Eliza sent a text message, informing Eve and Vulcan of her supposed destination: the museum of the White Trial. However, this was merely a ploy. In reality, Eliza was going to the sanctuary of the White Trial, where the members of the White Trial reside. Heine waiting for her arrival. Eliza thoroughly asked the local residents, using her persuasive charm she got the answers she needed; she eventually discovered the location. Fortunately, the sanctuary lay within close proximity, sparing her from a lengthy journey.
As Eliza approached the sanctuary after a prolonged half-hour journey, she was met with the sight of large gates surrounding the mansion, a barrier separating the outside world from the White Trial. One knight was stationed at the main entrance gate, their watchful eyes observing the surroundings.
Eliza's shoulders slumped as she looked at the gates before her. "I see what Heine meant," she muttered to herself. "This isn't going to be easy one bit. How do I even get inside?" she said aloud, her thoughts trying to find a solution. "It looks like that one gate is the only way in." With a resigned sigh, she wondered her next move.
Eliza's brow furrowed as she weighed her options, her gaze fixed on the guard. "I could just walk up and ask for permission," she murmured, contemplating the straightforward approach. "But that's the personal guard of the White Trial." She identified the armored figure as Sun, one half of the duo. "Then that must mean Moon is inside," she reasoned. "So sneaking in probably isn't my best option here."
After weighing her options and considering the potential consequences of each course of action, Eliza ultimately decided on a straightforward approach. She thought that if Heine had specifically called for her, she assumed that he would have instructed his guards to allow her entry into the sanctuary without hesitation. With this reasoning on mind, Eliza step towards the gates.
As Eliza approached the gate, her advance was stopped by the sudden appearance of an arrow that embedded itself firmly in the ground just inches from her feet. Startled, she looked up to see Sun, standing before her with his bow drawn, his steely gaze fixed upon her.
"Don't move any further," Sun ordered sternly. "State your business, half beastkin." His gaze remained sharp.
"My name is Eliza Kinhana," she replied calmly, meeting Sun's gaze with confidence. "I'm here upon request of Heine." With a slight nod, she hoped her words would suffice to gain entry to the sanctuary.
"Ah, I see," Sun remarked with a nod of acknowledgment as he lowered his bow. "Yes, Lord Heine informed me of your arrival."
Eliza's shoulders relaxed as she let out a sigh of relief . "So, does that mean Lord Heine has given permission for me to enter?" she asked.
"No, first you must pass a test."
Eliza's brows furrowed with concern as she asked, "H-huh, what kind of test are we talking about here?"
"A test of your resolve, Lord Heine told me the purpose of your visit. If your will to endure isn't deemed sufficient by him, then you must accept with your fate."
"Hey, hey, hey. My Ornament is healing magic, it's not suited for combat. At least, not yet anyway." She attempted to reason, hoping to find a loophole in the test.
Sun's voice was firm, yet not unkind as he continued, "then I'm forced to make you leave the premises. So please turn back and walk away."
With a determined expression, Eliza faced Sun directly. "Wait! Looks like I have no choice, and I don't plan to leave so easily like that," she declared, preparing herself for the test.
"Very well," Sun said as he gestured for Eliza to proceed towards the gates that guarded the sanctuary.
As Eliza stepped inside, the grandeur of the sanctuary clearly revealed itself. The immaculate manicured gardens greeted her with their vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, while the statues of the members of the White Trial stood tall at the entrance to the mansion. However, her attention was swiftly drawn away as Sun led her towards a area behind the mansion, where a battle ground similiar to a hardened court awaited them. As she observed her surroundings, Eliza's attention was drawn back to the mansion. There, she spotted a lone silhouette looking from one of the mansion's windows, its figure cloaked in shadows.
"Given your limited combat skills, Lord Heine has decided beforehand to simplify this trial for you. Your task is straightforward: land a single blow on me," Sun explained.
"I just have to hit you once? Sounds easy enough."Eliza said her tone full of confidence.
"Let's hope so, otherwise the script that has been laid out before you will become reality."
"Now, please proceed to the opposite end of the battleground," Sun instructed, as he directed Eliza to position herself across from him on the battlefield.
Eliza walked to the other side of the battleground, her footsteps echoing faintly against the hard court. With each step, she mentally prepared herself for the challenge ahead.
"Eliza Kinhana," Sun's voice echoed across the battleground, "are you ready to begin this test?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Eliza replied, her voice steady despite the nerves swirling inside her.
"Remember, just one hit," Sun reminded her. "Now... Let's begin! Morning sun!" Sun threw a ball oflight into the sky. Instantly, it ignited, covering the battleground in a blinding light that left Eliza blinded.
Eliza closed her eyes tightly, hoping to shield herself from the overwhelming brightness, but even through her closed lids, the intensity of the light pierced through. With no other option, she quickly raised her arm to shield her eyes from the light. As she struggled against the blinding light, Eliza's mind raced, recalling the training sessions she had with Vaos. However, she doubted whether the techniques she learned from him would be effective against Sun's unique combat style.
