The First Trial

The forest gave way to a rocky path, and the once dense trees parted to reveal a vast, open expanse. The air felt charged, as if something monumental was about to unfold. Alexander's feet crunched against the gravel, his thoughts racing as he followed the strange man. The warning about the rebels still echoed in his mind. What did they want? And what role would they play in his survival?

"How long until we reach the Arena?" Alexander asked, his voice cutting through the growing silence.

The man ahead of him, still cloaked in dark robes, didn't respond at first. He seemed lost in thought, his steps steady and measured. It was only after a long pause that he finally spoke, his voice low and thoughtful.

"It's not the Arena you need to worry about," he said. "It's the trials. The Arena is the final stage. But before you get there, you'll have to face what the system has set for you."

Alexander frowned. "What kind of trials?"

The man turned to face him, his dark eyes reflecting an unsettling mix of experience and bitterness. "The trials aren't like anything you've faced before. They're not about brute strength. They're about your mind. Your will. And how much you're willing to sacrifice."

Alexander felt a cold shiver run down his spine. His fists clenched instinctively. "Sacrifice?"

The man gave a grim nod. "In this world, nothing comes for free. You'll face decisions that will test more than your ability to fight. You'll be tested on what you hold dear, and what you're willing to lose."

Before Alexander could ask more, the man's eyes narrowed. "It's starting."

Ahead of them, the ground trembled. A low hum filled the air, like the world itself was vibrating with energy. Then, the earth split open with a thunderous crack. From the chasm emerged a swirling vortex of light and shadow, twisting like a portal.

The man took a step back, raising a hand to caution Alexander. "This is it. The first trial."

Alexander's heart raced as he took a step forward, his mind swirling with questions. "What do I do?"

"Step through," the man said simply. "The system will guide you. But beware—it doesn't play fair."

Without waiting for a response, the man turned and walked toward the vortex. Alexander hesitated for only a moment before following him. The portal felt cold, like it was pulling at his very soul, but he didn't have time to doubt. This was it. The first trial was before him.

As Alexander stepped through the portal, everything around him blurred, shifting from one moment to the next. The familiar landscape of the forest faded away, replaced by a blinding light. When it cleared, he found himself standing in an entirely new place.

The air was thick with heat, the sun overhead an intense, burning orange. The ground beneath him was cracked and dry, with jagged rocks jutting out at odd angles. The sky was blood-red, and in the distance, he could see massive structures rising out of the earth, like ancient ruins half-swallowed by time.

"This… doesn't look like the Arena," Alexander muttered, looking around in disbelief.

The man stood beside him, his expression as unreadable as ever. "This isn't the Arena. This is the first trial. And it's different for every person who enters."

Suddenly, the system's voice rang out, filling the air with its mechanical tone.

Trial 1: Survival of the Fittest

• Objective: Survive for 72 hours.

• Failure to complete this trial will result in death.

• Warning: The environment is hostile. Beware of the creatures within.

The words echoed in Alexander's mind, and a surge of anxiety rose in his chest. He glanced around, his instincts screaming at him to find shelter, but the landscape offered little protection. His armor, though sturdy, would provide little defense against the harsh environment.

"You'll need to find shelter," the man said, his voice soft but urgent. "The creatures here are fast and deadly. They won't give you a second chance."

"How do you know all this?" Alexander asked, his eyes narrowing. "Have you been through the trials yourself?"

The man didn't answer immediately. He simply gestured toward the horizon, where dark figures moved in the distance—strange, silhouette-like shapes that skittered across the cracked earth with disturbing speed.

"I've seen enough," the man said, his voice cold. "Now it's your turn."

The system chimed again, this time providing more detailed instructions.

Hint: Use the environment.

• Resource: Cactus-like plants contain water, but their thorns are poisonous. Handle with care.

• Hint: Look for caves. The creatures avoid them.

Alexander's mind raced as he absorbed the information. Cactus-like plants. Thorns. Poison. Creatures. Caves. The survival instincts from his old world kicked in—this was no longer about fighting the largest beast or earning glory. It was about surviving the elements.

Turning toward the distant ruins, Alexander began his trek, staying low and keeping his movements calculated. His mind was already working through the plan. He needed water first. Then, shelter. After that, he could think about defending himself from whatever creatures roamed this hellish place.

As he approached a cluster of cactus-like plants, he spotted their thick, spiny needles glistening in the harsh light. The system's warning about the poison was clear. Carefully, he selected a plant that seemed to have the least amount of thorns, using the sharp edge of his sword to slice through the tough exterior. The plant's insides were surprisingly moist, but the juice was thick and sticky, and he had to be careful not to touch the thorns.

After drinking cautiously, he felt a slight relief, but he knew this was only a temporary solution. He still needed shelter.

In the distance, the ruined structures seemed to offer the only real option for safety. He moved quickly, keeping an eye on the shifting shadows. As he neared the ruins, a loud screech echoed through the air, followed by the rapid skittering of something moving toward him. His heart pounded. The creatures were close.