The Guardian’s Trial

The stars swirl around Kaldar as he floats within the Celestial Chamber. Belfrost stands before him, radiant and composed.Belfrost: The Guardian’s Echo is not unlocked through power alone. It requires clarity, humility… and truth.Kaldar: I’m ready.Crystal: (Hovering nearby) You sure? This isn’t like sparring with Claw.Kaldar: I have to be. If Sulmento returns, I need every edge.The Trial BeginsBelfrost raises his hand. The chamber shifts—becoming a vast arena of memory. Kaldar finds himself standing in the ruins of Bismuth, the day it fell.Kaldar: (Staggering) No… not this again.Belfrost: To become the Guardian, you must face your greatest failure—not to erase it, but to understand it.Suddenly, spectral versions of his parents appear—fighting Sulmento’s forces. Kaldar watches, powerless.Kaldar: I tried to save them! I wasn’t strong enough!Belfrost: Strength isn’t just power. It’s knowing when to let go.Kaldar steps forward, tears in his eyes.Kaldar: I wanted to change everything. Go back. Undo it.Belfrost: But if you did… you wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be the Hero.Kaldar kneels, placing his hand on the ground.Kaldar: Then I accept it. I accept the pain. The loss. The truth.The chamber glows. A pulse erupts from Kaldar’s chest—the Guardian’s Echo awakens.Crystal: Whoa… your energy just tripled.Belfrost: The Echo is yours. But beware—its power will attract those who seek to corrupt it.Meanwhile…In a dark realm, Bloodfang stands before the Grim Stone. It pulses violently, reacting to Kaldar’s awakening.Bloodfang: He’s unlocked the Echo. Then it’s time… to awaken the soul.He places his hand on the stone. A scream erupts from within—Sulmento’s essence begins to stir.Sulmento: (Whispering) The Hero… must fall.Back on Earth…Kaldar returns to Altropolis, his energy stabilized but heavier. Claw meets him outside the school.Claw: You look… different.Kaldar: I saw them. My parents. I faced it.Claw: Then you’re ready for what’s coming.Crystal: And what’s coming… is war.To Be Continued…