With the Orb of Unity secured, Rodensky and Emmanuel barely had time to catch their breath before the system's voice rang out again:
"Second Trial: Strength. The challengers must prove their power by defeating a series of summoned adversaries. Each wave will be stronger than the last. Only when the final wave is vanquished will the path forward be revealed."
The platform they stood on expanded outward, creating a vast circular arena. As the floor beneath them glowed, cracks appeared, releasing dense clouds of smoke. From these fissures, humanoid figures clad in dark armor emerged, their weapons glowing with malevolent energy.
---
The Second Trial: Strength
First Wave
The first wave consisted of six shadow knights armed with basic swords and shields. Rodensky and Emmanuel sprang into action, their blades flashing as they worked in tandem with Rokura and Abaddon.
Rokura pounced on one knight, pinning it down while Rodensky's blade pierced through its chest. Abaddon unleashed a fiery breath that engulfed two knights, reducing them to ash, while Emmanuel's swift strikes dispatched the remaining foes.
"That wasn't so bad," Rodensky muttered, catching his breath.
Second Wave
The next wave introduced ten knights and two shadow hounds—beasts with razor-sharp fangs and glowing red eyes.
Rokura's agility shone as it leaped from one enemy to another, its crystalline wings creating a defensive barrier that shielded Rodensky from the hounds' lunges. Abaddon's fire breath kept the knights at bay, while Emmanuel's Vampiric bloodline allowed him to siphon health from enemies, keeping him in the fight longer.
Still, the coordination required to fend off the increasingly aggressive attackers began to wear on them.
Final Wave
The arena trembled as the final wave emerged—a single colossal shadow knight wielding a massive warhammer. The knight's every step shook the ground, and its strikes sent shockwaves rippling across the platform.
Rodensky and Emmanuel quickly realized this wasn't an opponent they could defeat head-on.
"Rokura, distract it!" Rodensky commanded.
The lion roared and took to the air, its crystalline wings shimmering as it dodged the knight's massive swings. Meanwhile, Abaddon focused its fire breath on the knight's exposed joints, slowing its movements.
Rodensky and Emmanuel coordinated their attacks, striking at the knight's weakened points whenever Rokura and Abaddon created openings. After a grueling battle, Rodensky landed the final blow, driving his sword into the knight's chest as it collapsed in a cloud of smoke.
The system spoke once more:
"Second Trial complete. Rewards distributed. Proceed to the Final Trial: Wisdom."
---
The Final Trial: Wisdom
The arena shifted, and Rodensky and Emmanuel found themselves in a serene forest bathed in moonlight. The system's voice echoed:
"Final Trial: Wisdom. The challengers must uncover the secret to harmony between their beasts and themselves. Failure to do so will result in stagnation of their bond, preventing further progress."
At first, there seemed to be no threats—only the tranquil sounds of the forest. But as they ventured deeper, they began to encounter illusions:
Rodensky saw a vision of himself trying to control Rokura with brute force, only for the lion to rebel and refuse to obey.
Emmanuel saw Abaddon turning on him, its fiery wrath unleashed on everything in its path.
The system whispered: "Your beasts are not tools to be commanded. They are companions who must be understood. Show your wisdom by forging a true bond."
---
Forging the Bond
Rodensky sat down in the forest, closing his eyes. "Rokura, I don't just want your strength. I want your trust." He extended his hand, and Rokura approached, placing its massive paw in his palm. A glow surrounded them, signifying their strengthened bond.
Emmanuel knelt before Abaddon. "I promise I won't take your power for granted. Let's grow together." Abaddon roared softly, lowering its head to nuzzle against Emmanuel.
The system acknowledged their efforts:
"Final Trial complete. Bonds fortified. The challengers may now proceed to the Sixth Floor."
---
Aftermath and Preparation
The forest faded, and they found themselves back on the central platform. A chest appeared before them, containing evolution materials for their beasts and new equipment tailored to their classes.
Rodensky stroked Rokura's shimmering mane. "We're not just surviving anymore. We're thriving."
Emmanuel smirked, patting Abaddon's scaled head. "If this is what it takes to get stronger, I say bring on the next challenge."
The portal to the Sixth Floor materialized, but before stepping through, they exchanged determined glances.
"Ready?" Emmanuel asked.
Rodensky grinned. "Always."
Together, they stepped forward, their beasts by their side, ready for whatever awaited them next.