The first man smiled, but just as he was about to speak, a cynical voice interrupted from the side as the third man spoke.
"Stop wasting time and just get to the point," he said sharply, turning to Atticus. "For the fourth trial, you only need one spirit to accompany you on your journey. You will select between us."
The first man shot the third a dirty look but didn't argue, turning back to Atticus instead.
"He's right," he said, his voice calmer. "You have to select one of us to continue."
"Why?" Atticus asked plainly.
"Why what?"
"Why do I have to select one of you? Why doesn't the katana just assign me a guide?"
"It's also part of your trial," the man responded.
"What is the fourth trial about? And do you each have different quirks to offer?"
Atticus tried to make sense of it all. Having to choose a spirit seemed odd, almost like a trap. Did they each bring unique advantages?
