The Trial of the Blade

Aina's hands trembled as the flames flickered around her kerambit. The fire was unlike anything she had ever felt—warm yet weightless, powerful yet untamed. It pulsed in sync with her heartbeat, as if it was alive.

Tok Rimau crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "You feel it now, don't you? The will of the weapon."

Aina swallowed hard. "It's… overwhelming."

"The flames won't harm you," Azriel added, his eyes scanning the glow of her blade. "It's responding to your spirit. This is proof that you were meant to wield it."

The Nameless King remained silent, watching with unreadable eyes. Then, he raised a hand and pointed at the golden blade still embedded in the stone. "Your trial is not yet over."

Aina followed his gaze, her chest tightening. The golden blade—the true relic—stood untouched. Even after everything, she had yet to prove herself worthy.

Tok Rimau gave her a firm pat on the back. "No time to hesitate. Go."

Steeling herself, Aina approached the relic. The closer she got, the heavier the air became. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a force of nature, an entity beyond mortal comprehension.

She reached out, fingers brushing against the hilt—

A blinding light erupted from the blade.

Pain shot through her body.

She was no longer in the chamber.

She was standing in an endless void, surrounded by golden embers.

A voice echoed around her. Deep. Ancient. Unforgiving.

"Who dares to claim me?"

Aina's breath hitched. "I am Aina Batrisya—"

"A name is meaningless."

The voice rumbled, shaking the very air.

"Strength. Will. Resolve. Show me, or perish."

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the light.

A warrior. Cloaked in flowing robes of gold, his face hidden beneath a burning mask. In his grip was a blade of pure fire—the same weapon she sought to claim.

And he attacked without warning.

Aina barely managed to dodge as the fiery sword sliced through the air, leaving trails of golden embers. The sheer heat forced her back, her heart pounding wildly.

This wasn't just a test.

This was a fight for survival.

Gritting her teeth, she charged forward.

The trial had begun.