Jelani was used to making impulsive decisions – it was practically his trademark. But as they charged toward the massive Trawll, even he had to question the wisdom of their approach. No thorough plan discussed in advance, just two battle ready men running headlong towards a goliath that could probably crush them with one swing of its crude weapon.

The Trawll began a slow jog in their direction, each footfall sending small tremors through the ground. As it raised its cudgel skyward, Jelani got his first real look at their opponent. The Trawll's shadow stretched out before it like a dark prophecy, engulfing both him and Ahsar in its massive silhouette. Up close, the creature's gray skin looked like weathered stone, thick muscles rippling beneath its surface with every movement.

"Roll to your ten o'clock!" Ahsar's voice cut through Jelani's observations, the words carrying an authority that brooked no argument.

Jelani bristled instinctively at the command, but there was no time for ego. He saw Ahsar drop into a smooth slide, moving like someone who'd done this a thousand times before. The Trawll's cudgel was already descending, a whistling death from above.

Time seemed to slow as Jelani made his choice. He could ignore Ahsar's direction, try to prove he knew better – but that kind of pride would get him killed. Sometimes survival meant knowing when to follow someone else's lead.

Jelani rolled, feeling the displacement of air as the massive weapon crashed into the ground where he'd been standing. The impact sent debris flying, but Jelani was already coming up on his feet, positioned behind the creature's massive legs.

He looked to Ahsar for confirmation of what he assumed their target was. The soldier was already in motion, his blade aimed low. "Ankles!" he called out, his accent thick with urgency.

Jelani didn't hesitate. He activated Enhanced Slash, watching as his blade erupted with harlequin green energy. The light cast strange shadows on the Trawll's gray skin as Jelani lunged forward, aiming for the creature's lower leg. The plan was clear to him – cripple it fast, end this before it could really begin.

But the Trawll was already turning, responding to Ahsar's movement. Across the way, Jelani saw Ahsar's blade flash with a brilliant bluish-green light as it bit into the creature's calf. Blood sprayed, dark and thick, but the cut wasn't deep enough to sever the tendons.

A bellow of rage shook the air as the Trawll's massive arms swung back up, the momentum of its failed attack carrying through. Jelani knew he had seconds to strike before the creature could fully turn. He darted in, but the Trawll's leg shifted faster than something that size had any right to move. His enhanced blade only managed to score a shallow cut across its thigh.

The behemoth pivoted, its injured leg barely slowing it down. Its cudgel came around in a vicious underhand swing aimed at Ahsar, who dodged left with a determined level of focus. Jelani scrambled further right, putting distance between himself and the enraged monster. Both their enhanced slashes were now on cooldown.

They began to circle the Trawll, looking for openings. The creature's left leg showed signs of weakness, blood still flowing from Ahsar's strike, but it wasn't enough to bring it down. The monster seemed to assess them, its small eyes glinting with an intelligence that made Jelani's skin crawl. After a moment's consideration, it turned its attention to him – apparently deciding he was the easier target.

The cudgel came whistling through the air in a wide arc. Jelani ducked, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle his locs. Without thinking, he rolled forward, anticipating a return swing. His instincts saved him as the weapon crashed into the ground behind him.

"Time to test hex on something real," Jelani thought, activating his second skill. Green smoke formed around the Trawll, quickly absorbing into its gray flesh. At the same time, he noticed a bluish-green aura beginning to surround Ahsar, the soldier's muscles visibly tensing as he prepared to strike.

"Deeper cut this time!" Ahsar called out, his tone carrying a hint of criticism that made Jelani's teeth clench.

But now wasn't the time for pride. Jelani darted in, his blade finding the sweet spot where Ahsar's first strike had weakened the flesh. The hex seemed to make his cut cleaner, easier – the Trawll's thick hide parting more readily beneath his blade. Blood poured from the new wound as he separated tendons from muscle.

Ahsar's follow-up strike was devastating. His blade, powered by what Jelani now recognized as Sharpen Strength, cut inches deeper than before. The combined damage was too much; the Trawll's leg gave way, sending it crashing to its knees.

The aura faded from Ahsar, and Jelani couldn't help but think, "That's probably sharpen strength, damn I wanted that." The thought was bitter, but he pushed it aside as the Trawll lashed out with its cudgel, trying to clear the space behind it while it used its free hand to brace against the ground.

