Prologue: The Ancient Prophecy

In the realm of Aethoria, where the sun dipped into the horizon and painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold, an ancient prophecy was whispered among the wise ones. It spoke of a chosen one, born with the mark of the celestial dragon, who would wield the power to restore balance to the realms.
The prophecy also warned of a great darkness, one that sought to claim the realms and plunge them into eternal night. The chosen one would have to face this darkness, and with the help of the ancient magic, save the realms from destruction.
And so, the wait began.

Chapter 1: The Shimmering Child

The town of Eldenfall had always been unremarkable, a quiet corner of Aethoria nestled at the edge of the vast Shimmering Forest. Its rolling hills and quaint cottages gave no hint of its proximity to ancient magic. It was the kind of place where little changed, and life passed at a steady, predictable pace. That was, until the night the sky itself seemed to break open with light.

Elara gripped the edge of the birthing bed, her breaths ragged. The midwife moved quickly, her practiced hands steady, but there was tension in the air that no one could ignore. Outside, the villagers murmured nervously as streaks of celestial light painted the sky in colors they had never seen—golden flames mingling with deep blues and crimson hues. The spectacle was beautiful, but it carried an unsettling weight. Eldenfall’s elders whispered of omens, their minds drifting to forgotten tales of old.

When the baby’s first cry pierced the night, the lights in the sky seemed to intensify for a moment before fading to a gentle glow. Elara held her child close, exhaustion etched into her face. Her joy, however, was tempered by the midwife’s sudden gasp.

“What is it?” Elara asked, her voice trembling.

The midwife hesitated before pointing to the baby’s forearm. There, shimmering faintly in the firelight, was the unmistakable mark of a dragon. Its scales glinted like starlight, and its serpentine body coiled elegantly around the infant’s arm.

“It’s… it’s a sign,” the midwife stammered, crossing herself. “A mark of the celestial dragon. I’ve heard of it in stories, but never seen it with my own eyes.”

Elara’s heart raced. She had heard the tales too, of a chosen one marked by the celestial dragon who would rise to face a great darkness. The stories were ancient, passed down in fragments by traveling bards and wandering scholars. But they were just that—stories. Weren’t they?

“Say nothing of this,” Elara said firmly, her voice laced with urgency. “Not to anyone.”

The midwife nodded, though fear lingered in her eyes. As she gathered her things and left, Elara gazed down at her child. “Aeris,” she whispered. “That will be your name. And whatever destiny this mark brings, I will protect you.”

The years that followed were quiet, though far from peaceful. Elara kept Aeris’s mark hidden, wrapping their arm in cloth and forbidding them from speaking of it. As Aeris grew, the mark would sometimes glow faintly, especially under the moonlight. It was subtle, but enough to unsettle Elara each time.

Aeris, for their part, was a curious and adventurous child. They loved to explore the woods surrounding Eldenfall, often returning with pockets full of strange leaves, smooth stones, or glittering shards of crystal. Their questions were endless, and their energy seemed boundless. But there was always a part of Aeris that felt different, an unspoken truth that set them apart from the other children.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky with its fiery hues, Aeris wandered to the edge of the Shimmering Forest. It was a place both feared and revered by the townsfolk, its dense trees and glowing flora shrouded in mystery. Aeris loved it there, though Elara had forbidden them from venturing too far.

As Aeris sat on a mossy rock, the hum of the forest grew louder—a low, melodic vibration that seemed to pulse in time with their heartbeat. Drawn by the sound, they ventured deeper into the woods, their bare feet soft against the forest floor.

After what felt like hours, Aeris came upon a clearing. At its center stood an ancient stone, weathered by time and covered in glowing runes. It pulsed with the same hum that had guided Aeris there. Without thinking, they reached out and placed their hand on the stone.

In an instant, the world around them vanished. Aeris found themselves standing in a vast expanse of stars, their light stretching endlessly in every direction. Before them appeared a colossal dragon, its scales shimmering like a thousand galaxies. Its eyes, ancient and knowing, seemed to pierce straight into Aeris’s soul.

