The vortex struck the spectral core with a deafening explosion, consuming the Warden in a whirlwind of energy. The creature let out a final, earth-shaking roar before collapsing onto its knees. Its gaze fixed on Nova with unwavering intensity as its massive form disintegrated into a cloud of ash and shadows. The trial grounds fell silent once more, and the mist began to disperse.
[Trial Challenge Two Completed].
[Performance: Above average.]
[Reward: Warden's Sigil - Enhances physical resistance and necrotic spell potency.]
[Reward: Charm - slightly increases mana efficiency and provides minor resistance to dark magic.]
"These rewards are not that great. You call that a reward after a life-threatening fight?" Erna questioned, and Nova could not help but let out a weak chuckle, for his system was correct.
Nova collapsed onto his knees, gasping for air. The sigil appeared before him, a glowing amulet engraved with runes that pulsed with latent power. He reached out and grabbed it, feeling a rush of energy as its magic merged with his own and the sigil disappeared into a burst of purple and red energy, turning to ashes.
"You… did it," Erna said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and grudging respect. "That was reckless, but at least my master is alive, not that I care."
Nova managed a weak smile. "Reckless is kind of my thing, these days." He said as he glanced at the area around them and pushed himself to his feet.
That part of the trial was over, but he had survived another round. And with each victory, he grew stronger, more prepared for the challenges that lay ahead, he could feel the changes that were going through his body, some stronger than the other, but each meant to boost him.
Levan who remained due to being summoned by Nova, looked at him intently and Nova looked up at him with his eyes narrowed, wondering what he should do next.
"Master," Levan said as he approached him and went down on one knee, causing Nova's eyes to widen in surprise, that was not what he was expecting.
"What are you doing?" He asked, his voice hoarse, due to his battered state.
"You summoned me from the dead, giving me another chance to see the living world once more. I am bound to you by death, as will others be; it is a contract; initiate the minute one is summoned," Levan responded, his head still lowered and his tone firm yet respectful, catching Nova off guard.
[It is referred to as a Void Contract; each being summoned by the user initiates a contract that binds said being to the caster and can only be undone by the caster; life and death are both in their hands.]
"I see... So that specific part, it is not in my control," He murmured to himself, and Levan looked at him.
"You may stand, Levan, well, I understand what you mean now, and I hope we can work well together in the future," Nova said, his tone firm but with a hint of uncertainty about that particular aspect of his ability.
"I hope so as well, I will return to my realm, whenever you need to just call on my name, or if there is trouble, I will be there to help if necessary," Levan said with a bow of his head before disappearing into a mist.
Nova exhaled deeply, as the mist around him had cleared completely and he could see the aftermath of his fights, clearly and the damage it did to the land, it was a lot more than he expected.
At the same time, the large ancient iron doors of the ground, opened with a loud thud, that echoed.
Nova exhaled sharply, gripping his staff for support as he stepped forward. His legs ached from exertion, and his mana reserves were almost depleted, but he had no intention of remaining in this location any longer than necessary.
"You passed the trial; all that remains is to see if you have been recognized as a necromancer in Etarion. Despite your lack of expertise, Nova, what you just accomplished is no small feat."
Nova smirked and shook his head lazily. "Yeah, but I feel like I got run over by a truck. I think I will just get out of here before they throw another monster at me."
The stifling atmosphere of the trial grounds dissipated as he proceeded along the cleared path. The warm glow of the walls lit by torches at the ground's entrance gradually replaced the damp, cold air. As he soon left the area, he noticed that Crevan and the guards were waiting for him, and to his surprise, Sorev was also present.
Crevan crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as he observed Nova's battered state. "It took you long enough. I thought you might have passed out halfway through.
"Almost did, but I managed to walk away with it this time, at least..." Nova admitted, leaning on his staff, and the guards exchanged glances.
"I got a few rewards including a charm, that just disappeared," He added and Sorev's eyes narrowed as listened to Nova.
"That will be one of the many necrotic charms, right? That's an unusual piece of work for a new necromancer. Sorev said, "Either you got lucky or you really earned it."
Nova did not respond immediately. Instead, he let a tired chuckle. "I'd say a bit of both."
Crevan nodded in approval. "Well, you survived, which means you're one step closer to finding your place here. But don't become too comfortable. This world does not wait for people to catch their breath."
Nova sighed and rolled his shoulders. "Yeah, I'm starting to get that."
Sorev clapped him on the back, almost knocking him off balance. "Then let us get out of here. You obviously need food, rest, and perhaps even a drink. After that, we'll see if the organization's elders recognize you.
Nova nodded, feeling the weight of the day on his shoulders. As they returned to the city, Nova's mind raced with possibilities. He had passed his trial, but this was just the beginning. If he wanted to survive in Etarion and find answers, he needed to keep moving forward.
And he would. Regardless of what it took.