As Übel, Rajin, Leonardo, Velvet, and Kouneli emerged from the trial ruins, the cool night air greeted them unexpectedly. The sky was a deep indigo, sprinkled with stars, and the gentle hum of nocturnal life filled the atmosphere. Leonardo stretched, glancing at the moon's position.
"Wasn't it morning when we entered?" he mused, rubbing the back of his neck.
Übel nodded thoughtfully. "Time must flow differently within the trial realm," he suggested. "What felt like hours to us might have been an entire day here."
Velvet sighed, her breath visible in the cold air. "Great. As if these trials weren't disorienting enough."
Kouneli adjusted his gear. "We should inform the chief of our progress."
As they made their way through the dimly lit streets, the town seemed quieter than usual. Shadows danced under the flickering lanterns, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a rhythmic backdrop.
Approaching the central square, they noticed Kurona leaning against a pillar, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. His sharp gaze settled on them, and a smirk played on his lips.
"Well, well," Kurona drawled, pushing off the pillar. "Look who's back from the dead. Completed the first trial, did you?"
Leonardo opened his mouth to respond, but an invisible force seemed to clamp it shut. He frowned, recalling the vow he had made with Ethiron. No words came forth. He exchanged a glance with Rajin, who gave a subtle nod of understanding.
Kurona raised an eyebrow. "Cat got your tongue, Leo?"
Leonardo shook his head, offering a sheepish smile.
Übel stepped in. "The trials are... challenging. We'd prefer not to discuss the details."
Kurona's eyes gleamed with curiosity but he shrugged. "Fair enough. Let's find the chief."
Navigating the winding paths, they soon stood before the grandest building in the town—a towering structure adorned with intricate carvings and illuminated by ornate lanterns. Its imposing presence was undeniable.
Kurona gestured towards it. "That's where the chief resides."
Upon entering, they found the chief reclining on an opulent bed, engrossed in a thick tome. The room was lavish, with tapestries depicting historical events and shelves lined with ancient manuscripts.
The chief looked up, surprise evident on his face. "You're alive," he remarked, closing his book. "I must admit, I didn't expect to see you again. Most who enter the trials... don't return."
Velvet's eyes flared with anger. "So you sent us in there expecting us to die?" She took a step forward, fists clenched.
Rajin placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Velvet, not now."
The chief sighed, setting the book aside. "It's not as sinister as it sounds. This book," he gestured to the tome, "The Arcana, guided me. It spoke of champions who could end our eternal winter."
Rajin's gaze hardened. "And you trusted a book with our lives?"
The chief met his eyes. "When your people are desperate, you cling to any hope."
Velvet's anger didn't wane. "We nearly died because of your 'hope'."
The chief's expression softened. "I understand your resentment. But believe me, I had no choice."
Leonardo, sensing the tension, changed the subject. "We've had a long day. Perhaps some rest would do us good."
As they exited the building, the weight of their experiences pressed heavily upon them. The city's ambiance, with its muted lights and distant melodies, seemed to mirror their exhaustion.
Leonardo stretched, attempting to lighten the mood. "How about some fishing? The docks might offer some peace."
Velvet raised an eyebrow. "Fishing? After all this?"
Leonardo grinned. "Come on. It'll be relaxing."
After some persuasion, the group agreed. They made their way to the docks, the scent of saltwater growing stronger. However, as they approached the barrier surrounding the island, an invisible force prevented their passage.
Leonardo frowned, pressing his hand against the unseen wall. "What's going on?"
Kurona approached from behind, his expression serious. "No one leaves the island until the trials are complete."
Leonardo's thoughts drifted to Ethiron. "Of course," he muttered.
With no other options, they decided to return to the trial ruins. The journey back was silent, each member lost in their thoughts.
As they neared the ruins, a petite figure emerged from the shadows. She had long, fluffy purple hair, dark cyan eyes, and distinctively pointed ears. Her presence was both ethereal and commanding.
"Greetings," she spoke, her voice melodic. "I am Oraphim, heavenly creation of Ethiron herself."
Leonardo stepped forward. "You oversee the trials?"
Oraphim nodded. "Indeed. I ensure each trial is conducted fairly."
Leonardo glanced at his companions. "We're ready for the second trial."
Oraphim's expression turned solemn. "The next trial is different. Only one may enter at a time."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. The thought of facing the unknown alone was daunting.
Meanwhile, in the chief's residence, a cloaked figure entered. The chief looked up, recognition flashing in his eyes.
"Welcome to the Summer Isles," the chief greeted.
The man nodded, his face obscured by the hood. "I'm here to oversee my latest project."
The chief's demeanor shifted to one of sadness. "Can't you stay longer? The isles have missed your presence."
The man shook his head. "My time here is limited. But I'll leave my companion." At his words, a small wolf padded into the room, its eyes gleaming with intelligence.
The chief chuckled softly. "Always so theatrical."
The atmosphere grew tense as the chief's expression hardened. "Remember our agreement."
The man nodded. "In exchange for aiding my plans, I promised you a peaceful life with your wife."
The man remained silent for a moment before speaking. "How long do you intend to rely on that book?" He gestured towards The Arcana. "Student of Ethiron."
The chief's grip tightened on the tome. "After what you did, I can't trust Ethiron's wisdom."
The man scoffed. "There were many threats to my plan. I've reduced them to five major ones."
The chief's curiosity piqued. "Who are they?"
The man listed them, his voice devoid of emotion. "Evengarde Rest for his unparalleled abilities, Kenny Vares for his sheer strength, Klein Orthis for his vast knowledge, and Zai Xinyue for his unpredictability."