The first rays of dawn bathed the Phoenix Sect in a soft golden glow. Aarik stood in the training courtyard, flanked by other outer disciples. His plain sect robes felt heavy, not from their weight, but from the judging eyes of the other disciples.
Master Valen strode to the center of the courtyard, his presence commanding silence. "Today marks the beginning of your journey as cultivators. The Trial of Fire will test your will, strength, and compatibility with the Flame Essence. Those who succeed may remain in the sect. Those who fail…" His pause was deliberate, his gaze sweeping over them. "Will leave."
The disciples exchanged nervous glances. Aarik's hands clenched at his sides. He couldn't fail—not after leaving his village, not after awakening the Eternal Flame.
Kaelen approached him before the trial began. "Remember, the sigil on your chest is a gift, but it's also a burden. Don't rely solely on it. Trust yourself."
The trial was divided into three stages.
Stage One: The Path of Embers
The disciples had to traverse a narrow path surrounded by roaring flames. The air shimmered with heat, and the fire seemed to lash out unpredictably.
When it was Aarik's turn, he took a deep breath and stepped onto the path. The flames surged toward him, but the sigil on his chest glowed faintly, dulling the heat. He moved quickly, weaving through the fire, his heart pounding. A sudden burst of flame shot toward him, but he ducked instinctively, rolling forward and reaching the other side.
Stage Two: The Furnace Stone
In the second stage, the disciples had to ignite a Furnace Stone using only their spiritual energy. The stone, a dull gray, was notoriously resistant to heat.
Aarik sat cross-legged before his stone, his palms hovering over its surface. He focused on the sigil, feeling the flames within him stir. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he poured his energy into the stone. For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, a flicker of orange light appeared. The stone began to glow, faint at first, then brighter, until it radiated a warm, steady heat. Aarik released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, earning a nod of approval from Kaelen.
Stage Three: The Flame Guardian
The final stage was a combat trial against a Flame Guardian—a construct of fire and spiritual energy. The towering creature loomed over the disciples, its molten eyes scanning them with malice.
When Aarik's turn came, he drew his wooden training sword, his hands trembling. The Guardian lunged, its flaming fist crashing toward him. Aarik sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the attack.
He focused again, drawing on the Eternal Flame. Fire coiled around his sword as he swung it, striking the Guardian's arm. The creature staggered but retaliated with a torrent of flames.
Aarik leaped back, channeling all his energy into a final attack. The sigil blazed brightly, and with a cry, he unleashed a fiery slash that cleaved the Guardian in two. The construct dissolved into embers, and the courtyard erupted in cheers.
Master Valen stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You've passed," he said simply, before turning to the others. "Let this be a reminder: strength comes from perseverance and courage, not power alone."