The Council hall seemed to grow colder with every whispered word. Rihan shifted on his feet, wishing for the hundredth time that he could just disappear.
The Elders, twelve in number, sat in a semicircle. Their eyes—piercing, ancient, and unyielding—felt like they could cut deeper than any blade.
Elira knelt at his side, her expression calm but her shoulders tense. Lyra remained just behind, her hands clasped tightly around her staff.
Finally, the Elder seated at the center—an imposing figure draped in robes that shimmered with threads of silver—spoke.
"Rihan of another world… You stand accused of embodying a prophecy that has haunted our people for centuries. Tell us—why should we not strike you down before your power brings ruin?"
---
Rihan blinked. "Wow. Straight to the execution option, huh? No pressure."
A ripple of disapproval ran through the chamber at his tone. But he forced himself to keep speaking.
"Look. I didn't ask for this. I don't even fully understand this power. All I know is… if I hadn't fought back, that monster would've killed us. Elira, Lyra—maybe the entire forest. I'm not your enemy. I don't want to be."
His words hung in the air. Some Elders seemed swayed. Others looked unconvinced.
---
An Elder with hawk-like features leaned forward. "Convenient words. But corruption often disguises itself in light before it strikes. Can we risk our people's lives on the trust of a stranger?"
Another Elder, this one younger and softer in tone, interjected. "And yet… have we not prayed for a savior? If this human's power truly burns corruption at its root, can we afford to cast him aside?"
Arguments broke out across the chamber.
He could be salvation.
He could be our end.
The prophecy was never clear.
Rihan rubbed his temples. "Great. I'm a walking debate topic."
---
Elira rose suddenly, her voice cutting through the chaos.
"Enough."
The chamber fell silent. All eyes turned to her.
"Elven tradition values proof over speculation. If you doubt him, then let him prove himself. Place a trial before him. If he fails, then you will have justification for your fears. But if he succeeds…" Her eyes swept the room, blazing with defiance. "Then you will bow to the truth you claim to seek."
The Elders murmured, considering.
Finally, the silver-robed Elder at the center nodded slowly. "So be it. The human shall face a Trial of Purity. He will enter the Cavern of Echoes, where corruption seeps most deeply. If his light holds true, he will return cleansed. If not…"
The Elder's eyes hardened. "The forest will claim him."
---
Lyra gasped softly. "That place is forbidden. Even our strongest warriors dare not linger there…"
Rihan swallowed hard. "Awesome. Totally not terrifying. I love being volunteered for suicide missions."
But Elira stepped closer, her hand brushing his arm, subtle but steadying. "I will go with you."
One of the Elders hissed. "Princess Elira, you would endanger yourself for a stranger?"
Her voice was unwavering. "If this Council questions his worth, then I, Elira Sylvannis, will stake my life on it."
The chamber erupted into shocked murmurs.
---
The verdict was sealed. The Trial would begin at dawn.
Rihan was led out of the chamber under heavy guard, though Elira and Lyra stayed close.
The streets of Sylvaris whispered as he passed. Elves stepped aside, some sneering, some watching with haunted eyes.
Rihan muttered, "Man, I'm really popular here. Can't imagine why."
Lyra's worried gaze didn't waver. "This trial… it's more than a test. The Cavern of Echoes is a scar on this world. Many who enter never return."
He forced a smirk. "Well, guess I'll just have to be the first human to get a perfect score, then."
---
That night, in the guest chambers given to them, Elira stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the glowing skyline of her city.
"You should rest," she said quietly.
Rihan sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his hands. The memory of his blade of light flickering into existence replayed in his mind. The System's words echoed louder.
[Main Quest: Trial of Purity – Survive the Cavern of Echoes.]
[Failure Condition: Death.]
He exhaled shakily. "Elira… why did you stand up for me? You barely know me."
Her expression softened, though her voice remained steady. "Because I have seen the fire in your eyes. You fear this world, but you do not run. That alone sets you apart."
A faint silence lingered between them. Then she added, barely above a whisper:
"…And perhaps because… if the prophecy is true, I would rather shape it with my own hands than leave it to chance."
---
Before Rihan could respond, the earth trembled. A low, guttural roar echoed across the city.
Both of them froze.
Then came the screams.
Elira's hand shot to her blade. "No… it cannot be!"
From the streets below, Rihan saw it—twisted shadows rising from the ground, corruption seeping past Sylvaris' wards.
The Cavern of Echoes hadn't waited for them.
It had come to them.