CHAPTER 5: The First Challenge

As the dark figure emerged from the shadows, Ethan and his friends stood firm, ready to face whatever danger lay ahead. Suddenly, the figure revealed himself as Professor Snape, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity.

"Welcome, students, to your first challenge," he sneered. "You have entered this forest uninvited, and now you must pay the price. Each of you will face a test, tailored to your unique powers and abilities. Failure will result in... consequences."

Ethan's heart raced as he remembered his power - the Phoenix. He could be reborn from ashes, regenerate from injuries, and control fire.

Professor Snape snapped his fingers, and five separate paths appeared before them. "Choose your path, students. Your fate awaits."

Ethan chose his path, leading him to a fiery pit. "Ah, perfect," Professor Snape sneered. "The Phoenix, how fitting."

Liam's path led him to a mind maze, where he had to navigate through illusions and deceptions. "The Psionic, how intriguing."

Alexander's path took him to a telekinetic testing ground, where he had to move objects and manipulate his surroundings. "The Telekinetic, how... predictable."

Julian's path led him to an energy chamber, where he had to generate and project powerful energy blasts. "The Energy Projector, how... impressive."

Gabriel's path took him to a speed trial, where he had to run at incredible velocities and dodge obstacles. "The Speedster, how... swift."

Oliver's path led him to a lightning arena, where he had to summon lightning bolts and electrify objects. "The Lightning Bringer, how... electrifying."

Each of them faced their unique challenge, using their powers and abilities to overcome the obstacles. Ethan controlled the flames, Liam navigated the mind maze, Alexander moved objects with his mind, Julian generated powerful energy blasts, Gabriel outran the speed trial, and Oliver summoned lightning bolts.

As they emerged from their individual tests, Professor Snape nodded in approval. "Well done, students. You have passed the first challenge. But remember, the real tests are yet to come."

With that, the paths disappeared, and the boys found themselves back at the edge of the forest, the castle looming before them. They exchanged triumphant glances, knowing they had faced their fears and emerged stronger. Little did they know, their next challenge was just around the corner...