The Trial Yard of Naiathe bore little resemblance to the familiar training grounds Itsuki had
known all his life. Where once there had been simple wooden posts and practice mats, now
intricate silver runes pulsed with ethereal light along the perimeter walls, their ancient Virelic
script humming with contained power. The morning mist seemed to part respectfully around
these mystical markings, as if even the natural essence flows of Mistfall recognized their
authority.
At the center of the transformed courtyard stood something that made Itsuki's breath catch in his
throat—the Eclipser. He had heard stories of such relics, but seeing one in person was an
entirely different experience. The crystalline monolith rose eight feet from a base of polished
obsidian, its surface shifting between translucent and opaque as patterns of light moved within
its depths like trapped lightning. Ancient beyond measure, the Eclipser predated even the oldest
records in Astralyn's archives.
"Magnificent, isn't it?"
The voice belonged to Sensei Laen Neves, though it took Itsuki a moment to recognize the man
who had taught him basic combat forms for the past three years. Gone were the practical
training robes; instead, Laen wore ceremonial garments of deep blue adorned with silver
threading that seemed to mirror the runes around the yard. His salt-and-pepper hair was pulled
back in a traditional warrior's knot, and his sharp gray eyes held an authority that Itsuki had
never seen during their regular lessons.
"Sensei," Itsuki said respectfully, offering a bow that his friends quickly mirrored.
"Today, I am more than your instructor," Laen replied, his voice carrying clearly across the
suddenly quiet courtyard. "Today, I serve as Witness to your potential." He gestured toward the
Eclipser with practiced reverence. "This ancient stone has measured the essence of warriors for
over two millennia. It knows no favoritism, accepts no deception, and makes no mistakes.
Whatever it reveals about your nature, accept as truth."
Itsuki felt Takumi shift restlessly beside him, the redhead's golden eyes fixed on the crystal with
undisguised hunger. Kairo appeared perfectly calm, but the slight tension in his shoulders
suggested otherwise. Shion stood utterly still, his teal gaze distant as if he were already seeing
echoes of what was to come.
Around them, over fifty young Drifters had gathered—the largest Trial assembly in Naiathe's
recent history. Word had spread beyond Mistfall's borders, drawing hopefuls from neighboring
towns and villages. Some faces Itsuki recognized from regional tournaments, others were
complete strangers whose abilities and intentions remained mysteries.
"The process is simple," Laen continued, his voice now reaching every corner of the yard
without apparent effort. "You will approach the Eclipser one at a time, place your dominant hand
upon its surface, and allow your essence to flow freely. The stone will measure not only your
current Tier, but the nature and rarity of your Birthright. Remember—there is no shame in any
result. A Tier One with wisdom and determination can achieve more than a Tier Three with
neither."
A murmur rippled through the assembled crowd. Everyone understood the theory, but facing
actual measurement was different from speculation. The Eclipser would strip away all pretense,
all carefully cultivated reputation, and reveal the raw truth of each person's potential.
"We begin," Laen announced, "with volunteers."
Silence stretched for several heartbeats. Then, with characteristic boldness, Takumi Leo
stepped forward.
"I'll go first," he declared, his voice carrying the same confidence he'd displayed earlier in the
town square. Crimson hair seemed to flicker like flame as he walked toward the Eclipser, and
Itsuki could see the barely contained energy radiating from his friend's compact frame.
"Takumi Leo," Laen called out formally. "Approach the Eclipser and reveal your truth."
The crystalline monolith seemed to pulse brighter as Takumi drew near, as if responding to his
fiery essence. Without hesitation, he placed his right hand flat against the smooth surface and
closed his eyes in concentration.
The reaction was immediate and spectacular. Golden light erupted from within the crystal,
swirling and dancing in patterns that made the watching crowd gasp in appreciation. The
illumination grew more intense, taking on shades of scarlet and amber that perfectly matched
Takumi's hair and eyes. Heat radiated from the stone—not uncomfortable, but noticeable even
from several yards away.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the display faded to a steady glow centered around
Takumi's palm. Symbols appeared in the air above the Eclipser—ancient Virelic script that few
could read, but whose meaning became clear as Laen translated.
"Takumi Leo," the sensei announced, his voice carrying notes of approval. "Tier One, Rare
classification. Essence Flare—the conversion of physical energy into radiant force. A
combat-focused ability with significant potential for both offense and defense."
Takumi stepped back from the stone with a grin that could have lit the courtyard without any
mystical assistance. "Rare classification," he repeated, clearly savoring the words. "Not bad for
a blacksmith's apprentice."
The crowd buzzed with impressed whispers. Rare classifications were uncommon, appearing
perhaps once in every hundred births. To see one demonstrated so early in the trials suggested
this gathering might be truly exceptional.
"Who's next?" Laen asked.
Several hands rose, but it was Sayaka Veyra who moved with fluid grace toward the Eclipser.
