Chapter 5: A forged purpose

The Trial of Empathy transported Emile and Jin to a serene forest glade. A wounded spirit, in the form of a translucent, ethereal wolf, lay whimpering near a withered tree. Emile and Jin approached it cautiously. They could both sense its pain, its despair. Emile examined the wolf, noticing a deep, festering wound on its leg. Jin knelt beside the creature, a look of concern on his avatar's face.

"Poor thing," Jin murmured. "Looks like it's really hurting."

Emile had no healing skills, no magical abilities yet. Thinking quickly, he recalled a basic crafting recipe he had skimmed in the game's introductory guide – a simple poultice made from specific herbs found in forest environments. He scanned the glade, identifying the glowing flora that matched the description. Gathering the herbs, he mentally accessed the crafting interface and created the poultice.

As Emile began to apply the poultice to the wolf's wound, Jin reached out and gently stroked its ethereal fur. The wolf flinched slightly at first but then seemed to relax under Jin's touch.

"Easy there, fella," Jin said softly. "We're going to help you."

As the poultice was applied, the ethereal injury slowly began to heal, the wolf's whimpers subsiding into soft sighs. Emile could feel a sense of warmth emanating from the creature as the healing progressed. Jin continued to offer soothing words and gentle touches. As the wound closed completely, the wolf looked up at both Emile and Jin with gratitude in its glowing eyes before fading away.

[System]: Trial of Empathy (Void God): Completed. Compassion is a virtue. Proceed to the next trial.

[System]: Trial of Empathy (Jin): Completed. Understanding and kindness have been shown. Proceed to the next trial.

Emile felt a flicker of satisfaction. Four trials down, six to go. Jin looked genuinely pleased.

"We make a good team, Void God," Jin said with a smile. "Brains and… well, maybe not brawn in this case, but definitely heart."

They moved to the next pedestal, which pulsed with a fiery orange light, its symbol depicting a clenched fist. The screen read: Trial of Strength: Overcome the insurmountable. Prove your might.

As Emile touched this pedestal, the serene glade vanished, replaced by a rocky mountain pass. A colossal boulder blocked their path, easily twice their size.

Jin stared at the boulder, then at Emile. "Okay, I'm guessing Void Step isn't going to cut it here. Think we need to… push?"