Chapter Forty Four: The Intruder

As the malevolent being crept deeper into the White Trial sanctuary, it remained oblivious to the threat awaiting it. Unknown to the intruder, Heine and his companions, were already aware of its presence. They prepared to confront the intruder. Within the walls of the sanctuary, an impending clash of powers was about to unfold.

As Aemanil prepared to unleash his fpowers upon the intruder, Heine swiftly intervened to stop his fellow White Trial member. "Hold, Aemanil," he said calmly but firmly, "before we proceed, allow me a moment to propose an alternative approach."

Aemanil paused, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "What kind of idea could possibly be worth entertaining at a time like this?" he asked, skepticism in his tone.

"I'm going to propose a challenge for Eliza," Heine declared. "She will confront that creature in battle and put her skills to the test."

"Heine, you know as well as I do that girl has barely had any training," Aemanil replied. "You'd practically be sending the girl to her death."

Aemanil's skepticism was met with a dismissive wave from Heine, "Nonsense," he replied confidently. "The girl has already shown remarkable potential, and if I'm to be completely honest..." He paused, his expression thoughtful yet assured. "I firmly believe she possesses the ability to not only match but surpass our own strength," he concluded, his grin widening as he spoke.

"To even consider the possibility of someone surpassing our strength is certainly intriguing," Aemanil remarked, he closed his eyes briefly, as if visualizing the potential outcomes. "It appears that even Glanvill and Victoria agree. Very well, if this is the course of action you deem appropriate, Heine, I see no reason to oppose it," he concluded.

"Thank you, Aemanil," Heine said with a nod of appreciation. "Now then..." Heine prepared to establish a telepathic connection with Eliza.

As Eliza was training, her concentration was suddenly interrupted by Heine's voice. "Eliza, I need you to come back inside immediately. We have ourselves a little intruder, and you're going to deal with it." The unexpected news sparked a surge of adrenaline within her, compelling her to swiftly abandon her training and run back inside the building.

As Eliza dashed back into the building, her footsteps echoing in the corridor, she made her way for Heine's room. Without hesitation, she reached the door and began to knock urgently.

"Worried about old Heine, are you?" Heine's chuckle echoed from behind the door.

"Heine, is there really someone inside this building?" Eliza's voice trembled slightly with concern as she waited for Heine's response.

"Now, now, now..." Heine's voice carried a reassuring tone. "Why are you worried? Did you forget, we're the members of the White Trial? Only those truly foolish would dare try to infiltrate our sanctuary. However, these creatures are foolish underestimating us because of our age." Heine's grin widened.

"R-right, I guess that's true," Eliza said, feeling more reassured.

"However, you're going to deal with this threat, Eliza," Heine instructed firmly. "Consider this your first test, a trial by fire to test your skills. You'll put everything you've learned so far into motion, demonstrating your mastery of the spells and techniques you've been taught."

"H-huh, hey Heine, isn't it a little too early for a test like this? I mean, I've only just begun mastering these spells, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for a battle like this." Eliza stammered, clearly nervous.

"You're more than ready, Eliza," Heine reassured, his voice firm and encouraging. "Stop doubting yourself and show the fruit of your labor. This is your chance to prove your strength and determination."

"Hah..." Eliza let out a breath, her expression a mix of surprise and determination. "Fruits of my labor, despite only training for two days," she sighed, shaking her head slightly. "But since you believe in me this much, I better deliver on the expectations." Straightening her posture, Eliza's resolve seemed to solidify.

"Excellent," Heine commended, nodding approvingly at Eliza's resolve. "Now, as for our unwanted guest, I'll 'teleport' both you and the intruder outside using my abilities. Once you're there, you'll have the chance to demonstrate your newfound skills. Remember, stay focused and trust in your training."

"Hey, why did you say 'teleport' in such a weird way?" Eliza remarked.

Heine chuckled softly before explaining, "It's not your typical teleportation, Eliza. Brace yourself for a bit of a bumpy ride." With those words, Eliza felt a strange sensation in her chest, as if something unseen had grabbed hold of her soul; it was an indescribable feeling.

