Before the shimmering entrance to the Demon Realm leading to the Kingdom of Shadows, a radiant circle of light suddenly appeared, separating Kevin and Cu Chulainn just as they were about to step forward together.
Both were startled. Cu Chulainn turned to Kevin, his face scrunching with confusion. "What is this?"
Kevin, equally baffled, could only guess at its origins. But deep down, he knew it could only be the work of his good master—Scathach.
"Cu Chulainn, you go in first," Kevin said, his tone firm. "I'll follow shortly."
Cu Chulainn frowned, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Though he was often reckless, Cu Chulainn was no fool. His instincts warned him there was more to this than Kevin was letting on.
"What's going on?" he asked, stepping closer to inspect the radiant barrier.
Kevin hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Just as he was formulating an answer, Cu Chulainn reached out, attempting to step through the light. Kevin's heart jumped, and he moved to intervene, but the barrier rejected Cu Chulainn, bouncing him back gently.
"This is my trial," Kevin said quickly, pulling Cu Chulainn back by the shoulder. "Everyone's trial is different, and this one belongs to me."
"Your trial?" Cu Chulainn echoed, skepticism evident in his voice.
"Yes," Kevin insisted, his tone steady. "You need to go in first. Don't worry—I'll catch up soon."
Though still unconvinced, Cu Chulainn's curiosity got the better of him. He leaned closer to Kevin, his sharp blue eyes narrowing. "And why can't we go together?"
Kevin sighed and decided to play to Cu Chulainn's competitive nature. "Aren't you always wondering how I spent those five years and who taught me martial arts? Go in. When you get there, you'll have your answers."
The bait worked. Cu Chulainn grinned, stepping back. "Fine. But you'd better not keep me waiting for long. I'm not going to let you slack off!"
"Don't worry." Kevin forced a smile. "You'll probably need my help once you're inside."
Cu Chulainn laughed, his confidence returning. With a wave, he turned and walked toward the shimmering mirror that marked the entrance to the Kingdom of Shadows. "Let's see who'll be waiting for whom!"
With that, Cu Chulainn stepped through the portal, vanishing into the otherworldly realm.
Kevin stood motionless for a moment, watching the ripples in the mirror fade. The smile slipped from his face, replaced by a serious expression. He glanced at the sky, sighed, and placed two fingers in his mouth to whistle sharply.
When his whistle was met with silence, his suspicions solidified into certainty.
"She's cut off even my bird," Kevin muttered to himself, clutching the package strapped to his back. For a moment, hesitation flickered in his dark eyes. Then he shook his head. "No point delaying now."
He adjusted the package and stepped into the circle of light. The glow enveloped him, and in an instant, he was gone.
Moments after Kevin disappeared, another figure materialized near the portal.
It was Lugh, the Sun God—Kevin and Cu Chulainn's father. With his strikingly handsome face and flowing blue hair, he stared at the spot where Kevin had vanished.
A familiar bird fluttered down and landed on his outstretched hand, chirping softly.
"She didn't even let you through?" Lugh murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and concern.
The bird chirped again, as if to confirm.
"That crazy woman," Lugh muttered, recalling his earlier conversation with Scathach. He sighed heavily, then looked at the bird. "Go. Follow Cu Chulainn and make sure he doesn't get himself killed."
With a final chirp, the bird took off, disappearing into the same portal Cu Chulainn had entered.
Lugh lingered for a moment, gazing at the now-empty aperture where Kevin had vanished. His usually confident expression wavered. "You knew what you were walking into, didn't you?" he said softly. Then, with a shake of his head, he too disappeared.
Inside the Kingdom of Shadows, Scathach stood on the city walls, her piercing red eyes gazing into the distance. Her crimson hair flowed like a silken river, untouched by the eerie winds of her domain.
Beneath her calm exterior, thoughts swirled. She had created this trial herself, crafting every step with precision and danger.
The disciples of the Shadow Kingdom, many of whom had barely survived their own trials, noticed her unusual behavior. For half a month, Scathach had remained on the wall, silently watching. Though their curiosity burned, none dared approach her.
It was an unspoken rule in the Shadow Kingdom: Scathach's attention was a rare and terrifying honor.
Fifteen days later, Cu Chulainn arrived at the gates of the Shadow Kingdom. He had crossed the treacherous Dark Forest, the cursed Unfortunate Plains, and the jagged cliffs of the Dangerous Canyon. He had leapt across the perilous rocks of the Turbulent River, each step closer to his goal.
Bursting through the gates, Cu Chulainn was met with resistance from the Shadow Kingdom's disciples.
"Let me through!" he bellowed, cutting down one opponent after another.
Though bruised and bleeding, Cu Chulainn was relentless. The disciples eventually relented, leading him to the city wall where Scathach stood waiting.
When Cu Chulainn saw her, he froze. Her unearthly beauty and commanding presence rendered him speechless.
"Master, we're sorry," one disciple stammered, bowing low. "This man...he's too strong. We couldn't stop him."
"It's fine," Scathach said, her voice cool and detached. "Tend to your wounds."
The disciples retreated, though not without throwing Cu Chulainn pitying glances.
Cu Chulainn, now recovered from his awe, grinned confidently. "You're Scathach, right? The Queen of Shadows?"
She didn't respond, her gaze remaining indifferent.
"Before I fight you," Cu Chulainn continued, "I need to ask—have you seen a black-haired, black-eyed guy? Looks more like a girl than a warrior?"
For a brief moment, something flickered in Scathach's eyes. Then, she replied, "No."
"Ha!" Cu Chulainn laughed. "So I got here first! That guy Kevin was all talk. When he finally shows up, I'll never let him live it down."
He straightened his back, his grin widening. "Now, let's fight!"
Scathach tilted her head slightly. Without a word, she summoned a red magic spear. Cu Chulainn's confidence wavered as he recognized its design.
"That...looks like Kevin's weapon..."
Moments later, the battle began—and ended. In less than a minute, Cu Chulainn lay unconscious in a crater, defeated.
Scathach turned away, her expression unchanged. She resumed her silent vigil, her crimson eyes gazing into the darkness beyond the Kingdom of Shadows.
"Can you pass this test, Kevin?" she murmured softly. A faint smile touched her lips, gone as quickly as it came.
This trial wasn't just a test—it was Kevin's graduation.
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