Chapter 26: The First Test
In the early morning light, Jest studied the black feather they'd found, turning it carefully in his hands. Its edge remained impossibly sharp, and something about it seemed to resist his shadow powers.
[Analysis Attempt]
Error: Unable to process artifact
Current System Level insufficient
Required: Advanced Analysis Module
Note: Further system evolution needed
Jest frowned at the notification. This was the first time his system had failed to analyze something. Even Kali's spatial magic registered basic readings.
"Interesting," Kali murmured, watching the error message fade. "Whatever left this isn't just powerful - it's beyond your current understanding."
Storing the feather carefully, they began their approach to the Blue Moon Clan's central territory. The forest gradually gave way to cleared land, and soon they heard the unmistakable sounds of combat and cheering.
The arena rose before them like a monument to primal power. Built into the side of a mountain, its walls were a combination of ancient stone and living trees, their trunks twisted into impossible shapes to form seats and walkways. Blue moss covered much of the structure, pulsing gently with magical energy.
A crowd roared as Jest and Kali found seats in the arena's upper tier. Below, two combatants circled each other in a ring marked by glowing blue stones. One was clearly a werewolf, his partial transformation giving him a deadly mix of human dexterity and bestial strength. His opponent was something else entirely - a woman wielding wind magic that made the very air sing.
"Outer Circle trials," Kali explained, nodding toward the battle. "The clan tests all who seek to join or ally with them. That wind mage has been here three days now, working her way up the ranks."
The werewolf lunged, his claws extended, but the wind mage danced away on currents of air. Her counter-attack sent blades of compressed wind slicing through the space where he'd been moments before.
"Watch how they move," Kali instructed. "The clan values adaptation over raw power. See how the werewolf adjusts his style? He's learning her patterns."
Indeed, each exchange showed the werewolf moving more efficiently, timing his attacks to when the wind mage needed to reset her stance. Finally, he found his opening - a fraction of a second when her wind barrier wavered. His claws stopped an inch from her throat.
"Victory to Greyback!" a massive werewolf announced from a decorated box. "Wind Mage Aria advances to the next trial!"
Both combatants bowed, respect evident in their gestures. Jest noticed something interesting - neither had fought to truly harm the other. This was about demonstration, not destruction.
After the match, Jest and Kali descended into the Outer Circle's main settlement. Unlike human cities with their rigid streets and square buildings, the werewolf community flowed organically through the landscape. Homes were built into and around massive trees, connected by rope bridges and wooden walkways that swayed gently in the breeze.
The market square buzzed with activity. Werewolves in various states of transformation went about their daily business. Some remained fully human, others maintained partial shifts - perhaps a set of claws or enhanced senses - while a few padded around in full wolf form.
"The Outer Circle isn't just warriors," Kali explained as they passed a shop where a elderly werewolf was teaching young cubs to craft moonstone jewelry. "They're craftsmen, traders, teachers. The fighting force is important, but it's their culture that truly binds them."
Jest's shadow rat observed everything with its third eye, particularly interested in the blue crystals that seemed to be everywhere. They hung from doorways, were embedded in walls, even decorated clothing.
"Moon shards," Kali said, noting his interest. "They help maintain control during transformations. Young werewolves especially need them until they master their shifts."
They passed training grounds where adolescent werewolves practiced under the watchful eyes of veteran warriors. Unlike the arena's formal combat, these sessions focused on practical skills - hunting techniques, scent tracking, and most importantly, pack coordination.
The afternoon sun had just begun its descent when a figure materialized before them, stepping out of a shimmer of blue light. The messenger was striking - a young werewolf with silver-white fur trimming his human form, his eyes an unusual shade of moonlit blue.
"Jest of the Shadow Scythes," he announced formally, producing a letter sealed with blue wax bearing the impression of three moons. "The clan recognizes your presence and offers challenge."
The letter floated from his hands, carried by a gentle current of moon-touched air. Jest caught it, feeling the magic pulse beneath the parchment.