The creature turned to face them, balancing on one knee. It raised its cudgel, pointing it at them like an accusation before letting loose a bellowing roar that shook leaves from the trees. Both men dropped into defensive stances, watching as the Trawll began to swing wildly, its attacks becoming more desperate and unpredictable.

"We need to take it down before others come," Jelani said, eyes darting to the surrounding forest. The Trawll's constant bellowing was like a dinner bell – it was only a matter of time before more of its kind showed up.

Their skills were still on cooldown, which meant they'd have to rely on regular attacks. Against the Trawll's thick hide, that would be like trying to cut down a tree with a kitchen knife. But they had no choice – time was against them.

Jelani began to circle toward the creature's blind spot, but it kept one eye on him while continuing to swing at Ahsar. When Ahsar feinted a lunge, the Trawll turned to face him. Jelani saw his chance and darted in, but the monster spun back with surprising speed.

The cudgel came around in a devastating arc. Jelani managed to get his blade up in front of himself while backing away, but the force of the blow sent him flying. He crashed to the ground several yards away, the impact driving the air from his lungs.

"Time your attack better." Ahsar called out, ducking under another wild swing.

"I fucking get it!" Jelani snapped back, brushing dirt from his clothes. The constant commands, the criticism – it was starting to wear on his nerves. He was tired of feeling like some rookie being coached through his first fight.

As he got back to his feet, Jelani felt Enhanced Slash become available again. He knew Ahsar would have access to his skill as well. This was his chance to prove himself, to show he wasn't just some tag-along.

He rushed in, aiming for the Trawll's neck, but its eyes tracked his movement. Instead of swinging its cudgel, the creature kept the weapon trained on Ahsar while its free hand came around in a brutal backhand.

In that split second, Jelani had a choice to make. He could try to dodge, play it safe – or he could commit to the attack and risk everything. The memory of Ahsar's criticism burned in his mind, pushing him forward.

Jelani activated Enhanced Slash, his blade erupting with harlequin green energy. The empowered weapon sliced clean through the Trawll's wrist, sending its massive hand tumbling to the ground. The creature recoiled in pain, and Ahsar seized the moment.

The soldier darted in, his own Enhanced Slash igniting the air with blue-green light. His strike was solid, finding the sweet spot across the beast’s throat. The creature went rigid, then collapsed face-first into the dirt.

As its form began to fade, a core materialized where its heart would have been. Ahsar scooped it up without hesitation, quickly adding it to his inventory. Jelani watched in silence, knowing that it was common for the person who delivered the killing blow to gain the core. But the loss still stung.

"I thought they'd drop some kind of key we could use," Jelani said, more to break the silence than anything else.

"I think its core is the key," Ahsar replied, already turning toward the summit. "We find the exit to find out."

As they began to move, Jelani couldn't help but analyze the fight. Without Ahsar, it would have been a much harder battle – possibly even fatal. The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth. He could tell that beneath the soldier's hard exterior was someone who genuinely wanted to help, to teach. But there was also a controlling nature to the man that set Jelani's teeth on edge.

He'd spent his whole life fighting against being controlled, being told what to do. Playing sidekick to anyone, even temporarily, felt like a step backward. But as they moved through the forest, Jelani had to admit that sometimes the path to power meant knowing when to swallow your pride.

The question was: how much of himself was he willing to sacrifice along the way?

They began to move between the trees, staying low and watchful. Ahsar took point, his movements precise and practiced. When he held up a closed fist – a universal signal to stop – Jelani found himself obeying without hesitation.

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"You handled yourself well," Ahsar said quietly as they paused behind a massive trunk. "Better than I expected for someone who comes from well defended cities."

The words were meant as praise, but they carried an assumption that made Jelani's jaw clench. "Atlanta isn’t running a well organized counter offensive," he replied, keeping his voice low. "Between the vortex breaks and awakened fights, you either adapt or you die."

Ahsar considered this, his head tilting slightly. "Many have fallen to fear when facing these vortex spawn" he said finally. "But you need to be more efficient for this to be a fair pairing."

The criticism, though probably valid, sparked a flame of embarrassment in Jelani's chest. "I ain't getting carried," he said, perhaps too quickly. "Just needed to know what we were up against."

"Hmm," was Ahsar's only response as he moved to the next tree.

Jelani felt his frustration building. He could read between the lines – Ahsar was questioning his capabilities, testing him. "Just wait till the next encounter," Jelani thought, his pride stinging. "I'll show you what's up."