Her jet-black braid swayed behind her as she walked, and her violet eyes held the focused
intensity of a predator approaching prey.
"Sayaka Veyra," Laen announced. "Approach and reveal your truth."
If Takumi's reading had been fire and light, Sayaka's was altogether more subtle. The crystal
darkened rather than brightened, its interior filling with what looked like flowing shadows. Purple
light began to emanate from deep within the stone, pulsing in rhythm with something that might
have been a heartbeat. The very air around the Eclipser seemed to thicken, and several of the
watching Drifters unconsciously took a step backward.
"Tier Two," Laen called out, his voice carrying new respect. "Rare classification. Veinlock—the
disruption of essence flow within living beings. A precision ability requiring exceptional control
and tactical awareness."
Murmurs of awe rippled through the crowd. Tier Two at age eighteen was impressive by any
standard, and combined with a Rare classification, it marked Sayaka as a genuine prodigy. She
stepped back from the Eclipser with the same composed grace she'd shown approaching it,
seemingly unaffected by either the display or the crowd's reaction.
The trials continued with growing excitement. Drayce Harkin revealed himself to be Tier One
with his Forcewell ability, earning appreciative nods from observers who had seen him train.
Reima Syl's Vane Point registered as Tier One Unique, while several other participants showed
Common classifications with various elemental powers.
Then Kairo stepped forward, his ember-orange hair catching the light from the runes as he
approached the Eclipser with his characteristic easy confidence.
"Kairo Huisji," Laen announced. "Approach and reveal your truth."
The moment Kairo's palm touched the crystal surface, something extraordinary happened. The
Eclipser's internal light seemed to fracture, creating brief rifts of absolute darkness within its
depths. These void-spaces appeared and disappeared in rapid succession, giving the
impression of reality itself stuttering. The effect was disorienting to watch and seemed to make
some observers slightly nauseous.
"Tier One," Laen called out after a longer pause than usual. "Rare classification. Void
Step—short-range translocation through dimensional gaps." He hesitated, then added, "Unusual
resonance pattern. This ability shows exceptional potential for growth."
Kairo stepped back with a slight bow, though Itsuki noticed his friend's amber eyes held a flicker
of something—disappointment, perhaps? Had he hoped for a higher Tier reading, or was he
concerned about Laen's comment regarding "unusual resonance"?
As more Drifters took their turns, a pattern began to emerge. The majority showed Tier One
capabilities with Common or Unique classifications—respectable results that suggested solid
potential for growth. A few achieved Tier Two, earning appreciative murmurs from the crowd.
But it was the appearance of Rare classifications that drew the most attention, marking their
bearers as truly exceptional prospects.
When Inara Vex approached the Eclipser, her calm demeanor and forest-green training robes
created a striking contrast to the more flamboyant displays they'd witnessed. She placed her
palm against the crystal with the same patient grace she brought to everything, and the stone's
response was unlike any they'd seen.
The crystal filled with what looked like living verdancy—not simple green light, but the actual
essence of growing things. Tiny flowers seemed to bloom within the stone's depths, their petals
unfurling in fast-forward time before dissolving into motes of emerald radiance. The scent of
spring rain and fresh earth filled the air, and several watchers found themselves breathing
deeper, as if their bodies were instinctively responding to the promise of renewal.
"Tier Two," Laen announced with unmistakable approval. "Unique classification. Nature's
Embrace—manipulation of plant life and terrestrial essence. A versatile ability with applications
in both combat and support roles."
Inara stepped back with a satisfied smile, accepting the crowd's appreciative murmurs with quiet
dignity. Her reading confirmed what many had suspected—that she represented the new
generation of warriors who combined power with wisdom, strength with restraint.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of watching others reveal their secrets, it was Itsuki's turn.
"Itsuki Naoya," Laen called out. "Approach the Eclipser and reveal your truth."
The courtyard fell silent as he walked toward the ancient stone. Itsuki was aware of dozens of
eyes watching his every movement, but his attention focused entirely on the crystalline monolith
before him. Up close, he could see that its surface wasn't perfectly smooth—tiny symbols were
etched into the crystal, so small and intricate they were nearly invisible until you were within
arm's reach.
He placed his right palm against the stone and allowed his essence to flow freely, just as Laen
had instructed.
What happened next defied every expectation.
The Eclipser's internal light didn't change color or intensity. Instead, the crystal began to emit
sound—pure, crystalline tones that seemed to resonate with something fundamental in the
nature of reality itself. The notes weren't quite music, but they weren't random noise either. They
formed patterns, melodies that suggested meaning just beyond the edge of comprehension.
Above the stone, instead of the usual Virelic script that had appeared for every other participant,
strange symbols began to manifest in the air. They weren't letters or words as commonly
understood, but geometric patterns that seemed to shift and change even as observers tried to
focus on them. The shapes gave the impression of meaning without actually conveying any
specific information.
