Chapter 28: Great tree (part 3)

As Sylas and Livia stepped through the fourth gate, they were immediately greeted by an unfamiliar yet breathtaking sight. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of earth and ancient magic, and towering above them, as far as the eye could see, was a forest of gigantic trees, each one seemingly older than the world itself. Far in the distance, they could see dragons soaring through the skies, their wings casting massive shadows as they flew across a sun-tinged sky. Below, goblins scurried between the trees, chattering and yelling in their strange, guttural language, completely unaware of Sylas and Livia's presence.

The world before them was teeming with life. Yet something felt wrong. A feeling gnawed at Sylas' gut. His instincts—those honed by years of survival—told him this place wasn't just a realm of beauty and tranquility. There was something darker underneath, hidden beneath the magnificent surface.

The Crown of the Fallen pulsed in Sylas' hand, its ancient power echoing through his very bones. It spoke again, its voice smooth but cryptic, as always.

"Seek the knowledge of the great tree."

Sylas blinked, processing the message. A great tree? Knowledge? What was this supposed to mean?

He glanced at Livia, who was already examining the surrounding area with her sharp eyes. "Great tree?" she echoed, sounding equally confused.

"Let's just see where it leads us." Sylas muttered, even though his mind was already processing possible meanings. Was this tree the center of power in this world? Was it a symbol of wisdom or something more profound?

They began their journey through the dense forest, the path illuminated by the occasional glint of sunlight that broke through the towering branches above. It didn't take long for them to find it.

The Great Tree was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Towering into the heavens, its bark shimmered with silver veins, and its roots stretched out across the landscape, sinking deep into the earth like ancient tendrils of power. The trunk of the tree alone seemed to touch the clouds, and its massive, sprawling branches reached out as though they were trying to grasp the very sky. The air around it hummed with an energy that seemed to pulse from the tree itself, and even from a distance, it was clear that this place was the heart of the world—alive with magic and wisdom.

Sylas felt an overwhelming presence emanating from the tree, a sensation that was almost tangible. The closer they got, the stronger it became, like the very tree was watching them, judging them.

Livia was the first to break the silence. "This feels… too easy."

Sylas glanced at her, his expression wary. "You think someone's waiting for us?"

Before Livia could respond, a low growl sounded from somewhere beyond the tree. Heavy footsteps echoed through the ground, and Sylas tensed, his grip on the crown tightening. Livia instinctively reached for her sword, her body bracing for a fight.

From the shadows, a large figure emerged. The creature was huge, standing at least eight feet tall, with skin the color of scorched earth. It had horns that curved backward from its forehead, and its red eyes glowed with a fierce, violent intensity. The being wore armor that seemed forged from the very bones of fallen creatures, and its muscular form was a testament to its strength.

"I am Uhtem, guardian of the Great Tree." The demon's voice was thunderous, and his words were heavy with authority. His eyes never left Sylas and Livia as he stepped forward, the ground shaking slightly beneath his feet. "I was tasked with ensuring that only those worthy approach the tree."

Sylas raised an eyebrow. This was unexpected. It wasn't often he encountered a guardian with such a gravitational pull, and it was clear from Uhtem's stature that this was no ordinary challenge. A guardian of the Great Tree, he must have been imbued with its power.

Without warning, the demon swung his massive club at them. The attack was swift, but Sylas was faster. With a quick, fluid movement, Sylas dodged, allowing the club to crash into the ground where he had been standing a moment before. Uhtem roared, swinging again, this time with an even greater force.

Livia moved to intercept the blow, her sword slicing through the air. But before the strike could land, Sylas stepped forward, his hand lifting in a smooth motion. With an almost effortless kick, he propelled himself towards Uhtem's chest, pushing him back.

The demon staggered, and with a grunt of surprise, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Livia blinked. "That was… quick."

Sylas exhaled, watching the massive form of Uhtem slump to the ground. "It was almost too easy." His voice was thoughtful, and his eyes flickered toward the towering tree. "But why did he fall so easily?"

As they approached the Great Tree, Sylas couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His thoughts were interrupted when, from the distance, he caught a glimpse of something—or someone—standing among the trees. The figure was silhouetted against the distant sun, just visible enough for Sylas to recognize the shape.

The Demon King of Salvation.

