The week following the Agency's visit was tense for Kaelen. He trained relentlessly, guided by Mira's steady hand and Elder Ryn's sharp eyes. Flint, ever loyal, provided commentary—mostly sarcastic, occasionally helpful.
At dawn on the day of the trial, the sacred valley was alive with anticipation. Stone terraces encircled a sun-baked arena where generations of Ashroad warriors had proven themselves. Children and elders alike lined the edges, whispering and pointing. The air smelled of dew, dust, and sweat.
Kaelen planted his spear firmly in the soil, the coiled silver-and-gold dragon glinting in the rising sun. His heart pounded—not just from nerves, but from the ember that now flared alongside the Origin Brand on his arm.
From the stands, Flint leaned forward, chewing a piece of dried root.
"Remember our friendship contract," he whispered loudly. "If you die, I get to sue your ghost."
Kaelen shook his head, smiling faintly, but kept his focus. This was no joke. The trial would test his skill, his mind, and his will.
The iron gate groaned as it opened. From within, a shadow slinked forth: the Moonfang Lynx. Its fur shimmered black and silver like a river at night. Its eyes, pale as moonlight, locked onto Kaelen with predatory intelligence.
The lynx padded lightly across the dirt, silent as smoke, its claws etching furrows in the soil. The creature moved with impossible speed, circling Kaelen in silent judgment.
Kaelen adjusted his grip on the spear. Mira's voice echoed in his mind:
"Flow with the rhythm. Don't chase the wind. Be the mountain that bends but does not break."
The lynx lunged, a blur of silver claws and teeth. Kaelen sidestepped, sweeping the spear in a wide arc. Sparks flew as steel met claw. Again and again, the beast struck, relentless, testing his reflexes, probing for weakness.
Flint darted forward at a critical moment, distracting the lynx with a well-timed kick that sent dust flying into its eyes.
"Didn't die yet! See? Teamwork, buddy!"
Kaelen's lungs burned. Every muscle screamed for rest, but the ember inside him flared, roaring in rhythm with the Origin Brand. The mark along his arm glowed with fierce intensity, pulsating as if alive.
The lynx feinted left, then surged with a flurry of strikes faster than he could track. Kaelen pivoted, spun, and planted the spear like an anchor. The impact rattled through his arms.
Then instinct took over.
A shockwave of golden energy exploded from his palm, compressing the surrounding air, destabilizing the lynx's form. The creature faltered mid-leap, staggering to its knees. Seizing the moment, Kaelen lunged with a spiraling thrust, the spear striking true.
The lynx howled, a mixture of pain and fury, before collapsing. Dust swirled in the valley as silence fell, broken only by Kaelen's ragged breathing.
The terraces erupted in cheers. Flint leapt from his seat, waving his arms wildly.
"Obviously, I take full credit for moral support!" he shouted, grinning.
Elder Hasrok descended to the arena, carrying a scroll wrapped in worn leather. "Kaelen of Ashroad," he said, voice booming, "you have proven yourself worthy. This is The Tiger Claw Spiral, the sacred spear manual of our tribe's fiercest warriors. Guard it well, for it will guide your path as surely as your own strength."
Kaelen accepted the scroll with both hands, bowing low. The weight was heavier than any weapon, imbued with history and legacy.
As the crowd continued to cheer, Kaelen felt the Origin Brand pulse, synchronizing with the ember in his chest. The experience of the trial had left him exhausted, yet more alive than ever. The path ahead was long, fraught with danger, but for the first time, he felt capable of walking it.
Flint leaned close. "Next time, try not to nearly get mauled. It's bad for my nerves."
Kaelen laughed, brushing sweat from his brow. The spear in his hand felt lighter now, not just a weapon, but an extension of himself, bound with the rhythm of law and fire.
The first step on the Golden Road beyond Ashroad had been taken—and Kaelen knew the journey would only grow harder from here.