Chapter 14: Claiming Rewards and Unexpected Encounters

Elias stood at the counter of the Trial's Gate, his hands resting on the cold stone. The air around him hummed with the residual power of the tower, and he could feel it lingering in his body, a reminder of the battle he had just faced. The gatekeeper behind the counter, a stoic man in dark robes, regarded him with a neutral expression as Elias approached.

"Claiming your rewards, are you?" the gatekeeper asked without emotion.

Elias nodded, his heart still heavy but his mind sharp. He had earned his rewards through blood and sweat. Aros, the Gatekeeper, was behind him now, and it was time to reap the benefits.

The gatekeeper's hands moved swiftly, pulling out a vial and a glowing insignia from beneath the counter. "Potion of Restoration, to heal your wounds and strengthen your body. And the Divine Mark, a sign of your victory. It will enhance your endurance and fortify you for what lies ahead."

Elias took the items, feeling the power within the potion even before he uncorked it. The potion was warm in his hand, and when he drank it, he could feel the familiar surge of energy flow through him, the aches from his previous battle fading away. The Divine Mark settled into his skin like a brand, glowing faintly beneath his clothing. A surge of vitality coursed through him, and he felt more prepared than ever.

"Keep moving forward, the gatekeeper said. "The Trials will not wait for you."

Elias left the counter and walked out of the gates, feeling the weight of his rewards settle within him. His path forward was clearer now, but the city was still a maze of confusion. The world outside the Trial felt foreign, and the grief of his loss still gnawed at his chest. But he had something more now-strength, power, and the will to continue.

As he moved through the crowded streets, he bumped into a group of adventurers, their armor gleaming and their faces hardened with experience. One of them, a tall woman with a scar running across her cheek, glared down at him.

"Watch where you're going," she growled, her voice low and dangerous.

Elias stood tall, his newfound strength coursing through him. He didn't back down, meeting her gaze with determination. "I'm sorry, but it was your fault for standing in my way."

The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his defiance. For a moment, Elias thought she might strike him, but then her eyes softened, and she let out a humorless laugh.

"You've got guts, kid, she said, stepping aside. "I'll give you that. You might want to be careful, though. Not everyone here is as forgiving."

Elias didn't respond, instead continuing down the street. His pulse quickened, but it wasn't from fear. It was from a growing confidence. He had learned how to fight in the Trial, and he wasn't afraid of a mere adventurer's glare anymore.

As Elias moved further into the city, his thoughts turned to the girl who had helped him when he first arrived. The memory of her face lingered in his mind-her quiet strength, her calm. demeanor, the way she seemed to understand his pain without words. He didn't know why, but something inside him told him that he needed to

find her.

It didn't take long before he spotted her-standing near a stall, looking over some goods. She wore simple, practical clothing, and her eyes scanned the crowd, as though she was always alert, always aware of her surroundings.

Elias hesitated for a moment before walking toward her.

"Hey," he said, his voice softer than usual. "You're the one who helped me in the city, right?"

She turned her head to look at him, her expression neutral. But there was something about the way she looked at him-like she was studying him, weighing his worth.

"Yes, I remember you," she said, her tone calm but laced with authority, "You're the one who got in trouble with the adventurers, right?"

Elias chuckled nervously. "That's... one way to put it."

She studied him for a moment longer before nodding, "I can tell you're different. You have more to you than most. But you're still young, and you have a lot to learn. This city is no place for someone like you to wander aimlessly."

Elias frowned but didn't respond. She was right, after all. He had no clear direction in this strange city, and that uncertainty made him feel vulnerable.

"My name's Althea," she continued, her voice steady. "I'm an adventurer. I have my own duties. I don't usually get involved with others, but... maybe I can help you. For now, at least."

Elias didn't know why, but he felt a sense of trust in her words. There was something about her presence that made him feel less alone in this unfamiliar world. He nodded. "I'm Elias. And I could use some help. I'm not really sure where to go next.

Althea gave him a brief smile, though it was faint and full of pride. "You'll learn quickly. But if you're serious about getting stronger, you'll have to be prepared to work hard. The gods don't give mercy to the weak, and you'll find that the challenges you'll face here aren't any easier."

Elias nodded, feeling the weight of her words. Althea wasn't someone who showed kindness easily. Her pride in her duty was evident, and she didn't offer help unless it was earned.

But that was what Elias needed. He didn't need anyone's pity-he needed strength. And he knew that in this city, with Althea's guidance, he might just find the answers he was looking for.