“You are the one,” the dragon’s voice echoed, deep and resonant. “The time will come when you must rise. Remember this.”

Before Aeris could respond, the vision faded, and they were back in the clearing. The stone was silent now, its runes dim. Aeris’s heart raced as they stumbled back toward the village, the dragon’s words replaying in their mind.

When Aeris told Elara what had happened, her face grew pale. She listened in silence before finally speaking. “The prophecy,” she murmured, more to herself than to Aeris.

“What prophecy?” Aeris asked, their curiosity piqued.

Elara hesitated before recounting the tale she had tried so hard to forget. She spoke of the celestial dragon, the mark, and the chosen one destined to face the great darkness. “But it’s just a story,” she said, her voice trembling. “It doesn’t mean it has to be you.”

Aeris frowned. The vision, the dragon, the mark—it all felt too real to be just a story. “What if it is me?” they asked. “What if I’m supposed to do something?”

Elara placed a hand on Aeris’s shoulder, her eyes filled with both love and fear. “Then we will face it together. But for now, you must promise me to stay safe. Do not let anyone see your mark, and do not go looking for trouble.”

Aeris nodded reluctantly, though their mind buzzed with questions. Deep down, they knew their life in Eldenfall was only the beginning.

Chapter 2: A Harbinger’s Arrival

Eldenfall awoke to the crisp chill of early autumn. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the scent of fresh bread wafted from the town baker’s shop. For most villagers, it was a morning like any other. But for Aeris, a restless energy had taken hold. They couldn’t stop thinking about the vision from the night before—the dragon’s words, the way the stars had seemed to wrap around them like a cloak.

Elara noticed Aeris’s distracted expression as they picked at their breakfast. She didn’t need to ask what was on their mind; the furrow in her brow spoke volumes. “You’re thinking about it again,” she said quietly, breaking the silence.

“I can’t help it,” Aeris replied, setting down their spoon. “What if that dragon was trying to warn me about something? What if the prophecy is real?”

Elara sighed. “Even if it is, there’s no reason to believe it’s something that will happen now. Prophecies are vague for a reason. They span generations. Maybe it’s not your burden to bear.”

Before Aeris could argue, a knock at the door interrupted them. Elara stiffened, her hand instinctively moving to shield Aeris. Visitors were rare in Eldenfall, especially so early in the morning. She hesitated, then opened the door a crack.

On the threshold stood a man cloaked in dark leather, his face shadowed by a wide-brimmed hat. His eyes, sharp and calculating, seemed to take in everything at once. He carried a worn satchel slung over one shoulder and a sword strapped to his side.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “I’m a traveler seeking shelter. The roads have grown dangerous of late.”

Elara hesitated. Something about him felt off—he carried himself like a warrior, but his tone was calm, almost disarming. Before she could refuse, Aeris stepped forward, curiosity getting the better of them.

“Who are you?” Aeris asked, their eyes narrowing.

The man’s gaze flicked to Aeris, lingering for a moment longer than it should have. “Name’s Sylas,” he said. “And you are?”

“Aeris,” they replied, ignoring the warning look Elara shot their way.

Sylas tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. “Interesting name.” He paused, then added, “I mean no harm. If you’d rather I move along, I will.”

Elara hesitated, torn between caution and compassion. The roads had indeed become more dangerous, and turning him away could mean leaving him to bandits or worse. With a sigh, she stepped aside. “You can stay for a meal,” she said, her tone firm. “But nothing more.”

Sylas nodded gratefully and stepped inside.

As they ate, Sylas shared tales of the outside world—stories of shadowy creatures appearing in the west, of villages mysteriously abandoned. Aeris listened intently, their earlier restlessness now replaced with a growing sense of unease.

“What kind of creatures?” Aeris asked, leaning forward.

Sylas’s gaze flicked to Elara, then back to Aeris. “They’re hard to describe,” he said carefully. “Like living shadows. They move fast and strike without warning. The kind of thing that makes people question whether the old stories are coming to life.”