[Item Received: Moon-Sealed Challenge]
Note: Magical binding contract detected
Warning: Acceptance is irreversible
Breaking the seal, Jest read:
"To the Shadow Walker,
Your reputation precedes you. The arena awaits your demonstration of worth. Present yourself within the hour. Choose your weapons with care - you face not just flesh and bone, but the judgment of ancient spirits.
By Hope's will,
The Three Circles"
High above in her castle, carved into the mountain's face, Hope lounged on a throne that seemed grown rather than built from living moonstone. The massive opening before her indeed could hold hundreds, its edges decorated with crystalline formations that caught and amplified the fading daylight.
Her form was deceptively delicate in its human aspect - a young woman with hair the color of starlight and eyes that shifted between gold and silver with each blink. But power radiated from her like heat from a forge, and when she smiled, ancient wisdom danced behind her gaze.
"So," she purred, watching Jest read the summons far below, "the Dungeon King's heir finally shows himself." Her fingers traced patterns in the air, leaving trails of blue light. "Let's see if you're truly ready for what's coming."
The letter floated from his hands, carried by a gentle current of moon-touched air. Jest caught it, feeling the magic pulse beneath the parchment.
[Item Received: Moon-Sealed Challenge]
Note: Magical binding contract detected
Warning: Acceptance is irreversible
Breaking the seal, Jest read:
"To the Shadow Walker,
Your reputation precedes you. The arena awaits your demonstration of worth. Present yourself within the hour. Choose your weapons with care - you face not just flesh and bone, but the judgment of ancient spirits.
By Hope's will,
The Three Circles"
High above in her castle, carved into the mountain's face, Hope literally bounced in her seat, her excitement making her shift partially between forms - her hair shimmering like starlight one moment, becoming a silvery mane the next. The massive opening before her indeed could hold hundreds, its edges decorated with crystalline formations that caught and amplified the fading daylight.
"He's here, he's finally here!" She laughed, the sound like bells in the wind, her eyes flashing from gold to silver rapidly. In her excitement, her fingers dug into her moonstone throne, causing cracks to spider-web through the ancient material. She didn't seem to notice or care.
"After all these years of waiting, after all the visions..." She stood, pacing with barely contained energy, her form flickering between human and wolf as her emotions ran high. "The heir to the shadows, the one who could change everything!"
She spun toward her attendants, who took an instinctive step back from the wild power radiating from their young leader. "This is going to be so much fun!" Her grin showed teeth that were perhaps a bit too sharp, and when she clenched her fists in excitement, more pieces of her throne crumbled.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"My lady," one of her advisors ventured carefully, "the throne..."
"Oh, let it break!" Hope laughed again, her voice carrying harmonics of ancient power. "We can grow another. But this... this is what we've been waiting for!"
Back in the Outer Circle, Jest examined the challenge letter again while Kali paced nearby. His shadow rat circled anxiously, its third eye pulsing with increased frequency as it sensed the gathering power in the arena above.
"The challenge will be different from what we witnessed earlier," Kali warned, coming to a stop. "Those were standard trials. But you..." She gave him a meaningful look. "Your test will be specially crafted."
Jest secured his twin scythes, feeling them hum with anticipation. "What should I expect?"
"With Hope in this mood?" Kali glanced toward the castle where pulses of wild moon energy could be seen flaring. "Anything. She's excited, which means-"
A howl cut through the air, so charged with power that the blue crystals throughout the settlement resonated in response. Several young werewolves shifted forms involuntarily, their moonstone jewelry glowing brightly to help them maintain control.
"That wasn't just a howl," Jest noted, feeling his shadows stir restlessly. "That was a call."
Kali nodded, her expression serious. "Hope's summoning the clan to witness. This isn't going to be a simple trial anymore - it's becoming an event."
The streets were suddenly alive with activity as werewolves emerged from their homes, all heading toward the arena. The energy in the air was electric, a mixture of excitement and reverence. Even the Noctus vampires emerged from their shadowed dwellings, their pale features marked with intrigue.
