CHAPTER 186: EX 186. PROVE

Rachel stood in silence, her lips pressed together as Jessica’s question lingered in the air. The truth weighed heavy in her chest. They hadn’t come here by chance. This entire journey had been set in motion by a mission, one tied directly to her struggle for the elven throne.

It made sense. The mortal zone was vast, a sprawling world where the paths of different races rarely crossed unless deliberately guided. That was why most humans lived and died without ever knowing that elves, dwarves, or other ancient races still walked among them. Rachel knew this well. And it was exactly why she had come, urged by the words of an oracle who promised her that venturing here would play a key role in her rise to power.

But Rachel was not like the others vying for the throne. Curiosity burned in her veins, tugging her toward mysteries and forbidden truths. If not for a particular reason, one she had buried deep in her heart, she would never have chosen to join the ruthless struggle among the chosen children of her people.

The silence stretched until Rachel finally lifted her gaze, her eyes hard with resolve.

"I have never been more serious in my life, Lady Jessica."

The old elf studied her in silence, her ancient gaze sharp, searching for cracks in Rachel’s words. Determination burned in the young elf’s eyes, refusing to waver. At last, Jessica exhaled softly, her shoulders easing as she turned away.

"I hope you speak the truth, child." Her voice carried a weary edge as she moved toward the tent’s entrance. Without looking back, she added, "Just make sure to be more subtle next time."

Rachel gave a firm nod. "Don’t worry. I will."

Jessica’s silhouette seemed to blur as shadows swallowed her form, her voice drifting back like a fading echo.

"We move at dawn... to tackle God’s temple."

And then she was gone.

Rachel stared at the darkness where the old elf had vanished. She knew Jessica hadn’t truly left; the ancient warrior was likely still nearby, watching the night with unseen eyes, ready to strike should danger come. That thought gave Rachel little comfort.

Finally, she drew in a slow breath and pushed into her tent. Tomorrow loomed large in her mind, heavy with risk and promise. She needed rest. Dawn would decide much, perhaps everything.

****

The settlement gates groaned open, and Unit 1 stood ready. Their path had already been laid out. Today, they weren’t just stepping into another hunt, they were entering the trial wilds of the Mortal Zone.

Inside the residence, Leon tightened the straps on his gear, sliding potions and items into his inventory. But he suddenly stopped as he glanced sideways. Nikko stood against the wall, arms folded, watching him as though she had no intention of moving.

"Aren’t you going to prepare?" Leon asked, sliding a spare sword into the spatial slot.

Nikko raised a brow like he had cracked a joke. But the seriousness etched on his face made her pause. She shifted, finally meeting his gaze. "Don’t worry. I think I’ll be fine."

Leon stopped, studying her carefully. "Nikki, you should be prepared for anything. Even if this is the Mortal Zone, no one fully understands the trial world. Overconfidence can kill, and I don’t want anything to happen to you."

For a heartbeat, she just looked at him. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a thought stirred: ’Am I not the one who’s supposed to protect him? So why does it feel like the opposite?’

She exhaled softly and gave in. "Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare. Just... don’t worry too much."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. He reached out and gently patted her head. "That’s a good girl."

Her cheeks twitched, caught between pride and embarrassment, but she turned away before he could see. Quietly, she moved to ready herself.

Minutes later, the squad gathered at the settlement gates. Leon led at the center, Elizabeth, Eden and Adrian falling into formation, Nikko’s aura flaring faintly like a storm held in check. Their combined presence drew stares from the lesser units left behind.

And, as expected, Bal’ark loomed at their flank.

The gates opened wider, and Unit 1 crossed the threshold into the trial wilds.

****

Leon cut through the underbrush like a blade, his long strides setting the pace as Unit One dashed across the Trial Wilds. The path ahead was already decided the day before, the Forest Temple altar would be their first target. Every step they took, every breath, carried them closer to the heart of danger.

His hand shot up, signaling a halt. The squad froze, boots pressed into the mossy earth as Leon narrowed his eyes toward the shadows ahead. The faint growls and rustling leaves betrayed movement.

"A few strays up ahead," he said, his tone even. "I’ll take them down so we can have a clear path."

Before he could move, Adrian stepped forward, determination burning in his eyes. "Captain," he said, his voice steady but firm, "why don’t you leave this to me?"

Leon studied him, silent for a moment. His expression revealed nothing, but inwardly he measured Adrian’s intent. "Is there any particular reason for this?"

Adrian clenched his fist, his jaw tight. "Captain, I want to prove that I can be useful to the squad. That all my efforts... have not been in vain."

Leon’s gaze lingered on him. With Nikko, Elizabeth, and him standing in the same squad, it was no wonder Adrian felt the need to stand out. The boy’s pride won’t let him sit in the shadows forever.

Finally, Leon nodded. "There’s no harm. You and Eden can handle the trial beasts up ahead. I’ll take down any that get past you."

Satisfaction washed over Adrian’s face, his expression softening into gratitude. "Thank you, Captain."

"Don’t mention it," Leon replied flatly.

Plans were whispered quickly, Adrian and Eden taking the front, with Bal’ark left to Leon’s watch alongside Elizabeth and Nikko.

Elizabeth leaned closer, her voice edged with quiet surprise. "I’m shocked you agreed to this."

Leon gave her a sidelong glance, the corner of his mouth twitching faintly. "What do you mean? I’m an understanding captain, after all."

Her eyes narrowed, her look sharp enough to pierce through his act.

"The fact you said that doesn’t make me so sure."

Before she could press further, Nikko’s voice cut through the tension.

"They’ve reached the monsters."