Elara’s hand tightened around her mug, her knuckles white. “Old stories,” she said, her voice guarded. “You mean the prophecy?”

Sylas raised an eyebrow. “You’ve heard of it, then.”

Aeris felt their heart race. “What do you know about it?”

Sylas leaned back in his chair, studying them. “More than most,” he admitted. “And enough to recognize a sign when I see one.”

Elara’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”

Sylas’s gaze settled on Aeris’s arm, where the edge of the mark was barely visible beneath their sleeve. “You’re hiding something,” he said. “Aren’t you?”

Aeris instinctively pulled their sleeve down, but it was too late. Sylas’s expression shifted, his calm demeanor replaced by a grim seriousness.

“It’s true, then,” he said softly. “You’re marked.”

Elara stood abruptly, placing herself between Sylas and Aeris. “I don’t know what you think you’ve seen, but you’re mistaken,” she said, her voice cold.

Sylas shook his head. “I’m not mistaken. And if I’ve noticed, others will too. You can’t hide something like this forever.”

Before Elara could respond, a blood-curdling scream echoed from outside. All three of them froze.

“Stay here,” Sylas said, rising to his feet and drawing his sword in one fluid motion.

But Aeris didn’t stay. Ignoring Elara’s protests, they followed Sylas outside, their curiosity outweighing their fear. What they saw made their stomach churn.

A figure cloaked in shadow stood in the middle of the village square, its form shifting and twisting unnaturally. Its glowing red eyes scanned the terrified villagers, and when it moved, it was like smoke being carried by the wind.

Sylas stepped forward, his sword raised. “Stay back,” he warned Aeris, though his voice carried little hope.

The shadow creature lunged, faster than anything Aeris had ever seen. Sylas barely managed to block the attack, the clash of steel against the creature’s claws ringing through the air.

Aeris watched in horror as the battle unfolded. Sylas was skilled, but the creature was relentless, its movements almost impossible to predict. The villagers screamed and scattered, leaving the square empty except for Aeris and Elara, who had just emerged from their home.

“Get back inside!” Elara shouted, but Aeris couldn’t move.

The creature’s gaze suddenly snapped to them, its glowing eyes narrowing. It lunged, and in that moment, Aeris felt something stir deep within them. Without thinking, they raised their arm, and the mark of the celestial dragon erupted in a blinding light.

The creature shrieked, recoiling as the light seared its shadowy form. Sylas took advantage of its momentary weakness, driving his sword through its chest. The creature dissolved into smoke, leaving the square eerily quiet.

Sylas turned to Aeris, his expression unreadable. “Well,” he said after a moment. “That settles it.”

Aeris looked down at their arm, the mark still glowing faintly. They felt a mix of fear and exhilaration, their heart pounding in their chest.

“What does it mean?” Aeris asked, their voice barely above a whisper.

Sylas sheathed his sword and approached them slowly. “It means you’re the one we’ve been waiting for,” he said. “And the darkness knows it too.”

Chapter 3: The First Trial

The shadow creature’s death left a heavy silence hanging over Eldenfall’s square. Smoke from its dissolving form lingered in the cool air, curling around the cobblestones before dissipating into nothingness. Villagers cautiously peeked out from behind shuttered windows, their faces pale with fear. No one dared step closer, except for Aeris and Sylas.

Aeris stared at the faint glow of their mark, their pulse pounding in their ears. The light that had erupted from it moments ago still tingled beneath their skin, a sensation both alien and oddly familiar.

“That... that thing was after me,” Aeris stammered, their voice trembling.

Sylas nodded grimly. “It wasn’t random. The darkness knows who you are now.” He sheathed his blade and surveyed the crowd gathering at the edges of the square. “And they’ll keep coming.”

Elara rushed forward, grabbing Aeris by the shoulders. Her face was pale, but her voice was sharp with urgency. “We have to leave. Tonight. Before more come.”

