The Guild Trial Begins
Morning sunlight poured through the high windows of the Outskirts Guild Hall, illuminating the polished training floors. The scent of iron, sweat, and freshly oiled weapons filled the air. Trainees were already gathering, whispering and sizing one another up. Kael Ashborne stood at the edge of the hall, spear in hand, muscles still stiff from the forest hunts—but his mind was sharper than ever.
> [System Notification: Guild Trial Initiated. Participants detected: 16]
Kael scanned the room. Faces of varying ages and strength levels stared at him—some curious, some skeptical, some openly hostile. Among them, one figure caught his attention immediately.
A tall boy with a scar across his cheek and dark, piercing eyes stood near the center. His aura radiated confidence, almost arrogance, and he carried a longsword casually across his shoulders.
> [Rival Detected: High Potential Combatant]
Kael's pulse quickened. The System hummed, highlighting the boy's stats: strength, agility, reflexes, and battle instincts—all above average for trainees.
Lysar leaned close. "That's Kaelen Veyra. He's been ranked top in the Outskirts beginner trials for three years. Watch him carefully. He won't go easy on you."
Kael nodded, absorbing the information. He didn't need friendship; he needed to survive—and win.
---
The Trial Rules
Thoren Valdus, the guild master, stepped forward, voice echoing across the hall.
"Today, each of you will face a simulated survival trial. Beasts, obstacles, and dueling partners await. The goal is simple: survive, earn points, and demonstrate your skills. Strength alone will not save you. Strategy, awareness, and adaptability will determine success."
Kaelen's smirk was obvious as he looked at Kael. "Null Ashborne… hope you're not as weak as they say."
Kael met his gaze evenly. "I survive."
A collective murmur spread through the hall. Some trainees laughed quietly; others looked intrigued.
---
The Simulation Begins
Kael entered the first arena: a dense area filled with traps, fallen trees, and low-level beasts meant to test agility and problem-solving.
> [System Activated: Arena Environment Detected]
[Beast Threats: Level Green]
[Suggested Strategy: Use terrain + environmental hazards]
Kael moved cautiously, spear ready, eyes scanning every shadow. The first wolf lunged from the underbrush. Kael sidestepped, recalling every move from the Outer Ring hunts. A quick jab, a dodge, and the wolf collapsed, unharmed but immobilized—enough to earn System recognition.
> [Experience +200. Skill Improved: Reflex Enhancement Level 2]
Suddenly, Kaelen appeared, blade gleaming. "Let's see if you're just lucky."
The two circled each other. Kaelen struck fast, testing Kael's defense. Kael relied on speed, the System calculating angles, weak points, and reaction timing. He dodged, countered, and used the arena's logs and rocks to slow his opponent.
> [New Skill Unlocked: Environmental Tactics]
Kaelen's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Kael to move with such precision, given his Null reputation.
The trial escalated as more beasts appeared, forcing Kael to multitask—defending, attacking, and coordinating with Lysar, who had also joined the arena as an observer-partner.
> [Partner Coordination Active. Experience Multiplier: +50%]
Hours passed. Sweat poured, muscles screamed, but Kael thrived under pressure. Every move counted. Every decision mattered. The System pulsed in his mind, rewarding calculated risks and clever maneuvers.
Finally, only Kaelen and Kael remained. They faced each other, exhausted but alert.
Kaelen smirked again. "Not bad… for a Null."
Kael tilted his head. "Not enough to beat me."
The final clash was fast and precise. Kael's spear met Kaelen's sword at angles calculated by the System, predicting and countering each strike. With a swift feint and roll, Kael disarmed Kaelen, leaving him on the ground, chest heaving, but alive.
> [Trial Completed: Success]
[Experience: +1500]
[Stat Points: +10]
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Reflex Enhancement]
[Reputation Gained: Rising Null Ashborne]
The guild hall erupted. Some cheered, some whispered, and Kaelen scowled—but Kael had made his mark.
Thoren Valdus stepped forward, arms crossed. "Impressive. Survival, skill, and strategy. You may yet live up to your name… Null Ashborne."
Kael exhaled slowly. The System pulsed, glowing faintly in his vision.
> [Next Quest Available: Explore Guild, Gain Resources, Prepare for Outer Ring Advanced Hunt]
Kael Ashborne smiled faintly. His journey had only begun—but now, the world had begun to notice him.