As they continued their careful advance, Jelani noticed small details about his temporary ally. The way Ahsar tensed whenever Jelani moved into his blind spot. How his hand would twitch toward his holster at the sound of falling cones. These weren't just combat instincts – they were the habits of someone who'd learned the hard way never to let their guard down.

The silence stretched between them as they moved through the forest, broken only by the occasional thud of falling cones in the distance. Jelani found himself studying the silver locket that glinted at Ahsar's neck whenever they passed through patches of light filtering through the canopy.

"You get barrier coverage in your area?" Jelani asked, more to break the tension than anything else. He'd noticed the way Ahsar's shoulders had gradually loosened as they walked, the soldier's guard dropping by degrees.

"Some. Military handles most defenses." Ahsar's reply was clipped, but there was a weight to the words that made Jelani pause. "Civilian zones... not so much."

Jelani nodded, understanding all too well. "Same back home. Unless you got money or connections, you're on your own." He kicked a small stone out of his path, remembering the argument with his father about the cost of security. "Had to pick up extra work just to afford to help my people with basic coverage. Electric fencing, barrier contracts – shit adds up fast."

"Your parents, they resist leaving?"

"Man, you know how it is. 'This our home,'" Jelani mimicked his father's deeper voice. "'Ain't no monster gonna drive us out.'" He shook his head, a mixture of frustration and admiration coloring his tone. "So I'm out here working three jobs to pay for my own rent and help them pay for low rank sentinels to cast barriers, when I could be..." He caught himself, realizing he was saying more than he'd meant to.

“Well, it doesn’t matter anyways, it’s not like there’s many places we could avoid vortexes that would be in our price range” he added.

Ahsar's slight nod spoke volumes. "My sister, she is similar. Has five children but refuses to leave the city." His accent thickened with emotion. "Says they should not grow up as refugees."

"Five? Damn." Jelani whistled low. "That's a lot of mouths to feed."

"Was seven," Ahsar said quietly, his hand going to the locket. "The oldest two... they were at school when a large vortex opened."

The words hung in the air between them. Jelani felt the weight of them, remembered his own brother. But before he could speak, Ahsar continued.

"Now I send most of my military pay to them. For barriers, for food." A ghost of a smile crossed his face. "The youngest, Ziad, he says he will become a radiant. Protect everyone."

"Sounds like my nephew," Jelani said, surprising himself with the warmth in his voice. "Kid's got all these big plans. Gonna be a hero, save the world." He paused, then added, "Makes you wonder what we're doing wrong, that kids gotta think that way."

"We do what we must," Ahsar replied. "Until we can do more."

Jelani caught the edge in those words, recognized the same drive that burned in his own chest. "Yeah, well, some of us trying to do more got stopped by our fathers real quick." The words came out bitter, and he immediately wished he could take them back.

But Ahsar just gave a short, harsh laugh. "Ah, fathers. They think they protect us by holding us back." He adjusted his grip on his weapon, a tell that spoke of deeper tensions. "Mine said joining the military was betraying our values. Now he will not speak to me, but his home has power because of my service."

"We have to be the ones to face reality huh," Jelani muttered, then quickly added, "But hey, we're out here now, right? Making our own way."

"Hmm." Ahsar's tone was neutral, but Jelani caught the slight straightening of his shoulders, the way his pace unconsciously quickened. "Though perhaps not the way they would choose for us."

The conversation lapsed back into silence, but it was different now – less awkward, more contemplative. Both men carried burdens they couldn't fully explain, responsibilities that went beyond themselves. As they walked, Jelani found himself wondering if maybe that's what this trial was really about – not just gaining power, but proving worthy of it.

Movement ahead caught their attention. Two Trawlls lumbered past, massive weapons dragging furrows in the earth. Both men froze then moved into the shadow of a nearby tree to wait for the trawlls to pass.

Once the Trawlls had passed, Jelani watched Ahsar scan the horizon with practiced precision. The soldier's movements were almost mechanical, but there was an underlying tension that spoke of barely contained urgency.

"How you planning to use it?" Jelani asked, keeping his voice low. "Your powers if you awaken, I mean.”

Ahsar took a moment to contemplate then his posture shifted subtly, pride entering his bearing. "I will build an elite squad within the military structure," he said, his accent strengthening with conviction. "The northern front... it bleeds. The Ishtari, they develop resistance faster than we can adapt and we still have to fight common vortex spawn as well ."

"What's their strategy?" Jelani asked. "Must be something specific they're doing that’s helping them push into our world."

