The Pinnacle Rocks rose before them, jagged and imposing, the wind howling like a chorus of ancient voices. The four companions—Zack, Aerith, Noctis, and Galuf—carefully navigated the treacherous paths, each step a reminder that this climb was more than a test of endurance. Something lay ahead, something ancient, and the air thrummed with an energy that made their hairs stand on end.
"I can feel it," Aerith whispered, her eyes scanning the rocks. "Something… watches us."
Noctis didn't speak. His gaze was fixed on the summit, a cold certainty settling over him. He had seen this figure before, in visions, in dreams, in echoes of the worlds he'd left behind.
Above them, hidden among the storm clouds, the figure watched. Ramuh, ancient and imposing, observed the anomalies Sirius had placed here. The voice of Gaia had reached him, urging him to test these anomalies, to see if they could endure what few mortals—or even Eidolons—could survive.
Finally, a crack of thunder split the sky. The wind died for a moment, and the four saw him.
An old man, his hair like silver lightning, his eyes glowing with electric wisdom, stood on a cliff's edge above them. The air vibrated with raw power.
"Gaia has told me of you anomalies," Ramuh's voice boomed, carrying across the rocks. "I am Ramuh. I will test you."
The four froze. Even Zack's bravado faltered. Galuf's grip tightened on his weapon. Aerith's hand instinctively glowed with magic. And Noctis's eyes narrowed, a recognition sparking in him. This… is no ordinary challenge.
---
Ramuh raised his staff, and the skies above split with blinding light. Lightning arced across the peaks, striking the ground near the four, sending shards of rock flying.
"Get down!" Galuf shouted, pulling Noctis behind him as Zack dashed to intercept a lightning strike with a swift, spinning sword slash. Sparks danced across his blade, but the force was overwhelming.
Aerith muttered an incantation, summoning a protective barrier of mana around them. The magic shimmered, absorbing some of the force, but the raw power of Ramuh's storm made even her barriers tremble.
"Everyone, focus!" Noctis shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of the storm. He called upon his Royal Arms, summoning a sword mid-air and leaping forward, striking a bolt of energy at Ramuh—but the Eidolon's eyes glowed, and the attack fizzled, redirected harmlessly into the air.
Zack cursed under his breath. "This guy… is insane."
Galuf nodded. "And we're just getting started."
---
Realizing brute force alone would not win, the four quickly fell into coordinated movements. Aerith began weaving protective wards that allowed Zack and Noctis to advance without being struck by every bolt.
Zack signaled, "Noctis, strike after my spin!" They executed a perfectly timed combo, Noctis lunging through a crack in the storm while Zack deflected a stray lightning strike. Ramuh's staff whipped downward, and Galuf used his full strength to push Zack and Noctis out of immediate danger, then fired a shockwave of earth at Ramuh, buying a brief moment of respite.
"You're fast… but not fast enough," Ramuh boomed. Another wave of lightning erupted, striking Galuf and sending him skidding across the rocks. He groaned, rising to his feet, eyes burning with determination. "We can't let him overwhelm us individually."
Aerith's eyes glimmered. "Then we fight as one. Shield, strike, protect—together."
The four adopted a circular formation. Zack's strikes drew Ramuh's attention, Noctis's Warp Strikes allowed unpredictable attacks, Galuf's endurance kept them anchored, and Aerith's magic shield and counter-spells protected everyone from the devastating storms.
---
Despite their coordination, the sheer power of Ramuh overwhelmed them. A single swing of his staff split a cliff side, sending massive boulders tumbling toward them. Noctis barely teleported out of the way, pulling Zack with him. Aerith's barrier absorbed much of the shock, but her knees buckled from the strain.
"Damn… he's not just powerful… he's terrifying!" Zack yelled, deflecting a strike with all his might.
"I've fought gods in my time," Galuf growled, sweat beading on his forehead, "but this… this is something else entirely!"
Even Noctis felt the fear gnawing at his chest. He was a prince who had faced death countless times, yet the raw, elemental force Ramuh wielded made him feel small, mortal. Aerith, though steady, could not hide her widening eyes as lightning arced dangerously close, singeing her hair.
---
Gradually, the four began to adapt. Noctis's quick thinking allowed him to anticipate lightning strikes, teleporting at precise moments. Zack's agility and swordplay combined with Aerith's magical guidance, creating openings they hadn't thought possible. Galuf reinforced the ground, redirecting energy bursts away from the others.
Aerith called out, "Now! Combine your attacks!"
Zack swung, Noctis lunged, and Galuf unleashed a concentrated strike of earth and wind at Ramuh's staff. The strike didn't defeat him, but it made him stagger slightly—a small victory, a reminder that even an ancient Eidolon could be pressured with precise teamwork.
"Not bad," Ramuh's voice echoed, amused but commanding. "You learn quickly. But courage alone will not save you. Trust in your synergy, your instincts, and your resolve. Only then will the true test begin."
---
As the storm raged around them, the four shared a glance, sweat and dirt covering them, breaths heavy but hearts ignited.
"We're actually… doing it," Zack said, a mix of disbelief and exhilaration in his voice.
Aerith smiled, panting slightly. "We survived… and worked together. This… this is what Sirius meant by training us."
Noctis didn't speak, but his eyes softened. He understood the lesson: raw power alone wasn't enough. Strategy, trust, and unity were what would carry them through challenges like this.
Galuf, still steady and solid as a rock, let out a low chuckle. "The old man may be terrifying, but… he's teaching us something valuable. That fear? That's fuel for skill."
---
Finally, Ramuh raised his staff one last time, lightning striking harmlessly into the distance. He gazed upon the four, a spark of approval in his ancient eyes.
"You have endured, anomalies," he said, voice booming yet tinged with respect. "Gaia foresaw your arrival, but it was your actions here, your cooperation, and your courage that prove your worth. Remember this lesson: power alone is hollow. Strength comes from trust, unity, and the will to protect one another."
The storm gradually subsided, leaving the Pinnacle Rocks bathed in the soft light of a settling sun. The four sank to the ground, exhausted but exhilarated, feeling the weight of accomplishment and growth pressing into their bones.
Aerith laughed softly, brushing snow from her cloak. "I never thought I'd say this… but I kind of enjoyed that."
Zack grinned, leaning back against a rock. "Yeah… terrifying as hell, but… exhilarating."
Noctis finally spoke, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips. "We survived. Together."
Galuf patted his shoulder, chuckling. "And we'll keep surviving, as long as we stick together. That's the lesson of this Eidolon. Strength is meaningless alone."
High above, hidden among the clouds, Ramuh watched the four anomalies, his ancient eyes reflecting lightning and wisdom. They have potential… more than I anticipated. Gaia's judgment was correct, but the true test is only beginning.