Chapter 11: The Trial of Echoes
The next morning, Darian, Elara, and Arandor made their way to the entrance of an old sanctuary on the outskirts of the city. Marelen's counselors awaited them there, silent and emotionless. Only their gazes conveyed the solemnity of what was about to begin.
The silver-haired counselor stepped forward, wearing the same enigmatic expression as the night before. "The Trial of Echoes is not merely a test of strength or magical skill. It is a spiritual, mental, and physical trial. The echoes in this place reveal one's own shadows, fears, and hidden memories. Those who fail become trapped here, lost among their own echoes."
Elara frowned. "So… it's a test of confronting oneself."
"Exactly," confirmed the counselor. "Not everyone is able to overcome what they find within. But if you succeed, Marelen will accept the alliance."
Darian nodded solemnly and moved forward with his companions. Arandor sighed, adjusting the straps of his armor, trying to conceal his own unease. Elara, for her part, was breathing deeply, mentally preparing for what lay ahead.
When they entered the sanctuary, the air felt heavy, laden with an ancient and powerful energy. The stone walls were covered with old inscriptions that seemed to come alive, illuminated by a dim green light floating in the air. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the doors closed behind them, leaving only the echo of their steps in the vastness of the hall.
Darian was the first to feel the effect of the echoes. As he advanced, the room faded from view, and suddenly, he found himself on the battlefield where he had lost his old squad, a memory he had always avoided. The sound of clashing swords, cries of pain, and despair overwhelmed him, as if he were there once more.
"Not again!" he shouted, trying to escape the visions surrounding him, but they pursued him, becoming more vivid with each step. He could feel the helplessness, guilt, and anger burning inside him.
"Darian…," whispered a familiar voice. He turned to find himself face to face with a blurred figure, a comrade he had lost in that battle. "Why didn't you save me?"
Darian felt his knees weaken. "I tried… I did everything I could."
But the echo insisted, advancing like an engulfing shadow. He knew he could only overcome it by facing himself, accepting his guilt, and understanding he couldn't change the past. With a deep breath, he looked into the eyes of that figure and finally allowed himself to accept his humanity and limits.
"Forgive me. I couldn't save you… but I promise I will do everything I can to protect those I still can."
With those words, the figure disappeared, and the sanctuary was just an empty hall once more. The echo of his fears had vanished, at least for now.
Meanwhile, Elara was immersed in her own trial. The room had changed, and now she found herself in the forest of her childhood, surrounded by the family she had lost in an attack when she was a child. She felt the weight of guilt for surviving when her family hadn't. The faces of her parents and siblings looked at her with sadness.
"Elara, why didn't you save them?" a figure representing her father whispered, with a voice full of reproach.
"I… I was just a child! I didn't have the strength to fight off the attackers!" she replied, trying to move away from those accusing faces, but her mind betrayed her, reminding her of her own fears and insecurities.
Fighting against her emotions, she remembered why she had decided to join the Alliance: her desire to protect others so that no one else would have to suffer as she did. With renewed resolve, she faced the figures of her past and said, "I couldn't save you, but I will go on. My fight doesn't end here."
As she spoke those words, the vision disappeared, and Elara breathed a sigh of relief, feeling an inner peace she hadn't experienced in years.
Arandor, on the other hand, seemed to be facing a different challenge. Instead of confronting a past tragedy, his trial led him to question himself, his courage, and his loyalty. He found himself in a room full of mirrors, each reflecting a different version of himself: one cowardly, another selfish, and another indecisive.
Each image seemed to taunt him, challenging him to confront his own insecurities. "Do you really think you are worthy of this mission? Do you think you can be a hero?"
Arandor clenched his fists, looking at each of the reflections with determination. "Maybe I'm not perfect. Maybe I've had doubts. But I'm here, facing them, and that's what makes me strong."
The reflections began to disappear one by one, until only his own reflection remained, looking at him with respect. Finally, the sanctuary returned to normal, and Arandor found himself back with Darian and Elara.
"Did you make it?" Darian asked, with a faint smile.
"I think so," Elara replied with a relieved sigh.
"Then let's get out of here before they change their minds and throw us into another trial," Arandor said, laughing nervously.
As they exited the sanctuary, Marelen's counselors awaited them outside. The silver-haired counselor looked at them with a slight approving smile. "You have passed the Trial of Echoes. Marelen will honor your courage and join the Alliance of Light."
Darian, Elara, and Arandor exchanged triumphant glances. They had not only passed a magical test but also conquered their own fears and doubts. With Marelen as an ally, the Alliance of Light had gained a new power that could change the course of the war.
As they descended the hill, Arandor joked, "You know, if I ever have to face another 'echo' of my subconscious, someone's going to owe me a good beer afterward."
Elara smiled, giving him a playful nudge on the shoulder. "That can be arranged. And you, Darian, what do you plan to do now that we have Marelen on our side?"
Darian looked out at the horizon with a determined expression. "The real battle is yet to come, but at least now we won't face it alone."