Aeris looked between Elara and Sylas, their confusion mounting. “Leave? Where would we even go?”

Sylas spoke before Elara could answer. “There’s no point running. Not yet. You need to understand what you are—and how to fight.”

Elara whirled on him, her voice rising. “You don’t get to decide that! Aeris is just a child. They don’t need to fight—they need to be safe!”

“And how do you plan to keep them safe?” Sylas countered, his voice calm but firm. “The darkness doesn’t care about safety. It’ll hunt them down no matter where you hide. Aeris needs to learn to defend themselves, or this”—he gestured to the dissipated shadow creature—“is only the beginning.”

Aeris’s stomach churned as the weight of Sylas’s words settled over them. The image of the shadow creature’s glowing eyes lingered in their mind, a reminder of the danger that now seemed inescapable.

“What are you suggesting?” Aeris asked hesitantly.

Sylas turned to them, his expression softening slightly. “I’ll take you to a place where you can learn. But it won’t be easy. The path ahead will test you, push you to your limits. If you’re not ready to face it, you won’t survive.”

Elara’s grip tightened on Aeris’s arm. “This is madness. Aeris isn’t some warrior—they’re just a child!”

But Aeris shook their head, their resolve hardening despite the fear gnawing at them. “I can’t stay here, Mom. You saw what happened. If I don’t figure out how to stop them, more of those things will come—and I won’t be able to protect anyone.”

Elara’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded reluctantly. “If you’re going... I’m coming too.”

Sylas frowned. “I can’t guarantee your safety. You’ll slow us down.”

“I don’t care,” Elara said firmly. “I’m not leaving my child.”

Sylas sighed, but he didn’t argue further. “Fine. But we need to move quickly. The longer we stay here, the greater the risk.”

By nightfall, the three of them had packed what little they could carry and left Eldenfall behind. The dirt path leading out of the village was quiet, the only sounds coming from the rustling trees and the occasional hoot of an owl. Sylas led the way, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword.

Aeris walked beside him, their thoughts a tangled mess of questions. “Where are we going?” they asked finally.

“To the Shimmering Forest,” Sylas replied.

Aeris blinked. “But I’ve been there before. That’s where I saw the dragon’s vision.”

Sylas stopped abruptly, turning to look at them. “You’ve seen it already?”

Aeris nodded. “There was an ancient stone with glowing runes. When I touched it, I saw the celestial dragon. It spoke to me.”

Sylas’s expression darkened. “That wasn’t just a vision. The stone you found is part of the First Trial. It was meant to guide you, to awaken your connection to the dragon’s power.”

“So... I’ve already passed the trial?” Aeris asked, hope flickering in their chest.

Sylas shook his head. “The vision was only the beginning. The First Trial tests more than just your connection—it tests your courage and your will to act in the face of danger. And that’s what you’ll face now.”

Elara’s voice was tight with worry. “You mean to take Aeris into danger on purpose?”

Sylas didn’t answer directly. “The trial lies deep within the forest. It’s the only way to unlock the power you’ll need to fight the darkness.”

Elara looked as though she wanted to protest, but Aeris stepped forward. “I’ll do it,” they said firmly.

Hours later, they reached the edge of the Shimmering Forest. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their leaves glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. Aeris felt a familiar hum beneath their feet, the same energy that had drawn them to the stone before.

Sylas paused at the tree line and turned to Aeris. “From here, you walk alone.”

“What?” Aeris asked, startled.

“The trial is yours to face,” Sylas explained. “No one else can guide you through it. I’ll wait here with your mother.”

Elara grabbed Aeris’s hand, her face pale. “You don’t have to do this,” she said, her voice trembling.

“Yes, I do,” Aeris replied, their voice steadier than they felt. They squeezed her hand, then stepped into the forest.

The deeper Aeris went, the stronger the hum became. The glowing trees seemed to shift around them, the path twisting and turning until they were utterly disoriented. Shadows danced at the edges of their vision, but when they turned to look, nothing was there.

