SWNOVELXO Chapter 26: The Shadow Trials
The crow soared high above the forest path, its golden eyes squinting against the sun as it scanned the ground below. It spotted its target: Kai Brandon, standing atop a small hill, waiting for the purple-haired girl making her way toward him. The bird's keen instincts kicked in as it dove, its black silhouette slicing through the air like a shadow unleashed.
Kai felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a tingling sensation creeping up his spine. He raised his gaze just in time to meet the golden eyes of the crow, and before it could react, a bolt of lightning erupted from his fingertips, aimed directly at the creature. But the crow was agile, shifting its trajectory effortlessly to evade the strike. Kai furrowed his brow in frustration; he hadn't anticipated this level of cunning from a mere bird.
In an instant, the crow was upon him, shadows swirling around its form like a dark mist. They burst to life, coiling around Kai and the girl, Celine, who had just arrived. He felt the weight of the darkness pressing down, constricting him and leaving him powerless. Panic surged within him as he tried to summon his Endowment, but nothing happened. The shadows wrapped tighter, muffling Celine's cries for help.
Desperate, Kai relaxed his arms, surrendering to the engulfing darkness. He felt the shadows shift, their grip loosening as they settled around them, and suddenly he was released. Both he and Celine tumbled to the ground with a dull thud. Kai blinked rapidly, taking in his surroundings. They were in a cave, its rocky walls damp and cold, eerily familiar yet disorienting.
"What the hell?" Kai thought, confusion flooding his mind. Before he could collect his thoughts, a deep voice echoed from every direction, resonating off the cave walls. "Ahem! Welcome to the Shadow Trials!"
Kai's stomach dropped. He recognized that voice, thick and ominous. It belonged to the host of the Trials: Grand Magus Ken, a Banished Magus with dominion over shadows. The Shadow Trials was a hidden trial in the novel—a rite of passage for promising Magus throughout the Asura Kingdom, a brutal contest designed to turn potential into power. And he was trapped in it.
"Seems like it's working…" Ken continued, the voice reverberating like a haunting melody. "You are all here because of your potential. Each of you possesses unique abilities, and now it's time to test them. I have gathered the most exceptional Magus from across the realm to inherit my legacy—the Shadow Essence."
Kai's mind raced. The Shadow Essence was a coveted Endowment, granting mastery over shadows and enhancing stealth. He had always considered it a lesser goal; he had an innate affinity for all types of magic, and stealth missions had never appealed to him. But now, he found himself ensnared in a deadly game with stakes he had never anticipated.
"I won't mention any names," Ken continued, "but be wary. One of you has killed a Grand Magus, and news travels fast. Trust is a luxury you can't afford here."
Kai's heart sank. He had just fought and defeated a Grand Magus that very day, and the implications of his actions weighed heavily on him. The thought of attacking and betrayal hung in the air like fog, intensifying the tension within the cave.
"For your first trial," Ken announced, "you must reach the next floor. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, let's spice things up. There are magical beasts lurking in the shadows, and some participants may not be as friendly as they appear."
Kai clenched his fists, steeling himself. He could handle magical beasts. Protecting Celine was one of his priorities , and he was confident in his ability to keep her safe. But Ken's next words sent a chill down his spine.
"Oh, and since one of you has recently defeated a Grand Magus, I hope you all don't mind the monsters being significantly stronger than usual."
Kai felt a wave of dread wash over him. It was as if Ken were toying with them, turning their lives into a twisted game. The stakes were high, and he had no choice but to accept.
"Now, begin your first trial!"
The voice faded, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake. Kai inhaled deeply, grounding himself amid the uncertainty. He turned to Celine, who was visibly shaken. Her wide eyes searched his for reassurance.
"Don't worry," he said, forcing a smile. "We'll pass. We just need to stick together."
Celine nodded, though doubt lingered in her expression. "Do you have a plan?"
Kai considered their options, his mind racing. "Do you have any summons? Something portable and combat-ready?"
Celine hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I have two and they are ready for battle,"
Kai took in a deep breath, weighing the opportunities but nevertheless he turned back to her.
"Can you summon the both of them? We'll need the all the help we can get for the Trials," Kai said and she nodded, biting her finger.