Lady Hermiosa and her fellow candidates.
As Synatra returned to the group, her lean and slender form seemed to emphasize her melancholy. Her shoulders drooped, and her hair tumbled forward, partially veiling her downcast face. Leo, with his towering and robust frame, approached her with genuine concern.
"Do not fret, Synatra," Leo's deep voice conveyed a note of empathy. "Let us both endeavor with renewed determination come next year. Should you be willing, we might train together and bolster one another in the process."
Synatra lifted her gaze, her eyes glistening with a blend of gratitude and rekindled hope. A faint smile touched her lips as she responded, "Thank you, Leo. Your confidence in me is deeply appreciated. I would be truly grateful for your support."
Before the healing table, Yeric stood, his customary nervousness now magnified by an overwhelming surge of anxiety. Each breath seemed laborious, as though a heavy weight pressed upon his chest. Yet, amid his disquiet, Lykaa's presence provided a reassuring comfort.
Her warm hand rested gently upon his shoulder, and her words, imbued with steadfast belief in his abilities, acted as a soothing balm. The determination reflected in her cerulean eyes kindled a flame within Yeric, fortifying his resolve to overcome his fears.
"Draw a deep breath, Yeric," Lykaa intoned, her voice steady and soothing. "All shall be well. I have full faith in your abilities and shall be here, watching and encouraging you every step of the way. There is no cause for concern; let us proceed with confidence and see this through."
With a resurgence of self-assurance, Yeric approached the healing table and took up the medical knife with a hand steady as a master craftsman. His movements, precise and deliberate, carved a near-perfect incision into the turunt. As he activated his healing runes and cast his eyes heavenward to the starlit canopy, a profound tranquility settled upon him. The healing process unfolded with an almost miraculous fluidity, and to his utter astonishment, the turunt began to mend with breathtaking speed. Within mere moments, it stood fully restored, as though reborn.
Lady Hermiosa, her eyes alight with admiration, extolled Yeric’s remarkable performance.
She lauded not only his swiftness and skill but also his ability to conquer initial fears with such grace. Emphasizing the critical role of self-confidence, she assured him that he possessed the potential to ascend to the highest echelons of healing mastery. Her praise was a testament to the extraordinary promise he had displayed, elevating him to a realm of excellence few could hope to attain.
Overcome with gratitude, Yeric found himself unable to disregard the burgeoning feelings within him. "Thank you ever so much," he declared with earnestness. "I could not have succeeded without your support."
With a modest shrug, Lykaa dismissed his gratitude with a casual ease. "Is this not the very essence of friendship?" she replied, her nonchalant demeanor concealing the profound depth of the bond they had nurtured.
Lykaa regarded Yeric with a gaze full of concern, her features marred by the fatigue she discerned in his eyes. The trials had left their mark upon him, rendering him weary and on the brink of exhaustion. Resolute in her desire to offer solace, she summoned a gentle smile and extended a hand toward him.
"I am about to visit our friends and learn how they fared in their trials. Might you accompany me?" she inquired, her voice imbued with sincere care.
Yeric exhaled wearily, his exhaustion evident in both his posture and his tone. "I have not rested since yesterday," he confessed, "consumed by my fears and anxieties regarding today’s trial. It would be best for me to return and seek the repose I so desperately need." He hesitated briefly before adding, "However, I do earnestly hope we might remain in contact."
Lykaa nodded in understanding, her compassion radiating from her eyes. "Indeed, Yeric, your well-being must come first. Take the rest you require, and do not fret—we shall have ample opportunity to train and advance under Lady Hermiosa’s tutelage in the months to come," she reassured him, her voice warm and encouraging.
With a grateful smile, Yeric acknowledged her understanding. "Thank you, Lykaa," he replied, his appreciation evident in his weary gaze. "Your support means a great deal to me. I shall take your advice and seek the rest I need. "
"Where do you think you are going? Do you not wish to know about your training schedule?" Lady Hermiosa’s voice pierced the air, catching Yeric off guard. Flustered, he fumbled for words.
"I apologize, Lady Hermiosa. I did not expect the announcement so soon. I thought we would receive letters sent to our homes detailing the schedule," he explained, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
Lady Hermiosa let out a weary sigh, disappointment evident in her expression. "Young ones these days," she muttered under her breath. Composing herself, she continued, "In any case, a week hence, you shall commence your training under my guidance. Prepare yourselves, for the days ahead will challenge you greatly."
The candidates, Amara, Yeric, and Lykaa, exchanged determined glances, their focus unwavering. They understood the gravity of the task that lay before them and were eager to prove their mettle under Lady Hermiosa's esteemed tutelage.
Lykaa bid farewell to Yeric, her excitement mounting as she anticipated reuniting with her dear friends. As she approached Astraa and Minosa, she overheard their conversation.
