Kieran's breath quickened as the shadows solidified into monstrous forms. Four-legged beasts, their obsidian skin rippling like liquid darkness, emerged from the ruins. Their glowing red eyes fixed on him, hunger gleaming within their depths.
Instinct screamed at Kieran to run, but his feet remained planted. The strange markings on his arms pulsed with raw energy—heat surging through his veins, urging him to fight.
"Survive," he whispered, echoing the figure's parting command. Easier said than done.
The first beast lunged, jaws snapping. Kieran barely managed to dive to the side, rolling across the gravel-strewn ground. Pain flared in his shoulder, but adrenaline drowned it out. He scrambled to his feet, heart pounding.
"Come on," he muttered, forcing himself to think. "There's gotta be a way to fight back."
As if in response, the burning symbols along his arms flared brighter. A strange sensation flooded his senses—like grasping an invisible thread woven into the fabric of the world. Without fully understanding what he was doing, Kieran reached out mentally and pulled.
A surge of silver light erupted from his hands, slamming into the nearest beast. The creature howled, its form unravelling into tendrils of shadow before dissipating entirely.
Kieran stared at his glowing hands, shock mingling with exhilaration. "Did I just…?"
His moment of awe was cut short as two more beasts charged. This time, Kieran stood his ground. He focused on the strange energy coursing through him, willing it to manifest again. The markings on his skin responded, arcs of silver lightning crackling around him.
He thrust his palms forward. Twin bolts of light streaked through the air, striking both creatures dead-on. They disintegrated into shadowy mist, their howls fading into silence.
Breathing heavily, Kieran lowered his hands. His body trembled from the exertion, but a fierce grin tugged at his lips. "Looks like I've got a few tricks of my own."
The final beast hesitated, its glowing eyes flickering as if sensing the shift in power. Kieran took a step forward, determination hardening his resolve.
"Your turn," he said.
The creature snarled but didn't retreat. It circled him, muscles coiling in preparation for a final attack. Kieran steadied his breathing, focusing on the rhythm of the Veil's energy. The world around him seemed to slow, each movement of the beast magnified.
When it leaped, Kieran was ready. He sidestepped gracefully, channeling energy into his fist. Silver light flared as he drove his punch into the creature's side. The impact reverberated through the air, and the beast shattered into fragments of shadow.
Silence fell over the ruins.
Kieran stood amidst the fading mist, chest heaving. His body ached, and exhaustion tugged at his limbs, but triumph blazed in his heart.
"I did it," he whispered, disbelief mingling with pride. "I actually did it."
The eerie glow of the ruins dimmed slightly, as if acknowledging his victory. Kieran knew this was only the beginning—the first step on a path fraught with danger and discovery.
"Congratulations initiate, you won the first challenge," Said the voice. "You may now choose your reward, pick carefully, as this you be the only reward you will get before you either decide to stop after a trial or die. Here are your options"
-Safe trial ticket ( one-time use )
-Potion of strength----Grants formidable strength for a short period ( one-time use )
-Short sword----Rank: Initiate, Grade: gold ( sumon )
"Hey voice, what does the safe trial ticket do," said Kieran
"It's a ticket you can use to summon me during a trial and get you out safely."
Hmm, the sword could really be useful if the challenge continues to be fights, but the ticket is good as well, Kieran taught.
"Hey, can you tell me what is the next challenge?" he asked.
"I cannot divulge any information about the next challenge."
"Huff, so boring. Then I chose the safe trial ticket."
Kieran Vale
Rank: Initiate
Grade: N/A
Items:
-Safe travel ticket ( one-time use )
Sumons:
N/A
"Now that this is settled, do you wish to continue to the next challenge?"
"Yes, you dumdum, why would I choose the ticket if I didn't want to continue."
Innafected, the voice said: "Perfect, do not move during the process."
A cold feeling suddenly invaded Kieran's body and before he could realize what happened...