Intent on rendezvousing with Raynie, my path diverged when a voice intercepted my stride.
"Nicely done, though refinement in emotional regulation is advised." Raynie's figure leaned casually against the structure, wielding the very blade wrested from me by our interceptors.
"Why the deception?" I inquired.
"A mere prelude to acquaint you with graver challenges ahead," came the reply.
"..."
"Come now, harbor no ire. Aid them in reaching the infirmary," Raynie urged.
Assisting the wounded and seeking their pardon, I later found myself in dialogue with Raynie.
"Darwin and I orchestrated this scheme."
"..."
"Anticipating your response to newfound authority. Understandably, akin actions would've been my own. Yet, henceforth, temper your passions. Future adversaries won't yield as easily," Raynie counseled.
"What lies ahead?" I pressed.
"Best discover at the palace," was the cryptic response.
"Understood."
Though unsettling, the ordeal was a poignant lesson. Power demands stewardship, a truth laid bare by their orchestrated trial.
After my exchange with Raynie, I made my way to the infirmary, where the wounded convalesced, their limbs ensconced in casts.
"How fare you?" I inquired, concern etched upon my features.
"We... we're on the mend," came the strained response.
"I extend my sincerest apologies for my actions," I offered.
"Haha, no harm done. We were perhaps too zealous as well," came the forgiving reply.
"Take care, and may your recovery be swift," I bid them farewell before departing for the palace.
En route, my gaze caught sight of a building bearing the inscription '[Guild].' Temptation to explore tugged at my curiosity, but duty compelled me to heed Raynie's cryptic directive.
Arriving at the palace gates, I was halted by a vigilant guard.
"Halt," the sentinel commanded.
I complied, only to be recognized moments later.
"Ah, Mr. Higarashi, my apologies. Please, enter," the guard conceded.
With measured steps, I traversed the palace threshold, greeted by Darwin's hearty laughter.
"Hahaha, it appears your training has borne fruit. Raynie speaks highly of your aptitude," he remarked.
"Perhaps," I replied, though inwardly, doubts lingered. Skill honed, yet experience eludes me still, a realization that weighs heavily.
"Allow yourself a moment of anticipation. It is time to meet King Grim," Darwin encouraged, offering a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
With resolve bolstered, I proceeded to the throne room, where Prince Felix and a retinue of guards awaited, and seated upon the regal throne, King Grim held court.
Prostrating before the sovereign, I addressed King Grim. "Your Majesty, I've undergone the prescribed training regimen."
"Aye, Darwin has apprised me. You stand prepared for the commencement of your primary quest... You shall be inducted into the guild as one of its Guardians."
'Huh!? So, the protocol for transdimensional arrivals mirrors what I know. A comforting revelation.'
"However, I implore one caveat: conceal your heroic status to prevent undue dependency among your fellow Guardians. It is paramount to foster camaraderie and avoid sowing discord within the guild," the king's counsel echoed.
"Understood. I shall heed your guidance," I affirmed.
With that, the king bid me to rest, priming myself for the trials ahead. Under the shroud of night, I honed my swordsmanship and fortified my bond with Shu.
"Fancy a bout?" Amidst solitary sword drills in the training grounds, Darwin's voice pierced the silence.
"Aye, gladly," I accepted his proposal.
Our spar commenced, each exchange a testament to our shared expertise. Yet, the teachings imparted by Raynie granted me newfound prowess. I beseeched Darwin to escalate the challenge, from pure swordplay to incorporating Shu, culminating in elemental fusion—though I refrained from employing such abilities myself, testing the resilience of my Shu against elemental onslaughts.
Clang! Clash!
I parried and evaded Darwin's assaults, my senses attuned from Raynie's rigorous tutelage, where lethality loomed at every turn—contrasting the tempered engagement of our current scrimmage.
Clang!
The resounding impact of Darwin's blade against my armor reverberated through the training grounds, yet I pressed on, engaging him in relentless combat. Amidst the clash, I spied an opening, seizing the opportunity to strike, only to find myself on the receiving end, Darwin's sword poised at my throat.
"Proceed to the next phase," he declared.
'I faltered in strength against Darwin. Onward to the next trial,' I resolved inwardly.
"Are you certain?" Darwin queried.
"Indeed!" With determination coursing through me, I infused Shu into my blade, mirroring Darwin's actions.
As our blades clashed once more, astonishment flickered across both our faces as Darwin's sword nearly succumbed to my onslaught. Sensing an opportunity, I withdrew, prompting a laugh from Darwin.
"Haha, remarkable progress in such a short span. Your Shu has grown formidable. Shall we advance directly to the final stage?"
"Absolutely!" We exchanged swords, the previous ones worn from our skirmish. Darwin ignited his blade with flames, unleashing a challenging skill.
[Absolute area: Circle Flame]
Encircled by a ring of fire, Darwin seemed untouchable, his reach extending to its limits.
'Damn, how do I breach his defense?'
Experimenting with various tactics proved futile; Darwin's flames left a scorching aftermath upon contact. Then, a realization struck.
'If I can't pass through, I must destroy.'
Channeling Shu throughout my being, I braved the flames, resilient against Darwin's onslaught. With a primal roar, I charged, sword poised for the strike. Predictably, Darwin countered, but an unexpected kick caught him off guard, allowing me to gain the upper hand, blade at his exposed neck.
"Haha, victory is mine," I exulted, reveling in my triumph over Darwin for the first time.
"I didn't anticipate the use of your leg," he admitted.
"Well, fair or not, victory demands resourcefulness," I acknowledged.
Darwin's words resonated within me. As someone not inherently skilled in swordplay, I must utilize every advantage to emerge victorious, for my adversaries are anything but weak.
"Rest now. Tomorrow marks the beginning of your journey as an official Guardian, starting from square one," Darwin directed.
"Understood." With anticipation coursing through my veins, I readied myself for the challenges that lay ahead.