ch. 25 - Trial Period End.

Each remaining month of the trial period in the Inner Court was a relentless cycle of challenges, lessons, and self-discovery for Merlin. While his mind carried the vast reservoir of Myrddin's memories and knowledge, it quickly became apparent that knowing something in theory and executing it in practice were two very different things.

Every lesson Elder Fergus and the other instructors taught seemed to echo fragments of Myrddin's past experiences, but Merlin had to actively bridge the gap between his inherited understanding and his current abilities. His body, though enhanced through his cultivation, still needed to adapt to the rigorous demands of the techniques and strategies.

The lessons tested his reflexes, stamina, and mental clarity. Each day, his movements became sharper, his spells more precise, and his body more attuned to the Rolling Thunder technique's demands. From elemental control and multi-layered spell casting to complex sparring sessions that combined elemental mana with advanced movement techniques, every moment in the trial period was designed to push each student to their absolute limits.

Merlin often found himself reflecting on the process of uniting mind and body. The techniques he knew from Myrddin's memories were complex, layered, and powerful, but they required fine-tuned physical execution that his current self had yet to perfect. Time and again, his instructors corrected small flaws in his stances or the inefficiencies in his mana circulation, things Myrddin likely wouldn't have needed guidance on but that Merlin did.

This process reminded Merlin of an old saying Myrddin had once encountered: "The sword knows the shape of its wielder, but only through practice does it become an extension of their soul." Slowly, his body began to internalize what his mind already understood.

The second and third months saw more group battles and increasingly complex trial scenarios. Automaton sparring partners were upgraded with higher-level arrays, simulating the capabilities of real combatants. Natural hazards like enchanted stormfields and illusionary labyrinths were used to train adaptability. These tests pushed Merlin into a rhythm of continuous refinement.

By the fourth month, Merlin's skills had grown sharper, his ability to react instinctively to danger improving with every trial. His body moved in harmony with the Rolling Thunder technique, his mana surging powerfully yet smoothly. His combat techniques no longer felt like forced motions—they were fluid, deliberate, and devastatingly effective.

The instructors began to notice Merlin's progress, though they still underestimated him due to his relatively low cultivation circle. However, his consistency in outperforming expectations, particularly when paired with his tactical adaptability, began to turn heads among his peers and elders alike.

By the end of the trial period, Merlin learned a crucial truth: knowledge was not power until it was honed through effort and practice. The trial months weren't just about cultivating his body and mana—they were about aligning them with the immense potential that Myrddin's memories offered. And in doing so, Merlin was finally beginning to shape himself into the mage-warrior he was destined to become.

The week before the end of the last month of the trial, Merlin received an unexpected summons from Elder Korra herself. The summons was both an honor and a challenge; her peak was infamous for its harsh, nearly insurmountable climb. Elder Korra was one of the most enigmatic figures among the sect's leadership. Her Melanated skin and long, intricately adorned dreadlocks gave her a commanding presence. Standing just as tall as Merlin, her powerful build and piercing gaze made her seem like a mirror image of him in female form—though her youthful appearance belied her centuries of life and mastery.

Determined to prove himself, Merlin set out to scale Elder Korra's peak, using every skill and technique he'd honed over the past six months. The journey was grueling. The narrow paths were treacherous, with jagged rocks and mana-sapping winds that seemed to actively resist his ascent. Each step demanded physical endurance and mental focus.

Merlin relied on the Thunder Steps technique to leap across gaps and avoid crumbling ledges, carefully modulating his mana to conserve energy for the final stretch. His body refinement and Rolling Thunder cultivation technique proved invaluable as they helped him recover quickly after moments of exertion.

After hours of relentless effort, he finally reached the summit, his breathing heavy but his resolve intact. There, Elder Korra waited, seated cross-legged on a smooth stone slab. Her posture was relaxed, but her aura radiated authority and immense power.

As Merlin approached, she opened her eyes, the deep brown orbs seeming to see through him entirely. She gestured for him to sit before her, and he obeyed without hesitation.

"You've done well to make it here," she said, her voice smooth yet resonant, like the rumble of distant thunder. "But climbing a mountain is only the first step. Do you know why I summoned you?"

Merlin shook his head.

Elder Korra stood, her towering frame casting a shadow over him. "You've shown promise—more than most of the Inner Court ever do. But promise alone won't carry you to greatness. Show me the strength you've earned."

Without another word, she unleashed a wave of pure mana, its pressure forcing Merlin to his knees. His instincts flared, and he immediately activated his Lightning Vein Body Augmentation. His muscles surged with power, and he forced himself to stand against the overwhelming force.

"Good," Korra said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Now defend yourself."

What followed was a brutal, one-sided sparring session. Elder Korra didn't hold back, her attacks a combination of raw physical strength and refined elemental spells. She wielded lightning with unparalleled precision, her movements blending seamless footwork with devastating strikes.

Merlin gave it his all, using his Thunder Steps to evade and counterattack, combining them with his saber techniques. He even dared to use the Flashstep Lunge, though it was barely enough to graze her. Every exchange left him more battered, but his determination only grew stronger.

"You're holding back," she said mid-fight, her tone almost scolding. "If you can't fight me with everything you've got, you'll never survive what's to come."

With no other choice, Merlin pushed himself beyond his limits. He unleashed the full might of the Rolling Thunder technique, his mana pathways blazing with refined energy. The storm within him surged as he attacked with renewed vigor, forcing Elder Korra to acknowledge his effort with a nod of approval.

When the fight ended, Merlin was on the ground, utterly drained. Elder Korra stood over him, unscathed but visibly impressed.

"Good," she said, offering him her hand to help him up. "You're not there yet, but you've taken the right steps. Remember this, Merlin: strength isn't about how much power you have. It's about how much of yourself you're willing to give to rise above the challenge."

As he left the peak later that evening, battered but enlightened, Merlin couldn't help but feel that the climb and the sparring were more than just a test—they were a glimpse into the path he still had to walk. Elder Korra had shown him what it truly meant to seek greatness, and he vowed to rise to meet that challenge.