Chapter 20:
The next morning, Ethen and his team emerged from the cave to find the royalty already waiting outside.
"We've been waiting..." Lucien said with a grin.
Ethen smiled, taking a step forward until he stood directly in front of Lucien. "Waking up early won't change the difficulty of your training," he said, his head leaning closer. Then, with a sharp snap of his fingers, he signaled the start.
From behind, Lucas raised his staff, and it began to glow. As he placed it down, all the logs around them lifted into the air, floating and forming the shape of a massive house. The structure towered above them, far surpassing even Lucien's father's castle.
"What a building…" Chris murmured, craning his neck to take it all in.
"Is everything set?" Ethen asked, scrutinizing the colossal structure.
"Yes, my lord," Lucas replied.
Ethen smirked and turned to face his team. "Listen up… this trial is straightforward but deadly. Inside the mansion are traps, a few weak beasts, and finally, the bosses," he explained, pointing at each of them in turn. "This training will increase your stamina and energy while teaching you strategy."
He paused, focusing on Chris. "Chris… you won't be using your sword."
"What?! How am I supposed to defend myself without it?" Chris exclaimed, disbelief written across his face.
"Who knows?" Ethen shrugged. "That goes for all of you."
Lucien simply smiled and released his wooden sword. "Fine," he muttered.
Jessica let go of her short magic staff, and Seraphine followed suit. Chris, however, stared at his sword, unable to let go.
"Stop being a baby and let go already," Lucien said, unimpressed as he crossed his hands.
Gritting his teeth, Chris finally threw his sword behind him. "Fine," he muttered.
"Lucas, I leave it all to you now," Ethen said, stepping back.
"Thank you, my lord," Lucas replied with a slight bow before walking forward. "Alright… just as Lord Ethen said, this training is about stamina, energy, and strategy. You can't rush through it with brute strength,you'll need to think."
He looked at Nekubuki with a smirk. "Unless, of course… you're him," he said looking shaking his head with a sigh.
"Here's how it works," Lucas continued. "There are five stages you must pass before facing each big challenge or boss. Every stage will test something about you... physically, mentally, and emotionally. Don't hold back. You'll need all your energy."
"Wait!" Jessica raised her hand.
"Yes, Jessy?" Lucas asked.
"If we decide to head back after beating all five stages, how will our checkpoints be saved?" she asked, concerned.
Lucas smiled. "Worry less about that one. You're a smart one, aren't you? You have until sunset. Now… don't die on me." His smirk widened. "Begin!"
The wolves vanished in a flash as the team entered the training ground, running forward without hesitation.
"Are you sure they'll survive without their weapons?" Lucas asked, glancing at Ethen, who simply watched them.
"They have no choice but to survive… even if the final boss is a monster itself," Ethen replied, walking back into the cave.
---
Crisis in Soulburn
Meanwhile, in the capital of Soulburn, the king sat on his throne, his head resting against his hand. A man ran in, kneeling before him.
his brown hair slightly tousled and His eyes, ordinary black. He wore clothing that at first seemed that of a commoner...simple tunic, sturdy trousers, and well-worn boots but there was a subtle refinement in the cut and quality of the fabric, the careful stitching and soft cloak hinting at noble upbringing or hidden wealth. Though he bowed low, his posture exuded dignity.
"What is it?" the king demanded.
"Your Majesty, ten thousand beasts are heading this way," the man said, head bowed.
"From which forest?" the king asked coldly.
"Given the number of beasts already slain, we assume they are from the Forest of the Slums," the man replied.
"Do they have collars?"
"Yes, my lord… purple collars," the man confirmed.
"Order the Gold Cross to fight them and launch an attack on their kingdom," the king commanded.
The man hesitated. "Your Majesty, the Gold Cross is already at war with the Elven Kingdom. Only the Green and Red Cross remain."
"What of the White Cross?" the king asked.
"The White Cross is with Queen Lady Ledia in the Dark Forest," the man said, eyes fixed on the floor.
"Head back and demand the army return," the king ordered.
"Yes, my lord… though I must say…"
"Speak."
"By the time the White or Gold arrive, the damage will already be done," the man warned.
"What do you suggest?"
"Hire adventurers to slow them down. You may dislike them, but under the watch of the Four Holy Knights, they can hold them in check."
The king leaned back, considering. "How long until they arrive?"
"Six months, my lord," the man replied.
"Create the team. In six months, they must surpass the Gold Cross, or my wrath will be upon you," the king commanded. "The Four Holy Knights will not participate, so show me what you have, young man and if I'm impressed you will be rewarded handful."
The kneeling man smiled as he rose. "I will not disappoint, my lord. Though a messager I shall do my best to show you my worth." He said rising his head still bowed. "Soulburn shall burn through hearts… and it shall be felt throughout the regions!" He saluted and walked away.
---
The First Trial
Back in the forest, the team entered the first room. Weapons were scattered everywhere.
"I advise you all to pick your weapons before death becomes your companion," a voice echoed.
Without hesitation, Chris ran for a sword.
"What are you doing, Chris?" Seraphine whispered.
"What does it look like? I'm taking the safe route," he said, face sweating and arms trembling.
"I understand how you feel," Lucien said calmly. "But if a master knight like you falters under a trial like this, how do you expect to become a Holy Knight? What you need now is new techniques… and that begins by letting the old ones rest."
"For a seven-year-old… you're wiser than I thought," the voice said, now deep and commanding.
Chris dropped the sword. "Thanks for that, my prince," he said, smiling with renewed determination. "Begin the trial and open the first door already!"
"As you wish…" the voice replied.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them opened, sucking them in and separating them from one another.
---
To Be Continued…