As she stood there, blinded by the intense light, Eliza felt the sensation of rising temperature. Her mind raced, trying to decipher the nature of the impending danger, concluding that it could only be a fiery projectile hurtling towards her amidst the blinding brightness.Instinctively, she braced herself, anticipating the impact of what she assumed to be a fireball or similiar.
"Eliza, if this is your resolve, then you're a lost cause!" Eliza heard Sun's voice through the blinding light. Before she could figure its location, her arms were suddenly wrenched open, leaving her exposed and vulnerable to what she presumed to be a heavy blow from a mace.
Eliza focused her senses, recalling Vaos's teachings on energy detection. Eliza detected three distinct energy sources coming from Sun himself, the fiery projectile flying towards her, and the dazzling ball of light blinding her.
"Healing magic, magic deflect!" Eliza conjured a protective shield that outlined her body. This barrier was designed to absorb and neutralize magical attacks, offering her some sort of defense against Sun's incoming attack or potentially deflecting them altogether.
As the fiery orb collided with Eliza's shield, a explosion erupted, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. The force of the blast threw Eliza backwards, her body skidding across the ground until she came to a stop. Despite the impact, she managed to shield herself from the worst of the explosion, her clothes damaged and her skin reddened, but otherwise uninjured.
"Eliza, that was one attack, and not even my strongest. Let's see how you do against three!" Sun said as he conjured three more fireballs, each flying towards her with increasing speed and intensity.
Eliza realized that while she could defend against one attack, it would only take one fireball to shatter her shield— the same shield she conjured before had already dissipated. Eliza began, her senses honed in on the energy signatures of the incoming fireballs, guiding her movements. Yet, Sun took notice. Sun unleashed another spell, surrounding Eliza in lava, effectively trapping her and leaving her with nowhere to run. Eliza grunted in frustration, realizing that jumping over the lava or attempting to use defensive magic against it was useless due to its expansive radius.
Eliza stood in deep thought, fully aware that failing this test would seal her fate. She couldn't allow that, determination burned within her, she was going to find a way to pass no matter the odds. As the fiery orbs flew closer, Eliza drew in a deep breath, steadying herself for what was to come. She could feel the familiar surge of healing magic coursing through her, but this time, it was different. The aura that typically surrounded her with a comforting light began to transform, its hues shifting to darker shades.
"This is what Vaos meant..." She murmured softly to herself. With determination in her eyes, she extended her hand, "Siphon magic, black hole!" In an instant, the energy sources, including the fiery orbs and the blinding light, were drawn towards the palm of her hand.
Sun's eyes widened in surprise as he observed Eliza's newfound ability. "Could this be a newly awakened power?" he asked.
Eliza nervously laughed, "I-I think so, you see, the opposite of healing magic is—"
"Siphon magic, a very powerful and dangerous kind of magic," Sun interjected. "Well, nonetheless, I'm certain that Lord Heine will guide you on how to use Siphon magic."
"Let me test your newfound power then, let's see the strength of your siphon magic. Red dwarf!" Sun threw his mace to the ground, shielding him in swirling fiery pillars around him. He began to charge a bright red fireball in his hand.
"I hope this works... Siphon magic, energy fission!" Eliza concentrated, channeling her newfound power.
In an instant, the fireball in Sun's hand exploded prematurely, catching him off guard. "I didn't even throw it yet!" Sun exclaimed as he was thrown across the battleground by the force of the explosion.
As Sun struggled to regain his footing after being thrown from the explosion, Eliza took the opportunity. "This is my chance! Siphon magic, expel!" She sprinted forward, hurling the fireball that had been absorbed into the black hole straight towards Sun.
The dark aura surrounding Eliza shifted back to the familiar warm glow. "Healing magic, speed!" she exclaimed, as her stamina surged and her speed increased.
"This is nothing!" Sun yelled as he thrust his fist into the fireball, causing it to explode. Amidst the dissipating flames and smoke, Eliza's silhouette emerged in a flash.
"Healing magic, power!" Eliza's voice echoed across the battleground as she unleashed her enhanced strength. Before Sun could fully comprehend the situation. Eliza's fist connected solidly with his face, the force behind the blow evident. Yet, despite the impact, Sun remained seemingly unfazed by the attack.
Sun's glare softened into a grin, a glint of respect in his eyes. "Well done, Eliza. You managed to land two attacks, technically," he chuckled.
Eliza exhaled deeply, relief going through her. "You had me scared there for a second," she admitted with a nervous laugh.
"First, Eliza, you'll take a break. Please follow me to the dining room, you're welcome to help yourself to the buffet. It's usually reserved to the White Trial, but consider it a reward from Lord Heine himself." Sun began to walk towards the mansion, Eliza following behind.
"When do I get to meet Heine?" Eliza asked.
"After your break, you'll finally meet with Lord Heine, the soul harvester of the White Crusader..."