The chamber fell silent.
Seven members of the Shadow Council watched Kael from their towering thrones.
Their glowing eyes studied him carefully.
Kael shifted uncomfortably.
"Uh… is everyone going to keep staring at me like that?"
Nyra stood quietly beside him.
"Show respect," she whispered.
One of the council members leaned forward.
His cloak moved like living shadows around him.
"For centuries the gates between realms remained closed," he said.
"And yet you opened one."
Kael raised his glowing hand slightly.
"I didn't mean to."
Another council member spoke.
"That symbol on your hand is the Mark of the Realmwalker."
Her voice was calm but powerful.
"The only being capable of controlling the gates between worlds."
Kael looked down at the mark again.
"So you're saying I'm… some kind of portal key?"
The council did not laugh.
The first council member raised his hand.
"If you truly are the Realmwalker…"
He pointed toward the center of the chamber.
"Then prove it."
The floor beneath Kael suddenly moved.
A large circular platform rose from the ground.
Dark energy gathered around it.
Kael frowned.
"Prove it how?"
Nyra's expression turned serious.
"The Shadow Trial."
Before Kael could react, the chamber lights dimmed.
A massive creature formed from living shadows stepped onto the platform.
Its glowing eyes locked onto Kael.
The council member's voice echoed across the hall.
"Defeat the Shadow Guardian."
"Or the Realmwalker dies here."