NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: The First Trial
The cool night air carried whispers of distant crickets as Kael slipped out of the servants' quarters, his heart pounding. Harlan's words repeated in his head: "Keep your head down. But learn what this system can do".
Kael didn't know where to begin but knew he couldn't figure it out from inside the palace, all the while being watched. The large forest outside the courtyard walls would be the perfect place to try out his newfound skills.
As he climbed up the outer wall, Kael paused and looked backward at the distant, dimmish windows in the palace. This was life: shadows, silence, perpetually sneaking about, perpetually hiding. He wouldn't have much longer.
To his left spread the forest—ancient, gnarling trees twisting heavenward. Heavy canopies hid the stars completely, and moonlight was impossible, so whatever little light found its way down was simply from the vest's faint shine hidden beneath the tunic.
"System," Kael whispered. "Can you help me train?"
The screen erupted to life, floating in his line of sight.
[Training Protocol Initiated. Scanning Environment.]
[Environment Analysis: Dense Forest]
[Potential Threats: Low to Moderate]
[Recommendations: Engage in physical activity, utilize scanning to assess local resources.]
Kael furrowed his brow. "Physical activity? That's it?" He didn't know what he expected—maybe some grand technique or secret weapon—but he wasn't about to give up.
He reached for a fallen branch, its weight solid in his hands. "Scan."
[Object: Tree Branch]
[Material: Elm Wood]
[Durability: Moderate]
[Potential Use: Improvised Weapon]
Kael held the branch and began to walk through the forest, swinging it experimentally. He struck at imagined foes, his mind replaying the faces of Dorian and Caden. Every strike was lighter, more precise, as if his body were adapting to the motion.
Sweat formed on his brow, and his muscles ached, but this was not the same pain of his years of bondage. This pain was different, though-it was improvement.
Kael halted to draw in some breath, and there came a rustling from the bush in front of him. He stood frozen, clutching the weapon he made.
"Scan," he breathed softly.
[Object Detected: Forest Lynx]
[Threat Level: Moderate]
[Speed: High]
[Strength: Moderate]
Kael's pulse quickened. The lynx stepped into the moonlight, its golden eyes glinting as it sized him up. Its lean body rippled with muscle, and its sharp claws glinted like daggers.
Kael gripped the branch harder. He could run, but the words of the system repeated in his head: "Face challenges to unlock new functions.
"I can't keep running," Kael muttered to himself. "If I can't handle this, I'll never be ready for anything bigger."
The lynx growled low in its throat and lunged.
Kael swung the branch with all his might. The impact sent a jolt up his arms, but the lynx barely stumbled, snarling as it circled him.
"System!" Kael shouted. "What do I do?"
[Advice: Exploit Weakness. The lynx relies on speed—restrict its movement.]
Kael gazed about at the clearing. A log on the ground beside him was slimy with moss. He found his inspiration.
The lynx sprang a second time. This time Kael was in time to swerve aside before its claws found their mark and swung the branch to force it away. He edged toward the log, goading the lynx into ever tighter quarters.
When the lynx lunged again, Kael swung low, sweeping its legs out from under it. The lynx skidded, its claws scraping uselessly against the slick log. Kael didn't hesitate. He brought the branch down with a decisive blow, hitting its side hard enough to knock the wind out of it.
The lynx whimpered and scrambled away, disappearing into the shadows.
Kael collapsed to his knees, panting. His hands trembled, but his chest swelled with something new—pride.
The screen flashed.
[Challenge Completed. Experience Gained.]
[Energy Accumulated: 5%]
[Unlock Progress: Abilities at 10%]
Kael stared at the screen, a smile creeping onto his face despite his exhaustion. He'd done it. He'd faced his first trial and survived.
As he made his way back to the palace, his mind raced. The system was more than a tool—it was a guide, pushing him toward strength he'd never imagined.
The road ahead would be long and dangerous, but for the first time, Kael felt like he had a chance.
And he was ready to take it.