Meanwhile, Bruce felt a strange sensation ripple across his skin as his vision snapped into darkness. His instincts sharpened instantly, but even as he braced himself, he could not stop the thought from slipping out. 'What the hell is happening now?'
When sight finally returned, he narrowed his eyes, scanning his surroundings.
'This… it feels almost like the Thousand Life and Death Trial. Is this another trial?'
He clenched his jaw. He did not know much about this world yet, but he did know one thing: trials were always solo. And beside him...
"Kyuuuu."
A soft familiar sound.
Bruce glanced down to find Ash clinging to his shoulder, nuzzling his neck in a frightened whimper.
'Right. Ash is here. That rules out a trial. This is something else entirely.'
He rubbed the little dragon's head, his fingers running over its smooth scales to calm it. "It is alright, Ash. I've got you."
Then he looked around.
The sight stole his breath.