Finally, they emerged into a clearing. At its center stood another ancient stone, similar to the one they had seen before. But this one was different—its runes glowed red, and a dark mist coiled around its base.

As Aeris approached, the mist coalesced into a shape—a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes.

“You are unworthy,” it hissed, its voice like the rustling of dead leaves.

Aeris’s heart pounded, but they stood their ground. “I’m not afraid of you,” they said, though their voice wavered.

The shadow creature lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Aeris dodged, the mark on their arm flaring to life. Light erupted from their hand, forcing the creature to retreat.

The battle was chaotic, each strike testing Aeris’s resolve. They stumbled, fell, and nearly gave up more than once. But each time, they rose again, the dragon’s light growing brighter with every step.

Finally, with one last surge of energy, Aeris unleashed a burst of light that engulfed the creature. When the glow faded, the shadow was gone, and the stone stood silent and still.

A voice echoed in their mind, deep and resonant. “You have passed the First Trial. The path ahead will not be easy, but you are stronger than you know.”

Aeris smiled faintly, exhaustion washing over them. They had taken their first step toward becoming the chosen one.

Chapter 4: Secrets of the Shimmering Forest

The clearing seemed to exhale after the shadow’s defeat, as if the forest itself had been holding its breath. Aeris collapsed to their knees, their chest heaving. The light from the mark on their arm faded, leaving only the faint hum of magic lingering in the air. The stone at the center of the clearing no longer glowed red; its surface was smooth and dull, like an ancient relic returned to dormancy.

Aeris stared at it, a mix of triumph and exhaustion settling over them. The voice of the celestial dragon still echoed faintly in their mind: “You are stronger than you know.”

But how strong? The trial had pushed them to the brink, and they couldn’t shake the thought that this was only the beginning.

Elara and Sylas waited at the edge of the forest, tension visible in every line of Elara’s face. She paced back and forth, her eyes darting toward the glowing trees.

“She’s been gone too long,” Elara said, her voice trembling.

“She’ll return,” Sylas replied, though his tone was far from certain. “The forest doesn’t take those who are meant to pass.”

“And if she’s not meant to pass?” Elara shot back, her voice sharp.

Sylas didn’t answer. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, as if he could fight off the uncertainty gnawing at him. Before he could respond, the soft crunch of footsteps reached them. Both turned, their hearts leaping at the sight of Aeris emerging from the trees.

“Aeris!” Elara rushed forward, pulling them into a tight embrace. “You’re safe.”

Aeris sank into her arms, too tired to speak at first. When they finally pulled back, Sylas stepped closer, his sharp eyes scanning Aeris’s face.

“You survived,” Sylas said simply, though his voice held a hint of approval.

“I did,” Aeris replied, their voice steadier than they felt. “But it wasn’t easy.”

“It’s never easy,” Sylas said, his tone grim. “And it only gets harder from here.”

The group set up camp just outside the forest. Sylas insisted on moving no further until Aeris had rested, though the unease in his posture made it clear that he didn’t like staying so close to the forest’s edge. Elara tended to Aeris, fussing over every scratch and bruise despite their protests.

“I’m fine, Mom,” Aeris said, wincing as Elara dabbed at a scrape on their arm. “Really.”

“You don’t look fine,” Elara muttered, though she stepped back reluctantly. “You’re too young for this. You shouldn’t have to go through trials or fight monsters.”

Aeris looked down at their hands, their fingers still trembling slightly. “I didn’t choose this,” they said softly. “But if I don’t do it, who will?”

Elara didn’t respond, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Sylas broke the silence. “What did you see?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Aeris.

Aeris hesitated before recounting the trial—the shadow creature, the battle, and the dragon’s voice. When they finished, Sylas nodded, his expression thoughtful.

“The First Trial isn’t just a test of strength,” he said. “It’s meant to awaken something inside you. The celestial dragon’s power is ancient, and it won’t reveal itself all at once. But each trial will bring you closer to unlocking its full potential.”

“How many trials are there?” Aeris asked.

