Dean's heart pounded like a war drum as he stood at the edge of the Iron Claw Sect's trial arena, a vast stone platform carved with glowing jade runes. The disciple trial was his shot to prove himself—and Vera's "Impress the Sect" quest hung over him like a guillotine. Kai's note from last night burned in his memory, fueling a mix of fear and defiance. He'd faced Gao, climbed the Thousand Steps, and repelled Kai's lackeys, but this was different. The entire sect watched: elders on raised thrones, disciples packed in the stands, and Kai, standing across the arena, his black robes billowing with Spirit Tier menace. Dean's emotions churned—doubt, anger, and a fierce need to protect Lian and Brock—but a new spark flickered too: hope.
Vera's voice cut through his thoughts, sassy as ever. "Showtime, cupcake! Quest update: Steal the Trial's Spotlight. Win the crowd, outshine Kai, and make those elders eat their doubts. Reward: 100 Flex Points and Cloak of Infinite Charisma. Fail, and I'll make you parade in a feathered hat. Feel that heart of yours—use it!"
Dean swallowed, his palms sweaty. The crowd's murmurs felt like echoes of his past life's livestream, but Lian's encouraging nod from the stands steadied him. Beside her stood a new face: Mei, a fiery-haired disciple with sharp eyes and a playful smirk, who'd joined their training group that morning. When Mei had teased, "Not bad for a Trash Young Master," her wink had sent Dean's pulse racing, stirring a confusing warmth. Lian's quiet support grounded him, but Mei's bold energy lit a fire he couldn't ignore. Focus, Dean, he thought, blushing. Trial first, feelings later.
The trial's first challenge was a test of cultivation: channel spirit energy into a jade pillar until it glowed. The brighter, the stronger. Kai went first, his palm pressing the pillar with effortless grace. A crimson glow erupted, dazzling the crowd and earning approving nods from the elders. "Spirit Tier, peak!" an elder declared. Kai's smirk was a silent taunt.
Dean stepped up, his Mortal Tier energy feeling pitiful. Doubt gnawed at him—I'm not Kai—but Vera's voice snapped, "Emotion, darling! Think of Lian's faith, Mei's spark, Brock's loyalty. Pour it in!" Dean closed his eyes, summoning memories: Lian's worried smile, Mei's teasing grin, Brock's goofy cheers. His heart swelled, and he channeled it all—fear, hope, protectiveness—into the pillar. A sapphire glow flared, not as bright as Kai's but vibrant enough to make the crowd gasp. "Mortal Tier, near breakthrough!" an elder shouted, stunned.
Vera whooped. "That's my boy! 20 Flex Points for emotional flair. Keep it up!"
The second challenge was combat: a sparring round against robotic jade golems. Dean's Thunderclap Swagger Strike crackled as he struck, each hit fueled by his resolve to prove himself. He dodged a golem's swipe, emotions surging—anger at Kai's schemes, gratitude for his friends. A thunderous palm sent the golem crumbling, and Dean spun, striking a pose Vera would approve: one hand raised, a confident grin. The crowd roared, Mei whistling loudly, her eyes gleaming with something more than admiration. Lian clapped, her smile soft but proud, and Dean's chest tightened with a mix of affection and confusion. Why are they both so… distracting?
Kai's performance was flawless, his strikes elegant and lethal, but Dean's raw passion stole the crowd's heart. Whispers of "Trash Young Master's rise" spread, and Kai's glare darkened. Vera purred, "Oh, darling, you're making him jealous. One more challenge—don't choke."
The final challenge was a public demonstration of a unique technique. Dean's heart raced; his Thunderclap Swagger Strike was strong, but Kai's reputation promised something devastating. As Kai prepared, a cloaked figure slipped through the crowd, tossing a shimmering powder onto the arena floor. Dean's enhanced Focus Buff caught the glint, and Vera hissed, "Sabotage! That's spirit-disrupting dust—Kai's cheating to dull your energy. Emergency quest: Overcome the Trap with Swagger. Reward: 60 Flex Points. Use your heart, cupcake!"
Panic surged, but Dean's emotions shifted to defiance. He wouldn't let Kai win—not with Lian and Mei watching, believing. As Kai unleashed a blazing Crimson Dragon Slash, Dean countered with Thunderclap Swagger Strike, pouring every ounce of feeling—protectiveness, pride, even the budding warmth for Lian and Mei—into the move. Thunder roared, shattering the dust's effect, and a shockwave rocked the arena, cracking the stone. The crowd erupted, chanting Dean's name.
Kai's face twisted, but before the elders could declare a winner, a tremor shook the arena. The jade runes flared red, and a low growl echoed from beneath. "Demonic beast!" an elder shouted, as a massive, shadowy claw burst through the floor, aiming for Dean.
Vera's voice was urgent. "Cupcake, that's no ordinary beast—Kai's trap just got deadly. Flex or flee, now!"
Dean froze, heart pounding with fear, but Lian's cry and Mei's shout from the stands ignited his resolve. He had to protect them—but how?