The royal hall still echoed with the steps of those present as King Zordis IV, the Queen, and Princess Raimi prepared to leave. The atmosphere was solemn, yet carried a silent anticipation. Before moving, the king called one of the guards:
— Bring Zenk, the royal mage. I want him to accompany us.
The adventurers watched silently, exchanging curious glances. The royal courtyard was enormous, and each step of the king seemed to make the ground tremble with authority. Shortly after, the hall's door opened, and Zenk entered.
The young mage appeared to be about 26 years old. His blond hair reflected the sunlight, and his brown eyes shone with kindness and intelligence. He wore a robe bearing the Zordis crest: a golden lion on a red cape, with pristine white shirt and pants perfectly fitted. A regulating belt marked his noble rank.
Zenk bowed respectfully to the king:
— To what do I owe this honor, sire?
The king smiled, breaking protocol:
— Enough with the formalities, Zenk. After all, you are my nephew.
Zenk lifted his head, maintaining a firm posture but with a discreet smile:
— That changes nothing, sire. You are still my sovereign king.
— Stand up, — ordered the king. — Are you ready to take my daughter's hand?
The mage hesitated, his voice firm yet respectful:
— With all due respect, sire, I do not think it proper to force the princess to marry me without mutual feelings.
The king shook his head with determination:
— That does not matter. It is better that the power of Zordis remains within the royal family, close to its members.
— I understand, sire. I will do my best to be a husband worthy of the princess, — Zenk replied, bowing respectfully.
The king nodded, adding:
— I did not summon you only for this. Yesterday, these adventurers arrived. They wish to join our protective forces. I cannot allow them among us without proving themselves worthy.
— I understand, sire, — said Zenk. — How can I assist them?
— Take us to the forest near the kingdom. Monsters have been appearing frequently. There they will demonstrate their abilities.
— If that is the case, I shall gladly do so, — the mage affirmed, maintaining a dignified, confident posture.
The king led the group to the tea pavilion, and they began walking across the palace's vast courtyard. Polished stones reflected the sunlight, and fountains gushed crystalline water, creating a tranquil soundtrack in contrast to the tension of recent events.
As they walked, members of the group whispered among themselves:
— So this charming guy is the princess's future husband? Lucky him! — said Romeo, half fascinated, half envious.
— Yeah, Romeo… compare yourself to him… — teased Selina, leaving him speechless.
Jack approached the king discreetly and asked:
— Your Majesty, the young man accompanying us, is he responsible for all magical development in the kingdom?
The king smiled proudly:
— Yes. From a young age, Zenk showed great talent and curiosity. He is responsible for all magical research in Velerithon, from mineral studies to protective spells.
Dimitri whispered to Selina:
— These people seem like NPCs…
Selina, with a slight smile, replied:
— Sometimes… they seem more real than anyone we know.
Leaving the palace, the group was led to a pavilion traditionally used by the royal family for rest and informal conversations. Zenk gestured and said in a calm, firm tone:
— Please, come in.
Suddenly, a floating grimoire appeared beside Zenk, glowing with golden runes. He recited incantations, and a shimmering energy enveloped the pavilion. Gradually, the floor beneath them disappeared: the pavilion began to rise, floating above the ground, with everyone inside.
— It's… floating? — exclaimed Sonia, incredulous.
— Incredible… — murmured Jack, watching the rapidly receding ground below.
Zenk maintained the pavilion's height and stability as the wind whipped through the adventurers' hair. The group looked down and, for the first time, saw the city of Zordis from above.
The streets appeared like tiny stone paths, rooftops reflected shades of red and gold under the sun, and rivers glittered like silver ribbons winding between trees and buildings. The palace, imposing, seemed to dominate the city, its towers reaching clouds that floated like cotton. Gardens spread vibrant colors of rare flowers, while citizens appeared as small colored dots moving through the streets.
— I never imagined Zordis looked so… magnificent from above, — murmured Celia, her eyes shining.
— Truly, it looks like another world, — commented Dimitri, absorbing every detail.
The group remained silent for a few minutes, admiring the scenery. The pavilion's flight was smooth, controlled, yet still evoked that stomach-churning mix of freedom and danger.
Finally, the city disappeared from view, and the forest stretched ahead like a dark green carpet, its dense, ancient trees forming a natural canopy that almost blocked out the light. On the ground, they could notice clearings, animal trails, and signs of recent activity — broken branches, deep footprints, and upturned bushes.
The group began to watch closely. There was movement ahead: small, agile, malicious figures started emerging from the trees. Their bodies were short and stocky, covered in dark, wrinkled skin, with pointed ears and red eyes gleaming in the filtered sunlight. They wielded improvised weapons — clubs, stone axes, and crude spears — gripping them tightly. Their mouths opened in sinister grins, revealing uneven, sharp teeth. Each movement exuded danger and audacity, and the group realized they were not only aggressive but also strategic, slowly encircling the open area.
The king looked at the adventurers firmly:
— Here begins your test of trust. Watch closely: these creatures are dangerous. Every action must be measured, every decision considered.
Zenk, standing beside the king, raised his hand, creating an invisible magical barrier that softened the pavilion's descent.
— Descend carefully, — he said, his voice calm but firm. — I trust you. There will be no danger while I maintain this protection.
Romeo, frightened, whispered:
— I can't believe we're really floating in the sky and then going to land among… goblins…
Selina, impatient, gave him a slight push:
— Stop being cowardly and trust Zenk!
One by one, the adventurers began to jump from the pavilion, with Zenk's magic softening the fall. Jack went first, followed by Sonia, Celia, Dimitri, and Selina. Romeo still hesitated, trembling as he watched the goblins quickly move, encircling the clearing.
Kuto glanced at Princess Raimi one last time before jumping. The wind cut across his face and hair, adrenaline mingling with concentration. He knew every step of this test was crucial — not only for the group but for the trust the royalty placed in them.
Zenk raised his hand again, closing his fist in a precise gesture. The adventurers' descent slowed, and they landed gently on the clearing's ground. The pavilion floated above, motionless, while the young mage remained vigilant.
The forest's silence was shattered by the goblins' cries, who had finally noticed the group's presence. Their hoarse, shrill voices echoed among the trees as they ran toward the adventurers, brandishing makeshift weapons and flashing teeth in malicious grins.
— Prepare yourselves, — said Jack, his eyes cold, calculating, and filled with determination. — The test begins now.
The group took their positions, the tension in the air palpable. Each felt the king's expectations, the responsibility to prove their trustworthiness, and the familiar butterflies before the first direct contact with danger.
And as the goblins advanced, the forest seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the outcome of this first trial.