he forest grew darker as Drakar, Taronis, and Kaelen ventured deeper into the untamed wilderness. The path twisted between thick, ancient trees whose branches knotted together like giant fists. The morning light that filtered through was faint, almost like the forest itself was wary of their presence.
Kaelen broke the silence with a quiet murmur. "I've never seen trees this dense. It's like the forest doesn't want us here."
Taronis slowed, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "This is the Tarnweald, a place where time and reality thin. Few walk this path and return the same."
Drakar furrowed his brow. "And this is part of the trial?"
"Yes," Taronis said. "This place doesn't just test your strength—it tests your resolve and your mind."
The Warden of Ash and Stone
The air grew heavy, almost suffocating. The ground beneath their feet hardened, darkened, and cracked. The thick scent of ash filled their lungs. They stepped into a clearing where the grass had withered, and the only thing that remained was a lone forge glowing faintly with embers.
Standing beside the forge was a towering figure—an armored colossus made of black stone, its veins glowing with molten red lines. Its eyes flickered like twin flames. The sound of metal grinding echoed as it turned to face them.
Taronis's expression hardened. "The Warden of Ash and Stone. A guardian of the old world, forged by the Titans themselves."
Kaelen took a step back, his fingers brushing the hilt of his sword. "That thing looks like it could crush a mountain."
The Warden's voice rumbled, deep and resonant. "You who seek strength—prove your worth. Step forward or be turned to dust."
Drakar stepped forward, his heart thudding in his chest. "I'll take the challenge."
Taronis placed a hand on Drakar's shoulder. "Be mindful. The Warden's strikes aren't ordinary—they carry the weight of fire and stone."
The Trial Begins
The Warden's arm shifted, forming a massive hammer from its molten stone. Drakar could feel the heat radiating from it as the ground trembled beneath the guardian's steps.
The Warden swung its hammer in a slow but devastating arc. Drakar leapt back, the air screaming as the hammer crashed into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave that cracked the earth and sent embers flying.
It's slow, but every strike counts, Drakar thought, his muscles coiled and ready.
The Warden lifted its hammer again, but this time Drakar dashed forward, keeping low. He slashed at the Warden's leg, the blade scraping against the black stone, but sparks flew harmlessly.
Taronis called out, his voice sharp. "Your blade alone won't break stone! Observe its core!"
Drakar's eyes locked onto the Warden's chest, where the molten lines converged into a glowing orb embedded in its torso.
That must be the key.
Drakar feinted to the right, drawing the Warden's hammer to swing wide, then dove beneath its arm. He drove his dagger toward the glowing core, but the Warden's other hand moved faster than expected, swatting Drakar aside like a gnat.
Pain shot through his ribs as he hit the ground, but he rolled to his feet, coughing. Its reactions are faster than they look.
Kaelen shouted, nocking an arrow. "Get clear!" He loosed the arrow, aiming for the orb. The arrow struck true but shattered into embers on impact.
The Warden's gaze locked onto Kaelen. "Interference will not be tolerated."
With surprising speed, it stomped forward, raising its hammer.
Drakar's eyes widened. "No!" He sprinted toward Kaelen.
Taronis's voice rang out like a war drum. "Use your will, Drakar! Channel it!"
Drakar focused, his mind reaching deep into the fire of his spirit. The memory of the stars above Garmok filled him—his vow, his strength. Heat surged through his veins, not from the Warden, but from within.
Technique: Ember Veil Strike
A faint glow ignited around Drakar's arms as he moved. His speed increased, his steps lighter than air. His muscles hummed with newfound power.
Ember Veil Strike was an instinctive technique born from channeling internal energy into one decisive movement. By focusing his will and breath, Drakar could move faster than the eye could follow for a brief moment.
He reached Kaelen in time, pulling him back just as the hammer smashed into the ground, sending a pillar of flame upward.
Kaelen coughed but managed a grin. "You keep saving my hide."
Drakar smirked. "Try not to get squished."
The Warden turned back, its movements slower now, its molten veins flickering. The heat around its core had dimmed slightly.
Taronis watched closely. "You've weakened it, Drakar. Strike true."
Drakar steadied himself. He took a slow, deliberate breath and sprinted forward again. This time, he didn't hesitate. As the Warden raised its hammer, Drakar launched himself upward, twisting mid-air.
The world seemed to slow as Drakar's dagger arced downward, aimed directly at the molten core.
With a resounding crack, the blade sank into the orb.
The Warden let out a low, mournful sound as its form shuddered. The molten glow in its veins dimmed and then extinguished. Its massive frame crumbled into ash and stone, the hammer dissolving into embers.
Drakar landed, his legs trembling from the effort. The ash swirled in the air before settling into silence.
Taronis approached, nodding with quiet pride. "You've faced fire and stone and stood victorious."
Kaelen clapped Drakar on the back. "You really have a thing for stabbing ancient guardians, huh?"
Drakar gave a tired but satisfied smile. "I didn't come this far to lose."