The Man In The Chair

As Vael watched the natural doorways seal shut behind him, a sense of determination overrode any flicker of nervousness. His mind was singularly focused on moving forward, on navigating the trial that lay before him.

Continuing along the path, he soon arrived at another junction, this time with three possible directions: straight ahead, left, or right. Remembering the earlier instruction to "follow the elemental symbols," Vael scanned his surroundings for any clue or marker that might guide his decision. However, the paths offered no visible signs, leaving him at a loss.

"How am I supposed to choose correctly with no hints?" Vael murmured to himself, his voice tinged with frustration.

Realizing that a hasty decision might lead him astray, Vael decided to pause and reflect. He sat down, closed his eyes, and focused on tuning into his surroundings. If visual cues were absent, perhaps his other senses could discern the subtle differences between the paths.

As Vael sat, he heard various sounds from the forest and felt the cool air on his skin. He smelled the fresh scent of grass and trees. Suddenly, a strange feeling began to appear.

The mysterious sensation of warmth emanating from his right side guided Vael's decision. Trusting this newfound cue, he stood up and proceeded down the right passage, curious about the strange feeling that had led him there.

As he walked, Vael pondered the sensation, trying to understand its significance. The path ahead gradually narrowed, the forest closing in around him. Vines draped across the trail, hanging like curtains of green.

The path continued to constrict until Vael faced a dense wall of vines. With no other way forward, he reached out to push them aside. The instant his skin made contact, he felt the sharp bite of thorns. They were razor-sharp, slicing into his hands and arms, leaving stinging cuts in their wake.

Despite the pain, Vael realized this was part of the trial – a test of endurance and determination. He gritted his teeth and carefully continued to part the vines, each movement mindful of the thorns' piercing threat.

This obstacle, while physically challenging, also served as a metaphorical journey. It was a reminder that the path to achieving great power or fulfilling a significant destiny is often lined with difficulties and pain.

After navigating the treacherous path of thorny vines, Vael emerged with numerous cuts, his clothes tattered. Ahead of him stood a door. Considering the progress he had made, he didn't hesitate to open it and step through.

The room beyond the door was enveloped in pitch blackness. Vael found himself in complete darkness, unable to see or feel anything. Deprived of his sight and touch, he faced an apparently insurmountable challenge.

"I can't see anything," he muttered, a note of frustration in his voice. "I don't even know where to start."

Striving to maintain his composure, Vael took a deep breath. "I can't get too worked up. There has to be a way," he reassured himself.

Reflecting on his journey so far, he thought aloud, "When we first arrived, I could see the symbols. In the next path, I could feel the right way to go. But now, I can't rely on sight or feel. Maybe this trial is about using my other senses to find the right path."

With a deliberate effort, Vael closed his eyes, to sharpen his focus on his sense of hearing. Each step he took rustled leaves and brushed against grass underfoot, creating a subtle but distinct soundtrack to his movements. He allowed the gentle whispers of the wind to guide him, trusting his ears to lead the way.

As he ventured further, a faint crackling sound emerged, reminiscent of a fire gently burning in a fireplace. Intrigued, Vael followed the sound, which grew steadily louder with each step. Upon opening his eyes, he discovered a small, glowing orb hovering in the air amidst the engulfing darkness.

Just as he reached out to touch the orb, a swift noise, like something running, came from behind him. He spun around, but the impenetrable darkness veiled whatever stirred in the shadows. "Who's out there?" Vael called out, his voice echoing into the void, met only with silence.

Realizing once more the futility of relying on sight in this environment, Vael shut his eyes again. He refocused, tuning into the sounds around him.

Surrounded by the sound of elusive footsteps, Vael stood still, focusing intently. As the footsteps neared, he seized the moment and lunged towards the source, only to grasp at empty air. "How?" Vael exclaimed, perplexed. "I was sure I caught it."

Then, a voice resonated through the space, "Splendid, you actually managed to touch me. You are very impressive." As Vael opened his eyes, he found himself transported from the dark forest to an entirely different setting. He was in a stark, white room furnished with nothing more than a desk and a chair. Seated in the chair was a man with the distinct features of an Elysian.

"How did I get here?" Vael asked, his confusion evident. "Is this part of the trial?"

The man let out a light, amused giggle. "You could say that," he replied. Then, fixing his gaze on Vael, he asked a profound question, "Now tell me, young Elysian, why do you seek my power?"