As we went through the dark rocks of the volcano, we encountered a pack of Emberfiends. They were elemental creatures made of living flames. They traveled swiftly and attacked with fiery bursts.
Rowan pointed out, "They are vulnerable to water-based attacks." I nodded and said, "Yes, you are right."
I summoned a wave of water from the astral realm, creating a barrier that quenched their flames. Rowan, skilled with his bow, unleashed arrows imbued with ice energy, freezing the Emberfiends in place. Together, they shattered the frozen creatures, their astral forms dispersing like evaporating steam.
A holographic screen showed up.
[YOU HAVE GOT 50 POINTS]
[950 MORE TO GO]
I was shocked and said, "Emberfiends give a small amount of points. Anyway, how much time is left?"
Rowan checked the hourglass and replied, "We've got around twenty minutes left. Let's aim for the larger creatures. They should give us more points."
I clenched my fist and said, "Yes, you are right. Bigger the foe, greater the points."
We navigated through the Inferno Realm and spotted Lavaspines rolling towards them. They were massive, armored creatures with molten spines. They can roll into a ball, making them dangerous in close combat.
I conjured gusts of wind to disrupt their rolling momentum, while Rowan aimed precise shots at their exposed, molten spines. With coordinated effort, we immobilized the Lavaspines, earning a significant number of points.
Another holographic message appeared.
[YOU HAVE GOT 150 POINTS]
[800 MORE TO GO]
Feeling the intensity of the trial, Rowan suggested, "Let's strategize. We need to conserve energy for the bigger challenges. Water and ice attacks seem effective. Save the stronger spells for the formidable foes."
I agreed as I stretched, "You're right. Let's stay focused on efficiency."
As we moved forward, the Hellhounds, with their fiery breath, posed the next threat. They were fiery canine creatures that hunted in packs. Known for their agility and the ability to breathe streams of fire.
I conjured a shield of ice to deflect the flames, while Rowan unleashed arrows enhanced with void energy to disrupt the Hellhounds' fiery essence. The weakened creatures were swiftly dealt with.
The holographic message was updated.
[YOU HAVE GOT 250 POINTS]
[550 MORE TO GO]
Rowan suddenly pulled me away. "We have only ten minutes left."
As Rowan and I pressed on, the atmosphere grew more intense. The ticking clock added urgency to our every move. Suddenly, we stumbled upon a unique astral forging stone, shimmering with ethereal energy.
Rowan, recognizing its significance, suggested, "Magnus, we can use this stone to enhance our weapons. Let's forge something powerful before facing the Phoenix Guardians."
I nodded in agreement, and we approached the astral forging stone. Channeling our astral energies into it, we crafted a weapon infused with both water and void elements—a bow with arrows that could disrupt and extinguish the flames of the mighty Phoenix Guardians.
With the enhanced weapon in hand, we ventured deeper into the Inferno Realm, the countdown relentlessly ticking away. As the clock reached the five-minute mark, the colossal Phoenix Guardians came into view, their majestic, fiery wings casting a daunting shadow.
Rowan and I exchanged determined glances. "This is it, Magnus. Let's make these shots count," Rowan said, knocking an arrow imbued with our newly forged astral enhancements.
The Phoenix Guardians, magnificent and fearsome, spread their fiery wings, casting a blazing glow across the volcanic landscape. Rowan and I stood ready, our enhanced bows in hand, as the astral countdown pressed on.
The first Phoenix Guardian lunged forward, its talons ablaze. I conjured a shield of ice, deflecting the scorching attack. Rowan, positioned strategically, unleashed a volley of void-infused arrows, disrupting the Guardian's fiery essence.
Seizing the opportunity, I retaliated with water-infused arrows, aiming for the Guardian's wings. Rowan and I moved in synchrony, dodging the bursts of flame and countering with precise astral attacks. The Guardian, despite its majestic appearance, struggled against our coordinated assault.
The second Phoenix Guardian joined the fray, intensifying the challenge. Their combined flames created a scorching battlefield, but Rowan and I navigated the inferno with agility, determined to overcome the astral trial.
The countdown reached a critical stage. With minutes ticking away, the Phoenix Guardians unleashed their ultimate attack—a wave of celestial fire. Rowan and I took cover behind the astral shield, enduring the searing heat. As the flames subsided, we emerged, undeterred.
