Storms of Destiny
Chapter 6: The Trial of Greed
The crew of the Aurion gathered cautiously around the golden chalice resting on the pedestal. Its faint glow was hypnotic, and the hum emanating from it sent a chill through the jungle.
Pol stepped closer, his gaze lingering on the runes carved into the pedestal. His thoughts briefly wandered to the ancient Flaminger awakenings—Flamo, Watero, Obsidiano, Hello, and Asgardono—each stage a reflection of their mastery and legacy. But those were distant goals, meant for the strongest of his kind.
"Captain," Nira's voice pulled him back to the present. "That thing looks dangerous. What's our move?"
Theri, standing beside Pol, studied the glowing chalice with unease. "This is no ordinary treasure. Flaminger legends speak of trials tied to the Wriths. Each one tests something fundamental, like this—greed."
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Facing the Trial
Mirae inspected the skeletal remains surrounding the pedestal. "These people didn't pass the trial. The runes say 'To take is to owe. To owe is to pay.' Whatever debt they owed... they couldn't handle it."
Arlen, ever skeptical, spoke up. "So what's the solution? Leave it here? That doesn't sound like something a treasure-hunting crew would do."
Pol clenched his fists, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "It's not about the chalice. The trial is about us—how we work together. If we can share the burden, we'll pass."
He reached for the chalice, his hand steady despite the murmurs of protest from the crew. The moment his fingers closed around it, the jungle erupted in chaos.
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The Skeletons Awaken
The ground quaked, and the once-lifeless skeletons stirred. Green flames flickered in their hollow eye sockets as they rose to their feet, gripping rusted weapons.
Kaiden drew his sword, ready to fight. "Here we go again!"
Pol, holding the chalice, realized its pull was unlike anything he had felt before. The object drained his energy subtly, almost like a trial of endurance.
"Kaiden, take this!" Pol tossed the chalice to his vice-captain, who caught it just as the skeletons turned toward him.
"Pass it around!" Pol shouted. "They're drawn to whoever holds it. We can't let anyone keep it for too long!"
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The Crew's Strategy
The crew worked in unison. Lamin used his shield to protect Mirae, who conjured barriers to slow the skeletons. Sorin leapt gracefully between enemies, passing the chalice to Sonia before slashing at a skeleton's spine.
Theri, meanwhile, observed the chalice's effect on the crew. "It's testing us," he muttered. "Pol's right. If we share the burden, we'll outlast the trial."
The skeletons grew weaker with each toss of the chalice. Pol couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation. The trial was a glimpse into the power of the Wriths—and a reminder of the strength they would need to awaken their full potential.
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The Trial is Passed
When the last skeleton fell, the chalice dimmed, and the jungle grew silent. The pedestal shifted, revealing a hidden compartment containing a map carved into stone.
Pol stepped forward and picked up the map, his eyes scanning the markings. "This leads to the next Writh," he said, his voice firm.
Kaiden grinned, clapping Pol on the back. "Another victory for the Embarkers!"
But Pol's expression remained serious. "This trial wasn't just about the Writh. It's preparing us—for something much bigger."
Theri nodded. "The awakenings, Captain. The Wriths might be tied to the stages of our clans. Flamo, Watero, Obsidiano, Hello, Asgardono... everything we've heard about the Flaminger legacy—it's all connected."
Pol looked out at the horizon, determination burning in his eyes. "If that's true, then we need to be ready. The Wriths aren't just treasures. They're the keys to unlocking the truth of our clans—and our strength."
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A Shadow Observes
As the crew celebrated their victory, the jungle's shadows shifted. Hidden among the trees, a cloaked figure watched them intently.
"Zephyr El Veyrion will want to hear about this," the figure murmured, slipping away into the darkness.
The chapter ends with the Aurion setting sail toward the next destination, the crew unaware of the growing threat posed by the Order of Eclipsia.
Next In Chapter 7:The Shattered Reflection