The first rays of dawn broke over the small town, casting a warm, golden light across the narrow streets.
Reyn stirred as he heard a knock on his door, quickly sitting up as the events of the past few days came rushing back to him. He threw on his clothes and swung open the door to find Lirael waiting for him, her expression as serious as ever.
"Get dressed quickly," she said. "We're heading back to see Baren."
Reyn's pulse quickened. This was it—his chance to prove himself. "Understood," he replied, not wanting to keep her waiting a second longer.
In minutes, he was ready, and together they walked through the quiet town to Baren's shop. The streets were nearly empty, save for a few early risers and shopkeepers preparing for the day.
The sky was streaked with the soft pink and orange hues of dawn, casting long shadows as they reached the pub and stepped inside.
Baren greeted them with a grin, already setting out plates of warm bread and meat. "Morning, you two," he said, sliding the plates across the counter. "Eat up. You'll need your strength."
Reyn dug into the meal, his excitement building with every bite. "So, what's the trial?"
Baren leaned against the counter, his eyes sharp as he studied Reyn. "The Iron Fang Guild isn't one to take in just anyone. To join, you have to prove yourself capable, and that means facing real danger head-on."
Reyn nodded, meeting Baren's gaze with steady resolve. "I understand. What do I have to do?"
Baren smirked, seeming to appreciate Reyn's confidence. "Your trial involves hunting a magical creature. This one isn't overly dangerous by guild standards, but for someone new to combat, it'll be a test of your abilities—and your wits."
"Wait, a magical creature?" Reyn asked, a mix of thrill and nerves in his voice.
"Exactly," Baren replied. "You'll be facing a Tier One beast—a lesser threat, but still dangerous if you're not prepared. Magical creatures are ranked from Tier One to Tier Nine. Tier Ones are challenging for beginners like yourself. But Tier Nines…"
Baren shook his head with a low whistle. "They're called beasts of the apocalypse. They're best left alone unless you're ready to meet the gods."
Reyn's grip on his fork tightened. "So, what kind of creature am I dealing with?"
Baren raised an eyebrow. "A Fanged Tail Wyrm. It's a type of snake-like beast with a fang-tipped tail that it uses like a spear. The task is simple: take it down and bring back the fang. You'll have five days to complete the trial. Return with the fang, and you'll be eligible to join."
Lirael, who had been listening in silence, frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing. "A Fanged Tail Wyrm?" she repeated, her tone cautious.
Baren shrugged, his grin unfazed. "Come on, Lirael. It's a Tier One. If he can't handle that, he has no business in the guild."
Reyn's excitement soared. A real, live magical creature—and a chance to prove his worth. "I'll do it," he said, his voice firm. "I won't disappoint."
Baren chuckled. "Glad to hear it, kid. But don't get too confident. These creatures may be on the weaker end, but they're fast and relentless. One wrong move, and it could mean the end."
Lirael's frown deepened, but she said nothing. Instead, she stood and gestured for Reyn to follow her. "Let's go," she said briskly, giving Baren a quick nod. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."
As they left the shop and made their way toward the outskirts of town, Reyn noticed the tension in Lirael's expression. "Is… something wrong?" he asked, trying to gauge her mood.
She glanced at him, her eyes hard. "You're excited, but don't underestimate the trial," she said bluntly. "Fanged Tail Wyrms are fast and aggressive. This isn't a training exercise, Reyn. Out there, there are no second chances."
"I know," he replied, a hint of nerves finally slipping into his voice. "But I have to do this, Lirael. I've come this far. I'm ready."
Her gaze softened just slightly. "That's what I'm counting on. Just remember—don't rush into an attack. Be patient, watch its movements, and strike when you see an opening."
They walked for nearly an hour, leaving behind the bustling town until the landscape turned rugged and wild. The road narrowed into a rocky path that twisted through dense trees and thick undergrowth. Finally, they reached the outskirts of a small forest that seemed to stretch endlessly.
"This area has a known Fanged Tail Wyrm population," Lirael explained, pointing toward a stretch of tall grass and twisted trees. "They tend to nest around areas with dense undergrowth. Watch your footing, and listen closely for any rustling. They're ambush predators, so stay alert."
Reyn took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Got it."
Lirael handed him a small, leather pouch. "Inside are a few herbs that can dull pain if you get bitten. The venom from this creature won't kill you immediately, but it'll burn like fire and slow you down. Avoid getting hit by the tail."
He took the pouch, his hand brushing against hers for just a second. Her expression was focused, and he felt a surge of gratitude for her support. "Thank you," he said quietly.
She gave a short nod. "I'll wait here. If you don't come back by nightfall, I'll assume you're in trouble."
Reyn felt a shiver at her words, but he squared his shoulders. "I'll be back," he said, hoping his voice sounded steadier than he felt.
He moved forward into the forest, each step careful as he scanned his surroundings. The thick canopy above dimmed the sunlight, casting patches of shadow across the ground.
Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig made his pulse race as he gripped his sword tightly, ready for any sudden movement.
After a few minutes, he heard it—a faint hiss that sent chills down his spine. He crouched low, moving toward the sound, his eyes darting through the shadows until he saw it.
The creature was curled around the roots of a large tree, its scales gleaming darkly in the dappled light. It was nearly ten feet long, with a slender, snake-like body and a tail that ended in a long, curved fang that glistened ominously.
'That's it,' he thought, his heart pounding. 'The Fanged Tail Wyrm.'
He took a deep breath, remembering Lirael's advice. 'Be patient. Watch its movements. Strike when there's an opening.'