The days leading up to the trial passed quicker than any of them expected.

Arden refused to let his group drown in nerves, so he made sure they balanced their training with moments of ease.

But even with the moments of lightness, discipline never left them.

Each morning and evening they cultivated, and every day they took time to spar and test the limits of their new weapons.

Rael's gauntlets crackled with lightning while frost crept up the edges, the mix dangerous yet beautiful. Nyra's staff answered her will smoothly, winds swirling sharp and frost blooming at its tip. Zephyra's claws burned brighter with every swing, fire trailing behind her wings while gusts followed her strikes. And Arden's blade… it was a thing of balance, no element standing out until he willed it, its aura quietly dominating whenever it was drawn.

By the morning of their departure, none of them had mastered their tools fully, but they had grown used to their weight and rhythm. Enough, Arden thought, to make the trial theirs.

When the sun climbed high, they made their way to the gate where the envoys waited.

They weren't alone though. Almost half the town had gathered, word spreading quickly that Greyhold's Outbounds would be leaving under the eyes of the Explorers Guild. Children shouted their names, merchants leaned over their stalls, and even guards stood taller as the group walked by.

The whispers of pride, curiosity, and envy followed them every step of the way.

As they reached the crowd, it parted like water, clearing their path to the gate where six figures stood. Their presence was undeniable.

Each wore regal armor marked by subtle engravings of the guild, their cloaks trailing with quiet weight. The air around them felt charged, not with killing intent but with the steady pressure of men and women who had long walked the edge of death and returned stronger.

At the front stood their leader, a tall man with hair silvered not by age but by streaks of elemental essence that had left their mark. His eyes were calm and sharp, the kind that saw everything without judgment.

His armor bore scars that had been polished but not hidden, and a single ring rested on his right hand, faintly glowing with runes. Though his presence was enough to weigh down the air, his voice when he spoke was measured and unhurried.

"So," he said, his gaze falling on Arden's group. "The ones I've heard so much about. The Outbounds of Greyhold."

Arden stopped a few paces away, his eyes meeting the man's without flinching. "That would be us."

The man's lips tugged faintly at the corner, neither smile nor frown. "It's good to see you in person. Your deeds have carried far beyond this town. Not just the hybrid incident, not just the fights you've chosen, but the way you've stood your ground as exiles in a kingdom that had no place for you. That kind of resilience is rare. That is what the guild values."

Arden dipped his chin slightly, polite but unshaken. "Good to hear it. But words are words. I'm sure the trial will say more."

The envoy's eyes flickered with approval. "Indeed. You're one step away from carving your names properly into this kingdom. One trial, and the rumors either prove true or fall apart. I have high hopes for you."

Rael muttered, "we don't plan on disappointing."

Nyra shot him a look, though she couldn't hide the faint curve of her lips.

The man gave a small nod, then raised his hand. At his signal, the other envoys moved toward the prepared carriages. "We depart now. The details of your trial will be explained as we travel."

Arden gave a single nod. "Fine by us."

Just as the group was about to step forward, a calm voice cut through the noise.

"Nyra."

She froze, her head snapping toward the familiar tone. The crowd parted again as her father walked forward, his presence alone silencing the square. His expression was steady, though his eyes softened when they fell on her.

"Father…" Nyra whispered, her throat tightening.

Kaelus stopped before her and extended his hand. Resting on his palm was a small, circular pendant, its surface carved with lines of silver and faint veins of crystal. The energy it carried was subtle, like a stream hidden beneath the earth, but powerful all the same.

"This is a Windspine Relic," he said. "It once belonged to your mother. It resonates with your wind affinity, and when worn close, it will steady your affinity, keeping it from scattering in battles. Use it when your strength feels unbalanced. It will hold you together."

Nyra's eyes glistened. She reached out slowly, taking the pendant as though afraid it might vanish. "I… I'll take care of it."

Kaelus placed his hand gently over hers. "Take care of yourself. The relic is nothing compared to that." His voice lowered, meant only for her. "Grow strong, but come back alive."

She bit her lip, nodding quickly as a tear slipped free. "I will, father. I promise."

Arden stood a little to the side, giving her space, though his eyes lingered with a quiet respect for the man.

After a final squeeze of her hand, Kaelus stepped back. "Go, all of you. Make this town proud, but more than that, make yourselves proud."

The envoy leader, who had watched in silence, gave Kaelus a nod of acknowledgment before turning back to his own men. With a wave of his hand, the carriages opened for boarding.

Arden's group climbed aboard, their weapons strapped close, their spirits heavy but steady. The people of Greyhold erupted into cheers, voices carrying their names, wishes, and blessings.

Rael grinned and waved, Nyra held the pendant close to her chest, Zephyra let out a piercing cry that made the children point in awe, and Arden simply leaned back on his seat, his eyes half-closed.

"Ready?" he asked, his tone calm but sure.

Rael slapped his gauntlets together with a spark. "Born ready."

Nyra smiled faintly, the relic warm against her skin. "Let's not keep them waiting."

Zephyra rumbled low. "The hunt begins."

Arden exhaled, his lips curving ever so slightly. "Then let's go."

At the envoy leader's signal, the gates opened wide.

The carriages rolled forward, leaving Greyhold behind as the cheers followed them down the road. For the first time, Arden's group carried not only their own hopes but the weight of a town that now looked to them with pride.

The trial awaited, and with it, the true beginning of their place in the kingdom.

A/N:

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