The morning sunlight filtered through the thick jungle canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Clay stood in a wide clearing, the cool breeze brushing against his sweat-drenched skin. His muscles ached from relentless training, but his resolve remained firm.
Reaching level 45 had given him a newfound surge of power, but he knew there was still much to learn. His skills, particularly Domination and Appraiser, were becoming more refined with each passing day. The question now was simple: How much further could I push myself?
Kavon strode up from behind, his arms folded across his chest. "You're not resting?"
"No time for rest," Clay replied, tightening his grip on his sword. "I've come this far. I need more."
Kavon's grin widened. "That hunger for power—now you're starting to sound like a real warrior."
Kavon gestured toward a series of towering stone pillars at the edge of the clearing. Runes glowed faintly on their surfaces, shimmering with elemental energy.
"This is the Trial of Elements," Kavon explained. "If you want to push your skills beyond their limits, you'll need to conquer each element—fire, water, wind, and earth. Fail, and the elements will consume you."
"Sounds dangerous," Clay remarked, his lips curling into a smirk.
Kavon chuckled. "It is. But danger is the price of greatness, isn't it?"
Clay nodded, stepping toward the first pillar. Flames flickered and danced along its surface, radiating intense heat. He could feel the raw power emanating from it, daring him to step closer.
"Ready?" Kavon asked.
Clay took a deep breath. "Always."
As soon as Clay placed his hand on the pillar, a wave of scorching heat enveloped him. The world around him dissolved into a sea of flames. Towers of fire rose from the ground, twisting and writhing like living creatures.
A booming voice echoed through the inferno. "Prove your worth, or be consumed by the blaze!"
Clay gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face. The flames licked at his skin, but he held his ground. His Domination skill flared to life, and he focused his willpower on suppressing the elemental force.
"Submit!" he commanded, his voice resonating through the fiery landscape.
The flames wavered, their intensity faltering. Clay pressed forward, each step a battle against the searing heat. Finally, with a roar of defiance, he thrust his sword into the heart of the inferno.
The flames dissipated, leaving behind a charred but stable ground.
[Fire Element Conquered]
Clay exhaled heavily, his body trembling from the ordeal. One element down, three to go.
The next pillar shimmered with a deep blue hue, rippling like the surface of a tranquil lake. Clay approached it cautiously, knowing that appearances could be deceiving.
As his hand made contact, the ground beneath him gave way, and he found himself submerged in a vast, endless ocean. The weight of the water pressed against his chest, threatening to drag him down into the abyss.
"Control the flow," a melodic voice whispered through the currents. "Or be swept away."
Clay struggled to breathe, his movements sluggish. The water seemed to have a will of its own, pushing and pulling him in every direction.
Think, Clay, he told himself. What did Kavon say about adapting?
He closed his eyes, focusing on the currents around him. Instead of fighting the water, he allowed himself to move with it, becoming one with the flow. Slowly but surely, he gained control, guiding the currents instead of being controlled by them.
The ocean calmed, and Clay emerged from the depths, gasping for air.
[Water Element Conquered]
A fierce gust of wind greeted Clay as he approached the third pillar. The air crackled with energy, whipping around him like an invisible storm.
"Stand firm," a voice howled through the gale. "Or be scattered to the winds!"
Clay planted his feet firmly on the ground, his body bracing against the relentless force. The wind tugged at him, trying to lift him off his feet and hurl him into the void.
Activating Domination, Clay extended his will outward, commanding the winds to still. They resisted, swirling faster and more chaotically. But Clay didn't waver.
"I said submit!" he roared, his voice cutting through the storm.
The winds howled one last time before fading into a gentle breeze.
[Wind Element Conquered]
The final pillar loomed before Clay, its surface rough and unyielding. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he approached, cracks forming in the earth.
"Prove your strength," a deep, rumbling voice commanded. "Or be buried beneath the earth."
Massive stone formations erupted from the ground, blocking Clay's path. The weight of the earth pressed down on him, threatening to crush him under its sheer mass.
Clay gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he pushed back against the encroaching stone. His sword glowed with energy as he channeled his remaining strength into a single, decisive strike.
The ground split apart, and the stones crumbled into dust.
[Earth Element Conquered]
Clay stood in the center of the clearing, his body battered but victorious. The runes on the pillars glowed brightly, their energy converging around him.
[Level Up]
Current Level: 50
Appraiser Skill: Level 36
Domination Skill: Level 35
The surge of power was overwhelming, but Clay welcomed it. He had conquered the elements, proving not just his strength but his resolve.
Kavon approached, a look of genuine respect on his face. "You've done it, Clay. You've surpassed even my expectations."
Clay sheathed his sword, a determined gleam in his eyes. "This is just the beginning."
As the jungle fell silent once more, Clay knew one thing for certain—he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.