Sylas narrowed his eyes. It couldn't be a coincidence that the Demon King of Salvation had appeared here, in the middle of this trial.

Livia noticed Sylas' gaze and followed it. "Do you know him?"

Sylas's grip on the crown tightened again. He couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a coincidence. Everything was connected. This trial, the demon, the tree… and the Demon King.

"We need to be careful," Sylas muttered. "This isn't just some test—it's a message. A warning."

The crown pulsed lightly in his hand, and the trees seemed to whisper around them, as if the very world itself was alive with secrets. The trial had only just begun, but Sylas could already feel the weight of its consequences.

As Sylas and Livia cautiously approached the fallen Uhtem, their footsteps barely audible on the soft earth beneath them, something unexpected happened. The massive demon's body stirred. A low growl rumbled from deep within his chest, and his eyes—those blazing red orbs—snapped open, burning with an intensity that sent a surge of adrenaline through Sylas' veins.

"So, this is how it is, huh?" Uhtem muttered under his breath as he slowly began to rise, his body groaning with the weight of his massive frame. "I must admit, I'm impressed. You defeated me with ease."

Livia stepped back, a defensive stance ready, her sword gleaming in the fading light. Sylas, still gripping the Crown of the Fallen, watched warily, his fingers twitching in anticipation. There was no way the fight was over—Uhtem was getting back up far too easily for that.

With an almost casual motion, Uhtem stood tall again, his armor creaking as he stretched his arms, cracking his neck with a loud pop.

"Now, enough of this nonsense!" he bellowed, his voice booming through the forest, shaking the leaves and causing the ground beneath them to tremble. "You may have bested me, but I am Uhtem! The Guardian of the Great Tree! And no mortal or demon alive—" His voice rose, thundering through the forest like a tempest, "—is worthy to approach the sacred tree without paying the price!"

Uhtem's growl grew louder as he raised his fist to the sky, summoning a blackened storm that seemed to swirl around him, dark clouds crackling with energy. He spun on his heel, pointing dramatically toward Sylas and Livia as if he were addressing an audience of thousands.

"I am the one who protects this ancient source of knowledge, of power, of life and death itself!" Uhtem continued, his voice escalating with each word, as though he were building up to some grand, inevitable finale. "The Great Tree is not just a tree—it is a living force, an immortal entity! It was birthed by the gods, by "Them", the elder ones, to guard the balance of this world!" He spun dramatically again, gesturing to the vast expanse around them. "And I—" he paused for effect, raising his hand to his chest, "I was chosen, I was called to protect it!"

Livia blinked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. Sylas couldn't help but chuckle darkly under his breath. A speech? Was this really the guardian's strategy to defeat them?

"What's he going on about?" Livia whispered, clearly baffled.

But Sylas only watched in silence, his gaze flickering back to Uhtem. The demon's speech was more than just a pre-battle monologue. It was a proclamation of his pride, his authority, and his unwavering conviction. And perhaps, in that moment, it was a sign of something more—a reveal of the true nature of this trial.

Uhtem, oblivious to the bemused expressions of his challengers, continued, each word shaking the very earth beneath their feet.

"And no one—" he thundered, "No one! Shall walk unchallenged into the presence of the Great Tree without facing the trials of my judgment! You think you can just stroll in and claim its knowledge, its power?! I will show you what true strength means!"

The winds began to howl, and the air grew thick with energy as Uhtem raised both hands to the sky, the ground beneath them beginning to crack and split. He was preparing for something monumental. Sylas instinctively gripped the Crown of the Fallen, feeling the surge of power coursing through him. Livia steadied herself, eyes locked onto the massive demon.

"Enough talk, Uhtem!" Sylas barked, his voice cutting through the rising storm like a blade. "You're not going to stop us with speeches! If you want a battle, we're ready!"

The moment Sylas spoke, Uhtem's eyes narrowed into glowing slits. For a brief moment, there was silence, an eerie stillness that made even the dragons in the sky seem distant. And then, the storm erupted.

Uhtem roared, an earth-shaking cry that sent a shockwave rippling through the entire clearing. He slammed his fists into the ground, causing the earth to quiver and crack. From the ruptured soil, massive stone pillars shot up like jagged spears, rising high into the sky. With a roar that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth, Uhtem summoned his power, his body glowing with an infernal energy.

