Streaks of blue and gold lightning arc across the sky and thunder resounds throughout this gloomy land. Lying in the deep south, this area lies under constant bombardment by storm systems and dark, violent clouds blanket this land's sky in a deep black.

  These clouds crackle with intense energy and generate freezing cold water, viciously sharp winds, and extreme lightning, all of which continually strike the earth below. This earth is barren and desolate after countless years of constant bombardment by unceasing storms. Even the steady downfall of rain only hampers the growth of this cursed land, dooming it to a dismal fate.

  Traveling toward this endless storm, Astraoth races quickly along the harsh terrain of the plain, his eyes never leaving the center of this endless tempest. Even when lightning begins to strike the very ground beneath his feet, his gaze never wavers; he flashes from place to place, avoiding all the lightning easily, grasping a small obelisk tightly in his hand.

  Astraoth leaps from rock to rock, seeing the storm around him with his spirit, extending his consciousness around him with his Essence Energy. But the lightning does not halt and only becomes more ferocious as Astraoth advances further into the storm. Lightning strikes fall faster and faster as Astraoth dashes into the tempest.

  The wind's edge cuts harsher and deeper with every step Astraoth takes; the earth itself hardens and sharpens, piercing into Astraoth's bare feet even more as he unceasingly advances. The storm raging around him strengthens further until even the rain cascading down upon him is colder than ice, and freezes his skin upon contact.

  Eventually, the ground was soaked in rainwater, and the lightning began to strike the water, sending streams of electricity coursing throughout Astraoth's body constantly; every single step would bring a new challenge, and every new challenge would strengthen another. Astraoth's pain and suffering grew ever stronger under these severe conditions.

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  Each challenge would augment the next, leading to neverending increases in the difficulty of merely moving; electricity and ice would hamper Astraoth's movements, leading to more lightning striking him. The wind would cut and slice his skin, leading to water freezing it, in turn opening only more vulnerabilities. Eventually, Astraoth's entire body became numb from the pain and cold, but he refused to accept defeat, instead using his Essence Energy to warm himself, saving his life at the expense of bringing back his sense of pain.

  Astraoth refused to stop and he refused to give in; every injury, every wound, every ounce of pain and suffering, only furthered his resolve and only deepened the strength of his will. Astraoth's eyes burned a bright crimson, radiating the full strength of his conviction; this unbearable hardship has not daunted him, only encouraged his growth. The ever-worsening weather only increased Astraoth's speed, and the ever-increasing hardships only augmented his strength.

  Astraoth's cultivation was far weaker than those who previously attempted the trials. His strength was far weaker than theirs', and he was far less experienced than any of them as well. His powers were weak and fragile compared to his predecessors, whose foundations were sturdy and firm. His frame, small and flimsy, was similarly incomparable to their robust bodies. Nothing he had could compare to them in any way, save for one thing; his will was incomparably stronger than any of theirs'.

  This conviction, this determination, stemmed from one thing; his desire to protect his father. As Astraoth sprinted on, into a new trial, his mind filled with the memories of Oromius, and the promise he made; the promise to overcome the odds, to overcome the hardship, the promise to survive no matter the challenges he may face.

  Astraoth, finally noticing the center of the tempest surrounding him, races quickly towards it, smiling slightly as he moves forward. And so, Astraoth continues onward, with a thin trail of blood streaming from his battered body, marking his path into the storm.