CHAPTER 5: Trial by Shadows
644 Words
The Veiled Realm stretched endlessly around her — towers spiraling into the sky, rivers of glowing energy weaving between floating islands.
May’s legs ached, but her heart pounded with excitement. Every breath of this world made her feel alive in a way the human world never had.
“Today, we test your limits,” Zayn said, shadows swirling protectively around his feet. He stood slightly behind her, eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting the air itself to strike.
May rolled her shoulders. “Limits? Bring it on.”
Xander smirked, sparks of fire dancing across his fingertips. “You’re going to wish you hadn’t said that.”
K’s expression was unreadable, arms crossed. “This isn’t a game. One misstep and it could cost you.”
Ze’s calm, watery gaze met hers. “Remember, Third Anchor, control and instinct are your allies. Rush nothing.”
May clenched her fists. “Got it. Control and instinct. Noted.”
Zayn guided them to a wide courtyard. The ground shimmered faintly, alive with traces of energy from previous battles. “Focus. Your perception must extend beyond what you see. Feel momentum, feel time.”
He hurled a metal rod into the air. Everything seemed too slow. May’s hand shot out instinctively, catching it midair.
“Good,” Zayn said, approval flickering in his sharp eyes. “But don’t stop there. Anticipate the next move before it comes.”
Her pulse raced, muscles screaming. She was ready for more.
The ground trembled, shadows pooling at the corners of the courtyard. From them, a B-rank monster emerged, claws sharp, eyes glowing, power radiating like heat.
“Defend yourself,” Zayn said. “Protect the team.”
Fear prickled at her skin, but adrenaline surged stronger. She leaped forward, instincts kicking in. Momentum bent to her will, her perception stretching in that slowed, unnatural rhythm.
Xander leaped beside her, fire sparking from his hands, intercepting a swipe that could have crushed her. K raised a wall of earth to shield her, and Ze flowed like water to restrain the creature.
“Not bad,” Zayn murmured, shadows swirling protectively around her. “But don’t rely on others. You are the Third Anchor.”
May’s jaw set. She lunged, redirecting momentum to throw the monster off balance, giving the team a chance to corner it. Each small victory made her chest swell — she could fight back. She could survive.
The B-rank monster dissolved into shadows, leaving the courtyard eerily quiet. May’s chest heaved, sweat dripping down her temples. Her body screamed exhaustion, but pride flared hotter than pain.
Xander smirked. “I’ll admit… you’re not terrible.”
K gave a single nod. “Potential. Keep it up.”
Ze’s faint smile held a promise. “You are learning… Third Anchor. The path is yours to walk.”
Zayn’s shadows wrapped slightly closer around her. His voice dropped, almost gentle, but tense. “You’re doing well… but remember, the monsters aren’t the only danger. The world has a way of testing you — sometimes more than you can handle.”
May looked up at him, catching the faint tension in his stance, the protective way he lingered near her. Something stirred in her chest — frustration, yes, but also a strange comfort that he cared, that he wouldn’t let her fall.
As she wiped sweat from her brow, shadows at the edge of the courtyard stirred. Subtle, deliberate. Watching. Waiting.
Zayn’s voice came low behind her, tinged with worry. “The Realm King has shown you the past… but the future will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Stay close. Don’t let anyone hurt you.”
May clenched her fists, determination burning in her chest. She didn’t fully understand her powers yet. She didn’t fully understand the threats ahead.
But one thing was certain: she wasn’t running anymore.
- Writer