The display continued for nearly a full minute—far longer than any previous reading—before
finally fading to silence.
Laen stared at the space above the Eclipser where the mysterious symbols had appeared, his
expression troubled. He consulted what looked like a reference book, flipping through pages
with increasing urgency. Finally, he looked up at Itsuki with something that might have been
concern.
"Itsuki Naoya," he announced, his voice carefully neutral. "Tier One... classification unknown.
The Eclipser recognizes your essence as... unique beyond standard categories. Your ability
appears to operate through principles not covered by conventional analysis."
A wave of whispers swept through the crowd. Unknown classification? That was supposed to be
impossible. The Eclipser had been measuring essence for over two thousand years—it knew
every type of ability that existed.
Itsuki stepped back from the stone, acutely aware that every person in the courtyard was staring
at him with expressions ranging from curiosity to unease. Even his friends looked uncertain,
though he could see loyalty and support in their eyes despite their confusion.
"Is that... bad?" someone called out from the crowd.
"It is what it is," Laen replied diplomatically. "The Eclipser reveals truth, not judgment. An
unknown classification simply means we are witnessing something new—or perhaps something
very old that has been forgotten."
When Shion finally took his turn at the Eclipser, the stone's response was almost anticlimactic
after Itsuki's mysterious reading. Silver-blue light swirled within the crystal, occasionally forming
what looked like translucent figures that moved through brief, repetitive actions before fading
away. The display was beautiful but somehow melancholy, like watching memories through
frosted glass.
"Tier One," Laen announced. "Rare classification. Spectral Refrain—the manifestation of past
actions as visible echoes. An analytical ability with significant tactical applications."
With the Eclipser readings complete, Laen gestured for attention as a new figure entered the
Trial Yard. The man who approached was clearly from outside Mistfall—his clothes bore the
distinctive styling of Zenkai Dojo, and his bearing suggested someone accustomed to
command.
"This is Instructor Amari Unil," Laen announced. "He has come from Zenkai Dojo to observe the
second phase of our trials."
Amari was a man in his mid-thirties with the lean build of a career warrior. His dark hair was
streaked with premature gray, and his brown eyes held the steady focus of someone who had
seen combat and survived it. When he spoke, his voice carried the authority of experience
without any trace of arrogance.
"The Eclipser has revealed your potential," he said, addressing the assembled Drifters. "Now we
will see how you apply that potential under pressure. The second phase consists of one-on-one
duels. These matches will demonstrate not only your combat skills, but your tactical thinking,
adaptability, and character under stress."
He gestured toward a section of the courtyard that had been marked off with additional runes.
"The dueling area is warded for safety—no technique can cause permanent harm within its
boundaries. However, pain and temporary incapacitation are very real possibilities. Any
participant may yield at any time without shame."
Itsuki felt his pulse quicken. This was what all the training had been for—the chance to test his
abilities against worthy opponents in conditions that approximated real combat.
"The first match," Amari announced, consulting a scroll that had appeared in his hands, "will be
Takumi Leo versus Inara Vex."
Both combatants stepped forward without hesitation. Takumi's grin was fierce and eager, while
Inara's expression remained serenely confident. They faced each other across the designated
dueling area, two very different fighting styles about to clash.
"Combatants, are you ready?" Amari asked.
"Ready," they answered in unison.
"Begin!"
Takumi exploded into motion immediately, his Essence Flare ability igniting around him like a
cloak of golden fire. He launched himself across the dueling area in a burst of radiant energy,
aiming to end the fight quickly with overwhelming force. It was a valid strategy—many
opponents would be overwhelmed by such an aggressive opening.
Inara was not most opponents.
As Takumi's burning form hurtled toward her, she knelt and pressed both palms to the ground.
Her Nature's Embrace ability responded instantly, and thick vines erupted from the earth to form
a defensive barrier. But these weren't ordinary plants—they glowed with the same verdant
energy that had filled the Eclipser during her reading, and when Takumi's fiery assault struck
them, they absorbed the impact without burning.
"Interesting," Kairo murmured from beside Itsuki. "She's not just growing plants—she's
enhancing them with her essence."
Takumi rebounded from his failed charge, landing in a crouch as he reassessed the situation.
His golden eyes took in the barrier of enhanced vines, clearly calculating new approaches.
Instead of another direct assault, he began moving laterally, sending controlled bursts of
Essence Flare at different points along Inara's defensive wall.
"Testing for weak spots," Shion observed quietly. "Smart."
But Inara had anticipated this tactic. The vine barrier began to shift and flow like something
alive, reinforcing areas under attack while extending new tendrils to threaten Takumi's flanks.
She remained kneeling at the center of her mobile fortress, her eyes closed in concentration as
she directed her living defenses with subtle gestures.
