The Trial of Kings
The frozen peaks of the Drakenlord lands rose before them, jagged like the teeth of some ancient beast. The path leading to Frostbane Keep, their capital, was steep and treacherous, winding through caves, icy ravines, and towering cliffs.
The TCS monitored their journey.
[ Travel Progress: ]
Distance to Frostbane Keep: 80 km remaining
Terrain Difficulty: Severe
Weather Conditions: Heavy snowfall approaching
Hostile Activity: Unknown
Alex adjusted his cloak against the cold, his breath fogging in the icy air. "This place is a fortress in itself."
Aldric nodded. "The Drakenlords have survived here for centuries. Their warriors are hardened by the land itself."
Darius chuckled. "I like them already."
Elara scouted ahead, climbing a ridge effortlessly, scanning the path with hawk-like focus. "I don't see any more scouts, but that doesn't mean they aren't watching."
Finn, shivering beneath his robes, muttered, "If they're watching, why can't they at least invite us inside before we freeze to death?"
Alex smirked. "Because this is part of the test."
---
After two days of brutal travel, they finally reached Frostbane Keep.
The fortress was carved directly into the mountain, with massive stone walls reinforced with dark steel. Fires burned along the battlements, and hundreds of Drakenlord warriors stood watch, silent and unmoving.
The TCS scanned their surroundings.
[ Frostbane Keep Analysis: ]
Defensive Rating: Extreme
Military Strength: 25,000+ Warriors
Key Figures Detected: Drakenlord Chieftain (Unknown Strength)
Elara studied the massive steel gates. "They're not just a warrior kingdom. They're a fortress-state."
Darius let out a low whistle. "If they join us, Zorath will be unstoppable."
The gates groaned open, and a warrior clad in thick furs and dark plate armor stepped forward. His deep-set eyes scanned them like a predator analyzing prey.
"I am Warlord Garruk, second-in-command of the Drakenlords." His voice rumbled like thunder. "The chieftain is waiting."
Alex met his gaze without flinching. "Then take us to him."
---
Inside the Great Hall of Frostbane, the Drakenlord Chieftain sat upon a throne carved from the bones of defeated enemies.
He was massive, easily standing a head taller than Darius, his body scarred from countless battles. His frosted gray beard and piercing golden eyes gave him the presence of a war god.
Alex studied him carefully. The TCS identified him immediately.
[ Drakenlord Chieftain Identified: ]
Name: Wulfric the Undying
Age: 67 (But still battle-active)
Strength Level: Unknown (Extremely High)
Reputation: Has never lost a duel in 40 years
The chieftain's gaze swept over them before resting on Alex. "So. You are the one who dares to build an empire in the ashes of Varyndel."
Alex nodded. "Zorath is more than an empire. It's the future."
A deep laugh rumbled from Wulfric's chest. "Future, you say? Many have come to these lands, speaking of the future. None have survived."
Darius smirked. "That's because they weren't us."
The chieftain's eyes narrowed. "Bold words. But words are wind."
He stood, his presence towering over them. "If Zorath wishes to stand beside the Drakenlords, you must first prove your worth."
Alex expected this. "A duel?"
Wulfric smirked. "Not just a duel. A Trial of Kings."
---
The TCS immediately analyzed the term.
[ Drakenlord Ritual Detected: Trial of Kings ]
Test of Strength, Strategy, and Willpower
Tradition Dating Back 600 Years
Only Two Outcomes: Victory or Death
Elara's expression darkened. "That doesn't sound like an alliance negotiation. That sounds like a death match."
Aldric spoke grimly. "It is. If Alex fails, we all die."
Finn swallowed hard. "Wonderful."
Alex, however, remained calm. He locked eyes with Wulfric.
"I accept."
The chieftain's grin widened. "Good. Then let us see if Zorath is truly worthy of war."
The hall erupted in cheers, warriors slamming their weapons against their armor, eager for the coming spectacle.
Darius grinned. "This is going to be fun."
Alex exhaled slowly. This would be his hardest test yet.
---
The Great Hall of Frostbane Keep was now a roaring coliseum of warriors. The Drakenlords, hardened by war and battle, gathered in a massive circle around Alex and Wulfric the Undying.
Torches burned high, casting flickering shadows. The air smelled of blood, sweat, and ancient traditions. This was not just a duel—this was a rite of kings.
The TCS displayed battle data.
[ Trial of Kings Initiated ]
Opponent: Chieftain Wulfric the Undying
Rules: No outside interference, fight until one is unable to continue
Arena: Enclosed combat ring (Runes prevent magic interference)
Victory Condition: Opponent must acknowledge defeat or be incapacitated
Darius slapped Alex's back with a wide grin. "Well, no pressure."
Elara, arms crossed, watched Wulfric closely. "This isn't like fighting bandits or trained soldiers. Wulfric has been a warrior longer than we've been alive."
Finn's hands twitched nervously. "Can you even win this?"
Alex rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. "I don't need to win."
Aldric narrowed his eyes. "Then what's the plan?"
Alex's expression remained unreadable. "I just need him to respect me."
---
Wulfric removed his heavy cloak, revealing a body carved from war—every muscle hardened, every scar a mark of victory. He wielded a massive battle-axe, ancient runes etched into its blade.
"Come, King of Zorath," Wulfric said, his voice like rolling thunder. "Show me if you are worthy."
Alex gripped his Void-Infused Battle Axe, stepping forward into the arena's center. The crowd fell silent.
The chieftain lunged first.
His speed was monstrous for his size.
His axe came down like a meteor, aiming to end the fight in a single swing.
Alex dodged—barely.
The ground cracked where Wulfric's axe landed, sending a shockwave through the stone.
The crowd roared.
Elara muttered, "That would have killed him instantly."
Darius grinned. "Good. That means this will be interesting."
---
Alex didn't hesitate—he countered immediately.
He swung his axe low, aiming for Wulfric's legs.
The chieftain blocked effortlessly, shoving Alex back with raw force.
Alex barely kept his footing.
The TCS adjusted battle data.
[ Opponent Status: Wulfric the Undying ]
Strength: Overwhelming
Speed: Faster than expected
Stamina: Near-Infinite
Weakness: Unclear
Alex narrowed his eyes. Wulfric wasn't just a brute. He was a seasoned, calculating fighter.
Then the chieftain smirked.
"You're holding back," Wulfric said. "Fight like a king… or die like a coward."
Alex exhaled. Fine.
He charged.
---
The battle exploded in intensity.
Wulfric struck like a storm, each blow powerful enough to shatter bones.
Alex dodged, countered, and attacked in return.
The ring shook under their movements.
The crowd roared louder with every clash.
Darius watched with a grin. "That's more like it!"
Finn, however, saw the truth. "Wulfric's just testing him. He's not even going all out yet."
Elara nodded. "And Alex knows it."
Because Alex wasn't fighting to win.
He was fighting to prove something.
---
After minutes of relentless battle, Alex saw his opening.
Wulfric raised his axe for a finishing blow. Instead of dodging, Alex stepped forward.
He let Wulfric's strike land, catching it with his own axe.
The force sent Alex to his knees—but he didn't fall.
He locked eyes with Wulfric, refusing to break.
The TCS chimed.
[ Opponent's Respect Gauge Increasing. ]
For the first time, Wulfric hesitated. Then… he laughed.
"Good." He withdrew his axe. "You do not break."
The crowd fell silent. Then, in unison, they slammed their weapons against the floor—a warrior's salute.
Wulfric turned to his people. "This man is no pretender."
He stepped forward, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder.
"The Drakenlords will fight for Zorath."
---