Sylas’s expression darkened. “Three. And the next one will be far more dangerous.”

Elara bristled. “More dangerous? You expect Aeris to keep risking their life? This is madness.”

“It’s not about what I expect,” Sylas replied sharply. “The darkness is growing stronger. If Aeris doesn’t face these trials, the realms will fall.”

The next morning, they resumed their journey. Sylas led them east, deeper into the untamed wilderness of Aethoria. The land grew wilder with every step, the air thick with the scent of earth and pine. Streams trickled through moss-covered rocks, and the distant cries of birds echoed through the trees.

As they walked, Sylas shared more of what he knew about the prophecy.

“The celestial dragon’s power was sealed away long ago,” he explained. “The trials were created to ensure that only the worthy could access it. But the seal wasn’t perfect. The darkness you saw in Eldenfall—it’s been growing for centuries, feeding on fear and chaos.”

“What is the darkness, exactly?” Aeris asked.

“No one knows for sure,” Sylas admitted. “Some say it’s a remnant of an ancient war. Others believe it’s the shadow of a forgotten god. What we do know is that it’s spreading, and it won’t stop until it consumes everything.”

Aeris shivered, the weight of their responsibility pressing down on them. “And I’m supposed to stop it?”

“With the dragon’s power, yes,” Sylas said. “But you won’t be alone. There are others who will help you—if you can find them.”

“Others?” Aeris glanced at him, surprised.

“The prophecy speaks of allies,” Sylas said. “Each with their own role to play. But finding them won’t be easy.”

As the sun began to set, they reached the ruins of an old temple. Its stone walls were crumbled and overgrown with vines, but the faint glow of runes etched into its surface hinted at its magical origins.

“This is as far as I go,” Sylas said, stopping at the edge of the temple grounds. “The Second Trial awaits inside.”

Elara’s face paled. “You’re sending them in there alone again?”

Sylas nodded. “It’s the only way.”

Aeris swallowed hard, their heart pounding as they stepped forward. The air around the temple felt heavy, charged with an ancient energy that made their skin prickle. They turned back to Elara, offering a reassuring smile they didn’t quite feel.

“I’ll be okay,” they said, more to convince themselves than her.

Elara’s voice cracked. “Just... come back to me.”

Aeris nodded, then stepped into the temple. The air inside was cold and still, the silence broken only by the sound of their footsteps. The runes on the walls pulsed faintly, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance with a life of their own.

As Aeris ventured deeper, a voice echoed through the chamber, low and menacing.

“Welcome, chosen one,” it said, dripping with malice. “Let us see if you are truly worthy.”

The ground beneath Aeris trembled, and a figure emerged from the shadows—a towering beast with eyes like burning coals and claws that scraped against the stone. Aeris’s breath caught, but they squared their shoulders, the mark on their arm flaring to life.

The Second Trial had begun.

Chapter 5: The Beast Within

The beast stood before Aeris, its immense frame filling the chamber. Its body seemed to be made of pure shadow, flickering and shifting like smoke, but its glowing red eyes were fixed on Aeris with a predatory hunger. Claws like jagged obsidian scraped against the floor, sending sparks into the air.

Aeris’s heart thundered in their chest, but they didn’t back away. The mark on their arm flared, a warm light pulsing beneath their skin, as if the celestial dragon’s power was answering the challenge.

The beast spoke, its voice a guttural growl that echoed through the chamber. “You carry the light, but light alone is not enough. Show me your strength, chosen one, or be consumed.”

Without warning, the beast lunged.

Aeris barely had time to react. They dove to the side as the creature’s claws slammed into the ground where they had been standing, shattering the stone floor. Rolling to their feet, they thrust their hand forward instinctively. The mark on their arm burned, and a burst of light shot forth, striking the beast’s side.

The creature roared, staggering back, but the attack didn’t seem to hurt it. Instead, the shadows around its body grew darker, coiling tighter as if feeding off the blow.

“You cannot defeat me with raw power,” the beast snarled. “Your light must be tempered, or it will burn you as well.”

