The teleportation circle's light dissipated slowly, and the world around Emil changed into thick trees that stood like ancient sentinels. Their leaves were creating an emerald dome. A thin mist curled at their bases. Sunlight pierced through openings in the leaves, casting golden light on areas of moss and rock. Vines wrapped around shattered statues, and glowing mushrooms glowed softly along the roots of the trees.
The air was filled with the scent of wet soil and peculiar herbs, and muffled chirps and creaks alerted them that the forest was far from dead, it had way too many dangerous species.
A mystical voice resonated above them. It was an authoritative yet soothing voice.
"Welcome to the Trial Zone. This enchanted forest dungeon is infested with low-tier mana beasts and illusion traps. Your mission is simple: survive the trial and this dungeon, kill the monsters whom you meet while traveling through the dungeon, and reach the indicated zone which is one kilometer to the north. Good luck, Initiates."
A soft hum filled the air. Magical barriers started forming shimmering domes around each team, isolating them from one another. Floating stones engraved with ancient runes hovered above them, pulsing with the power of surveillance spells. Trial masters, unseen, watched from their posts, ready to judge or intervene.
Emil's eyes scanned the forest with a trained calm. "So this is our battlefield, huh? Interesting," he muttered, adjusting his cloak before turning to his team.
Kael unfolded himself, his face grinning with arrogance. "Good enough. I was bored out of my wits. Get it over with, then."
Riven Harloft, hands clenched behind him, nodded mildly. His eyes darted aside to Emil and Luin, expressionless.
Luin grasped tightly to the belt strap of his pack. He was peering into the woods nervously. His mouth wobbled minutely, and he said, "S-Something is watching us."
There came a rustling. The smallest snapping of sticks.
Emil stepped forward, putting a tight hand on Luin's shoulder. "Don't be frightened, Luin," he urged softly. "We are partners. You don't have to battle alone, do you recall? I'm here, and I'll defend you. I will not let anyone do any harm to you."
Luin blinked and then nodded cautiously. "Y-Yeah, okay."
Abruptly
"Growl."
A group of little creatures exploded from the bushes. Goblin Scouts they were little tall, green-skinned creatures with torn spears and mismatched plate armor trailed behind them. Two wolf-like mana animals moved stealthily forward, their fangs glinting with a soft blue tinge.
"Lesser Fangs," Emil grunted, squinting. "Take out the shoulders. They accumulate overflow mana there. Strike that, and they fall quicker."
He switched on Observer. Panels flickered in front of his eyes, showing stats, threat levels, and vulnerabilities. As the Goblins growled and lifted their weapons, Emil moved forward.
"Kael, flank left. Luin, cover us with ranged fire. Riven, keep the rear and attack them."
Kael ran ahead without hesitation. "On it."
The boy moved quickly. He danced among the goblins, his sword whirling like the wind in leaves. Sparks burst as steel hit crude iron.
"Come on, you nasty vermin!" Kael cried, leaping and cutting down a goblin in one swift motion.
A Fang charged at Luin, who flailed. His hand shook, a magic circle wobbling in the air.
"Luin!" Emil snapped.
Luin said, "R-Right!"
A silver-blue energy bolt shot out and hit the creature in the shoulder where Emil had indicated before. The creature howled and collapsed right in front of their eyes.
Luin jumped in amazement. "I-I shot it?"
Emil smiled. "That was a perfect shot."
In the meantime, Riven stalked like a ghost, he was silent, efficient. He cut down two goblins with strokes so swift and effortless they seemed choreographed.
He didn't say a word. Only gave Emil a sidelong look.
A Lesser Fang pounced on Emil.
Without a second thought, Emil thrust his hand forward. Dark energy crackled at his fingertips. He focused, then released in a burst of pressure, a pressure he had never used before. He was imitating it with the help of the system and just got lucky.
"Shadow Pulse."
The creature was slammed into a tree with a yelp.
Even Kael paused mid-step. "What the? Was that magic? Or aura?"
Riven narrowed his eyes. "Odd. He is odd."
Luin, panting, looked toward Emil in awe.
The monsters lay defeated around them. The forest quieted.
Emil straightened, dusting off his shoulder. "That was only the start. The real trial will begin now."
Kael laughed. "Heh, not bad. I'll give you credit, you two have some punch. Still, don't count on me holding back for you two. I will do it at my own pace. Try to keep up with me if you can, rookies."
Luin scowled slightly at Kael's demeanor but held his tongue.
Riven wiped his blade clean with a piece of cloth and slid it into its sheath in silence.
Emil spoke up. "We should keep moving. Stay close and stay sharp, we don't know from where the danger will spawn."
The group pressed on through the forest, leaping over roots and avoiding illusion traps that wavered like mirages. The more they descended, the darker the light became. Faint whispers wisped on the wind magic, built into the dungeon itself.
They walked through ruins: overgrown pillars with lost runes etched into them, half-buried statues of forgotten guardians.
Kael kicked a loose rock. "Creepy spot. Bet there's more powerful stuff further in. Let the fun begin."
"Most likely. And I can guess this much too," Emil agreed.
Luin looked around. "D-Do you think there will be more beasts?"
Emil nodded. "Count on it. We need to maintain formation. If we get to the designated zone without losing anyone or activating too many traps, we'll be marked higher."
Unexpectedly, Emil's system window beeped:
[Notification: Trial Phase One — Complete]
[Phase Two Initiating: Dungeon Midpoint Engagement]
[Prepare for Combat]
He halted in his place. "Phase Two. Something's coming."
A low tremor shook the earth. Birds scattered from trees.
In the distance, a form moved.
Riven broke a long silence. "That is not a goblin."
Kael smiled. "About time."
Emil's face set. "Formation. Now. Stay sharp or we will all die."
They were not out of this test yet.