CHAPTER 5: THE WORLD TREE'S TRIAL

The grand banquet was held in the great hall of the castle, a magnificent space adorned with golden chandeliers and intricate carvings of Guardia’s past kings and queens. Nobles and high-ranking officials gathered, raising their glasses in honor of the summoned heroes. The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and aged wine. Music played, and laughter echoed through the hall as servants carried platters of exotic dishes.

However, Grey had no interest in any of it.

He had barely touched his food, only picking at it for a few moments before excusing himself. Jackson, noticing him leave, quickly followed.

"Hey, where are you going?" Jackson asked, catching up to him in the corridor.

Grey sighed. "Just needed some air. I can’t sit there pretending to celebrate when we were just threatened with execution."

Jackson scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… I get what you mean. It’s kinda weird. Everyone’s acting like this is some happy occasion when we literally have no choice but to fight."

The two stepped into the courtyard, the cold night air brushing against their faces. The moonlight bathed the garden in silver, the stars shining brightly above them.

Jackson sat on a stone bench, leaning back. "So… what do you think about all this?"

Grey stood nearby, crossing his arms. "I think we’re being used. They summoned us, threw us into this mess, and now we either get stronger or die. That’s not a choice—that’s a trap."

Jackson exhaled. "Yeah… but what can we do? Even if we wanted to escape, where would we even go? Every country is preparing for war. We’d just be seen as enemies."

Grey didn’t answer. He knew Jackson was right.

For a long moment, the two sat in silence, only the rustling of leaves filling the air.

Finally, Jackson broke the silence. "I just hope we make it out of this alive."

Grey nodded, but deep down, he had a feeling that things were only going to get worse.

The next morning, Grey woke to the sound of knocking.

"Wake up," Lira’s voice called from outside his door. "Get ready. You’re being summoned for lunch."

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Grey rubbed his eyes, sighing. He had barely gotten any sleep, his mind restless from last night’s conversation. After quickly getting dressed, he made his way to the dining hall, where the other heroes were already gathered.

Lira stood at the head of the table, her expression serious. "Eat well. After this, we leave for the World Tree."

The room fell silent.

Even Jackson, who usually had something to say, remained quiet.

After finishing their meal, they were led outside, where a carriage awaited them. The journey was long, but when they finally arrived at their destination, they were met with a sight that stole their breath away.

The World Tree.

It stood before them like a titan, its massive trunk stretching so high into the sky that its peak was lost in the clouds. Its roots twisted and coiled across the land like great rivers of wood, and around it, countless glowing spirits drifted through the air like fireflies. The air itself felt different—thicker, filled with an ancient energy that made their skin tingle.

Lira stepped forward. "Welcome to the World Tree. This is where your fate will be decided."

A sudden gust of wind swept through the area, and from within the glowing spirits, a figure emerged. Unlike the others, she had form—a high spirit.

She had long, flowing hair that shimmered like liquid silver, her translucent body clad in a robe made of pure energy. Her eyes glowed with an ethereal light as she observed the heroes.

"Chosen ones," she spoke, her voice echoing like a melody in the wind. "You stand before the gate of trials. The path ahead is not easy, and many have perished before you."

Aria trembled slightly, stepping closer to Amy.

The high spirit continued. "The World Tree is not merely a source of power. It is a realm of its own, a world within a world. To gain the favor of the gods, you must find the true World Tree hidden within. However, beware—this realm is filled with dangers beyond imagination. Spirits will try to deceive you, monsters born from the tree itself will seek to devour you, and if you do not reach the true tree within a year, you will never return."

The air grew colder.

Jackson gulped. "Wait… we’re going to be trapped inside?"

The spirit nodded. "Once you enter, there is no way out until you succeed—or fail."

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Additionally," the spirit continued, "be mindful of the spirits that roam the inner world. Not all of them are friendly. Some seek to trick you, to lure you into illusions and possess your body. If you let your guard down, you will lose yourself."

Grey clenched his fists. This just kept getting worse.

The spirit’s gaze then fell on Aria. "You… are different."

Aria flinched. "W-What?"

The spirit smiled. "Your heart is kind, untainted by greed or ambition. Because of that, many spirits will be drawn to you."

Aria’s face paled. "Is… is that a bad thing?"

The spirit chuckled. "That depends on whether they wish to help you… or take you for themselves."

Aria shivered.

Lira stepped forward. "Enough talk. It is time."

The high spirit nodded and gestured toward the massive trunk. A glow appeared on its surface, and a doorway of light opened before them.

"Step forward, chosen ones," the spirit said. "May the gods decide your fate."

Grey took a deep breath.

No turning back now.

One by one, they stepped into the light.

And the trial began.

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END OF CHAPTER 5