[Arena Status Update]
Location: Blue Moon Clan Central Arena
Current Occupancy: Rising rapidly
Energy Signatures: Multiple high-level entities detected
Warning: Ancient power gathering
Jest and Kali made their way through the crowd, following the messenger who had reappeared to guide them. The arena had transformed since their earlier visit. The blue moss now pulsed with intense light, and the twisted trees forming parts of the structure seemed more alive, more aware.
As they reached the preparation chamber beneath the arena floor, Jest could hear the crowd above. Their energy was different now - not the bloodthirsty anticipation of regular matches, but something deeper, more primal.
"Listen carefully," Kali said, her voice low and urgent. "Whatever happens out there, remember - this isn't just about winning. The clan, Hope especially, they're looking for something specific. Watch for signs, adapt to what they show you."
In the preparation chamber, Jest felt the weight of ancient magic pressing down. His shadow rat's third eye spun rapidly, trying to process the overwhelming power gathering above. His scythes pulsed with their own anticipation, their purple edges seeming darker, hungrier.
[Arena Analysis]
Power Levels Detected:
- Ancient Spirits (Multiple)
- Elite Werewolves (50+)
- Noctus Vampire Lords (12)
- Unidentified High-Level Entities (8)
Warning: Power concentration exceeding measurement capacity
Suddenly, the entire arena fell silent. A presence filled the air - wild, ancient, and untamed. Hope had arrived.
The young leader's voice carried effortlessly through the massive space, each word charged with power that made the moonstone crystals sing.
"Children of the moon, lords of the night, honored ancients," she called out, barely containing her excitement. "Today marks a moment long prophesied. The signs have aligned, the deep places stir, and before us stands one whose coming was foretold."
She practically bounced on her toes as she continued, her form flickering between human and wolf in her enthusiasm. "I present to you - Jest, heir to the deep ways!"
A murmur ran through the crowd. Most looked confused at the title, but Jest noticed the reactions of the powerful beings Hope had mentioned. The eldest werewolves stiffened, their eyes widening in recognition. The Noctus lords exchanged meaningful glances, their pale features marked with newfound interest. And in the shadows of the arena's highest tiers, those unidentified entities seemed to lean forward, their attention suddenly sharp and focused.
Hope's grin showed far too many teeth as she raised her arms. "Our challenger faces no ordinary trial. He will face the judgment of the ancient spirits themselves!" She gestured, and the arena floor began to transform. "Three tests, each blessed by one of our sacred circles. First - the Trial of Flesh, where strength meets strength!"
The ground shifted, revealing a complex array of moonstones that began to pulse with building power.
"Second - the Trial of Spirit, where will meets wisdom!"
Blue fire erupted in patterns around the arena's edges.
"And finally - the Trial of the Ancient Ways, where power meets its true purpose!"
The air itself seemed to crystallize with possibility.
Hope's eyes flashed silver as she looked directly at Jest, breaking protocol in her excitement. "Your first opponent rises, heir to the shadows. Show us what lurks in the deep places!"
The arena floor cracked open, and something massive began to emerge.
From the cracking arena floor emerged a werewolf unlike any Jest had seen before. Standing nearly fifteen feet tall, its silver-black fur seemed to absorb the moonlight rather than reflect it. Ancient runes glowed along its massive arms, and its eyes burned with the wisdom of centuries.
"Behold," Hope announced, her voice carrying a tremor of excitement, "Grandfather Fenris, First Fang of the Outer Circle, Warrior of a Thousand Moons!"
[Boss Detection]
Entity: Grandfather Fenris
Rank: B
Type: Ancient Werewolf
Warning: Multiple power signatures detected
Note: Blessed by moon spirits
The ancient werewolf's presence was overwhelming. Even Jest's shadow rat retreated slightly, its third eye pulsing rapidly as it analyzed their opponent. This wasn't just any werewolf - this was a being who had lived through ages, who had seen empires rise and fall, who had fought in wars long forgotten by mortal memory.
Fenris spoke, his voice like thunder rolling through mountains: "Young shadow walker, I have waited centuries to test one of your line. Show me if you are worthy of the power that stirs in your blood."
Fenris moved with impossible speed for his size, covering the arena distance in a heartbeat. Jest barely managed to cross his scythes in time to block a blow that sent him skidding backward.
