After arriving in Sumiko City, the merchants directed the adventurers to the location of the Hero Ascension trials.
While most adventurers headed straight there, Shio decided to explore the city first. Delin joined him, enjoying Shio's company and already considering him a friend. Penelo, uncertain of what else to do, quietly followed them.
The trio wandered into the bustling marketplace, filled with new faces, colorful wares, and unique items. The sheer energy of the place amazed them.
Before they could dive further into exploring, Delin checked the time.
"We should go. The trial starts in ten minutes."
Shio nodded, and the group headed toward a temple-like building at the center of the city. As they entered, a robed man stood waiting.
"Participating in the trials, are you?" the man asked.
"Yes," Delin answered.
"Very well. Follow me."
He led them down a hallway to a large closed door.
"Go inside. The others are waiting. Don't worry, this door leads to a different area—a magical realm, you could say."
Shio placed his hand on the door handle, glanced back at the others, and stepped inside. Delin and Penelo followed close behind.
The door shut behind them.
They found themselves in a massive chamber filled with adventurers of all ages—some even younger than Shio. Conversations filled the air until a man in a tailored suit entered through a far door. The room fell silent as he stepped forward.
"Welcome, everyone. I am one of your Trial Proctors—Professor Duke."
"For the first trial, we'll be doing a simple test of endurance: a run. All you have to do is keep up with me. Use your powers or techniques—there are no rules against it. Just make sure you reach the end. Fall behind, and you're out. You've got one hour before we begin."
Professor Duke headed to the upper floor, leaving the group to prepare.
Some adventurers socialized and sized each other up, others focused in silence. Shio kept to himself while Delin stretched and got pumped up. Penelo sat quietly, not showing any interest in the commotion.
Thirty minutes later, a shady adventurer approached Delin, offering some "advice." Shio intervened and pulled Delin away.
"Why'd you do that?" Delin asked.
"That guy had needles under his shirt, laced with paralysis venom," Shio said. "It won't kill you, but it'll keep you from passing the trial."
Delin blinked. "How… how did you know?"
"Just looking out for you," Shio replied calmly.
Five minutes to go.
Professor Duke leapt down from the second floor and stood before a massive iron gate. Everyone gathered. The gate opened with a deep clang.
Duke jogged forward, and the trial began.
The group dashed through a vast corridor. Some adventurers used their powers to gain speed, others stuck to running. Delin, Shio, and Penelo kept pace with the crowd.
Ten minutes in, Duke picked up the pace. Some adventurers fell behind. Delin started to struggle, but pushed through. Shio and Penelo remained steady.
Thirty minutes passed.
The corridor opened into a sprawling forest—thick with fog, swamps, and marshes. Professor Duke disappeared into the mist, and the adventurers gave chase.
But something was off.
Shio realized he was chasing an illusion all along. The fog had disoriented him. As he stopped, a silhouette emerged through the mist.
"You," Shio muttered.
It was the same man who tried to sabotage Delin.
"The name's Senso," he sneered. "I specialize in making sure others fail."
Senso lunged with poisoned needles. Shio dodged and dove into the mist.
He stayed hidden for five minutes until a rustle in the bushes gave him away. Senso found the noise and threw more needles—only to hit something else.
A growl echoed. A massive creature, awakened from its slumber, stood before Senso—completely unharmed by the needles. It lunged.
A scream pierced the air.
Shio, unaware of the outcome, ran through the forest. He unfolded a small piece of paper and shaped it into a bird.
"Find them."
The paper bird soared into the fog, and Shio followed.
Meanwhile, Delin struggled but kept pace with the group, now past the fog. Unbeknownst to him, a tiny paper bird was clipped to his shirt.
Eventually, the fog cleared. Shio emerged into sunlight—and spotted Professor Duke and the others ahead. He had made it.
The paper bird returned to his pocket and crumpled back into paper.
"Thanks," Shio whispered.
He caught up with Delin and Penelo.
"Where were you?" Delin asked, panting.
"Got lost."
"Glad you made it."
Penelo said nothing, still composed and calm.
The group soon reached a wide river. Professor Duke ran across it—some used abilities, others swam.
"Follow me," Penelo said. Ice formed under her steps, creating a frozen path. Shio and Delin followed, dodging water creatures along the way.
At the riverbank stood a large gate, with Professor Duke waiting.
"Congratulations on completing the first trial," Duke said. "But don't get comfortable. The next ones will be harder. Some of you didn't make it. Better luck next time."
Shio was tired. Delin collapsed. Penelo handed Shio a water canister.
"Here," she said.
Shio took a sip and passed it to Delin.
"It wasn't meant for him," Penelo muttered.
"I thought you wanted to help us…" Shio replied, confused.
"Thanks, Penelo," Delin said, smiling gratefully as he handed it back.
She didn't respond, only glanced at Shio, then looked away.
After a short rest, the group passed through the gate—and were each transported into separate chambers of a vast labyrinth. A new trial was about to begin.