Bab 19: Chapter 19: Trials of the Arcanum.
The air crackled with energy as the Guardian waved their hand, and the vibrant landscape transformed. The once serene expanse morphed into a grand arena surrounded by towering walls of shimmering light. Each wall pulsed with colors that seemed to tell stories of battles fought and victories won.
**"Welcome to the Trials of the Arcanum,"** the Guardian announced, their voice echoing through the space. **"Here, you will face challenges that test your resolve, your courage, and your unity as Wardens."**
Ashfall exchanged glances with Kera, Tides, and Sable, determination burning in their eyes. They had faced the darkness, but now they stood on the precipice of something far greater.
**"What kind of trials?"** Ashfall asked, stepping forward.
**"Each trial will reflect your inner struggles,"** the Guardian explained. **"You will face manifestations of your fears, your doubts, and the shadows you carry within. Overcoming them is the key to unlocking the knowledge you seek."**
Tides raised an eyebrow. **"Sounds simple enough… until you realize you're battling your own mind."**
**"We've done that already,"** Kera added, gripping her blades tightly. **"We can handle this."**
The Guardian nodded approvingly. **"Very well. Your first trial awaits."** With a flourish, they gestured to the arena.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shimmered, and a massive stone pedestal rose from the center, a glowing orb pulsing atop it. The orb radiated a bright light, casting shadows that danced along the walls.
**"To pass this trial,"** the Guardian continued, **"you must confront the shadows of your past. Only by accepting them can you claim the knowledge of the Arcanum."**
As Ashfall stepped closer to the pedestal, the orb glowed brighter, and images began to swirl within it—familiar faces and memories he had long tried to forget. He saw the visage of his father, disappointment etched across his features, and the faces of friends lost to battles they could not win.
**"No… not this,"** he murmured, stepping back.
**"You must face it, Ashfall,"** Sable urged, her voice steady. **"This is the only way."**
Taking a deep breath, he stepped closer again. **"I'm not afraid of you!"** he shouted at the orb, and the light flickered in response.
The orb shimmered and then split into several tendrils of light that shot toward each Warden, encircling them. Each light formed into a shadowy figure—a reflection of their deepest fears.
**"I am your past,"** the figure of Ashfall's father said, the voice deep and haunting. **"You will never escape my shadow."**
Ashfall clenched his fists, refusing to back down. **"I'm not defined by you!"**
The shadow lunged, and Ashfall sidestepped, feeling a surge of adrenaline. He recalled the strength he'd gained, the lessons learned from loss. With a fierce shout, he swung his sword at the shadow, light exploding from the impact, dispersing it momentarily.
**"You cannot fight me!"** the figure roared, reforming before him. **"You carry your failures with you, always!"**
**"I carry my lessons!"** Ashfall countered, channeling his anger into determination. **"You are not my failure, you are my motivation!"**
As the shadows pressed in, Kera called out, her voice echoing with conviction. **"Remember who you are, Ashfall! We're with you!"**
With their support igniting his resolve, Ashfall focused on the memories that brought him strength—the camaraderie of the Wardens, the laughter shared, the battles fought together. Each memory fueled him, each moment of joy cutting through the darkness.
**"I am not alone!"** he shouted, and with a powerful swing of his sword, he cleaved through the shadow, light erupting in a brilliant flash that scattered the darkness.
As the light faded, Ashfall found himself back at the pedestal, the orb now calm and steady. The shadows that had tormented him were gone, replaced by a sense of clarity and purpose.
**"Well done,"** the Guardian praised, appearing before him once more. **"You have faced your past and emerged stronger. The first trial is complete."**
Ashfall breathed heavily, feeling the weight lift off his shoulders. **"What comes next?"**
**"The second trial awaits,"** the Guardian replied, their expression serious. **"Prepare yourselves for the challenge of unity. You will face not just your fears, but the darkness that seeks to divide you."**
Before Ashfall could respond, the arena shifted again, the ground trembling as shadows began to swirl around them, coiling like snakes. The shadows coalesced into menacing forms, each one representing doubt and mistrust, their eyes glinting with malice.
**"We'll be tested together,"** Tides said, raising his hands to conjure a barrier of light. **"We need to stay united!"**
The shadows lunged, attempting to isolate each Warden, but Ashfall stood firm. **"Stick together! We can't let them separate us!"**
As the shadows attacked, the Wardens fought as one, each strike coordinated, each spell cast in harmony. Ashfall felt the strength of their bond guiding him, bolstering his resolve. Together, they pushed back against the shadows, their light driving the darkness away.
**"Remember what we've been through!"** Sable shouted, her magic flaring brightly. **"We've faced the voidspawn, we've fought through despair—nothing can break us apart!"**
With a final surge of power, Ashfall raised his sword high, channeling the combined energy of his friends. **"We are the Wardens! Together, we are stronger!"**
The shadows recoiled as the light exploded around them, illuminating the arena in a brilliant blaze. The darkness shattered, dissipating into motes of light that swirled away, leaving only a calm stillness behind.
**"You have passed the second trial,"** the Guardian said, their voice filled with approval. **"Your unity has proven stronger than the darkness that sought to divide you."**
Panting from the exertion, Ashfall felt a sense of triumph wash over him. They had faced their fears and come out stronger, their bonds unbreakable.
**"What is the final trial?"** he asked, his heart pounding with anticipation.
The Guardian's expression grew somber. **"The final trial is the trial of sacrifice. You must confront the cost of your desires and be willing to give up something precious to obtain the knowledge you seek."**
A chill ran through Ashfall. **"What do we have to sacrifice?"**
The Guardian gestured toward the center of the arena, where another pedestal emerged, holding a shimmering crystal. **"To unlock the knowledge of the Arcanum, you must decide what you are willing to give up."**
The crystal pulsed, radiating a haunting allure. Ashfall felt a pull toward it, but dread settled in his stomach. He knew that true sacrifice often came with great pain.
Kera stepped forward, her expression resolute. **"We must be ready to face whatever it takes. We've come this far; we can't turn back now."**
Tides nodded. **"Whatever it is, we'll face it together."**
Sable remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the crystal. **"Sacrifice often reveals our true intentions. Are we prepared for the truth?"**
Ashfall looked at each of his friends, understanding the weight of their journey. **"Whatever we have to give, we will do it as one."**
The Guardian smiled gently. **"Then approach the crystal and prepare for the final trial. What you are willing to sacrifice will determine the path ahead."**
As they moved closer to the pedestal, Ashfall felt a mixture of fear and hope. The final trial awaited, and with it, the potential to unlock the knowledge that could change everything.
With determination surging through him, he reached for the crystal, ready to face whatever sacrifice lay ahead. Together, they would confront the ultimate challenge, bound by the strength of their friendship and the promise of a brighter future.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone