Elder Rosaline led Vargus to a sprawling field, its vast expanse dotted with various natural obstacles like massive rocks and towering trees, creating a challenging environment for any test.
Upon reaching the center of the field, Elder Rosaline turned to Vargus with a serious expression. "To be accepted into our sect, you must pass a specific test," she explained, her voice firm yet encouraging.
She then shifted her gaze towards Auris, who was attentively perched on Vargus's shoulder. "Given that your awakened talent is beast-taming, our test will focus on evaluating the strength and capabilities of your tamed beast. This will determine your eligibility to join the Heavenly Beast Sect," Elder Rosaline continued, outlining the criteria for the assessment.
Upon hearing Elder Rosaline's explanation of the test, Auris gracefully leaped down from Vargus's shoulder. With a determined stride, he made his way towards the center of the field, directly towards a large stone that seemed to mark the focal point of the challenge.
Observing Auris's movements, Vargus couldn't help but voice his concern for his companion. "Be careful, Auris. Watch out for your paws," he called out gently, his voice tinged with care. As Auris paused momentarily, Vargus reached down to give him a reassuring pat, carefully rubbing Auris's paw in a gesture of support and affection.
Watching the tender interaction between Vargus and Auris, Elder Rosaline found herself wrestling with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. In her mind, she questioned the dynamics of their relationship. "How unusual for a barbarian of his stature to have formed such a bond with a small white tiger," she mused silently, her gaze lingering on the pair.
Her skepticism didn't stop there; she also pondered the capabilities of Auris. "Is this white tiger truly capable of meeting the demands of our test?" she thought, her curiosity piqued. "Vargus's concern for its well-being is evident, but does that affection translate to strength?"
Despite her doubts, Elder Rosaline's expression remained neutral, her years of experience teaching her to withhold judgment until she had witnessed their performance. "We shall see soon enough if this unique bond between barbarian and beast holds the key to passing our sect's test," she concluded internally, preparing to observe the trial with an open mind.
Auris, the small white tiger, felt a wave of affection and amusement towards his master's evident concern. In the quiet of his own mind, he reflected on Vargus's protective nature. "Master worries too much," he thought, a sense of warmth underlying his contemplation.
He also reassured himself of his own capabilities: "I am stronger than he realizes." Auris couldn't help but let out a mental sigh at the peculiar situation. "My master is truly unique, always fretting over me despite my strength," he mused, accepting Vargus's worries as a part of their bond.
Auris approached the imposing stone, its sheer size dwarfing him completely. To an onlooker, the task at hand seemed impossible for such a small creature, with the stone standing as a monolith that could easily hide Auris from view.
With a calm demeanor, belying the challenge before him, Auris lifted his small paw with deliberate grace. The gesture was subtle, almost understated, as he gently touched the surface of the massive stone with a swift tap.
Having completed his action, Auris turned and confidently made his way back to Vargus, who welcomed him with open arms and a gentle pat, acknowledging his attempt.
Elder Rosaline observed the scene unfold before her eyes with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "Did I just witness that correctly?" she questioned internally, her mind grappling with the simplicity of Auris's action against the massive stone.
"All he did was touch the stone?" Elder Rosaline thought, trying to make sense of Auris's seemingly minimal effort. Her gaze shifted from the stone back to Auris and Vargus, her initial surprise slowly giving way to a rising tide of irritation.
She contemplated expressing her frustration out loud, pondering, "Is this some sort of jest? To think a mere touch could be considered an attempt..." Elder Rosaline's thoughts trailed off as she struggled to maintain her composure, the unexpectedness of the event challenging her expectations of what the test should entail.
Just as Elder Rosaline was about to approach Vargus and Auris, possibly to reprimand them for what she perceived as a lackluster performance, an unexpected sound halted her in her tracks. The distinct rumble emanated from the direction of the large stone, drawing her immediate attention.
Turning sharply towards the source of the noise, Elder Rosaline's eyes widened in astonishment as she witnessed the once solid stone begin to crack and fissure. Before she could process what was happening, the stone shattered, exploding into countless pieces with a force that sent a shockwave through the field.
This dramatic turn of events left Elder Rosaline utterly stunned, her previous intentions of admonishment forgotten. The sight of the stone, which had seemed impervious to Auris's gentle touch, now lying in ruins, forced her to reassess her initial judgment and the true extent of Auris's power.
Recovering from her initial shock, Elder Rosaline marveled at the unexpected display of power. "To think that such a small white tiger could possess such immense strength," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Turning to Vargus, Elder Rosaline acknowledged Auris's remarkable ability. "Your white tiger... the power he has demonstrated today essentially reached the power of the expert level," she declared, her assessment underscoring the significance of what they had just witnessed.
With a satisfied smile, Vargus seized the moment to inquire about his standing. "So, does this mean I can join the sect now?" he asked, his tone hopeful yet measured.
Elder Rosaline, still processing the extraordinary demonstration she had just witnessed, responded affirmatively. "Yes, you and your white tiger have more than proven your capabilities. Welcome, you will be admitted as inner members of the Heavenly Beast Sect," she announced, her decision imbued with a sense of respect and anticipation for what Vargus and Auris could bring to their community.
Vargus, upon hearing her confirmation, simply nodded in acknowledgment. "I see. Thank you," he replied, his response understated yet reflecting a deep sense of satisfaction and readiness for the new path that lay ahead within the ranks of the Heavenly Beast Sect.
Elder Rosaline, intrigued by Vargus's demonstrated prowess and the remarkable abilities of his tamed beast, Auris, posed a thoughtful question. "Given your strength and the power of your tamed beast, I'm curious," she began, her gaze fixed on Vargus, "why have you chosen to join the Heavenly Beast Sect?"
Vargus, without hesitation, offered a straightforward explanation. "My decision is driven by my experiences with the Crystal Fist Sect," he revealed, his voice calm but carrying an underlying intensity that hinted at a deeper narrative.
Upon hearing Vargus's reference to the Crystal Fist Sect, Elder Rosaline's expression shifted to a frown, her curiosity piqued by the undercurrents of conflict. "What has you done to make you the target of that 'bastard sect' sights?" she inquired, her tone laced with concern and a hint of disdain for the troubles wrought by sect rivalries.
Vargus responded with a straightforwardness that underscored the gravity of his actions. "I killed one of their members. His name was Carlos," he disclosed, not shying away from the truth of his deed.
At the mention of Carlos's name, Elder Rosaline's shock was palpable. "Did you just say Carlos?" she asked, seeking confirmation, her voice betraying her astonishment at the revelation.
Vargus simply nodded in affirmation, leaving no room for doubt.
Elder Rosaline, still trying to process the information, pressed further, "And why would you kill him?"
Vargus's response was straightforward, yet it unveiled the depth of his motivations. "He mocked my Auris, called him stupid. I couldn't let that insult stand," he explained, his tone reflecting a mix of protective pride and a hint of indignation.
Elder Rosaline was taken aback by the reason behind Vargus's drastic action. The fact that an insult to Auris had spurred such a response was really weird to her.
Despite the gravity of Vargus's confession, Elder Rosaline's demeanor softened into a smile. "At last, that troublesome Carlos has met his end," she remarked with a hint of relief in her voice. "Come, let us proceed. The sect master awaits our presence."
Vargus, unsure of what to expect but willing to follow Elder Rosaline's lead, simply nodded in agreement. With no words of his own, he trailed behind her, stepping deeper into the heart of the Heavenly Beast Sect and towards an encounter that would shape his path within the sect.