The sun had barely risen by the time they gathered again, the crisp morning air filling their lungs as they made their way to a secluded area of the camp. This morning's atmosphere felt different—tense, charged with anticipation. After yesterday's intense physical training, the group had learned more about the value of control, but today would test them in ways they had never imagined.
Selene and Kael stood before them, their expressions serious. There was no room for leniency today.
"Today," Selene began, her voice firm, "you will be tested mentally. Alaric doesn't just fight with magic—he manipulates the minds of his enemies. He controls their thoughts, bends them to his will. To defeat him, you must fortify your mind against such attacks."
Clay felt a shiver run down his spine. He'd heard rumors of people being driven mad by dark magic—of warriors whose wills had been shattered, leaving them like hollow shells. It was one thing to prepare for a physical battle, but the idea of someone invading his mind, twisting his thoughts, was something else entirely.
"I'm going to teach you how to resist," Kael said, his voice low and measured. "The first step is understanding how vulnerable your minds are. You'll face a series of trials today—mental challenges designed to break your focus, your control, your will."
Rian clenched his fists, clearly not thrilled by the idea of a mental test. "You want us to fight with our minds? I'd rather face a hundred beasts."
Kael's gaze turned cold. "That's exactly why you're here. You think strength is enough? You'll fall the moment Alaric gets into your head. You're not just fighting for your life here. You're fighting for your mind. Without it, you're nothing."
Nash, always the quiet one, spoke up, his voice steady. "What's the first trial?"
Kael glanced at Selene, who stepped forward, gesturing toward a large stone platform at the center of the camp. "Your minds will be put to the test. This platform is a part of an ancient ritual site. It's been used to train warriors and mages alike in resisting mental attacks. To begin, you'll stand on the platform, close your eyes, and clear your mind. Then… you'll face your deepest fears."
Clay swallowed, uncertainty creeping in. Fears? He had no idea what would appear to challenge him, but he could already feel his stomach tightening. His life hadn't been easy—he had his share of regrets and fears, the ghosts of his past still haunting him.
"One at a time," Selene continued. "Stand on the platform, and we'll begin."
Rian was the first to step forward, his expression hard but determined. He stood tall, his shoulders squared, and took a deep breath before closing his eyes. The air around him seemed to grow still, almost suffocatingly so.
Suddenly, the sound of clashing swords echoed around them, and Rian flinched, his fists tightening. Clay watched as Rian's face flickered with emotions—fear, regret, anger—as visions of past battles and painful memories seemed to swirl around him.
For a moment, Rian stumbled, his balance faltering, but he clenched his jaw and steadied himself. "I will not falter," he muttered through gritted teeth.
Clay could see it—the moment Rian pushed past his fears, refusing to let them break his focus. Slowly, the sounds of battle faded, and the oppressive weight of the visions lifted. After a long pause, Rian opened his eyes, his breath ragged but his resolve unbroken.
"Next," Selene called, her voice low but approving.
Nash stepped up without hesitation. His eyes closed, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then, a soft whispering sound began to fill the air, like a thousand voices murmuring all at once. Clay couldn't hear the words, but the tension in Nash's posture was palpable. His face twisted in discomfort, as though the voices were trying to crawl into his mind.
Nash's hands shook for a moment, but his eyes remained shut, focused. He muttered something under his breath, and gradually, the voices grew fainter, until they disappeared altogether.
Nash opened his eyes, his face pale but composed. He gave a small nod of acknowledgment to Kael and Selene, signaling his completion.
Finally, it was Clay's turn. He hesitated for a moment, the weight of the challenge settling into his chest. He had always relied on his instincts, his strength, his skills in the physical world. But this was different.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the platform and closed his eyes.
The world around him shifted.
At first, there was nothing. The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive. Then, slowly, the image of a dimly lit office appeared before him. The scent of alcohol lingered in the air, and he could almost taste the bitterness in his mouth—the same taste from that fateful night. He saw himself again, sitting at his desk, staring at the cold, unfeeling world through the window, the weight of an unsatisfactory life crushing him.
Then, the woman appeared. Sarah. She was standing at the door of his office, her eyes shining with a warmth he had never known. She smiled, and for a moment, Clay felt a flicker of hope. But just as quickly, the image shifted. The woman's smile twisted into a sneer, her features contorting as her voice echoed in his mind.
You're not worthy of her. You never were.
The words struck him like a physical blow. He recoiled, the pang of rejection clawing at his chest. His heart raced. His thoughts spiraled. He was back in that dark place, that cycle of self-doubt and regret.
You'll never escape this world. You'll never be free.
Clay's hands clenched into fists, the weight of his past pulling him down. He wanted to scream, to lash out, to give in to the crushing pressure. But deep inside, a spark of defiance ignited.
No. I'm not that person anymore.
He forced his mind to clear, focusing on the sensation of his own breath. The images began to blur, the voice faltering. The weight on his chest lightened, and the vision of Sarah faded into the darkness.
Clay opened his eyes. The world around him was still the same, the platform beneath his feet firm and unyielding.
Kael nodded approvingly. "Good. You've passed the first trial."
Clay took a shaky breath, his heart still racing. He hadn't realized how deeply his past still affected him. But the challenge had made him realize something important: the past could haunt him, but it couldn't control him anymore.
"You've all done well," Kael said, stepping forward. "This was just the beginning. The trials will get harder. And Alaric will test you in ways you can't imagine. But if you continue to strengthen your minds, you'll be ready for whatever comes next."
The air felt heavier now, but there was also a new sense of resolve in Clay's chest. The battle for his mind had only just begun, and he knew that only by mastering it could he hope to defeat Alaric and stop the chaos that was spreading across this world.