The ground beneath Sylas and Livia's feet trembled violently, and Sylas had to dig his heels into the earth to keep his balance. He wasn't about to let the guardian have the upper hand, no matter how impressive his theatrics were. He raised his hand, and the Crown of the Fallen began to pulse. Dark energy surged through him, his necromantic powers flaring up.

With a swift motion, Sylas raised the dead soldiers from the battlefield around them, the bones and corpses of fallen creatures rising to his command. The dead soldiers marched toward Uhtem, forming a line of skeletons and armored warriors that advanced slowly but surely.

Uhtem sneered as the army of the dead surged forward. "Pathetic!" he bellowed, lifting his hand to the heavens. Crackling lightning struck from above, but the summoned skeletons simply crumbled under the strike. Uhtem's eyes flashed with pride, but Sylas wasn't finished yet.

"Let's see how you handle this!" Sylas grinned, focusing his energy.

With a sharp motion, Sylas commanded the dead soldiers to shift, raising their skeletal hands to the sky. Dark magic surged from their bones, creating an aura of shadowy death that pooled around them like a dark cloud.

Uhtem paused, eyeing the shadowy soldiers warily. "Impressive, mortal. But your power is still nothing compared to mine!" he roared, summoning a flaming sword from thin air.

Sylas was about to command the skeletons to charge when a sudden rumble echoed through the air. The entire ground cracked open, and Uhtem's form began to glow even brighter as his body started to transform.

"Now, face the true power of the Great Tree's guardian!"

With an explosive shockwave, Uhtem's size seemed to increase exponentially. His body swelled with fiery energy, his massive form growing until it towered over both Sylas and Livia. Flames poured from his eyes, and his voice became a low, guttural growl.

This was it—the battle was no longer just a test of strength but a battle of wills. Sylas steeled himself, knowing that the true challenge was about to begin.

The battle between Sylas and Uhtem escalated with terrifying speed. Uhtem, his form now towering and imbued with the full wrath of the Great Tree, roared to the heavens, his eyes blazing with divine fury. Flames crackled around him, twisting like serpents, and the very air seemed to distort under his immense power. His aura pulsated, a force of nature that felt as though it could tear apart the world itself.

"I AM UHTEM! THE GUARDIAN OF THE GREAT TREE!" he shouted, his voice deafening, like thunder splitting the sky. His chest heaved with pride as his aura grew even stronger, the power he wielded now closer to that of a primal force. "YOU WILL KNOW MY TRUE STRENGTH, MORTALS! I AM THE LAST DEFENSE AGAINST THE IMPURITY OF THIS WORLD!"

Sylas watched in awe and a bit of fear as Uhtem raised both arms toward the heavens. The sky above them began to twist and churn, and with a violent crack of energy, a massive spear of pure light materialized from the heavens. It shone so brightly that it seemed to tear through the very fabric of reality itself, vibrating with an intensity that made the ground quake beneath Sylas' feet.

The spear gleamed with a speed so unimaginable that Sylas could barely react. Before he could even brace himself, Uhtem hurled the spear with a roar of determination.

"FEEL THE WRATH OF THE GREAT TREE!" Uhtem bellowed, his voice booming as the spear shot toward Sylas with a blinding flash of light.

Sylas barely had time to react. His eyes widened in shock as the spear's speed outstripped his ability to think. He instinctively threw himself to the side, rolling just in time for the spear to pass through the space he'd occupied, the force of its passage distorting the air. The spear flew straight toward the distant mountains, and in an instant, it collided with the jagged peaks with a deafening crash.

The impact was nothing short of catastrophic. A massive explosion rocked the ground, sending debris flying in all directions. A shockwave of force ripped through the landscape, flattening trees and shattering rocks. The mountain, once towering and majestic, was nearly obliterated, its peaks crumbling and falling apart under the sheer power of the strike. The very earth beneath Sylas trembled as if the world was reeling from the attack.

Sylas rolled to his feet, eyes narrowed. That spear… it was almost faster than thought itself, he realized. He had barely managed to escape it by the thinnest of margins. Dodging was the only option now. If he tried to counterattack head-on, he'd be obliterated in a single strike.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE MY WRATH?" Uhtem roared, his voice now a booming crescendo of rage. "YOU ARE BUT MORTALS! NOTHING MORE THAN DUST IN THE WIND! AND YET YOU CHALLENGE ME—THE GREAT GUARDIAN OF THE SACRED TREE!"

