Chapter13: Trials of Strength and Bonds of Fate

The streets of Eldoria, the capital of the new kingdom, bustled with life as Reo, Lucia, and Celestia made their way toward the Adventurer's Guild. The towering guildhall stood at the heart of the city, a grand structure filled with warriors, mages, and rogues of all kinds.

Reo had always wanted to visit this kingdom. His parents had once been adventurers here, and now he was finally stepping into the same guild they once belonged to.

But today wasn't just a simple visit.

Today, Reo would prove himself.

The Guild Entrance Exam Begins

Inside the guild, a massive tournament-style competition was being held for newcomers who wished to join. Each participant had to battle their way through other challengers and impress the examiners.

"Reo, are you sure you want to hold back?" Celestia whispered in his ear.

He smirked. "Of course. No point in showing my full power yet."

Lucia, standing beside him, tightened her gloves. "I'm going all out. No way I'm losing."

The announcer called Reo's name. He stepped into the massive arena-like training ground, where dozens of adventurers watched from the sides.

His first opponent was a tall, armored warrior wielding a greatsword.

"You're just a kid," the warrior scoffed. "This'll be over quick."

Reo only smiled.

The fight began.

The warrior charged forward, swinging his massive sword. But Reo, moving faster than the eye could track, sidestepped effortlessly. The sword crashed into the ground, creating a small crater.

Before the warrior could react, Reo raised a single finger—and unleashed a small burst of wind magic, sending the man flying backward.

BOOM!

The crowd gasped as the warrior landed, unable to move.

The fight was over in seconds.

The examiner stared at Reo, shocked. "That level of control… what kind of monster is this kid?"

Lucia also won her match in spectacular fashion, using her enhanced agility and close-combat skills to dominate her opponent.

As the matches continued, it became clear that Reo and Lucia were on another level compared to the rest of the applicants.

A New Challenger Appears

Just as Reo thought the competition was over, a mysterious figure stepped forward. A masked swordsman with a black cloak and an aura that sent chills down Reo's spine.

"I'd like to challenge the strongest fighter here," the man said, his golden eyes locking onto Reo.

Reo grinned. "You're looking at him."

The crowd fell silent.

The final match was about to begin.

The Ultimate Duel: Reo vs. The Masked Swordsman

The two fighters stepped onto the battlefield.

The moment the referee signaled the fight, the masked swordsman vanished.

Reo's eyes widened. Speed equal to mine?

A split second later, a blade was at his throat.

Reo barely dodged, the tip of the sword grazing his cheek. He countered instantly, summoning a short sword from his inventory. Their weapons clashed, creating a shockwave that sent dust flying.

The swordsman's attacks were precise and lethal, forcing Reo on the defensive for the first time in years.

This guy is strong.

But Reo was stronger.

With a flick of his wrist, he channeled mana into his sword, causing it to glow with black and red energy.

The masked man's eyes widened. "Tch. So you were holding back."

"Of course," Reo smirked. "It wouldn't be fun otherwise."

CLASH!

Reo unleashed a rapid combo, forcing his opponent back. The swordsman barely managed to block before Reo vanished and appeared behind him—slamming a mana-infused punch into his back.

BOOM!

The masked swordsman collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily.

"...You win," he admitted.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Reo extended a hand. "You're strong. Who are you?"

The man hesitated before pulling off his mask, revealing a young man with sharp features and silver hair.

"My name is Zain. And this isn't the last time we'll fight."

Reo smirked. "I look forward to it."

Summoning the Goddess in Human Form

After the competition, Reo, Lucia, and Celestia checked into an inn.

That night, as they sat in their room, Celestia suddenly spoke:

"Reo, it's time."

He blinked. "Time for what?"

Celestia smiled mischievously. "For you to summon me. Completely."

A golden glow surrounded her body. Her divine form began to change—her flowing dress tightening into a more human-like outfit, her divine aura compressing into mortal form.

Lucia watched, wide-eyed. "S-She's… turning into a human?"

A bright light filled the room, and when it faded, Celestia stood before them—not as a goddess, but as a flesh-and-blood woman.

She stretched, her new body adjusting to mortal limitations. Then, she turned to Reo with a teasing smile.

"Now I can fully be with you."

Lucia turned bright red. "W-Wait, does this mean—"

Celestia giggled. "Yes, my dear Lucia. I'm now fully a part of this world. And… I'm Reo's wife."

Reo choked on air. "W-WHAT?!"

Lucia pouted. "H-Hey! I was here first!"

Celestia only smirked, stepping closer to Reo. "Well, now I'm here too. You'll just have to accept both of us."

Lucia's face burned red. "I-I'm not losing!"

The tension in the room shifted, and before Reo could protest, both girls leaned in toward him.

His adventure in Eldoria had only just begun…

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