Chapter 48 – "The Trial of Wit and Kindness"

  The party set out on their journey—Reyna, Ethan, Stan, Leonel, and Mirellis—five travelers bound by a common goal. The road to the Fracture was long, and each of them knew that challenges awaited ahead.

  — I’ve taken everything we need, — Reyna said calmly, walking slightly ahead. — Food, clothes, supplies… I think it’ll last us for a few days.

  — Good, — Leonel nodded.

  They moved along a winding path that twisted between hills and small groves. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting golden hues over everything.

  — Temple folk sure know how to prepare, — Stan chuckled, walking beside Ethan. — Should’ve grabbed some cakes too.

  — If you could survive on just cakes, you would, — Ethan smirked.

  Mirellis remained silent, watching the road. Sunlight reflected in her red eye, but no one could tell what she was thinking.

  The First Trial

  After several hours, the scenery began to change. The trees grew taller, and the path narrowed. The atmosphere thickened as if nature itself was warning them of something.

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  Then, ahead, they saw a stone arch, overgrown with moss. As soon as they approached, the air around them grew heavy, and a strange, translucent figure appeared before them.

  — Travelers, — a voice echoed through the area. — You have stepped onto the lands of trials. Only one with both wisdom and kindness may pass.

  The five exchanged glances.

  — What kind of trial? — Leonel asked, gripping the hilt of his sword.

  — You will find out once you choose who will face it, — the voice replied.

  — Well, — Stan leaned on his spear, — I’m more suited for physical trials.

  — So who will go? — Mirellis mused.

  — What, am I not kind enough? — Ethan protested.

  — Let’s find out, — Stan smirked.

  — Fine, — Ethan sighed. — I’ll do it.

  As soon as he stepped forward, the space around him shifted. The others seemed frozen in place, and before Ethan, two figures appeared—an old man in tattered clothes and a little girl.

  — Traveler, — the old man spoke. — You can help only one of us. I have no strength left to go on; I am old and ill. But she is an orphan who needs protection. Who will you choose?

  Ethan hesitated. The choice seemed simple, yet something told him it wasn’t so obvious.

  — Give me a minute, — he muttered.

  He studied the old man—wrinkled face, tired eyes, yet sharp and observant. Then the girl—her hands trembled, but her gaze was steady, full of hidden strength.

  Ethan took a deep breath.

  — I will help both of you.

  — That is impossible, — the old man replied.

  — It’s possible, — Ethan smirked. — I don’t have to choose if I can do more.

  He stepped toward the old man, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, then knelt beside the girl.

  — Hold on to me. Together, we’ll get to safety.

  As soon as he spoke, light engulfed the space, and the figures disappeared. Suddenly, his friends were back before him.

  — What happened? — Leonel asked.

  — I think I passed, — Ethan replied.

  The voice that had spoken before echoed once more:

  — You did not choose between sacrifice and salvation, but between limitation and possibility. You have passed.

  The stone arch dissolved, revealing the path ahead.

  — Alright, — Stan clapped Ethan on the shoulder. — Nice job. But if the trial had been about food, I would’ve won.

  Thus, the first trial was overcome, and the party continued their journey toward the Fracture.