Elian moved forward, the dark energy within him growing stronger with every step. Along his path, he stumbled upon a curious sight — a large stack of books placed neatly on a stone table at the forest's edge. Each participant of the trial was supposed to take one.
With a faint smirk, Elian picked one up. He was far too consumed by his inner turmoil to care for serious reading, but curiosity got the better of him. He opened the first page and began to read.
— "Trial Boss: Gorm, Guardian of the Forest…" he read aloud.
The book described a terrifying beast, massive in size, with armor that was nearly impenetrable by ordinary weapons.
Elian scoffed.
— "Ridiculous…" he muttered. "To place such a pathetic monster at the end of the trial... almost insulting."
He shut the book with a dismissive snap, more amused than threatened. Power surged through him. Doubt no longer existed. He was ready to crush anyone who stood in his way.
Then he saw her.
A girl stepped into view, walking toward him with a grace that seemed to command the very forest around her. Their eyes met—and for the first time in a long while, Elian felt something... odd. He didn't know what it was—maybe she was just another participant—but there was something in her gaze that made him freeze.
He had long since lost interest in people, especially women. But this was different. There was something both alluring and unsettling in her presence.
She approached calmly.
— "My name is Mira," she said. Her voice was soft, but carried an inner strength that made him listen.
Elian stared for a moment before composing himself.
— "Elian. I see you're here for the trial too," he replied, his tone guarded. Why wasn't she afraid of him? Why did she look at him without flinching?
Mira didn't back down. A faint smile touched her lips.
— "Yes. I've made it through a lot, and this trial is just another step. What about you?" Her gaze sharpened, as if trying to see something buried deep in his eyes.
Elian laughed lightly.
— "I came here to see who dares challenge me. So far, they've all fallen like leaves. This 'Gorm' won't even be worth the effort."
Mira raised an eyebrow.
— "You're confident. Maybe you're right. But no one should underestimate their enemies. Not even the weak ones."
Elian scoffed again.
— "I don't underestimate enemies. I just watch them fall. That's all I need to know."
Mira tilted her head slightly, as if weighing his words, then nodded. A spark of interest flickered in her eyes.
— "You're definitely dangerous. But don't forget—every monster can hide its true strength. Even the small ones can be deadly."
Elian's expression darkened.
— "You think I don't know that?"
Silence hung between them for a moment, then Mira spoke again.
— "Heading to the boss? Maybe we should team up. I doubt we'll beat it alone."
Elian gave a crooked grin.
— "Fine," he said. He had no problem using her as an ally—if she proved useful. "Let's go."
They walked together into the depths of the forest. Though Elian still questioned her intentions, he could
n't deny that her presence was… strange, yet oddly calming.