Chapter 5 – Trial of Blood and Shadows of the Past

The sky above the Emerald Kingdom began to shift in color, from the dark blue that cloaked the night to a warm orange that welcomed the dawn. On the second floor of a modest inn, the first light pierced through the coarse curtains hanging loosely over the window. Dew still clung to the leaves outside, and the gentle murmur of the morning market began to hum in the distance.

Lucifer slowly opened his eyes. His breath caught for a moment. A slight tightness weighed on his chest, as though an invisible pressure had been pressing down on him since the night before.

Today… was the day of the trial.

The room wasn't large, but it was enough for two. A wooden bed, a small round table with two worn-out wicker chairs, and a single coat rack. No luxury—only the humble warmth of a small crystal lamp glowing dimly in the corner.

In the corner of the room, Arthur sat brewing tea from dried leaves he had brought from a previous journey. The scent of herbs hung in the air.

"Morning, rookie," Arthur said without looking back. "Did you sleep well, or dream of getting slaughtered by a slime?"

Lucifer let out a sigh and sat up. His hair was messy, but his eyes were fully awake. "I dreamed I was chased by shadows. But I guess it was just nerves."

Arthur nodded. He poured the tea into two clay cups and handed one to Lucifer. "Nervousness is a good sign. It means you're not insane yet. But don't let fear control your steps. Remember, today's trial isn't just about passing or failing."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Arthur looked at him seriously. "It's about discovering who you are. The real trial isn't against monsters or opponents—but against yourself."

Lucifer fell silent. The words lingered. Deep.

After a breakfast of dry wheat bread and a slice of hardening cheese, they prepared themselves. Arthur ensured the dagger he had given Lucifer was properly sharpened. He strapped the sheath around Lucifer's waist, checked his boot laces, and ran a rough, calloused hand through the young man's hair.

"Don't die."

"Confident I can make it?" Lucifer asked, a faint smile on his lips.

Arthur returned a small grin. "I know you can. But still—don't die."

They stepped out of the inn and headed toward the northern district—where the Hunter Guild towered in prominence.

The Emerald Kingdom was waking up. Merchants opened their canvas stalls. Children ran after a ball of straw. The sounds of chickens and clanging metal echoed from afar. The aroma of meat stew from a corner stall tempted every passerby.

But Lucifer's steps felt heavy. Though his mouth stayed shut, his heart beat fast. He knew this was no ordinary day.

In the wide courtyard of the Hunter Guild, dozens of young men and women had gathered. The air buzzed with chatter. Some laughed, boasting about themselves. Others were silent, their faces pale with anxiety. Many carried weapons—greatswords, battle axes, magic staffs, even crystal firearms. All of them came with the same hope—to become official hunters.

Lucifer stood at the edge, observing. He wore simple dark clothes borrowed from Arthur—no chest armor, no magnificent cloak like the others. Just a dagger and determination.

Arthur patted his shoulder, then moved toward the spectator stands. "I'll be waiting up there. Don't disappoint me."

Soon, a booming voice rang out from the front stage. A burly man with tangled gray hair and a scar across his face stood tall, holding a large scroll.

"I am Gareth. Chief examiner for today's trial," he declared. His voice echoed against the walls of the Guild.

"Today's exam will be divided into two phases."

The participants fell silent.

"First: The Trial Expedition. You'll be sent to the Testing Forest outside the city. There, you'll face REAL MONSTERS—not illusions, not training dummies."

A ripple of murmurs followed. Some participants looked shocked. Lucifer swallowed hard.

"The monsters are of low to mid threat level. But don't be careless. They can still kill you."

"To pass, you must kill at least ONE monster and bring back a body part as proof. A fang, a claw, or a mana crystal. Without it—you fail."

Some of the participants exchanged nervous glances.

"After that, those who pass will proceed to Phase Two: HUNTER DUELS. One-on-one battles in an open arena, witnessed by examiners and the public. That fight will determine whether you earn your badge—and at what rank."

Lucifer clenched his fists. His mind was full of images of monsters and the fear of failure.

"Prepare yourselves. You'll be sent in small groups. But the fight is individual. You may help each other if needed—but results are scored individually."

Gareth signaled to the other examiners.

"Group one. Five people. Including you."

Lucifer was called first. He stepped forward, joining four others who all appeared older than him. One carried a massive sword, another was a girl with a crystal staff, and the last two wielded axes and bows.

They were escorted out of the city gate, toward a magic gate—an arc of runes glowing faintly.

Gareth stood beside it. "This portal leads to the Testing Forest. Once you enter, you have two hours. Anyone who doesn't return in that time is considered missing… or dead."

Lucifer took a deep breath.