Rowan called out, "Magnus, let's finish this!"
Nocking our arrows, we synchronized our shots, aiming for the vulnerable core of the Phoenix Guardians. The enhanced arrows struck true, disrupting the astral essence within. The Guardians let out a resounding cry as their fiery forms flickered, defeated by our strategic prowess.
As the battle ended, the holographic message displayed the final update.
[YOU HAVE GOT 550 POINTS]
[CONGRATULATIONS IN PASSING THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TRIAL]
We were teleported back onto the floating island. We found ourselves standing in front of the spin wheel. A message read:
[REST TIME: COME AFTER TEN MINUTES]
During the rest time, Rowan and I took a moment to catch our breath. The astral realm had its way of making exhaustion felt even though physical bodies weren't involved.
Rowan grinned, his eyes reflecting the thrill of the battle. "Not bad for a first stage, huh? Those creatures were no match for our teamwork."
"Right."
I laughed and then got serious. I asked, "Hey Rowan. I believe you have changed. I kind of miss the fiery self of yours."
Rowan smiled a little, but then his expression turned serious. "Magnus, you may be surprised to learn how my past has influenced me. My father, a renowned warrior, always wanted me to follow in his footsteps. But I discovered my affinity for archery early on."
He paused, his eyes gazing into the astral horizon as if searching for memories. "When my father learned I preferred a bow over a sword, he didn't take it well. He constantly compared me to other kids, saying I was weak and unfit for a warrior's path."
An edge of resentment was in Rowan's voice. "I felt like an outcast in my own family. My father's disappointment haunted me, but I found comfort in mastering the bow. It became my way of proving that I could be strong, even if it wasn't in the way he expected."
I angrily thought, It reminded me of the country I used to live in, either as an engineer or a doctor.
Anger flared within me as I listened to Rowan's tale of rejection and comparison. The injustice of his father's narrow-mindedness fueled my frustration. "Rowan, your father had no right to treat you that way. Strength comes in many forms, and mastering the bow is a testament to your unique skills. You are strong in your own right, and no one should make you feel otherwise."
I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of protective rage on behalf of my friend. "You're not weak, and you've proven that today. Archery is an art, and you've mastered it. We'll show your father and anyone else who doubted you that strength is defined by skill, not just tradition."
Rowan looked at me with surprise and gratitude in his eyes. The encouragement seemed to strengthen his resolve. "Thanks, Magnus. It means a lot to hear that. Let's face the challenges ahead and make it clear that our strengths are valid, no matter what anyone thinks."
No matter what, I wanted to defend who I currently have. I failed once, but I won't fail again.
Suddenly, we heard a bell ring, signaling us to go to the spin wheel. The wheel spun, the ethereal glow casting an array of possibilities. It slowed down and settled on the Lightning Trial.
Rowan glanced at me with a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Lightning Trial, huh? This should be electrifying." He chuckled at his own pun, trying to lighten the mood.
I couldn't help but grin. "Let's hope we don't get too charged up. Lightning can be quite shocking."
As we bantered, a holographic screen appeared with the trial's instructions:
[OBJECTIVE: NAVIGATE THE ELECTRIFIED ARENA TO REACH THE SUMMIT]
[CHALLENGES: ELECTRIFIED OBSTACLES, MOVING PLATFORMS, AND THUNDER BEASTS]
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Thunder beasts? Sounds intense."
I nodded. "We'll have to be swift and agile. Stick close, and we'll navigate this together."
The electrified arena sprawled before us, crackling with energy. The air buzzed with the promise of challenges. Rowan and I shared a determined nod before stepping into the trial.
The first challenge presented itself in the form of electrified obstacles—a maze of pulsating barriers that required precise timing to navigate. Each misstep resulted in a jolt of electricity, adding urgency to our movements.
Rowan, with his agility, led the way, expertly weaving through the electrified maze. I followed closely, relying on his guidance to avoid the shocking obstacles. The moving platforms added an extra layer of complexity, requiring impeccable coordination between us.
As we progressed, the holographic screen updated:
[SUCCESS: NAVIGATED THE ELECTRIFIED OBSTACLES]
Rowan grinned, his confidence evident. "Not bad, Magnus. Now, let's tackle those Thunder Beasts."
His grin made me smile too. He turned back to his original self. I like it. I will punish whoever takes my friend's happiness.