Aeris’s mind raced. The vision from the First Trial echoed in their memory: “You are stronger than you know.” But strength wasn’t just physical—it was in their resolve, their ability to adapt.

The beast charged again, its movements impossibly fast for its size. Aeris ducked under its sweeping claws and darted to the side, searching the room for anything that might give them an advantage. The glowing runes on the walls seemed to pulse in time with the mark on their arm.

The runes, Aeris realized. They’re connected to the dragon’s power.

As the beast turned to face them again, Aeris focused on the runes, reaching out with their mind. The mark on their arm flared brighter, and the runes responded, their glow intensifying. The chamber trembled as the ancient magic awakened.

The beast growled, sensing the shift. “You think the dragon’s power will save you? Foolish child.”

But Aeris didn’t waver. They could feel the energy coursing through the room, flowing into them like a river of light. When the beast lunged again, Aeris raised their hand, and the energy surged forth.

A barrier of light erupted between them and the beast, halting its attack. The creature roared in frustration, clawing at the barrier, but it held firm.

Aeris took a deep breath, their confidence growing. “This isn’t just my power,” they said, their voice steady. “It’s the dragon’s, and it won’t let me fail.”

The beast snarled, retreating slightly. “Very well, chosen one. Show me the strength of your resolve.”

The chamber shifted. The walls seemed to melt away, replaced by a swirling void of darkness. Aeris found themselves standing on a narrow bridge of light, the beast circling them like a predator stalking its prey.

“This is the true test,” the beast said, its voice reverberating through the void. “Will you face the darkness within yourself, or will you fall into despair?”

The bridge trembled, cracks appearing in the glowing surface. Shadows rose from the void, whispering doubts and fears into Aeris’s mind.

“You are not enough,” they hissed. “You will fail. The darkness will consume everything you love.”

Aeris faltered, their steps unsteady as the whispers grew louder. Memories of the shadow creature in Eldenfall flashed before their eyes, followed by images of Elara and Sylas, their faces twisted in fear and despair.

“No,” Aeris whispered, shaking their head. “I won’t let that happen.”

The mark on their arm flared again, the light pushing back the shadows. Aeris straightened, their resolve hardening. “You’re wrong. I am enough, and I won’t give up.”

The beast roared, lunging at them. Aeris stood their ground, focusing the dragon’s power into their hands. As the beast struck, Aeris released the energy in a blinding burst of light.

The shadows dissolved, the void collapsing around them. When the light faded, Aeris found themselves back in the temple, the beast kneeling before them.

“You have passed the Second Trial,” the beast said, its voice no longer menacing. “The darkness within you is strong, but so is your light. Remember this balance, for it will guide you in the trials to come.”

The beast faded into nothingness, and the chamber grew still. Aeris sank to the floor, exhaustion washing over them. The runes on the walls dimmed, their glow fading as the ancient magic settled once more.

Aeris closed their eyes, the weight of the trial pressing down on them. But amidst the fatigue, there was a spark of hope. They had faced their fears and come out stronger.

When Aeris emerged from the temple, Elara and Sylas were waiting anxiously. Elara rushed forward, pulling Aeris into a fierce hug.

“You’re safe,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Sylas approached more slowly, his sharp eyes studying Aeris. “You’ve changed,” he said.

Aeris nodded. “The trial... it showed me things. My fears, my doubts. But I overcame them.”

Sylas’s expression softened slightly. “Good. You’ll need that strength for what’s to come.”

Elara frowned. “What’s next? How many more trials does Aeris have to face?”

“Only one,” Sylas said. “The Third Trial. But it will be the most dangerous of all.”

Aeris squared their shoulders, determination shining in their eyes. “I’m ready.”

Sylas smiled faintly. “Not yet. But you will be.”

As the group set off once more, the temple fading into the distance, Aeris couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The path ahead would be treacherous, but they were no longer the uncertain child who had left Eldenfall.

They were the chosen one, and they would see this through to the end.

"Chapter 6" Coming Soon