"I must concur," Minosa was saying to Astraa. "I have always been aware of your talents, but even I was astonished." The girls, engrossed in their discussion, remained oblivious to Lykaa’s approach. Seizing the moment, Lykaa stealthily crept up behind them and enveloped them in a tight embrace.
Astraa and Minosa, initially startled, quickly transitioned from surprise to unbridled joy at the sight of their friend. Their reunion was marked by laughter and warm embraces.
As the three friends stood together, Lykaa could no longer contain her excitement. "Behold the new apprentice healer," she declared with pride. Astraa and Minosa exchanged glances, their eyes alight with admiration.
"That is marvelous news, Lykaa! We knew you were capable all along," Astraa exclaimed, her voice brimming with genuine happiness. "Indeed, I never doubted it for a moment," added Minosa, her smile wide and radiant.
Curiosity piqued, Lykaa turned her attention to her friends' trials. "So, what of your experiences? How did it fare with you?" she inquired.
Markon, standing nearby, could not resist interjecting with a note of pride.
"Your friends were exceptional. They navigated the first trial with flawless precision," he proclaimed, his gaze fixed on Astraa. Lykaa extended her gratitude to Markon and his companions, Gargus and Flanco, for watching over her friends.
Markon responded with playful ease, "Oh, not at all. They required no such oversight." His gaze lingered on Astraa, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.
Minosa's unease grew as she observed Markon's frequent glances toward Astraa. It appeared he had taken a particular interest in her friend, which unsettled Minosa. However, Astraa remained blissfully unaware of the attention, her focus solely on the impending trials.
Breaking the silence, Jillan approached Astraa, her admiration evident. "Astraa, you were splendid back there. I apologize for my delayed arrival, but we did not wish to intrude upon your joyous reunion," she said warmly.
Meanwhile, Jekyl had found himself engaged in conversation, acquainting himself with the other gentlemen.
Astraa smiled appreciatively at Jillan's words. "Thank you kindly for your generous praise. Allow me to introduce you to my companion. This is Lykaa, who has just triumphantly cleared her trial and ascended to the ranks of the apprentice healers," Astraa declared with pride, gesturing towards her accomplished friend.
Jillan, feeling both welcomed and included, returned Astraa's smile.
"Excellent! Now that you have all enjoyed your well-deserved respite, it is time to proceed to the second trial. Gather around," proclaimed Sir Skarsnay, his voice commanding the immediate attention of all the candidates.
Flanco, unable to suppress his discontent, grumbled, "Is this truly all the time we are allotted for rest?"
Sir Skarsnay's response was tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "Ah, my apologies. I was unaware that our schedule was to be tailored to your convenience," he retorted, his gaze fixed with stern disapproval upon Flanco. Perceiving the brewing trouble, Markon swiftly intervened, drawing Flanco back and subtly urging him to maintain his silence.
The girls, amused by the exchange, could not stifle their soft laughter at the playful sparring between Sir Skarsnay and Flanco. Markon, in particular, took pleasure in seeing Astraa's typically solemn expression momentarily brightened by a smile, even if it came at the expense of his friend’s mild reprimand.
"Now, for your second trial, it shall be a test of strength," proclaimed Sir Skarsnay.
"I trust that all of you have come prepared with your armor," he continued, his words aiming to soothe any latent apprehensions among the candidates. "Fear not, this task is relatively simpler compared to your initial test," he added, his tone bearing a hint of reassurance.
Flanco, known for his aversion to arduous labor, exhaled a sigh of relief at Skarsnay's announcement. However, this fleeting relief soon gave way to apprehension as Skarsnay elucidated the trial's specifics.
"In this trial, each of you will be required to halt a charging Kayan. The Kayan will be provoked and goaded to heighten its ferocity before the trial commences. It will charge at you with full force, and your objective will be to not only arrest its momentum but also to push it back," Skarsnay expounded, his tone underscoring the formidable nature of the challenge ahead.
Flanco's earlier relief evaporated, replaced by a profound sense of unease. "Is this what he deems easy?"
Stopping a twelve-foot-long creature with our bare hands?" he muttered, his confidence faltering.
In stark contrast, Gargus, renowned for his formidable physique, could scarcely contain his exhilaration at the prospect of such a demanding physical trial.
Astraa and the other candidates, their serious demeanor restored, understood the formidable nature of the task ahead. Stopping and pushing back a charging Kayan was no simple feat; it demanded their utmost strength and skill. The training grounds thrummed with palpable tension as they mentally steeled themselves for the trial awaiting them.
"Before we commence this trial, allow me to demonstrate the proper technique. We would not want any of you to part with your precious limbs," Skarsnay declared, his words laced with a touch of sardonic humor.
Flanco's fear intensified upon hearing Skarsnay's ominous remark. "Part with our limbs? What does he mean by that?" he inquired, his voice quivering with anxiety.
