Chapter 3: The First Steps on the trial grounds

The moment Emile stepped through the ancient stone archway alongside Jin, the familiar sounds of Oakhaven faded, replaced by an eerie silence. The Trial Grounds were a stark contrast to the bustling newbie town. The air hung heavy with a palpable sense of ancient power, and the ground beneath their feet was a smooth, grey stone that stretched out into a vast, circular arena. Towering walls of obsidian, etched with glowing runes that pulsed with a faint, inner light, enclosed the space, preventing any view of the outside world.

In the center of the arena, ten pedestals stood in a neat circle, each radiating a different colored aura. Above each pedestal, a shimmering symbol floated in the air. Emile recognized the first symbol from the system notification – a stylized depiction of swift movement.

He approached the first pedestal, his calm gaze taking in every detail. A holographic screen flickered to life above it, displaying the words: Trial of Agility: Prove your nimbleness and speed. Navigate the treacherous path to the summit.

"This is the one that got me," Jin muttered, pointing to the shimmering symbol of swift movement. "Looks easier than it is."

Without hesitation, Emile touched the pedestal. The grey stone floor beneath him began to shift and rise, forming a complex obstacle course of moving platforms, rotating beams, and swinging blades. The course stretched upwards, disappearing into the hazy air high above.

"Ready to give it another shot?" Emile asked Jin, his voice calm.

Jin grinned, a determined glint in his eyes. "You bet! This time, with your genius brainpower on my side, we'll ace it."

They both stepped onto the shifting platforms as the trial began. Emile observed the pattern of the moving platforms, his mind quickly calculating the optimal path and timing. He moved with a precise efficiency, leaping across a widening chasm, landing nimbly on a rotating platform just as it aligned.

"Whoa, you make that look easy!" Jin exclaimed, following Emile's lead but with slightly less grace. He stumbled slightly on a rotating beam but managed to regain his balance.

Emile continued his ascent, ducking under a whirring blade with barely an inch to spare. He anticipated the movements of the obstacles, his agility, though not his highest stat, proving sufficient when combined with his sharp intellect and perfect timing. He noticed several discarded attempts – broken platforms and scorch marks – remnants of those who had failed before him.

Jin, encouraged by Emile's progress, navigated the course with more confidence this time, remembering some of the pitfalls from his first attempt. They moved in tandem, Emile often pointing out the best path or the timing of a moving obstacle.

As they reached a particularly tricky section with rapidly moving platforms, Emile focused his intent. "Void Step," he commanded mentally, instantly teleporting to a stable platform just ahead, bypassing a precarious jump.

"Woah! What was that?" Jin exclaimed, nearly losing his footing as he watched Emile's sudden movement.

"A skill," Emile replied calmly. "Allows for short-range teleportation."

"Handy!" Jin chuckled. "Think you can teleport me up?"

Emile shook his head slightly. "Limited range, and I need line of sight. Focus on the timing; you're close."

Taking a deep breath, Jin timed his jump perfectly and landed on the next platform. Together, they continued their ascent, reaching the summit, a small, glowing platform high above, in a significantly faster time than Jin's previous attempt.

A chime resonated through the arena, and messages appeared before them:

[System]: Trial of Agility: Completed.

[System]: Trial of Agility (Jin): Completed.

[System]: Time (Void God): 00:01:37.

[System]: Time (Jin): 00:02:54.

[System]: Proceed to the next trial.

The platform beneath them descended smoothly, returning them to the arena floor. The second pedestal pulsed with a soft blue light, its symbol depicting an intricate knot.

"Alright, my turn to shine," Jin said, rubbing his hands together. "Bring on the brain teasers!"

Emile nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "Lead the way." They approached the second pedestal, ready for whatever the Trial of Intellect might hold.