Chapter 111: Trial of the Ancients
The guardian's massive frame towered over them, its draconic inscriptions pulsing with an ancient power that resonated deep within Raizen's blood. The moment its eyes locked onto him, the air in the ruins thickened, pressing down like an unseen force.
Seraphina's voice was low but urgent. "This isn't just a construct. It's a sentinel—an ancient trial keeper."
Joran gritted his teeth. "And let me guess… it's testing us."
The guardian moved, its enormous form cracking the ground beneath it as it lunged forward with a speed that defied its size. Raizen barely had time to react before a shockwave of Draconic energy exploded from its core, sending the entire team scattering.
The First Challenge
Raizen flipped midair, his instincts pushing his Draconic reflexes into overdrive. He landed in a crouch, golden irises narrowing as he gripped his Crimson Fang Energy Blade.
Seraphina landed gracefully beside him. "It's not attacking blindly. It's analyzing us."
Kain cursed, ducking behind a fallen pillar. "I don't think it cares how we feel about it."
Raizen smirked, dashing forward before the guardian could launch another attack. His blade met its arm, the impact sending a sharp metallic clang through the ruins. Sparks flew, but the guardian barely flinched.
Then, it retaliated. Faster. Stronger.
A shockwave burst from its core, forcing Raizen to retreat. He barely avoided the strike, the sheer force of the attack shattering the stone where he had just stood.
Joran grunted. "That thing's no joke. What's the plan?"
Seraphina's eyes locked onto the inscriptions on its body. "It's bound to the trial system. If we decipher the runes, we might be able to disrupt its function."
Raizen grinned, rolling his shoulders. "Or we beat it until it acknowledges us."
Liana groaned over comms. "Of course that's your first instinct."
Draconic Awakening
The guardian raised its massive arm-blades, its entire body now radiating unstable Draconic energy. It was preparing to unleash something devastating.
Raizen felt it before it happened—a surge within him, something primal responding. His Draconic blood roared, heat pulsing through his veins as the latent power in his lineage demanded release.
Seraphina turned sharply. "Raizen… your aura is changing."
He clenched his fists, his body feeling lighter, stronger. His golden irises darkened into a molten hue, his aura thickening with an unseen force.
For the first time, he was tapping into something deeper.
And the guardian recognized it.
The ruins reacted, inscriptions flaring to life as if answering a long-forgotten call. The guardian's movements slowed, as though hesitating.
Raizen smirked. "Looks like it knows who's in charge now."
The guardian let out a deep, mechanical growl, and the energy in the chamber shifted. This battle wasn't just a fight anymore. It was a rite of passage.
And Raizen intended to pass.