The ground beneath Kaiden felt like it was alive. The heat was unbearable as he walked along the path leading away from the airship, the faint smell of sulfur making his stomach churn. He looked out ahead—toward the towering volcano that loomed in the distance. It was massive, the peak shrouded in ash clouds that curled into the sky. The mountain seemed almost endless, and Kaiden couldn't help but feel the weight of the task ahead of him.
"This is insane," Kaiden muttered under his breath, squinting against the oppressive sun. He felt a flicker of doubt. How am I supposed to climb that?
The examiner's voice pierced the air. "Welcome to the Ember's Path. Your first trial begins now." The man gestured toward the horizon. "You will need to reach the summit of Ashen Spire before the time limit expires. But before you start, you will need to equip yourselves."
The Armor
The group was ushered toward a metallic rack lined with a variety of weapons and armor. Kaiden's eyes scanned the equipment, feeling a twinge of excitement. This was where things would start to get real.
"You'll need to press twice on your wristband," the examiner explained, walking past the candidates and showing the group how to activate their wristbands. "It will form your suit. This is standard procedure for the examination. Choose wisely."
Kaiden didn't hesitate. He pressed the side of his wristband twice, feeling a cool sensation as the wristband vibrated. Suddenly, a metallic liquid-like substance began to form around his body. It was like liquid metal flowing up his arm and down his torso. Within seconds, a sleek, black, skin-tight suit molded around his body, providing protection without restricting his movements. The material was lightweight, yet he could feel its durability and strength. It was perfect for the challenges ahead.
In front of him, a rack of weapons was available to choose from. There were swords, daggers, and shields, but Kaiden didn't waste time. After a brief moment of thought, his fingers hovered over the gauntlets—his first instinct was to pick them up—but then he reconsidered. The shortsword will be more versatile, especially in this terrain.
With a sigh, he grabbed the short sword and placed the gauntlets back on the rack. The decision felt right, but there was a part of him that wondered if he'd made the right call.
The Challenge Ahead
As soon as everyone had selected their gear, the examiner's voice echoed once more. "You are about to face your first true test. The Ember's Path will require agility, precision, and control of your Flow. There will be lava pits and rivers of molten rock, volcanic creatures, and Flow traps designed to disorient you. There will be no time for hesitation."
He paused dramatically, watching the candidates. "Your objective is simple: reach the summit of Ashen Spire. Do not fail."
The group collectively tensed at the news, the atmosphere suddenly growing heavier. There was no sugarcoating it now. This wasn't just about surviving a few obstacles; it was a race to the top with dangers waiting at every corner.
"The clock is ticking. Begin."
The Path Begins
Kaiden's heart raced as the countdown began. He knew the others would rush forward, trying to get ahead. But he wasn't here to race. He was here to survive. He adjusted the shortsword at his side and looked ahead, steeling himself.
The ground rumbled beneath their feet as the path stretched out, uneven and treacherous. The volcano was clearly active, its heat causing the air to shimmer in the distance. As Kaiden moved forward, he spotted his first obstacle: a wide river of molten lava cutting through the path ahead. The heat radiated from it like an oppressive blanket, but Kaiden wasn't phased. He'd been in worse situations.
He knelt and adjusted his stance, narrowing his eyes. I'll have to be precise here.