Chapter 8: Silence in Eldrave

That night, the sky was overcast and the academy fast asleep.Angeline stood atop the academy’s rear gate, cloaked in a black travel robe and a traditional Tabaxi headband.
Her katana was strapped at her waist, and a small pouch of dried bread tucked into her pocket. She couldn’t carry much—her movements had to remain swift.
> “Eldrave Forest. Two days’ journey southwest.No official route. No clear map.But I have to go.”


With a light leap, she vanished into the shadows of the night.

🌲 Day One: Fog and Stillness
Eldrave Forest was unlike any other.
Its trees were tall and twisted, as if alive. The air was cold and damp—yet there was no wind.No birdsong. No rustling leaves.As if time itself… had paused.
> “It’s like walking inside a dream…”

Angeline used her natural Tabaxi instincts to move through roots and crevices.But the deeper she went…
> The fog grew thicker.Sound faded further.And wild magic prickled her skin—like an itch beneath the flesh.

🧿 First Trial: A Shadow of Herself
As night began to fall, Angeline caught her reflection in a pool of water.But… the eyes were red. The smile—malicious.
> “Is that... me?”

The reflection emerged from the surface, becoming a solid form.A shadow version of Angeline—one full of rage, hatred, and thirst for vengeance.
“You’re a coward,” said the shadow.“You want to save your race? You can’t even fight without relying on forbidden techniques.”
Angeline inhaled slowly.
> “You’re right. I am afraid.But I’m still moving forward.”

She raised her katana—and with a single clean strike, sliced the shadow into mist.

🐾 Ancestral Trail
The next morning, she saw a carved symbol on a tree stone—a three-eyed cat head.
Angeline followed the trail… and at last reached a crevice hidden behind giant roots.
Beyond it: The First Claw Temple.
The structure wasn’t grand, but it pulsed with ancient protective magic.As she stepped inside, blue flames lit on wall-mounted torches—welcoming the return of Tabaxi blood.
> “This… is the home of my ancestors.”

At the center of the chamber was a stone circle, surrounded by pillars and symbols of Voidstep.
But as she approached, a voice echoed—

🐈 Voice of the Ancients
“Tabaxi blood… has returned at last.”
From the shadows emerged a translucent figure:a giant silver cat, glowing with three luminous blue eyes.
> “I am the Guardian Spirit.Protector of the forgotten technique.But only those who control themselves—not those ruled by anger—are worthy.”

> “Prepare yourself, Angeline Ceu.To face the Trial of the Voidstep.”

🌕 End of Chapter
Angeline stood within the circle, her gaze sharp, her heart pounding.
> “I didn’t come just for power.I came for the truth.And to restore the honor of my people.”

The circle began to glow.Void symbols spun through the air.
The trial had begun.