“You can think of a spark as an access point to the world. The stronger the spark, the stronger your access will be. Tomorrow you will all embark on the incarnate trials. Expect a mental, physical, and spiritual challenge. Top performers have promising futures. But don't lose hope if you receive a weaker spark. Hard work and dedication will carve your path.”

The Ashrend clan, one of the dominant clans that were within the large forest of Carinthia that covered half of the continent that they lived on, was currently preparing to send its youth that have come of age to the incarnate trials. Ray, a young man with short black hair wearing what looked to be tattered robes with the Ashrend clan symbol (a raven carrying a bag of bones) on them listened ‌as their clan scribe explained the trials and could not help but grin. At last, he would have the desired power, hoping it would be enough to drive away the shrieking hordes that caused his clan to move frequently. Then, he'd never face scorn again. After the lesson, Ray walked back to the makeshift hut, the only shelter provided to him since his parents had died. They had sacrificed their lives by buying time for everyone to escape during the last shrieking horde. That horde was unusually violent. Their sacrifice saved many lives. But the other clansman didn’t care. The elder's words still haunted him when they found out. 

“If they could not handle such a simple task as diverting the shrieking horde, then good riddance they were a stain on our clan’s honor, anyway.” 

Most of the clan's higher-ups seemed to share this sentiment, ignoring his current situation. Ray laid down on his gathered pile of straw that he called a bed with a sigh. 

“Tomorrow, I will forge my legend, proving someone with true strength protects the vulnerable and doesn't condemn them to death just to save their own skin.”

He drifted to sleep, fantasizing about building his ideal world when he controlled its fate. Ray woke up the next morning with a start. He jumped into his clothes and bolted toward the gathering point for all those going to the trial today. Upon his arrival, he found two others had preceded him—a tall, thin man with an unfamiliar stone tablet, and Erith, the star pupil of his clan and grandchild of the current elder. She looked the part today, her long golden hair tied back, draping over the white ceremonial robe with gold for the lining and clan crest. She was always friendly to him, but Ray couldn't help but resent her for her family's actions. 

“Hey!” 

The thin man's voice startled Ray. He found it unnatural and reminiscent of grinding stones.

“I need your name.”

 He asked, 

“I am Ray of the Ashrend Clan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

 Ray said while bowing towards the man. 

“Only three remain; departure follows.”

He noted something on his tablet.

 “Excuse me, but what is that strange tablet that you are holding? I don’t think I have ever seen one before.” 

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Ray asked the man ‌ 

He showed the tablet to Ray.

“This is a device that will help me with administering the trials. It's a weak spark that enables data recording- Oh, good; that must be the others arriving.”

 Ray turned to see who approached. It was a group. Ren, a massive boy in leather armor who, from his appearance and bulging muscles, looked like he would be strong enough to pull up trees, was in front. The twins Shin and Chio, both wearing plain ceremonial garb, followed him. A harrumph announced Erith's approach from behind Ray.

“So, the brute and his loyal minions finally arrived.”

 She said Ren only grunted in response and then turned to Ray. 

“Hey Ray, you think they're going to send you to fight the next shrieking horde after you get an inferior spark like your parents?” 

“That's where you're wrong, Ren. I will be cheering you on with my spark of legend while you hold off the shrieking horde with the one you receive.” 

Ray responded. 

“Hmm, Time will tell, won't it, little man.” 

“It's time to leave..” 

The thin man said before turning and walking towards the exit of the town. Before running to catch him, Ray made a rude gesture at Ren.

After walking for a bit, they finally reached the edge of the clan’s territory 

“This is far enough. Line up; I'll teleport us. If teleportation is new to you, I suggest closing your eyes to minimize your discomfort. "

Following the thin man's instructions, the four disappeared with a wave of his hand. Ray opened his eyes after hearing Chio wrenching behind him.

“And that is why I told you to keep your eyes closed. An unprepared mind is not ready to see what happens during teleportation.”

The thin man chided. Ray looked around to get his bearings and realized they were now standing in a large desert with rolling sand dunes as far as the eye can see. In front of them, a giant metal door stood with hundreds of other groups like his appearing before it.

“Will these groups also take part in the trials?”

 Ray asked

 “This test will be a collaborative effort. We will rank teams based on performance and give them additional rewards after they finish the trials. The primary objective is to reach the last room of the trial and retrieve your spark following judgment from the heavens.”

The thin man said.

“When can we enter and begin knocking heads to win the competition?”

Ren asked. 

Upon everyone's arrival, you will choose your weapons for the trials before proceeding to the competition. "

The man answered 

“Well, they need to hurry and get here already. Once I get to them, they won't last long, anyway.”

Ren said with a grunt. Erith scoffed at him.

“How can you talk about anyone needing to hurry? I don’t think I have seen you arrive on time once.”

“That’s cuz you ain’t ever seen me gettin' ready for a fight.”

Ignoring the squabbling duo, Ray examined the massive, polished door. Different runes and an unrecognizable language intricately carved adorned the door. While looking, he noticed something odd about it.

“Excuse me, but I don’t see any handles on that door. How are we supposed to get it open when everyone arrives?”

He asked the thin man

“You will see. It is quite the sight for those who have not seen it before, and I don’t wish to spoil it for you.”

The man said. He then interrupted Ray's next-door-related question.

“Ah, it looks like everyone has arrived. We can get started.”