The guildhall buzzed with energy as adventurers moved in and out, their conversations filling the air with excitement and tension. It was the day of the Novice Trials, and the newly recruited adventurers were gathering for their chance to prove their worth. Ethan and Lila stood near the entrance, both feeling the weight of what was to come.
Across the room, guildmaster Elara was addressing the group of novices, her sharp gaze sweeping over them like a hawk assessing its prey. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as she explained the rules and expectations.
"The Novice Trials aren't just about combat," Elara began, her voice commanding. "They're about strategy, teamwork, and your ability to survive in situations far more dangerous than anything you've faced so far. Only those who pass will be recognized as full members of the guild."
Ethan glanced at Lila, who returned his look with a determined nod. They both knew what was at stake. While they had already completed a few bounties and earned the respect of some guild members, the Novice Trials were a formal rite of passage. Without passing, they would always remain on the outskirts of the adventurer's world, forever seen as newcomers.
"Each trial is different," Elara continued, pacing in front of the group. "Some of you will face monsters, others will need to solve puzzles or complete dangerous tasks. But remember this—no trial is won alone. You'll need to work together, or you won't survive."
Ethan felt a slight unease settle in his chest. He trusted Lila completely, but there were other adventurers here—ones who might not share their sense of teamwork or focus. He scanned the group, noting a few faces that seemed familiar from around the guildhall. Some looked confident, others nervous. A couple of them even exchanged cocky smiles, as if the trial was just another routine day.
Elara paused, her eyes narrowing as she looked at each recruit. "For your trial, you'll be assigned to different groups. Each group will face a different challenge. Succeed, and you'll earn your place among us. Fail, and you'll need to reconsider your path."
Ethan and Lila found themselves standing with two other adventurers—Rogan, a burly man with a massive axe slung across his back, and Mira, a nimble rogue with short, cropped hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing. They had been grouped together for the trial, and while they had barely spoken before, it was clear they would need to work as a team to succeed.
Elara motioned for them to follow. "Your task is simple," she said as they made their way out of the guildhall and toward the forest just beyond the town. "Retrieve an artifact from an abandoned ruin deep within the forest. It's guarded by beasts and traps, and you'll need to rely on each other to make it through."
Rogan grinned, hefting his axe. "Beasts and traps? Sounds like fun."
Mira gave him a sideways glance. "Try not to get too cocky. If we mess this up, we're out."
Ethan remained quiet, his thoughts focused on the task ahead. The trial was a test of more than just their combat skills—it was a test of their ability to work together under pressure. And though he trusted Lila, he wasn't sure how well they would mesh with Rogan's brute strength and Mira's stealth.
As they entered the dense forest, the air grew cooler, and the sunlight faded beneath the thick canopy of trees. The path was narrow, winding through the underbrush as they followed the directions given to them by Elara. The ruins weren't far, but the journey would be anything but easy.
Lila kept her eyes on the surroundings, her hands close to her staff. "This place feels… off," she murmured.
Ethan nodded. The forest had grown unnervingly quiet, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set him on edge. He glanced at the system interface, half-expecting a warning to flash before him, but the system remained silent for now.
They walked in tense silence for what felt like an hour before the first sign of trouble appeared—a set of massive claw marks on the trees lining the path.
Rogan knelt down to inspect them, his eyes narrowing. "Looks like we're in for a fight," he muttered, gripping the handle of his axe.
Mira drew her daggers, her posture low and ready. "Stay quiet. We don't know what's out there yet."
Ethan and Lila exchanged a glance, and Ethan quickly activated the system's Rallying Call, boosting their team's defense and alertness. It was a precaution, but in a place like this, any advantage was crucial.
As they pushed forward, the ruins finally came into view—ancient stone structures covered in moss and vines, half-buried in the earth. The entrance was a dark, yawning hole in the side of a crumbling wall, flanked by broken statues of long-forgotten figures.
Rogan smirked. "Looks easy enough."
Before anyone could respond, a low growl echoed through the trees. Ethan's heart raced as he turned, his eyes scanning the shadows. The growl grew louder, and within moments, a massive creature emerged from the underbrush—a hulking, wolf-like beast with glowing red eyes and fangs bared.
"Get ready!" Ethan shouted, drawing his sword.
The beast lunged forward, its claws slashing through the air. Rogan charged to meet it head-on, his axe swinging in a wide arc. The impact was thunderous, the beast recoiling from the blow, but it quickly recovered, snarling as it circled around for another attack.
Ethan moved to flank the creature, his sword ready. Mira darted forward with incredible speed, her daggers flashing as she aimed for the beast's vulnerable spots. Lila stayed back, her hands glowing with magic as she prepared to unleash a spell.
For a moment, it seemed like they had the upper hand. Rogan's brute strength combined with Mira's agility allowed them to keep the beast off balance, while Lila's fireball spell struck the creature's side, searing its fur.
But the beast was fast—faster than they had anticipated. It suddenly shifted its focus, darting toward Lila with terrifying speed. Ethan's heart leapt into his throat as he realized she wouldn't be able to dodge in time.
Without thinking, he surged forward, placing himself between Lila and the beast. His sword clashed with the creature's claws, and the force of the impact nearly knocked him off his feet. Pain shot through his arm, but he held his ground.
"Ethan!" Lila cried, but there was no time to respond. The beast lunged again, and this time, Ethan struck with all his strength. His sword found its mark, plunging deep into the creature's side. The beast let out a howl of pain before collapsing to the ground, its body twitching before going still.
For a moment, there was silence. Then Rogan let out a breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Not bad, kid," he said with a grin.
Mira nodded in agreement. "Could've gone worse."
Ethan exhaled, the tension in his body finally releasing. He glanced at Lila, who gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks," she whispered.
He nodded, though his mind was already turning back to the task at hand. The beast had been guarding the entrance to the ruins, but they still had to retrieve the artifact.
"Let's keep moving," Ethan said, sheathing his sword.
The interior of the ruins was dark and cold, the air thick with dust and the smell of decay. Their footsteps echoed against the stone floor as they carefully navigated the narrow corridors. Ethan kept his sword drawn, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger.
"Be on the lookout for traps," Mira warned, her eyes sharp as she moved ahead of the group.
Ethan nodded, grateful for her experience. He had read enough stories about ancient ruins to know that they were often littered with traps designed to protect whatever treasures lay within.
They reached a large chamber at the heart of the ruins, and in the center of the room stood a pedestal, atop which rested a small, glowing artifact. It was an intricate stone, carved with strange runes that pulsed with a faint light.
"That's it," Lila said softly. "The artifact."
Ethan approached cautiously, his instincts telling him something wasn't right. As he reached for the artifact, the ground beneath them began to rumble, and the walls of the chamber shifted, revealing hidden compartments. From those compartments, more creatures began to emerge—smaller than the beast they had fought outside, but no less dangerous.
"Of course," Rogan muttered, readying his axe.
Ethan glanced at the others, his mind racing. This was the final part of their trial, and it would take everything they had to make it out alive.
"Stay together," he ordered, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "We take them down, and we get out of here. No mistakes."
Lila nodded, her magic crackling at her fingertips. Mira and Rogan fell into position, and together, they prepared for the final battle of the trial.