CHAPTER 14 — The Trial Guides

Ivan trudged through the twisted forest, each step heavier than the last. Snow clung to his cloak, and the wind bit at his cheeks. The path to the Trial of the Resonant Veil stretched endlessly, a frozen corridor of darkness and danger.

A sudden rustle stopped him in his tracks. Shadows moved with unnatural speed, and two figures emerged from between the trees.

The first was a tall, muscular man, almost six and a half feet, his auburn hair messy but striking against his dark armor. A long spear rested on his back, crimson accents glinting faintly under the moonlight. His amber eyes burned with a lively intensity, a confident smirk playing on his sharp features.

Beside him stood a woman, slender and composed, with long black hair tied neatly behind her. Her violet eyes scanned Ivan with calm curiosity. Dark leather armor clung to her form, subtle silver runes etched along the seams. Small vials glimmered at her belt, and a dagger rested at her hip.

“Who goes there?” Ivan demanded, drawing his sword despite exhaustion.

The man’s smile widened. “Relax. I’m Kael Draven,” he said, voice energetic, almost teasing. “And this is Liora Selene. We’re here for you.”

Liora inclined her head slightly, her expression neutral but watchful. “You seek the Trial of the Resonant Veil. Few survive it… but we’re here to guide you.”

Ivan’s grip tightened. “Why help me?”

Kael chuckled, twirling his spear lazily. “We were sent. That man”—he jerked a thumb toward the mountains behind them—“he said you were strong enough to matter. Strong enough to try. I like people with ambition, even if they’re reckless.”

Liora’s eyes narrowed at Kael’s words, a faint scowl crossing her delicate features. “And some people with ambition die early,” she said quietly, voice edged with warning.

Kael laughed heartily. “Ah, you always sound so serious, Liora. Lighten up!”

Ivan ignored their banter, focusing on the woman. “Why would I even try a trial most don’t survive?” he asked, voice low but determined. “Because there’s someone I’ve lost… someone I promised to protect. I’ll endure any hardship to see her again.”

Liora’s eyes softened slightly, curiosity flickering in their violet depths. “You… you would risk everything for someone? Even knowing the chance of death is high?”

“I have no choice,” Ivan said, jaw tight, eyes blazing. “If I don’t survive this trial, I’m not qualified to be by her side.”

Kael’s smirk widened. “Hah! That’s the spirit! People like you usually die young, but… you’ve got guts. I like that. Makes the fights fun.”

Liora’s lips pressed together in a thin line, clearly irritated, though a small spark of respect lingered in her gaze.

The First Battle

No warning came before the attack. Shadows twisted into forms—twisted demons, low-ranking but faster and stronger than anything Ivan had faced in the forest.

Kael’s spear flashed, striking with speed and precision, forcing demons back with every swing. He laughed mid-battle, almost enjoying the chaos.

Liora moved like a shadow, hissing vials and coating blades in lethal poisons. She struck swiftly, disabling demons silently and efficiently. Her eyes never left Ivan, analyzing, ensuring he wasn’t overwhelmed.

“Stick close to us!” Kael shouted, grinning. “This is just a warm-up.”

Together, the three of them fought like a perfect storm. Kael’s strength and boldness, Liora’s precision and cunning, and Ivan’s desperate determination blended into a single, unstoppable force.

By dawn, the last demon fell, dissolving into shadow. Ivan collapsed, panting, his clothes torn and bloodied.

Kael clapped him on the back, smiling broadly. “Not bad, human. You’ve got fire in you. I can see why they sent us for you.”

Liora crouched beside him, her voice soft but steady. “You’re stronger than I expected. But the trial ahead… it will test more than your strength. Your resolve, your mind, and your heart will be challenged.”

Ivan nodded, eyes fierce. “I don’t care how hard it is. I’ll survive it. I must.”

Kael’s grin widened. “That’s what I like to hear. Let’s get moving. We have a dungeon to enter, and a master waiting to see you.”

The Gate to the Trial

Days later, they arrived at the entrance to the trial—a massive, dungeon-like gate carved from black stone, emanating an oppressive aura. Standing before it was a giant of a man, broad-shouldered and muscular, his stern eyes scanning the horizon.

Kael stepped forward confidently. “Master Gatekeeper,” he said, voice ringing with authority, “he is here.”

The giant nodded solemnly. “He is worthy of entry. Proceed.”

Liora stepped to Ivan’s side. “This is only the beginning. Inside, the trial will not forgive weakness. Are you ready?”

Ivan drew a deep breath, his heart pounding. “I have no choice. I’m ready for anything.”

Kael twirled his spear once, laughing. “Good. Let’s see if you can keep up, human. The real fun starts now.”

Liora’s violet eyes glimmered. “Stay focused. You’ll need more than courage to survive this.”

Together, they stepped through the gate, leaving the frozen forest behind—and entering the trial that would either break Ivan or forge him into someone capable of reaching Elen.