The group reached the back wall of the temple, where the gruff old man had seemingly vanished. The wall itself ended abruptly, its stonework crumbling into jagged edges. The only other feature was a set of ancient, algae-covered steps leading down into the lake. The faint shimmer of light danced on the water, casting mesmerizing ripples on the temple walls.
Reya stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the shimmering surface. She felt a pull, deep in her chest, as if the lake itself was calling to her.
“This is it,” she said softly. “The trials begin here.”
“Are you sure?” Kai asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Reya nodded, a quiet determination in her expression. “I can feel it. This is where I need to go.”
Without waiting for a reply, she took a steadying breath and descended the steps. The water rose quickly around her, but it wasn’t cold. Instead, it felt almost playful, lapping at her skin as if inviting her further.
As she submerged completely, the world above faded away.
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FIRST TRIAL: KNOWLEDGE
The water enveloped Reya like a warm embrace, muffling the outside world. She held her breath and gazed in awe at the world beneath the surface. It was a vibrant, hidden land teeming with life. Schools of fish darted in synchronized movements, their scales reflecting shimmering light. Crabs scuttled across the lakebed, and tall plants swayed gently in unseen currents. Tiny bugs skittered along the leaves of the plants, and long, sinuous eels weaved through the undergrowth.
It was breathtaking.
As she swam deeper, marveling at the intricate ecosystem few would ever see, she began to feel the tightness in her chest. Her lungs burned, her body demanding air, but something deep inside her whispered for her to continue.
Deeper.
The lakebed became darker, and the life around her thinned. Her body protested, and panic clawed at the edges of her mind, but she refused to surface.
Then, from the shadows, a massive fish glided toward her. Its size was daunting, but its presence was not menacing. The creature exuded an ancient wisdom, and its luminous eyes locked onto hers.
The fish nudged her gently with its snout, guiding her to the left. Turning, she saw another shimmering pool of water, this one glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
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Trusting the guidance, Reya swam toward it, her body screaming for air. As her hand broke the surface of the glowing pool, she was pulled through.
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SECOND TRIAL: HEALING
Reya gasped, her head breaking the surface of the pool as she filled her lungs with precious air. She treaded water for a moment, catching her breath, and looked around.
The sky above was dark and brooding, clouds swirling ominously. The sounds of moans and quiet weeping drew her attention to the shore, where people lay on mats scattered across the ground.
Men, women, and children of all ages were there, many writhing in pain, their bodies marked with injuries or illness. Others walked among them, offering words of comfort or tending to the wounded with weary faces. Some shook their heads sadly, their gazes filled with helplessness.
Reya felt an overwhelming desire to dive back beneath the waters and escape the misery surrounding her. But something stronger—a deep sense of purpose—made her climb out of the pool.
Her boots squelched against the damp ground as she moved among the people. Some injuries were minor, others severe, and a few were beyond saving even with the most advanced medical knowledge.
The gruff old man was there, walking among the injured. He knelt beside a small, crying child, murmuring comforting words as he moved a shimmering sphere of water over their leg. The child’s cries softened, replaced by quiet sniffles.
Reya knelt beside another injured person, her hands trembling as she attempted to help. She tore a strip from her cloak to bind a bleeding arm and whispered soft reassurances.
Each life she touched felt like a drop in an endless ocean, but she kept moving, refusing to give in to the despair threatening to consume her.
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THIRD TRIAL: WISDOM
The scene didn’t change. Reya remained surrounded by the sick and dying, but now the atmosphere felt heavier. She could feel eyes on her, the weight of fear and distrust in their gazes.
Her attempts to help were met with resistance. A healer shoved her away as she approached an injured woman.
“You’ve done enough damage,” the healer snapped, their voice harsh and accusing.
Reya froze, the words cutting deep. She didn’t know these people—had never met them—but their fear and anger were palpable.
“I just want to help,” she said softly, her voice pleading.
The healer glared at her. “Help? Your kind has done nothing but bring pain and suffering. Leave us be.”
Reya stepped back, her heart sinking. What could she say? How could she prove her intentions? She looked to the gruff old man, but he was gone.
For a moment, doubt overwhelmed her. Then she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and centered herself. The answer wasn’t in defending herself or forcing her way into their trust. It was in patience and compassion.
She knelt beside another injured person, a woman clutching her side in pain, and offered her water. The woman hesitated, her distrust evident, but Reya waited quietly, holding the water out until the woman took it.
One act of kindness. Then another. Slowly, the air shifted. The distrust didn’t vanish, but it softened.
Reya understood: wisdom wasn’t about knowing all the answers or being right. It was about listening, understanding, and choosing the right path even when it was the hardest.
As this realization settled over her, the world around her began to dissolve, the moans and cries fading into silence.
When Reya opened her eyes, she was standing once again in the Water Temple, the shimmering fountain at its center. In her hand, she held the Sword of Tides, its blade gleaming like liquid silver.