His first step felt heavy. But he knew—once his feet touched the forest floor, there was no turning back.

As Lucifer and the others stepped into the magical circle, the world around them began to tremble. The city light vanished, replaced by towering trees and the damp scent of earth.

They now stood on a narrow path, flanked by bushes and massive trees with roots twisting like sleeping serpents. A light mist cloaked the forest floor, making the place feel like it was holding its breath—as if waiting for something… or someone.

"Two hours start now," said an examiner beside the portal, before the blue light behind them faded entirely.

Silence greeted them.

No one spoke.

The first step came from the swordsman in black. "I'm heading east. Don't follow me," he said coldly.

The others, the archer and the staff girl, walked off together in the opposite direction. Only Lucifer and the curly-haired boy with the axe remained. He looked at Lucifer with hesitation.

"Wanna team up?" he asked quietly.

Lucifer shook his head. "Sorry. I have to face this alone."

The boy nodded, then left without another word.

Lucifer was now alone. The sounds of the forest grew louder—from leaves falling, branches creaking, to faint groans from afar that may have been the wind… or something living.

Lucifer slowly made his way down the path. His right hand touched the hilt of his dagger, while his eyes stayed alert to every shifting shadow. He had no body armor. No long-range weapon. Only one short dagger… and a trace of golden magic he barely understood.

Step by step, he ventured deeper into the forest's heart. The bird calls vanished. Trees grew denser. The soil turned slick and damp.

Suddenly, a harsh sound echoed from the left bushes.

"GROWLLL…"

Lucifer froze.

The bushes rustled. Heavy breathing emanated from behind them—and then, it appeared.

A Dire Wolf. Its body nearly the size of a small horse, thick gray fur bristling like spikes. Its eyes glowed red, tongue lolling, drool dripping to the ground. Its fangs were long and black, dark energy pulsing with each step.

Lucifer swallowed. His body tensed. His mind screamed for him to run, but his legs refused.

The Dire Wolf began to circle, analyzing, stalking.

Then—it lunged.

It moved like lightning.

Lucifer dove aside, rolling across the dirt. His left hand caught a sharp branch, tearing his skin as blood oozed out.

The beast snarled, charging again, faster.

Lucifer drew his dagger. But the monster's first strike slammed the tree he had leaned on—splitting it in half.

He leapt away, slipping behind a massive tree root. His breath caught. Muscles tensed. The wound on his arm throbbed, but he knew: if he stopped now, he would die.

"Think, Lucifer," he whispered. "You can't beat it with brute force…"

His eyes scanned the surroundings. Fallen branches. Wet rocks. A toppled log. Then… a shallow muddy pit a few meters away.

The Dire Wolf sniffed again, circling.

Lucifer suddenly sprinted left, drawing its attention. The beast followed.

He curved behind a tree, then leapt to the muddy pit, pretending to collapse.

The Dire Wolf bared its fangs and charged—just as Lucifer flung mud into its eyes, blinding it for a heartbeat.

In that moment, he drove his dagger into its front right leg. Blood gushed. The Dire Wolf roared in rage, swiping wildly—its claw slashed across Lucifer's chest, hurling him backward.

He hit a rock and rolled over.

His breath caught. His vision blurred.

But he knew… he had only one chance left.

The Dire Wolf snarled, now limping but still deadly.

Lucifer stood slowly. He began channeling mana into his dagger. A faint golden glow emerged along the blade. A low hum vibrated from his hand to the edge of the weapon.

The beast charged one final time.

Lucifer waited.

One second…

Two seconds…

Then he leapt high, twisting in the air—and with all his agility, delivered a vertical slash downward, straight to the Dire Wolf's neck.

His dagger shone. The beast's body trembled—then fell heavily to the ground, crushing leaves and branches.

Silence.

Lucifer gasped for air. Bloodied, clothes in tatters—but still standing.

He slowly knelt, trembling, and pulled two large fangs from the wolf's jaw as proof.

The blood was still warm as it dripped onto his hands.

Just as he turned to leave, a groan came from behind a tree.

Lucifer turned. The curly-haired participant from earlier sat slumped against a trunk, leg bloodied and panicked.

Lucifer rushed over. "Your leg… deep wound?"

The boy nodded. "I… can't walk…"

Lucifer gritted his teeth, tore fabric from his own shirt, and wrapped the wound.

"We're getting out together."

He carried the boy on his back, step by step, trudging through the forest toward the faintly glowing portal—signaling time was almost up.

After a grueling journey, they emerged from the Testing Forest. The examiners were waiting. Lucifer, trembling, handed over the fangs.

Gareth looked at him for a long moment.

"Congratulations. You passed the first phase."