"Sir Leon, release the Kayan!" commanded Skarsnay.
Sir Leon swiftly made his way to a large black gate situated near the watering trough, the very spot where the candidates had undertaken their initial exam. With meticulous caution, Sir Leon unlocked the gate, but left the doors closed. The candidates watched with bated breath as the creature within sensed its imminent freedom and charged towards the gate, shattering the formidable Root-bone doors with ease.
These gates, forged from Root-bone—a rare material renowned for its exceptional strength and durability—were the same substance used by eternal warriors to craft their indomitable armor.This unique substance, derived from a peculiar tree that bore no flowers but had roots resembling bones, was renowned for its legendary durability. The candidates' apprehension grew as they grasped the formidable nature of the Kayan they were about to confront, understanding that facing such a creature would be no ordinary trial.
The creature that emerged was unlike anything the candidates had ever encountered. Though Kayans were a familiar sight to the townsfolk for travel, this particular Kayan was twice the usual size, its immense muscles and formidable horns—each nearly five feet in length—exuding an air of sheer power. Its dark brown hide, contrasted with the striking black coloration of its face, lent it a menacing appearance. The candidates felt a surge of awe and trepidation, recognizing that they were facing a beast of a wholly different magnitude.
As the intensity of the forthcoming trial loomed, the candidates grasped the colossal strength and power of the Kayan. It was evident that stopping and repelling this formidable creature would demand not only skill and strategy but also an unwavering determination to surmount an apparently insurmountable challenge.
Sir Skarsnay's voice rang with a mixture of awe and prestige as he introduced the towering beast before the candidates.
"Behold, this is a battle Kayan, a majestic creature employed by the esteemed eternal warriors on the warfront.
These magnificent beasts are bred exclusively in the capital city of ILIAD." The candidates' eyes widened in wonder as they beheld the powerful creature, their minds racing with visions of riding such a beast into the heart of battle.
Gargus, unable to suppress his excitement, declared with fervor, "I would gladly take one of these as my steed!" Astraa and Minosa, equally enthralled by the prospect, felt a surge of resolve to secure their own Kayan companions.
"However," Sir Skarsnay interjected, his tone taking on a grave note, "it is vital to grasp that a battle Kayan will only yield to those it deems worthy. Thus, your second trial will not merely test your strength but will also serve as a defining moment that might pave the way for you to earn your own steed in the future."
The candidates nodded with solemn understanding, acutely aware that their performance in this trial could forge an indelible bond with these esteemed creatures, should they prove themselves deserving.
"Now, Sir Leon, step back and proceed with the demonstration," Skarsnay commanded, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. Sir Leon, grasping a whip, lashed it against the colossal beast that had just burst from its confines, provoking the Kayan to charge with furious intent toward Sir Skarsnay. With a composed smile, Sir Skarsnay stood resolute, arms extended and eyes fixed upon the oncoming beast. As he activated his runes of strength, drawing energy from the earth through his legs, his body was soon adorned with intricate dark brown runes. The sight of his advanced absorption abilities left Astraa in astonished admiration.
The candidates stood transfixed as the Kayan surged forward with a thunderous roar, its colossal form charging with the fury of a storm. Yet, Sir Skarsnay remained resolute, an unyielding pillar against the beast's onslaught. As the Kayan drew ever nearer, its muscles rippling and its horns poised like deadly lances, Sir Skarsnay prepared for the impending clash with unwavering courage. At the very precipice of the Kayan’s impact, he summoned his strength runes drawing the energy from the earth itself, gripping the creature's immense horns with a Herculean effort. The force of the Kayan's charge caused the ground to tremble and the air to crackle with tension. The beast faltered for a heartbeat, but its tenacity proved formidable, pushing Skarsnay back with a sheer, unrelenting force.
Yet, Sir Skarsnay, his countenance etched with fierce determination, roared a battle cry that reverberated across the grounds. He poured his strength into the struggle, a titanic clash of wills and might. Slowly but inexorably, his indomitable spirit began to turn the tide. With each resolute step, he drove the Kayan back, until at last, the great beast, spent and subdued, yielded to the unassailable force of Sir Skarsnay’s will.
Markon, his astonishment palpable, remarked, "Thus is the strength of an eternal warrior." Astraa's eyes widened in sudden comprehension; this trial was a test not of cunning or strategy but of raw, unadulterated physical might. Against such sheer power, any guile or finesse would be of little use.
The twins, Jillan and Jekyl, who had hitherto relied upon their astute strategies and clever maneuvers, now found themselves confronted with an entirely different challenge—one that demanded raw, unadulterated physical strength. The stark reality of their predicament was evident: their customary reliance on cunning and calculation would offer little solace against the sheer force required for this trial.