[Combat Analysis]
Enemy Level: Far exceeds current capabilities
Recommendation: Strategic retreat
Warning: Direct confrontation ill-advised
Jest knew he was outmatched. Each exchange proved the gap in their power. His shadows, his techniques, everything that had worked before seemed insignificant against this ancient warrior.
After a particularly brutal exchange that left Jest gasping, he made a desperate decision.
[System Access: Evolution Protocol]
Target: Shadow Rat King
Current Rank: C
Desired Rank: B
Warning: ACCESSING DUNGEON KING POWERS PREMATURELY MAY CAUSE SEVERE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRAIN. PROCEED WITH CAUTION?
"Do it," Jest commanded through gritted teeth.
[Evolution Initiated]
Warning: Power surge detected
Caution: Host body experiencing extreme stress
DANGER: Ancient power awakening
Blue electricity crackled across Jest's body as power surged through him. In the stands, Hope's grin widened manically, and the ancient entities leaned forward, their attention razor-sharp.
Sixteen C-rank familiars materialized around the arena, called by the surge of power. The crowd gasped at the display, but Jest barely noticed. His consciousness was slipping, being pushed aside by something - someone - else.
The Shadow Rat King appeared beside him, its fur transforming from black to brilliant silver, crackling with the same energy that consumed Jest. It grew larger, more regal, power rolling off it in waves.
Jest felt himself falling into darkness as another presence took control. His last conscious thought was recognition - Tyrial.
"How nostalgic," Tyrial's voice emerged from Jest's mouth, smooth and ancient. "To stand in an arena again." His eyes swept the crowd before landing on Hope. "It's been some time, little wolf."
Hope's excited grin froze, replaced by shocked recognition.
The evolved Rat King spoke, its voice resonating with new power: "My lord, shall I summon the others?"
"No need," Tyrial replied, Jest's scythes dissolving into shadow as he summoned something else - a blade that seemed forged from darkness itself. "Let's show them the dance that once made gods tremble."
The Seraphis blade moved like liquid shadow in Tyrial's hands, leaving trails of darkness that hung in the air like cosmic bruises. Each movement was precise, elegant, yet carried enough power to make the ancient spirits in attendance stir uneasily.
"The Blade Dance," Hope whispered, her excitement replaced by awe. "I've only seen it in visions..."
Grandfather Fenris charged, his massive form radiating moonlight. But where Jest had struggled, Tyrial merely smiled. The blade flowed through ten forms in the space of a heartbeat.
Each form built upon the last, creating a symphony of devastation. The evolved Rat King moved in perfect harmony with Tyrial, their coordinated attacks forcing even the ancient werewolf to give ground.
"You've grown slow, old wolf," Tyrial taunted, his movements becoming faster, more complex. "Time has dulled your edge."
The Seraphis Blade Dance was more than just combat - it was art written in shadow and steel. Each form flowed into the next with liquid grace, creating patterns that seemed to tear at the fabric of reality itself.
[Sixth Form: Eternal Night's Requiem]
The blade split into five shadow copies, each moving independently yet in perfect harmony. Fenris found himself defending against attacks from angles that shouldn't have been possible.
[Seventh Form: Void King's Lament]
The very air began to crystallize with dark energy. The evolved Rat King's silver fur blazed with power as it wove through Tyrial's attacks, its movements perfectly complementing each blade strike.
In the stands, the ancient entities watched with a mixture of recognition and fear. The Noctus vampire lords bowed their heads in reverence, while the eldest werewolves trembled at the display of power they'd only heard about in legends.
"This is what they feared," Hope breathed, her eyes wide. "This is why seven gods united against one king."
[Eighth Form: Dynasty's End]
The blade became pure darkness, its edge singing a song of endings. Fenris, despite his incredible power and experience, found himself overwhelmed. Each parry, each dodge brought him closer to defeat.
[Final Form: Seraphis Crown]
"Enough playing," Tyrial announced. The blade suddenly blazed with purple fire as he executed the dance's ultimate form. Shadow copies of the evolved Rat King appeared, each moving in perfect synchronization as Tyrial's blade wove a web of absolute destruction.
