Trial of Death – Part III
Sraptor strode towards Sephir's chamber, his demeanor brimming with a sense of discipline. "It's time; we must leave for the trials," he declared. Sephir promptly opened the chamber doors, revealing herself to Sraptor. He stood there, momentarily struck by her presence. Sephir adorned a beautiful silk dress, her head adorned with a tiara woven from delicate flowers and leaves. Gentle rays of light played upon her serene face, although within her emerald-green eyes, a tempestuous spirit simmered. Sraptor couldn't help but admire her. It was as though a spell had been cast upon him.
Sephir, seemingly breaking the enchantment, tapped Sraptor's shoulder. "So, you've already mastered the wind step," Sraptor remarked with a smile. A playful grin formed on Sephir's face as she replied, "I have." Sraptor, determined not to be entranced by her charm, quickly regained his composure and said, "Let's go then." Sephir fell in step behind him as they set off.
The Trial Hall stood in stark contrast to the heavenly surroundings. Constructed from dark-colored steel, its massive dome seemed incongruous yet eerily beautiful. To those who gazed upon it, it evoked a sense of fear, as if it were a monument to death and war itself. Perhaps, that was its intended purpose. A single entrance marked the way into the hall. There were no visible crowds in the vicinity or within the dome.
Sraptor and Sephir entered through the imposing doors, which had been left ajar. Inside, they proceeded to the registration hall. "Anna, we are here," Sraptor called out to the woman standing behind the counter. "Ah, so this is the rumored champion of the wind," Anna exclaimed with a hint of admiration. "This way to the arena. The Gods have already gathered there. You are to join the other champions in the waiting room."
Sephir's heart raced, and she felt a twinge of nervousness. In the past few days, she had undergone a profound transformation, learning skills and abilities she never believed herself capable of. In her heart, she was still the daughter of a humble potter.
Sraptor, sensing her unease, glanced at Sephir reassuringly. "Do not worry, my lady. This trial will indeed be filled with hardships, but you have done well. As a witness to your skills, I can assure you that you will survive this trial. As for victory, that is something you must seize for yourself." Sephir found solace in his words, and they steeled her resolve for the challenges that lay ahead.
They reached the waiting area, a grand hall that contrasted the dark main hall. A few champions were already present, each with their allocated guides. Sraptor remarked, "It seems we have the Champion of War, the Champion of Love, and the Champion of Wisdom here already." Curious, Sephir inquired, "Who are the other champions joining us?" Sraptor replied, "In the first phase, we have champions representing War, Love, Wisdom, Earth, Water, and Flame. Six more will join in the second phase, representing Mercy, Death, Wealth, Hunt, Lightning, and Shadow. But first, you must prepare. Anna here will guide you to your assigned room, which is connected to this hall."
Following Anna, Sephir reached her assigned room. Anna informed her, "Your attire for the Trial is within. Please change and return to your guide in the waiting area."
Sephir changed into a black top that defied the rustic norms of the area, molding itself to her form and cinched at the waist to accentuate her graceful silhouette. It had a subtle yet inviting neckline that hinted at her femininity without diminishing her strength. She rolled up her sleeves, allowing her arms to move freely. As she progressed towards the waiting hall, her attire told a story of resilience and adaptability, every detail meticulously chosen, from the intricate embroidery to the gleaming silver clasps. Her sleek black attire represented a harmonious blend of strength and grace.
Upon returning to the waiting room, Sephir found Sraptor waiting for her. It appeared that all the champions had assembled, signaling the imminent start of the Trial.
Approaching Sraptor, Sephir noticed that the other champions had gathered as well. It was now evident that the Trial was about to commence. Anna, standing in front of the opposite door from the one they had entered, addressed them. "Champions and Guides, the Trials will now begin. As you proceed to the next room, please select a weapon from your God's arsenal for the trial. Additionally, choose a weapon for your guides. Guides, please hand over the other weapons. Once this is done, proceed to the next room assigned to you. The first phase of the trial is a test of wits, and each champion will be tested individually. Those who survive will meet me again in a waiting room similar to this one." With her announcement, the gates behind Anna swung open, and she concluded, "You may now proceed."
As the gates to the next phase of the Trial swung open, Sephir couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and determination surging within her. Her journey from a humble potter's daughter to a champion of the wind had been extraordinary, and she knew that the challenges ahead would demand every ounce of her newfound strength and resilience. With Sraptor by her side and the company of champions, she stepped forward into the unknown, ready to face the trials that would test her mettle and, perhaps, reveal the true purpose of her remarkable abilities. Sephir was resolved to play her part, no matter what awaited her in the enigmatic Trial of Death.