The Warrior Trial.
In essence, this was a rite of passage for aspiring warriors. To complete such a trial meant accomplishing feats that others deemed impossible, proving bravery and skill to the world. It wasn't just a test of strength but also a way to quickly build reputation and respect.
For Kevin, it was another step in solidifying his place in the land of Erin.
A few days later, on a clear afternoon, Kevin emerged from the forest, carrying the severed head of a massive beast. The grotesque trophy was heavy, but Kevin's expression was calm, almost indifferent, as he presented it at the castle gates to complete yet another trial.
The task wasn't difficult for someone of his abilities, and he handled it with his usual efficiency. As he made his way out of the castle, Kevin spotted a familiar figure leaning casually against a stone pillar along the roadside.
It was Cu Chulainn.
The demigod warrior, fully recovered from his injuries, had clearly been waiting for him. With a grin splitting his face, Cu Chulainn strode toward Kevin and greeted him with a playful punch to the shoulder.
"Are you healed?" Kevin asked, his tone light as he smirked at his taller friend.
"Almost," Cu Chulainn replied, rubbing the spot on his chest where Kevin's spear had grazed him days ago. His grin widened mischievously as he added, "You little brat, you actually beat me! Tell me, what the hell was that last move of yours?"
As he spoke, Cu Chulainn leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "That move was amazing! You've got to teach me!"
Kevin chuckled and shook his head. It was just like Cu Chulainn to be more fascinated by the technique that almost killed him than upset about the fight's outcome.
"Why not?" Cu Chulainn asked, his brow furrowing in mock indignation.
"It's not that I don't want to teach you," Kevin said with a small smile. "It's just... I haven't mastered it myself yet. I haven't even graduated."
Graduated. The word carried an unspoken weight, but Kevin left it at that. Despite Cu Chulainn's curiosity, Kevin had no intention of revealing the full truth about his training or his teacher, Scathach—not yet.
Seeing that Kevin wasn't going to elaborate, Cu Chulainn sighed dramatically but let the matter drop.
As the two walked together, their conversation shifted.
"How many warrior trials have you completed now?" Cu Chulainn asked casually.
Kevin counted silently for a moment before answering, "Seven so far. Only three more to go."
They soon arrived at a bustling tavern. The moment they stepped inside, the room grew quieter as heads turned to look at them. It wasn't surprising—both Kevin and Cu Chulainn were well-known figures in the Kingdom of Altes.
"Let me congratulate you in advance," Cu Chulainn said as they sat down. He raised a large mug of ale and grinned. "To Kevin, soon to be a member of the Knights of the Red Branch!"
Kevin watched with amusement as Cu Chulainn downed the ale in one long gulp, clearly enjoying his return to indulgence after being restricted during his recovery.
"Drink less," Kevin chided, though he raised his own mug in a toast and took a sip.
"You're staying for good this time, right?" Cu Chulainn asked after setting down his mug.
"If nothing special happens, probably," Kevin replied, his tone nonchalant.
"That's great!" Cu Chulainn's grin widened. "Finally, the two of us can fight side by side!"
Kevin couldn't help but smile. After years of hard work, standing alongside Cu Chulainn no longer felt like an impossible dream.
The conversation turned lighter as Cu Chulainn asked teasingly, "So, have you found a woman you like yet?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Kevin groaned, though he couldn't help but laugh.
Cu Chulainn shrugged. "Well, once you join the Knights of the Red Branch, I'm going to propose to Princess Emer. You should start thinking about your future too."
Kevin raised an eyebrow. "The princess, huh? I was half expecting you to just knock her out and carry her home."
"Don't tempt me," Cu Chulainn joked, though he sounded slightly shy as he spoke of his feelings.
Kevin found his friend's bashful tone amusing but chose not to tease him further. Instead, he shifted the topic back to his trials.
"I still have things to do," Kevin said vaguely when Cu Chulainn asked if he had plans.
"What things?" Cu Chulainn pressed.
Kevin didn't answer directly, taking another sip of his drink. The truth was, Scathach was still waiting for him in the Shadow Kingdom. His training wasn't finished yet, and he knew she wouldn't let him off so easily.
The thought made him drink more quickly, much to Cu Chulainn's confusion.
Their conversation was soon interrupted when Connor entered the tavern and joined their table.
"You two didn't even think to invite me?" Connor said, though his tone was more amused than accusatory.
"It's not like that," Kevin replied with a grin. "By the way, what's the next trial?"
Connor leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "There's been a gang of thieves causing trouble near the border of the western kingdom. Your next trial is to take care of them."
Kevin nodded, mentally preparing himself for the task.
"Do you need backup?" Connor asked, his tone serious. "I know you're capable, but—"
"No need," Kevin interrupted. "It's my trial. Having help would tarnish my reputation. I don't want to give anyone an excuse to question my qualifications for the Knights of the Red Branch."
Connor didn't argue further, though he still looked slightly concerned.
The next morning, Kevin set out with a map and a determined expression.
"The border of the kingdom," Kevin muttered to himself as he rode into the distance. "Looks like it'll take two days to get there."
As the wind brushed through his black ponytail, Kevin glanced up at the clear blue sky and allowed himself a moment of reflection.
"This might be the longest journey I've taken since I came to this world," he mused, a small smile tugging at his lips.
His thoughts drifted to the future, imagining how historians might interpret his life. "If I could be remembered as more famous than Cu Chulainn, that'd be great. Can't let him hog all the glory!"
Three days later, Kevin successfully dealt with the band of thieves in a single night.
By the time he returned to the kingdom, word of his feats had already begun to spread.
Bards sang songs of his bravery, and the people of Erin started to whisper his name with respect.
For Kevin, it was only the beginning.
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