As Uhtem spoke, his body rippled with power, fire curling around him like a living thing. His voice was like a hurricane, loud and unrelenting.

"KNOW THIS—" he shouted, slamming a fist into the earth with such force that the ground shuddered. "I WILL NEVER BACK DOWN! I WILL NEVER ALLOW THE TREE TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF IMPURE BEINGS! I AM THE FINAL BARRIER AGAINST THE DESTRUCTION OF THIS WORLD!"

His words echoed through the air, each syllable a declaration of war. It was clear now that Uhtem was not just a mere guardian; he was a warrior of unswerving honor, a being of conviction who believed in his sacred duty with every fiber of his being. His pride wasn't just about power—it was about his role in the world, his purpose to protect something ancient and vital.

But Sylas, despite the overwhelming intensity of Uhtem's words and power, wasn't backing down either. His fingers tightened around the Crown of the Fallen, feeling its power surge through him like a current, ready to be unleashed.

"I WILL NOT BE DENIED!" Uhtem bellowed once more, raising a massive fist high into the air. The sky seemed to darken further as a storm of raw energy coalesced above him, swirling and churning.

Sylas's heart raced as Uhtem smashed his fist into the earth. From the impact, a huge wave of flame erupted from the ground, expanding outward in a circle of destruction. Sylas, using every ounce of his agility, darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the burning inferno that swept through the area. His robes caught fire for a moment, but he quickly extinguished them with a wave of his hand, focusing his energy on evasion rather than offense.

"You're impressive, Uhtem, but you're going to have to do better than that!" Sylas called out, his voice taunting, though a flicker of unease passed through him. Uhtem was far stronger than he had anticipated.

"DO YOU THINK YOU CAN INSULT ME?!" Uhtem's eyes blazed with fury as he gathered more energy. The ground shook again as thunder cracked overhead, and Uhtem's form grew brighter, more intense. Flames erupted from his body, swirling around him like a storm of fire.

"I am Uhtem, the Guardian of the Great Tree!" he roared, throwing his head back as his power reached its zenith. "And you shall face the consequences of your defiance!"

Sylas knew he couldn't keep dodging forever. His strength was growing, thanks to the crown, but Uhtem's might was like nothing he had ever encountered. He could feel the heat of the battle in his very bones, the pressure building with every passing second. Livia, watching from the sidelines, stood poised with her sword, ready to assist if needed, but Sylas knew the bulk of this fight was his to handle.

With a sharp inhale, Sylas steeled his resolve. It was time to end this.

"Enough games, Uhtem!" Sylas shouted, his voice cutting through the storm as he focused all of his necromantic power into his hand. The air around him darkened as the Crown of the Fallen glowed with a terrible light.

In an instant, Sylas raised his hand, summoning the dead soldiers around them, and they surged forward with unrelenting force, their skeletal bodies moving with precision and speed. They were his weapons—his army—and he would use them to tip the scales in his favor.

Uhtem's eyes widened as he saw the wave of undead soldiers rushing toward him, their eerie glow and jagged weapons ready for battle. Despite his fiery rage and immense power, Uhtem now realized that Sylas was not merely a mortal—he was a force to be reckoned with, a being who commanded life and death with a single thought.

"You will not win this day!" Uhtem shouted, his voice shaking the very air, but Sylas only smiled grimly as the final confrontation began.

The battle between Sylas and Uhtem had reached a critical point. Sylas, despite the immense power granted to him by the Crown of the Fallen, was starting to feel the weight of his limitations. The fiery guardian, Uhtem, was not just an opponent to defeat; he was a force of nature, an embodiment of strife and battle, honed by centuries of duty and devotion to the Great Tree. Sylas had tried everything—summoning the dead, boosting his own speed, and even attacking from every angle—but Uhtem had effortlessly countered every move, each strike more devastating than the last.

