Leon felt the shift the moment they crossed the border.
The air was heavier here, rich with the scent of untamed wilderness. The grass beneath his boots was thicker, the wind carried the distant calls of creatures he didn't recognize.
It was wild. Untouched.
The Human Continent had cities, kingdoms, and order.
The Beastman Continent had law, but it was a different kind of law. One built on strength.
Jarek let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll give them this—looks way better than home."
Kaelen ignored him, his golden eyes scanning the landscape. "We are being watched."
Leon already knew.
From the moment they crossed into the Trial Plains, eyes had been on them. Not just animals—warriors.
The Trial Plains were where young beastmen earned their place in the world.
And if Leon wanted passage through their lands, he would have to earn it too.
---
The First Encounter
It didn't take long.
Less than an hour into their journey, a figure stepped into their path.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, his skin tanned from years under the sun. His ears were sharp, his hair dark, and his eyes gleamed like an animal's.
A beastman warrior.
Leon's grip tightened on his sword.
The warrior studied them before speaking. "You step onto sacred ground, human."
Leon met his gaze evenly. "We seek passage."
The warrior smirked. "Passage is earned. Not given."
Leon exhaled. He expected this.
Kaelen took a step forward. "He will fight."
Jarek turned to him, eyes wide. "Excuse me? We didn't agree to that!"
Kaelen ignored him. The warrior did too, his gaze locked onto Leon.
"You know the rules, then."
Leon nodded. "Trial by combat."
The warrior grinned, his teeth sharp.
"Then let's begin."
---
A Test of Strength
Leon barely had time to react.
The warrior moved first, his speed unnatural. A blur of motion, a flicker of muscle and instinct.
Leon dodged. Barely.
The beastman's fist shattered the ground where he had stood.
Jarek cursed. "Oh, we're so dead."
Leon didn't waste time. He countered, shifting his weight and striking out with his blade.
The warrior caught it.
His hand closed around the metal, stopping the attack mid-swing.
Leon's eyes narrowed.
He's fast. Strong. But… predictable.
Leon let go of the sword—just for a second. The beastman's balance shifted slightly, just enough.
Leon twisted, using the momentum to bring his knee up—straight into his opponent's ribs.
The warrior grunted, stumbling back.
Kaelen's expression didn't change. But his tail flicked slightly—a sign of approval.
The warrior exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Not bad. But not enough."
Leon smirked. "Then come at me again."
The beastman grinned.
And the fight truly began.
---
The Right to Walk Among Them
Leon fought hard.
He wasn't as fast. He wasn't as strong.
But he was smarter.
And after a long battle, after bruises and sweat and a blade nearly shattered—he stood victorious.
The warrior lay on the ground, panting, a wide grin on his face. "You fight well, human."
Leon offered a hand. The warrior took it, pulling himself up.
"You have earned your place in the Trial Plains," he said. "Walk freely."
Leon exhaled. One test down.
But he knew—many more were coming.
---