Eliza felt herself being lifted off the ground, carried effortlessly through the air. She was guided outside to the courtyard as she descended back to the ground.

On the other hand, Heine grabbed the soul of the intruder, effortlessly lifting it and forcefully dragging it outside and throwing it to the ground, where it lay across from Eliza. As the dust settled, the mysterious figure was revealed to be none other than a man.

The intruder was a young man of slender build, his vibrant green hair tied back in a neat ponytail that ran down his back. His striking green eyes held an intensity as he surveyed the scene before him as he stood up. He wore a gray button-up shirt paired with a black necktie and black pants with suspenders, while brown shoes provided a touch of contrast. He wore black gloves, and single ear piercing glinted in the light. He also wore a pair of black glasses, adding a scholarly charm to him.

"I suppose I should've expected this," the man remarked. "The White Trial never fails to impress, even with the passing of time." He straightened his clothing, and began to dust himself off.

"You must be the intruder that Heine was talking about," Eliza said, her voice firm but not unkind.

"Hmph, I'm not here for you," the man declared as his piercing green eyes fixed on Eliza. "I'm here for them."

"Them? Are you talking about the White Trial?" Eliza asked.

"That's right," he said, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze upon Eliza. "So, I suggest you step aside, unless you want to die."

"I'm afraid I can't do that. And while we're here, care to explain who you are? Why are you interested in the White Trial?" Eliza persisted with her questions.

"Who I am? Very well, I can tell you that much since you're going to die here," The man closed his eyes momentarily, then reopened them, his right eye glowing with an ominous green hue. "I am Forbidden Energy."

"Ehh, Forbidden Energy? Hold on a second... Heine, you didn't mention anything about facing a Forbidden," Eliza exclaimed as she processed the gravity of the situation.

"You got this, Eliza. Remember your training, and don't forget to trust in yourself," Heine replied.

"Hey, I'm serious!" Eliza's plea was abruptly cut off as she found herself caught in the path of a energy sphere of void energy. The surge of dark power raced dangerously close to her face, sending a shiver of fear down her spine as she recoiled. With a deafening roar, the energy collided with the ground behind her, causing a giant explosion.

"Hmph, my aim is much worse than I thought," Forbidden Energy said as he held out his palm towards her. "Now stand still... Void Sphere!" Another sphere of swirling void energy shot forth from his palm, hurtling towards Eliza with alarming speed and ferocity, leaving a trail of dark energy in its wake.

"Eek!" Eliza's startled cry echoed through the courtyard as she narrowly dodged the void sphere by mere inches, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Eliza, what's happening? You seem far too frightened. Is there something about this situation that worries you?" Heine's tone was filled with concern as he noticed Eliza's sudden fear.

"I-it's just that my sister and Vulcan handled the battles against the Forbidden. I've always been there to support them with my healing and enhancing magic," Eliza explained, uncertainty in her tone.

"Is that so? Well, it's time to step out of your comfort zone, Eliza!" Heine shouted enthusiastically. "Next time you see them, it'll be you taking the lead in battle, with them providing support for you!"

"That's easier said than done, Heine..." Eliza sighed.

"I understand it's daunting, Eliza, but you have the potential to surpass even your own expectations," Heine reassured her.

"You better help me, if things don't go as expected..." Eliza sighed.

Heine chuckled softly in response. "No promises, Eliza."

Eliza drew in a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation. "Forbidden Energy," she began, her voice steady despite the tension in the air, "once I bring you down, I have a few questions that need answering. So, I hope you're prepared."

"Are you done talking with the Soul Harvester?" Forbidden Energy asked.

Eliza took in a deep breath, "Forbidden Energy, once I bring you down, I have a few questions that need answering. So, I hope you're prepared."

"That's not confidence you have, that's bravado, cat," Forbidden Energy's green eyes gleaming with malice as he stared down at Eliza.

"I must win then, to learn about what happened to mother on that day..."