"You will face temptations beyond your wildest dreams," it said. "But remember, the key to passing this test is to resist temptation. You must stay true to yourself and your values. If you succeed, you will unlock a new power within you. But if you fail, you will be transported back to this world, and you will forfeit your chance to gain my powers."

Loye took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart. He knew that he was about to embark on a perilous journey, but he was determined to see it through.

"I understand," he said. "What do I need to do to prepare?"

The wolf nodded approvingly. "You are wise to ask," it said. "There is nothing you can do to prepare, but you must remember to trust your instincts and stay true to yourself. Do not let greed, lust, fear or doubt cloud your judgment. You must have the strength and courage to face whatever lies ahead."

Loye felt a mixture of excitement and fear. He had always been curious about the world beyond his village, but the idea of being transported to an unknown place by a powerful spirit was daunting. Still, he was determined to succeed, no matter the cost.

"How will I know when the test is over?" he asked the wolf.

"You will know," the wolf replied enigmatically. "When the time is up, you will be transported back here. If you have survived, you will have passed the first test and earned the first of my powers."

"The journey will not be easy," the wolf said. "But if you can survive and pass the first test, you will have taken the first step towards gaining my powers. Are you ready?" Loye took another deep breath and nodded. "I am ready," he said, his voice stronger this time. "Very well," the wolf said. "Close your eyes and focus on your breath. When you open them again, you will be in the realm of the first test."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Loye took a deep breath and nodded, preparing himself for what was to come. The wolf closed its eyes and began to chant in a language Loye did not understand. Suddenly, the ground beneath Loye's feet began to shake, and he felt a sensation of falling. He felt a sudden rush of energy and a bright light enveloped him.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a completely different place. The air was thick with an unfamiliar scent, and the ground beneath his feet was rocky and uneven. Loye took a deep breath and steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He was determined to pass the first test, no matter what it took. Loye found himself standing in a dark, foreboding forest. The air was thick with mist, and the trees loomed over him like giants. He could hear strange noises coming from all around him, and his heart began to race.

As Loye looked more closely around his new environment, he discovered that that he was standing in front of a massive gate, looming high above him. The gate was made of what appeared to be black metal, etched with intricate patterns that glinted ominously in the dim light. Loye couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding at the sight of the imposing structure. Loye could sense an indescribable aura of danger in the air, especially coming from the gate. With this, he knew that he was in for a challenge.

The wolf stood next to him, its gaze fixed on the gate. "Approach the gate, Loye," it said, its voice low and commanding. "Walk through it to start the trial."

Loye took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He approached the gate cautiously, his heart beating faster with every step. As he neared the gate, he could see that it was covered in strange symbols and runes, glowing faintly in the dim light. Loye could feel the power emanating from the gate, and he knew that he was about to embark on a journey unlike any he had experienced before.

With a trembling hand, Loye reached out and grasped the gate's cold metal handle. As he pulled it open, a rush of energy surged through him, sending a chill down his spine. The gate creaked open, revealing a blinding light that seared his eyes. Without hesitation, Loye stepped through the gate, bracing himself for whatever lay ahead.