The world shifted beneath the Guardians, the mosaic floor erupting under their feet in jagged platforms suspended over an abyss of writhing magma. It was hot, a living creature pressing against them from all sides, threatening to suffocate them. Flames erupted spasmodically from cracks in the stone, their roar deafening as they licked the air, casting wild shadows across the cavern walls.
Aiden steadied himself as the ground moved beneath his feet, blade out and glinting in the flickering fiery light. "Stay close!" he shouted above the sound of crashing rocks and falling flames, his voice sure despite the panic scrabbling at his mind. He'd had his share of dangers, but something about this trial was different-from something ancient and bent on something against which their survival was completely, utterly inconsequential.
Low, Caelum crouched, his glowing staff sending a faint blue light flashing through the air as he murmured a protection spell. A shimmering wall of frost encased the Guardians, offering them at least a temporary reprieve from the blistering heat. "This is no ordinary test, I can assure you," he muttered grimly. Sweat dripped from his brow. "The flames here aren't just fire-they're imbued with essence of dragons' magic. They'll burn through far more than flesh. Be warned!"
Lyra stood next to him, sword at ready, sharp eyes scanning platforms for any sign of movement. "We cannot afford to wait," she growled. "For if we wait too long, this place will surely kill us well before trial begins."
Deep was the voice of the dragon as it had reverberated through the chamber, like the sound coming from the heart of the mountain itself. "You stand at the crucible of the dragons," the voice said. "Here, strength alone will not do. To gain our trust, you must demonstrate your bravery, your ingenuity, and your harmony. Only when these three are proven true will you be found worthy."
The platforms rumbled, and glowing runes along their edges ignited. Three bridges of fire shot outward, toward each separated chamber from the writhing smoke and darkness. The dragon's voice spoke again, each word burning with power.
"Three trials await: the Trial of Courage, the Trial of Wisdom, and the Trial of Unity. Each path tests a vital aspect of what it means to stand against the Void. Choose wisely, for your survival depends on your choices.
Aiden faces his companions, his jaw set. "No choice but to face them. But we'll do it together. No one gets left behind."
Caelum nodded, setting his jaw firmly. "The Trial of Wisdom may require a subject who is learned in lore and magic. I shall take that path."
Lyra adjusted her grip on her sword, determination etched into the lines of her face. "Courage has ever been my strength. I will take this trial."
Aiden stepped forward, his eyes meeting theirs. "That leaves Unity for me. It's fitting, really—I have to prove that we're stronger together."
The dragon's voice rumbled in approval. "Your decisions are made. Proceed."
The ground shook once more, and the three bridges stabilized into pulsing pathways of glowing molten rock. The Guardians exchanged one last glance, the unspoken bond of trust strengthened in that moment. Then they parted, each stepping onto his chosen path.