The wheels of the carriage rattled over the uneven path, carrying Arden and his group deeper into the Outlands.

The envoy still hadn't spoken of the trial, and the silence left an edge of unease in the air.

Arden leaned back, balancing a small pack on his lap while he tore open dried fruit and passed it around.

"Here," he said, handing Rael a strip. "Don't chew it like you're grinding bones this time."

Rael smirked, taking it anyway. "Can't help it if your rations taste like leather."

Nyra shook her head, though the faintest smile tugged at her lips. Zephyra simply flicked her tail against the carriage floor, the faint shimmer of her cerulean hide catching light through the window slits.

"Better than starving," Arden added. "And besides, the sooner we keep busy, the less we think about what's waiting."

They went quiet again, though the rhythm of the road and the small comfort of food eased the tension. Arden knew they were all thinking the same thing, what kind of trial would a Guild like this set before them?

By the time the sun began to sink, the envoy finally called a halt.

The caravan spread out and fires were built, the smell of roasting meat carried into the night.

Arden's party was summoned to join them at the main fire.

The leader from earlier, the one with the calm yet heavy presence, waited for them. Sitting cross-legged by the flames, his cloak draped across his shoulders, he looked more monk than warrior.

Yet the aura around him was undeniable, a pressure that made the air feel heavier.

His features were sharp, weathered by years of battle, his dark hair streaked with silver. His eyes, though, were steady and warm, the kind that seemed to weigh a man without malice.

"Come," he said, motioning to the space across from him. "Eat, drink. You've earned the right to sit as equals."

Arden took the spot without hesitation, the others following. He spoke first, his tone even. "I suppose this means the silence is finally over?"

The man gave a faint smile. "You're right. I should have explained sooner. Forgive the delay. It was not meant as disrespect, only caution."

"Caution's fair," Arden replied. "But the guessing game was starting to wear thin."

The man inclined his head. "Then let's not waste more time."

The fire crackled between them as he began. "Your trial is not yours alone. Another group has been chosen, elemental users of high caliber. All of them Vein Bloom at the very least, their vein quality A rank at the least. They're Strong, disciplined, and already known in the guild circles."

Rael leaned forward slightly, his brows drawn. "So it's a competition then?"

"Not directly," the man answered. "But your results will be measured side by side. You are both to be tested against the same threat."

Arden leaned back, folding his arms. "And the threat?"

The envoy's eyes narrowed slightly. "South of here, the beasts have changed. They've grown restless, violent. Their bloodlust is spreading like fire. Even the stronger ones are falling into frenzy, attacking anything within reach. The area grows more unstable by the day."

Nyra exhaled softly. "So it's not just a trial. It's a mission."

"Exactly." The man's voice was calm, though the weight of his words was not. "The guild does not deal in games. Every trial has a purpose, and this one is twofold, to judge your ability, and to contain a threat. But do not mistake it, we will step in if it spirals beyond your reach."

Arden tapped his finger lightly against his knee. "Contain and investigate, right? Not just kill?"

The envoy's eyes lifted to him, as if surprised at the clarity. "Yes. The cause matters more than the blood you spill. Something drives the frenzy, and we mean to uncover it. Your role is to fight, to survive, and if possible, to glimpse the root of the change."

Arden gave a short nod. "Understood."

Zephyra let out a low growl, not at the envoy but at the thought of the beasts. Arden reached to brush his hand over her fur, quieting her.

The man's tone softened. "Your strength has already been proven. Greyhold speaks your name, and your handling of the hybrid incident reached our ears. That is why this chance is yours. You act beyond reason, in ways that others cannot. We need that."

Rael muttered under his breath, "Beyond reason's one way to put it."

Arden shot him a look, though the corner of his mouth twitched. "We'll take the chance. That's what we came here for, isn't it?"

The envoy nodded once, then his gaze shifted to Nyra. "Your father's words weighed heavily in my choice as well. Greyhold is no longer overlooked. It is under our watch now. That, I promise."

Nyra's eyes softened, a quiet relief breaking through her usual composure. She dipped her head in gratitude.

The envoy then leaned back, his posture easing. "That is all you need know for now. Rest, train, prepare your minds. The South Outlands will test you enough."

With that, the meeting ended. The feast continued, though the mood had changed. Arden sat back, chewing slowly on a strip of roasted meat, his eyes on the flames.

"So," Rael said finally, "we're up against berserk beasts, competing with elites, and being watched by half the kingdom. No pressure."

Arden smirked, swallowing before he spoke. "Pressure's just a word. We've carried worse. We'll manage this too."

Nyra studied him quietly, as though weighing his confidence. Zephyra only huffed and curled closer, her body heat blending with the fire's warmth.

For a moment, Arden let the weight of it settle in his chest. It wasn't just a trial. It was a glimpse of what lay ahead if they stepped into the wider kingdom. And somehow, he felt ready.

A/N:

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