Gargus and Minosa, endowed with formidable and brawny physiques, stood poised with a natural advantage. Their muscular frames, though not as adept in the art of energy absorption, were well-suited to the sheer brute force demanded by the challenge. Astraa, with her unparalleled prowess in absorption, would use her remarkable abilities to shield her more delicate form and enhance her physical might to its fullest potential. Markon, though not as physically imposing as Gargus, wielded a combination of resilience and exceptional absorption skills that could not be underestimated.
In contrast, Flanco found himself acutely aware of his own limitations. Lacking both the physical fortitude and the mastery of energy absorption possessed by his peers, he felt a growing sense of trepidation.
This realization served only to amplify the unease of both Flanco and the twins, who recognized the formidable struggle that lay before them in the trial yet to come.
Gargus’s fervor for the trial was abruptly curtailed by Sir Skarsnay’s voice, resonant with authority.
“Halt! What folly possesses you to approach this trial unarmored? Do you seek your own destruction?” the seasoned warrior admonished. Gargus, momentarily disconcerted, retorted, “But, Sir, you yourself are unarmored.”
Markon, recognizing the gravity of the situation, interjected with urgency. “Heed his counsel, Gargus. Let not your pride imperil you.” Reluctantly, Gargus complied, retrieving his armor from his kit. This standard-issue armor, while functional, was far less illustrious than the renowned gear of the eternal warriors. It offered necessary protection but lacked the refinement of true battle attire. With Markon and Flanco’s assistance, Gargus donned the armor, their aid underscoring their steadfast camaraderie.
Astraa, observing the exchange, marveled at how Markon’s vigilance mirrored the care she received from her own friends, Minosa and Lykaa. Unable to suppress her admiration, she remarked with a wry smile, “Well done, Markon. Without your timely intervention, Gargus might have ventured into this trial woefully unprepared.”
Markon was momentarily stunned by Astraa’s unexpected advance, his usual charm faltering. A look of awkward embarrassment crossed his features as he stammered, “Thank you!” and fell into an awkward silence.
Astraa, engrossed in her own reflections, remained blissfully unaware of the disquiet churning within Markon.
Minosa, however, watched with a piercing gaze and an aching heart.
The sight of Markon’s evident discomfiture in Astraa’s presence ignited a spark of jealousy within her. She could not help but infer that Markon’s awkwardness signaled deeper feelings for her friend.
Though she acknowledged Astraa’s innocence in this emotional entanglement, Minosa’s own burgeoning affection for Markon kindled a tempest of conflicting emotions. She found herself torn between the sharp pangs of jealousy and the growing fondness she harbored for Markon, each emotion battling fiercely within her.
Minosa’s voice, laden with a rare intensity, pierced through the murmur of the gathering. “I believe we’ve indulged in enough idle conversation,” she declared with uncharacteristic sharpness. “Shouldn't our attention be directed towards Gargus? Our trial is still in progress.”
Astraa, who had long been accustomed to Minosa’s typically lighthearted demeanor, was momentarily taken aback by this sudden shift to sternness. Yet, she chose to regard Minosa’s seriousness not with reproach but with a measure of respect. The sight of her usually playful friend so ardently dedicated to the matter at hand provided Astraa with a peculiar sense of satisfaction.
“You are absolutely correct, Minosa,” Astraa responded, her voice imbued with a warm and genuine smile. “I confess I became somewhat distracted after the previous trial. Let us now turn our full attention to the task before us.” Her words, touched with a note of appreciation, reflected her gratitude for Minosa’s timely reminder and the unyielding commitment it demonstrated.
Markon, observing the abrupt alteration in Minosa’s demeanor, was struck with a sense of astonishment.His mind, stirred by curiosity, pondered the underlying cause of this sudden transformation, speculating what might have prompted such a profound shift in her character.
Amid the tumultuous scene, where the air was thick with anticipation and the clamor of the trial, Lykaa’s keen eyes fixed upon Minosa with an astute scrutiny.
To her discerning perception, there was a disquieting depth beneath Minosa’s sudden harshness towards Astraa and Markon, which seemed to transcend the mere pressures of the trial. The undercurrent of tension and unspoken feelings simmering beneath Minosa's veneer of seriousness stirred in Lykaa a profound sense of unease and curiosity.
Yet, with the gravity of the ongoing trial casting a formidable shadow over their interactions, Lykaa astutely recognized that this was neither the time nor the place for such delicate matters. The emotional fervor and the chaotic energy of the trial would not lend themselves to a productive or compassionate discussion. Thus, she resolved to bide her time, promising herself to address Minosa’s evident turmoil at a later, more serene moment. With a thoughtful resolve, she marked this concern for a future conversation, when the clamor would have faded, and the reflective calm of a quieter time would allow for a more nuanced and empathetic dialogue.
