Chapter 10: Trials of Fire and Flustered Hearts
The air was thick with tension, though the sun shone brightly above the dense canopy. Birds chirped in the distance, but no one paid them any mind. The newly reunited group of eight—now with Kairo back among the Seven—had barely recovered from the surprise of his sudden arrival. Elara's mind buzzed with questions, but her lips remained sealed.
Kairo sat casually on a boulder, chewing on a piece of herb-drenched bread Elara had prepared.
"You still cook like the temple monks," he commented with a smile. "It reminds me of the offerings we used to eat during festival days."
Elara blinked. "You knew my mother?"
Kairo raised an eyebrow, but didn't answer. Instead, he looked to the others. "So, we're heading to Varethos, huh? Then I assume none of you can access your full powers yet?"
The warriors exchanged glances. Kane's jaw tightened. "They've been sealed. We don't know how."
Kairo leaned forward. "I do. The seal placed on us 7,000 years ago was designed to suppress divine energy until the Ice Witch awakened us. But it's not instantaneous. It takes time. Trials."
"Trials?" Varek groaned. "Like puzzles and monsters and things that try to kill us? I already failed at making breakfast. Isn't that enough?"
Kael grinned. "I, for one, would like to know what sort of trial involves me fighting for a beautiful lady's attention."
Elara rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."
Kael gave a mock bow. "I do try."
The porcupine system, nestled against her side, yawned loudly. "Can someone please focus? This isn't a harem drama. This is the fate of the world, remember?"
Elara flicked its nose lightly. "You're the one who gave them points last night based on who complimented me best."
"Because you need a laugh before inevitable doom. Duh."
Kairo cleared his throat. "Each of you will need to reclaim your divine weapon from its shrine. That's how your full strength returns. They are bound to your essence—but scattered across the continent."
Kane stood, arms crossed. "So Varethos is mine. The Sword of Light."
"Correct," Kairo nodded. "And it lies behind a gate sealed by sacred fire. Only one with a heart aligned to justice can pass."
"Then it should be easy," Zan said calmly.
Varek snorted. "Unless Kael tries to seduce the fire."
"I would never!" Kael looked offended. "Unless the fire is female."
Everyone groaned.
---
The journey to Varethos took them across a narrow mountain pass. As they climbed, the temperature dropped, wind howling like the echo of lost souls. The ruins of the once-magnificent temple came into view—crumbling columns, scorched stone, and a massive gate covered in flames.
Kairo motioned for Kane to approach. "Only you can enter."
Kane looked back at the group, his gaze lingering on Elara longer than necessary. She gave a small nod.
As he stepped forward, the flames flared, licking upward as if testing his resolve.
The gate shimmered.
A voice echoed, deep and ancient.
"Do you seek power, warrior? Or redemption?"
Kane's voice was firm. "Both."
"Then prove your worth. Face your shadow."
The flames parted. Kane walked through—and vanished.
---
Inside the chamber, Kane stood before a mirror.
But the reflection wasn't his. It was a version of him with crimson eyes, blood on his hands, and a mocking smile.
Shadow Kane: "You abandoned your brothers. You let the Light God fall. You think power will make up for that?"
Kane drew his blade, but the shadow mirrored every movement.
Shadow Kane: "You crave control because you're afraid. Admit it. You failed."
Kane's heart thundered. The truth in the shadow's words cut deeper than any blade. But he gritted his teeth.
"I did fail. But I will not fail again."
He plunged his sword into the ground, rejecting the need for violence.
Light burst from the earth. The sword transformed, glowing with divine radiance.
---
Outside, the flames died. The gate opened.
Kane walked out, breathless but stronger. In his hand was the true Sword of Light, gleaming like dawn.
The warriors clapped him on the back. Kael gave a dramatic sigh.
"Well, that's one hero moment. Who's next?"
---
That evening, around the fire, the mood was lighter. Kane sat beside Elara, wordless. Their shoulders brushed.
Kael, not missing a beat, threw his arm around her other side. "So, dear herbalist, who do you think looks better shirtless? Strict sword boy or charming me?"
Varek tossed a pebble at his head. "She's not answering that, idiot."
"I vote the porcupine," the system quipped. "Spikes are the new six-pack."
Elara burst into laughter.
And for the first time since they'd awakened, the warriors laughed with her.
But above them, hidden in the stars, something watched.
A serpent of smoke. A sliver of darkness.
The fake god was stirring.
And it would not stay silent much longer.
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End of Chapter 10
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