As Sylas unleashed another barrage of attacks, Uhtem summoned a dark, swirling black hole, a manifestation of his absolute power. The gravitational pull was unlike anything Sylas had ever felt. The soldiers he had raised, his loyal undead army, were sucked into the abyss, their forms torn apart by the crushing force. The black hole seemed to consume not only the soldiers but also the very light itself, pulling everything into its depths. Sylas could feel the ominous pull of the singularity, threatening to drag him in as well. He staggered back, struggling against its force, but then noticed Livia at his side, ready to assist.

Livia, ever resourceful, had a plan of her own. From her belt, she pulled a small device—a nuclear bomb, capable of wiping out an entire kingdom with a single blast. She held it aloft, activating the device with the intent of using it to create an explosion so immense that even Uhtem, with all his power, would be caught off guard. The countdown began.

"Let's see if you can stop this, Uhtem!" Livia shouted, a fierce grin on her face as she threw the bomb into the air. The countdown was nearing its final seconds, and she was confident that this would be the blow that would defeat Uhtem.

But Uhtem, as ever, was faster than they could perceive. His eyes, glowing with divine intensity, focused on the bomb with terrifying precision. Before Livia could even blink, Uhtem was already in motion. He reached out, his hand moving in a blur, and with a single gesture, erased the bomb from existence. It disappeared, not even a trace left behind. The sheer speed of his action left Sylas and Livia momentarily stunned.

"You really think I would allow such a weapon to harm the Great Tree?" Uhtem's voice thundered, full of righteous fury. His form expanded further, and he summoned a massive greatsword. The blade was forged from pure energy, crackling with the power of the tree itself. Uhtem raised the sword, his muscles rippling with strength as he prepared to strike down his enemies once and for all.

But Sylas, knowing that they were completely outmatched, exchanged a quick glance with Livia. It was clear—the fight was no longer about victory. Uhtem was invincible. There was no way they could continue battling him without being obliterated.

In a moment of clarity, Sylas lowered his weapon and motioned to Livia. They had no choice but to surrender. Livia, though reluctant at first, understood the gravity of the situation and nodded in agreement. They could either die fighting or submit and complete the trial.

"We surrender!" Sylas shouted, his voice loud enough to carry over the chaos of the battlefield.

Uhtem's posture didn't change at first. He stood there, sword raised, as if waiting for any sign of further defiance. But after a few long moments, he slowly lowered his blade, his expression softening just a fraction. There was a moment of silence before Uhtem spoke, his voice now calm but still imbued with authority.

"You have chosen wisely, mortal." Uhtem said. "You understand now that this is not about strength alone. This is a trial of the spirit. Those who face the Great Tree must have more than power. They must have the wisdom to recognize when to fight, and when to yield."

Sylas, still breathless from the battle, exchanged a look with Livia. Neither of them fully understood what Uhtem meant, but it was clear that their surrender was part of the trial itself. It wasn't a weakness—it was a test of character. They had passed, and Uhtem, in his own way, seemed to respect that.

"You have completed the fourth trial, then." Uhtem said. "The Great Tree has spoken. You may now enter the fifth and final trial."

Sylas frowned, a sense of unease settling over him. The fifth trial—what would it entail? But before he could ask, Uhtem continued.

"I am Uhtem. Or rather, that is the name I go by in this form." Uhtem's words were cryptic, almost as if he were contemplating something profound. "But you will not learn my true name. Not yet. That knowledge is reserved for those who complete their journey. Know this—I serve the Great Tree, and my role is to challenge those who come seeking its knowledge. The tree has foretold that if you surrender, you pass the trial. If you continue to fight without recognizing the truth, you fail. You have chosen wisely. Now, move forward.**

With that, Uhtem raised a hand and ripped open a portal in the air. The swirling energy of the gate shimmered before them, the faintest hint of light spilling through the cracks. This wasn't just any portal—it felt like the doorway to a completely different realm, something far beyond their comprehension.

Sylas and Livia exchanged one final glance, both of them weary but resolute. There was no turning back now. They had made it this far—they had to face the fifth trial.

With a deep breath, Sylas stepped forward, leading the way as he entered the gate, Livia following closely behind. As they passed through, they felt a wave of pressure wash over them, as though the very fabric of the world around them was changing.

"Good luck, Sylas, Livia." Uhtem's voice echoed one last time from behind them, carrying with it a sense of finality. "The fifth trial awaits."

And with that, they entered the fifth and final trial. What lay beyond, they could not know, but they were ready to face whatever came next.