Ahsar's face hardened. "Strategy? They are alien barbarians. They pour through the vortexes like locusts, destroying everything in their path. No tactics, just overwhelming force and their cursed abilities."

Something in Ahsar's dismissive tone made Jelani unsure. "I don't know, man. Ain’t their world as diverse as ours? Some radiant tacticians have been online breaking down their movements. They got these organized strike teams that-"

"Internet theorists," Ahsar cut him off with a wave of his hand. "They do not understand the reality of the front lines. I can’t speak for the many fronts around the world, but what matters is building a force of virtue and discipline. My team will be different. If this special class is as powerful as the knight earlier said then I will lead my people to victory. No waste, no excesses – just righteous purpose."

"I can respect you moving with honor. I know in my gut though that nothing is ever so black and white" Jelani pointed out. "Me, I'm thinking of focusing local. Spending some time building my strength in my city before I take on the main stage."

"And how would you reach this main stage?" There was a hint of condescension in Ahsar's tone that made Jelani's side eye him a bit.

"Keeping it real? I'll probably end up having to get my hands dirty. Build a rep with high-level vortex clears, fight with rogue radiants, then use that notoriety to start influencing others to take on vortexes. I’ll get them to coordinate on city defense instead of fighting over territory." Jelani shrugged. "Ain't perfect, but I think I can do it."

"You would work with criminals?" Ahsar's disapproval was evident. "A man of principle must stand above such corruption."

"Man of principle?" Jelani couldn't keep the skepticism from his voice. "We are forced into a situation where our civilization has to wipe out another and we don’t know the reason why. Not sure how that fits into anybody’s moral compass but the quicker we get it over with the better."

"That is different," Ahsar replied smoothly. "Sometimes duty requires us to take decisive action for the greater good. But it must come from a place of virtue, not expediency."

Jelani opened his mouth to point out the contradiction, but something ahead caught his attention. The air seemed to shimmer, like heat waves rising from hot pavement. As they drew closer, their progress was suddenly halted by an invisible barrier.

A scroll materialized before them, its green text casting an eerie glow on their faces.

TOLL BARRIER

Options:

* Sacrifice 1 hour

* Sacrifice 1 Trawll core

* Sacrifice 1 fragment of soul

* Sacrifice 1 life of another

Jelani opened the new dark timer – 45 minutes remaining. His mind raced as he processed the implications. Only one Trawll core between them, and time running short.

"We need to hunt down another Trawll," he said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the growing tension in his chest. "Together."

Ahsar said nothing, his eyes fixed on his own scroll.

"This is a partnership," Jelani pressed, an edge creeping into his voice. "Unless you ain't a man of your word?"

"I never made promises, I found sense in your words and you followed me into combat" Ahsar replied quietly, still not looking at Jelani. "I have to move forward. I entered the zone before you so I’ve got limited time."

"Hold on, What about-"

"I am sorry," Ahsar cut him off. "But I have a greater responsibility to my people. I must take this opportunity."

Before Jelani could process what was happening, Ahsar used the core. The barrier before him shimmered, becoming permeable.

Anger surged through Jelani. He grabbed Ahsar's collar, ready to curse him out, but the soldier was ready. In one smooth motion, Ahsar executed a throw that sent Jelani sprawling. By the time he got back to his feet, Ahsar had stepped through the barrier.

Jelani stood there, rage and disappointment warring in his chest as he approached the barrier. "Come on bruh! Really?!" he called out to Ahsar. He'd trusted someone to have his back, to be an ally in this insane trial. The betrayal stung worse than any of his physical wounds.

Now he faced an impossible choice: sacrifice precious time, or give up a piece of his soul. The last option of offering a life seemed dark sided as hell but for a moment he considered if he could’ve done it.

Ahsar was already beyond the barrier so it was too late now, but even as the thought formed, Jelani knew he couldn't do it. Not yet, not for this. There had to be lines you wouldn't cross just because, prices you wouldn't pay, unless they were absolutely necessary.

As much as he hated Ahsar's guts in that moment, he could understand the man's decision which made the situation more frustrating for him. With limited time he’d probably have made the same choice.

They were all fighting their own battles, carrying their own burdens.

Jelani took a deep breath, pushing down his anger and frustration. His sacrifice was going to be extra effort. He would kill a Trawll, find another core. And then figure out some way to beat Ahsar to the top. Was it delusional from where he was on the ground? Yes, but he didn’t give a fuck.

Spite was a hell of a motivator for him.