Fenris, ancient warrior and pride of the Outer Circle, crashed to his knees.
"It's better this way, old friend," Tyrial said softly, almost gently. In one fluid motion, the Seraphis blade sang through the air, and Fenris's massive head rolled across the arena floor.
Outraged cries erupted from parts of the crowd. Several werewolves half-rose, their forms beginning to shift. Even Hope's expression darkened with concern.
But Tyrial merely smiled, reaching down to lift Fenris's head. Dark energy began to pulse between his hands as he cradled it.
[Ancient Skill Activated: Evolution Catalyst]
Warning: Power exceeding normal parameters
Reanimation Process Initiated
Power Saturation: 900% above threshold
CAUTION: Reality distortion detected
Purple lightning crackled across the arena as Tyrial poured power into the fallen warrior. Fenris's body rose, reconnecting with his head as shadows wove them back together. But he was changing, evolving into something more.
[Status Update]
Entity: Grandfather Fenris
Previous Rank: B
Current Rank: S
Evolution: Complete
Note: Ancient power fully awakened
The restored Fenris opened his eyes - now gleaming with shadow-infused power - and knelt before Tyrial.
"Consider this my gift to you, Jest," Tyrial's voice echoed in Jest's mind as his consciousness began to return. "But listen well - if I hadn't intervened, your reckless use of power would have led to rampage and destruction. You would have taken lives that didn't deserve such a fate. You're fortunate I can still reach you, still guide you. Learn control, or the next time might end differently."
Jest's consciousness flooded back as Tyrial's presence receded. His body felt like it had been struck by lightning, every nerve ending raw and oversensitized. Before him stood the transformed Fenris, now radiating power that made the moonstone crystals throughout the arena resonate.
[Status Update]
New Familiar Acquired: Grandfather Fenris
Rank: S
Type: Shadow Wolf Ancestor
Warning: Power stabilization in progress
The evolved Rat King, still crackling with silver energy, moved to Jest's side. Its new form commanded presence in a way its previous incarnation never had.
[Familiar Evolution Complete]
Shadow Rat King → Silver Storm King
Previous Rank: C
Current Rank: B
Note: Ancient power awakened
The arena remained deathly silent. Hope had risen from her seat, her eyes wide with something beyond excitement - understanding, perhaps, or recognition of what she'd just witnessed.
"The Trial of Flesh," she announced, her voice carrying a tremor, "is concluded. Though perhaps not in any way we expected." Her gaze fixed on Jest, seeing him with new eyes. "Rest, heir to the shadows. The remaining trials... will wait."
The arena slowly emptied, but not before each ancient entity and high-ranking member of the clan bowed deeply to Jest. The power they'd witnessed wasn't just impressive - it was legendary, a glimpse of what the Dungeon King had once been.
[System Update]
Host Recovery: 45%
Warning: Power usage restricted for 24 hours
Note: Multiple familiar evolutions require stabilization period
Jest's legs trembled as Kali appeared beside him, her eyes wide with concern and awe. "That was..."
"Reckless," Jest finished, feeling Tyrial's warning echo in his mind. The evolved Rat King - now the Silver Storm King - stood protectively near him, while Grandfather Fenris's massive form loomed behind, both radiating their new power.
Hope descended from her viewing area, approaching with measured steps. Gone was her earlier excitement, replaced by something more solemn. "The ancient spirits speak true," she said softly. "You are more than just an heir. You are his return." She looked at the transformed Fenris. "And you've given us back our ancestor, stronger than ever."
"Rest now," she continued, her voice carrying authority despite her youth. "We have much to discuss tomorrow, when your power stabilizes." Her eyes gleamed. "And perhaps... you might tell me about him. About Tyrial."
As Jest was led to his quarters, he could feel the weight of what had happened settling over the clan's territory. The air itself seemed charged with anticipation. Everything had changed - his power, his understanding, his path forward.
In his mind, he could almost hear Tyrial's fading laughter. The game had evolved, and the rules were more complex than ever.