MTLNOVEL Chapter 3: The First Trial
Chapter 3: The First Trial
The surge of power coursing through Kael's veins was unlike anything he had ever felt before. The Abyss no longer sought to consume him; instead, it whispered to him, offering strength, urging him to take what was rightfully his. The entity before him watched in silent approval as Kael clenched his fists, feeling raw energy crackling at his fingertips.
"Good," the bound being murmured. "You are beginning to understand. But power alone will not be enough. You must prove yourself worthy."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "And how do I do that?"
The celestial chains around the entity shimmered before unraveling slightly. A portion of its essence coalesced into a dark vortex in front of Kael. It expanded, twisting and writhing, until it solidified into a doorway of shadow.
"Step through," the entity commanded. "And face the First Trial."
Kael hesitated for only a moment. He had no choice—this was his path now. He stepped forward, allowing the abyssal energy to swallow him whole.
The world shifted, and Kael found himself standing in a vast coliseum, the air thick with the scent of blood and steel. The arena was ancient, its walls carved with the faces of long-forgotten warriors. A deep, guttural roar echoed across the space, and Kael turned to see his opponent emerge from the shadows.
It was a beast of nightmares—a towering, four-armed creature covered in jagged obsidian armor, its glowing red eyes locked onto Kael with hunger. Each of its hands gripped a different weapon: a serrated sword, a massive axe, a spiked flail, and a jagged spear.
Kael's pulse quickened. He had fought monsters before, but this was different. There was no divine protection, no comrades at his side. He was alone, with nothing but his will to survive.
The beast lunged.
Kael barely had time to react, throwing himself to the side as the axe crashed into the ground, shattering stone upon impact. He rolled to his feet, summoning the energy within him. His body moved faster, more precise, as if the Abyss itself was guiding him.
He dodged another swing, then countered. His fist connected with the creature's side, sending a shockwave through its armor. The beast snarled but barely staggered.
"Not enough," Kael muttered. He needed more.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he let the whispers of the Abyss guide him. The darkness within him stirred, responding to his call. When he opened his eyes again, his right arm was coated in pure shadow, pulsating with energy.
The beast lunged once more, but this time, Kael was ready. He met the attack head-on, his abyssal-infused fist colliding with the monster's blade. The impact sent a shockwave through the coliseum, cracking the very ground beneath them.
Kael grinned. The First Trial had begun.
To be continued-