The golden blade hovered in the air, its surface pulsing with an eerie, ancient glow. It was no ordinary weapon—it was a relic of power, one that had witnessed countless battles and carried the will of warriors long forgotten.
Aina, Tok Rimau, and Azriel exchanged glances. None of them spoke, but the tension was palpable.
"Only one may wield it." The Nameless King's voice was absolute.
Aina felt the weight of his words pressing down on her chest. She knew what this meant—this was more than just selecting a weapon. It was a test of destiny.
Tok Rimau, ever the seasoned warrior, sighed and took a step back. "This is not mine to claim," he said. "I've walked my path. My battle is fought with the strength of my own two hands."
Azriel, however, hesitated. His fingers twitched as if tempted to reach for the blade, but in the end, he exhaled sharply and shook his head. "I am a scholar first, a warrior second. Power such as this… it will not listen to me."
That left only Aina.
The blade seemed to hum as she took a cautious step forward. The moment her fingertips brushed against the hilt, a surge of heat coursed through her veins, like wildfire igniting her very soul.
Visions flashed before her eyes—warriors of old, standing against monstrous horrors, wielding this very blade. They fought not for glory, but for the survival of their people. Their strength was not in their weapons, but in their will.
Then, a voice—whispering yet powerful.
"You… are not ready."
Aina's eyes widened. The golden blade rejected her, slipping from her grasp and embedding itself into the stone floor. The air around them crackled, and the Nameless King let out a low, amused chuckle.
"Fascinating." His masked face tilted slightly. "You are the first in centuries to touch the blade… and still live."
Aina's fingers tingled from the contact. Her heart pounded.
"What does this mean?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
The Nameless King stepped closer, his golden mask reflecting her uncertain expression. "It means you still have a path to walk, battles to endure, and truths to uncover before it accepts you."
The flames in the chamber flickered, shifting to a deep crimson. The atmosphere changed. The trial was over.
But Aina knew—this was only the beginning.
The blade had chosen her, even if it wasn't ready to be wielded. And now, she had to prove herself worthy of it.