Takumi's next attack came from above. Using his Essence Flare to propel himself in a controlled
jump, he sailed over the vine barrier and descended toward Inara with flames wreathing his
fists. It was a bold move that required precise timing and perfect control of his ability.
Inara's eyes snapped open just as Takumi reached the apex of his leap. Instead of trying to
dodge, she thrust both hands skyward and called upon her power with visible intensity. A
massive flower bud erupted from the ground beneath her feet, its petals snapping closed around
both combatants in the space of a heartbeat.
For a moment, the watching crowd could see nothing but the exterior of what looked like an
enormous lotus bloom. Then the petals began to glow from within as Takumi's flames met
Inara's plant constructs at close quarters.
"Can they breathe in there?" someone called out nervously.
"The wards will protect them," Amari replied calmly, though his attention remained fixed on the
sealed flower.
The glow from within the lotus intensified, and suddenly the entire structure exploded outward in
a shower of golden sparks and emerald light. Both combatants stumbled backward from each
other, breathing hard but grinning with the exhilaration of a well-fought match.
Takumi's training robes were singed but intact, and his flame-wreathed hands showed he still
had fight left in him. Inara's forest-green outfit was unmarked, but sweat beaded her forehead
from the effort of maintaining such complex plant constructs. Around them, the dueling area was
littered with the remnants of their exchange—charred vine fragments and slowly cooling patches
where essence fire had struck earth.
"Impressive control from both fighters," Amari announced. "However, this match must have a
conclusion. Combatants, are you prepared to continue?"
"Always," Takumi replied, his grin widening.
"Of course," Inara said with quiet confidence.
What followed was a display of tactical brilliance from both fighters. Takumi abandoned his initial
strategy of overwhelming force, instead using quick bursts of Essence Flare to maintain mobility
while probing for openings. Inara's plant constructs became increasingly sophisticated—vines
that could suddenly harden into wood-like clubs, flowers that released clouds of pollen to
obscure vision, even grass that grew so rapidly it could entangle an opponent's feet.
The duel reached its climax when Takumi managed to break through Inara's defenses with a
feint that left him close enough for direct combat. His flame-wreathed fist swept toward her in an
arc that would have ended the match—but at the last instant, Inara caught his wrist with a vine
that had grown from her own sleeve, redirecting his attack harmlessly past her head.
"Yield," she said quietly, as more vines emerged to gently but firmly restrain his other limbs.
"You fought brilliantly, but this match is mine."
Takumi considered his position for a moment, then laughed and nodded. "Yield. That was
incredible—I've never faced anything like your plant control."
"And I've never fought someone who could literally set the air on fire," Inara replied as her vines
released him. "Thank you for an excellent match."
The crowd erupted in appreciative applause as both fighters bowed to each other with genuine
respect. It had been a display worthy of seasoned warriors, and the fact that both combatants
were technically still Drifters made their skill even more impressive.
"Victory to Inara Vex," Amari announced formally. "Both fighters demonstrated exceptional ability
and sportsmanship. They are a credit to Silverstone's training traditions."
As Takumi and Inara left the dueling area, Itsuki found himself studying the scattered remnants
of their battle. The creative applications of their abilities had been remarkable—Takumi's use of
Essence Flare for mobility as well as offense, Inara's integration of essence enhancement with
her natural plant manipulation. Both had shown tactical flexibility under pressure, adapting their
strategies as the situation demanded.
More importantly, they had fought with honor. Despite the intensity of their combat, neither had
attempted to cause unnecessary harm or humiliation to their opponent. The match had ended
with mutual respect rather than bitter rivalry.
"Quite a show," Kairo commented as they watched the dueling area being cleared for the next
match.
"Indeed," Shion agreed, his teal eyes distant as if he were already cataloging the tactical
lessons from what they'd witnessed. "Both fighters revealed capabilities beyond their official Tier
ratings. This level of competition will require our absolute best."
Itsuki nodded, feeling a familiar calm settling over him. The Trial was living up to its reputation
as a proving ground for exceptional talent. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he and his friends
would face them with the same honor and determination they'd just witnessed.
Around them, the other Drifters buzzed with excitement and nervous energy. Some discussed
strategy in hushed whispers, while others studied potential opponents with calculating eyes. The
atmosphere crackled with anticipation—everyone understood that what they'd just seen was
merely the opening act of what promised to be an extraordinary day.
"Next match," Amari called out, consulting his scroll once more. "Sayaka Veyra versus Drayce
Harkin."
As the two new combatants stepped forward, Itsuki felt the weight of destiny pressing down on
him. Somewhere in this crowd of exceptional young warriors were the individuals who would
shape the future of Astralyn—and possibly the fate of Vilaris itself.
The Trial was just beginning, and already it had exceeded every expectation. What greater
challenges awaited them in the matches to come?
One way or another, they were about to find out.