A week had passed since the momentous events, and now the day of the trials' return had arrived.
Chase and Ava stood amidst their fellow students, their anticipation palpable. However, there was one notable absence: Freya. Only Master Lane stood before them, remaining unresponsive to the students' inquiries.
"Where is Miss Freya?" one student voiced, reflecting the concern shared by many.
"I don't know, but she has never been late in the past nine months," another student replied, perplexed by Freya's sudden absence.
Speculations about Freya's whereabouts filled the air as conversations buzzed among the students.
"Have you seen Freya during the week-long break?" Chase asked Ava, his voice brimming with curiosity.
"No, but do you think her absence is related to your conversation with her last week?" Ava pondered, recognizing the potential impact of Chase's discussion with Freya.
"I don't think so," Chase mused, his forehead creasing with a slight frown as he delved into deep thought.
Suddenly, a student's voice pierced the air. "Look, she's here!"
All eyes turned toward Freya as she walked onto the training ground. Her face bore a frown that mirrored the weight of her thoughts and worries. Standing before the class, she absentmindedly rested her head on her hand, lost in her own world.
"Miss Freya!" a concerned student called out, snapping Freya out of her reverie.
She looked up, realizing she had subconsciously made her way to the training ground, unaware of her own actions.
"Miss, you seem distracted. Is everything alright?" another student inquired, their voice laced with genuine concern.
"No, nothing," Freya replied, choosing to conceal her personal suspicions to avoid arousing further curiosity.
"Chase, perhaps you should apologize," Ava whispered to Chase, knowing it would help ease the tension.
"Alright," Chase conceded, his voice tinged with a hint of dejection, although he wasn't particularly eager to apologize.
As Chase prepared to approach Freya, she started speaking.
"Today," Freya's voice emerged weak and soft, attempting to capture the attention of all present, "you shall embark on the Fourth Trial, known as the Trial of the Shield!"
A mixture of worry and wonder swelled in the students' hearts as they pondered the cause of Freya's dejected demeanor.
"The Trial of the Shield comprises three distinct parts," Freya continued, her voice carrying audible sighs that revealed her internal tension.
She proceeded to name each part: the Arena of Challenge, Waves of Adversaries, and the Final Duel.
Pausing, Freya's gaze scanned the room, the diminished engagement from her students evident in the atmosphere.
Turning to Master Lane, who stood by her side, she addressed him with a despondent expression. "Master Lane, open the portal."
Concern filled Master Lane's eyes as he gazed at Freya for a few seconds before tapping his staff on the ground.
The air shimmered and spun, expanding to reveal a portal leading to another realm the Trial of the Shield.
Chase and Ava stepped through the portal, stealing one last glance back at Freya, whose eyes conveyed a sense of deep contemplation.
Emerging on the other side, Chase and Ava found themselves in the majestic Arena of Challenge. Towering walls reached toward the sky, as the air hummed with anticipation. The stands were filled with a crowd of onlookers, eager to witness Chase and Ava's skills and valor.
"We want war!"
"We want war!"
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
The onlookers cheered with bright, sparkling eyes, their upbeat and enthusiastic voices echoing through the air.
"Who are these people?" Chase exclaimed in shock, his gaze fixed on the vast arena filled with spectators.
"I don't know. I thought only the overseers would be here," Ava replied, equally taken aback by the unexpected presence of the onlookers.
"These are otherworlders," a wise and experienced female warrior, the overseer, approached Chase and Ava, her tall figure towering over them. Adorned in pieces of cloth armor, she exuded a commanding presence.
"Otherworlders?" Chase and Ava chimed in unison, uncertain about the meaning behind the term.
"Otherworlders come from different realms and worlds within the universe, they even read about what's happening in this world" the overseer explained. "I'm sure Chase knows what I mean," she added, her voice laced with a knowing tone as she addressed Chase.
"Alright, who are you?" Chase quickly redirected the conversation, hoping to divert Ava's attention from the discussion, fully aware of what the overseer implied.
"I am Melgra, the barbarian," Melgra announced, drawing the attention of everyone around. Blushing cheeks and a wide smile adorned her face. "Welcome to the Arena of Challenge, where legends are forged and fates are decided."
"Do you know Malcolinus?" Chase asked. "And where is he?"
"Yeah, I know Malcolinus," Melgra replied, her cheeks turning crimson. "But I can't tell you where he is. Rest assured, he's doing well, though."
"Okay," Chase responded, choosing to ignore Melgra's blushing cheeks.
"Choose your shields wisely, knights. Let their power amplify your strengths and shield you from harm," Melgra spoke with reverence, presenting an array of weapons and shields, each gleaming with unique enchantments and characteristics.
"Chase, let us select our shields with discernment, for they shall become an extension of our very beings," Ava said, her eyes brimming with determination as she walked toward the display of shields, gesturing for Chase to follow.
Chase and Ava surveyed the selection, their hands hovering over different options. Chase's gaze landed on a magnificent shield crafted from gleaming steel, adorned with intricate designs of a tree a symbol of the earth's strength and resilience.
"This shield, Melgra. With it, I shall stand unwavering in the face of adversity," Chase declared, his voice filled with unwavering conviction.
"A wise choice, Chase. Let the power of the earth shield you and amplify your fortitude," Melgra nodded approvingly.
"And I choose this shield, overseer. Its polished surface reflects the light of the heavens, embodying my agile and swift movements," Ava said, her eyes fixed on a sleek, silver shield.
"An excellent selection, Ava. May the heavens guide your every strike and protect you in the trials to come," Melgra said, her smirk indicating approval.
With their chosen shields in hand, Chase and Ava stepped forward, their determination burning bright. They raised their shields high, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the upcoming challenges as the crowd erupted into a thunderous applause.