The clearing went silent.
The blue-armored woman stood before them like a living statue, her staff glowing brighter with every heartbeat. Symbols swirled around her feet like a summoning circle.
Elara dropped into a defensive stance.
"Guardian…" she whispered. "She's here for you."
Lin wiped blood off his lip. "Me? I didn't even know there were jungle laws!"
The Guardian's eyes burned like the sky at dawn.
"You killed three apex predators. You upset the balance of this realm. The penalty is death—or trial."
Crystal's voice purred in Lin's mind. "Ooooh, a trial. This could be fun. Or fatal. Mostly fatal."
Lin raised both hands. "Okay, okay. Can we talk this out first? Maybe a… warning? A ticket?"
A small smile flickered at the Guardian's lips—gone in an instant. She slammed her staff into the earth. The ground trembled, vines slithering up around Lin's legs, binding him in place.
> System Notification:
Special Event Triggered – Trial of the Guardian.
Outcome will shape your future path.
"Crystal," Lin hissed, struggling against the vines. "A little help?"
"I'm just a system," she said sweetly. "You're the player. Figure it out."
Elara drew an arrow. "Release him!" she snapped.
The Guardian lifted her staff. "Interfere, and you share his fate."
For a heartbeat, nobody moved. The vines tightened. Lin felt the world blur—he was being pulled somewhere else.
Inside his head, Crystal's tone changed. "Listen carefully. This is your first real 'main quest.' If you win the trial, you unlock the next world zone. If you lose…" She made a soft pop noise. "Respawn. But not here."
Lin gritted his teeth. "Fine. Then let's win."
---
The Arena
The jungle vanished. He stood in a circular arena of black stone under a blood-red sky. The Guardian appeared opposite him, her staff now a spear crackling with energy.
"Prove yourself," she said. "Survive three strikes."
Lin's system flashed:
> Trial Rules:
– Survive three attacks without dying.
– You may use skills and items.
– Time limit: 60 seconds.
Crystal's voice: "Oh, this is going to be hilarious."
---
First Strike
The Guardian vanished. A blast of blue energy hit Lin's side, sending him tumbling. Pain exploded through his ribs. He gasped, rolling to his feet.
"Okay," he muttered. "Fast. She's fast."
He activated Hunter's Instinct, eyes widening as streaks of light marked her path. He dodged the second bolt by a hair.
Crystal: "Two more. Don't screw up."
---
Second Strike
She appeared behind him, swinging her spear. Lin ducked, rolling under it, activating Reboot Surge. Golden light flared around him. He slammed his club upward, the spear deflecting off his glow.
The Guardian's brows lifted—surprised.
---
Third Strike
She reappeared above him, spear poised like a lightning bolt. Lin had one second. He hurled his club straight up, triggering Reboot Surge a second time even though it drained all his energy. The glow flared bright, deflecting the spear with a thunderous crack.
Silence.
The arena dissolved. The jungle returned.
---
Outcome
The Guardian lowered her staff. "You survived. Few do."
Lin collapsed to his knees, gasping. "I… hate… tutorials…"
Crystal giggled. "Not bad, weakling. You impressed even me."
The Guardian extended a hand. "Rise, outsider. From this day, you are marked. The jungle will not hunt you—but others will."
Lin took her hand hesitantly. "Does this mean we're cool now?"
She gave a small, enigmatic smile. "It means your real game begins." She turned, vanishing into blue light.
System chimed:
> Main Questline Unlocked: Path of the Guardians
Reward: +1500 XP, Guardian's Mark (Unique)
Elara rushed to his side. "You're insane," she said. But her voice had a new edge—respect.
Lin smirked weakly. "Insane and alive."
Crystal whispered, low and thrilled: "Now the fun starts."
To be continued…