The forest opened into a massive clearing, the air shimmering with golden threads that seemed to hum with life. Towering above them was the Loom of Beasts, a colossal structure woven from living threads that glowed faintly under the moonlight. Its surface shifted constantly, threads intertwining like serpents in motion, creating intricate patterns that seemed to breathe.
Malik's jaw dropped. "Okay… that's… big. Really big."
Naomi's eyes narrowed. "Focus, Malik. This isn't a sightseeing trip. Whatever tests await us inside… we have to be ready."
Kesi padded ahead, shadow blending seamlessly into the glowing threads, sniffing out safe paths through the Loom. Aubrey and Isaiah flanked the group, weapons ready.
As they stepped closer, the Loom rippled, and a massive figure emerged. Its body was woven from countless golden threads, forming a lion-like guardian with multiple eyes and massive claws. Each step it took sent vibrations through the clearing, and its gaze swept across the four newcomers, sizing them up.
The Codex flared in Malik's hand.
[Loom Guardian Detected – Trial Initiation]Guardian: Aurath, Keeper of the Loom of Beasts[ Bond Opportunity: Requires proof of teamwork and Thread mastery ]
Malik swallowed. "We can't just… fight it, right?"
Naomi shook her head. "We have to prove ourselves. This is the Loom's trial. If we fail… it could end us."
The Guardian's roar echoed like a drum, and suddenly threads shot out in all directions, forming walls, whips, and spiked barriers. Malik felt his heart race, the Codex pulsing in response.
[Thread Ascension Path – Frayed Thread Stage Progress: 50%]Skill Upgrade: Phantom Spin II – shadow duplicates now attack independently and can absorb minor damage
Malik spun his yo-yo, creating three shadow duplicates. Kesi leapt into formation beside him, eyes glowing gold. Naomi and Aubrey moved in perfect synchronization, slashing and weaving threads to create openings. Isaiah's barriers absorbed the Guardian's swipes, giving the group precious seconds to strike.
For the first time, Malik realized the Codex wasn't just a guide—it was teaching him how to think in threads, to weave his attacks and defenses like the Loom itself.
The battle raged, a blur of shadow, golden threads, and whirling weapons. Slowly, the Guardian began to recognize them—not as threats, but as worthy challengers.
Malik felt a surge of energy as his yo-yo thread glowed brighter, Kesi's shadows dancing around the Guardian. Naomi struck with precision, weaving her blade's path through weak points in the Guardian's form. Aubrey's shadow blades mirrored her attacks, slicing at angles Malik couldn't even imagine. Isaiah's gauntlets hummed, projecting silver-thread barriers that bent the Guardian's attacks away.
Then came the moment of truth. Malik leapt onto the Guardian's back, letting Kesi leap beside him. Focusing all his energy, he unleashed a Thread Snap III, the golden cord lashing like lightning across the Guardian's mane. At the same time, Naomi wove a Weave Slash II, slicing through a tangle of rogue threads threatening the others. Aubrey and Isaiah combined their attacks, a flurry of shadows and barriers striking the Guardian in unison.
The Loom Guardian froze, its golden eyes softening. Slowly, it bowed its head.
[Trial Complete – Guardian Recognition Achieved]All four participants bonded with Loom Guardian Aurath (Level 1)
Malik landed, panting but exhilarated. "Did we… just pass a god's trial?"
Naomi smiled faintly, wiping blood and sweat from her brow. "We did more than pass. We survived together."
The Guardian's roar transformed, no longer threatening but resonant, vibrating through the clearing like approval. Kesi padded forward, brushing against Malik's leg, tail flicking happily.
From the shadows, a familiar silver-thread sigil appeared again—the Spindle Court. Malik felt their presence like a chill down his spine.
"We're only getting started," he muttered.
Naomi nodded. "And now they know where we are. Every step we take from here… we take together."
The Loom glowed brighter, threads weaving upward into the night sky, signaling the beginning of something far larger than any of them had imagined.