The First Trial

The moonlight filtered through the dense trees as Mei Lin and Li Wei stood at the edge of the clearing. The air was tense, and the distant howl of shadow beasts echoed, growing louder with each passing second. The first trial was upon them, and Mei Lin could feel the weight of it pressing down on her.

Li Wei, his sword gleaming in the pale light, turned to Mei Lin. “This is where the real journey begins. The shadow beasts will test not only your power but also your resolve.”

Mei Lin took a deep breath, steeling herself. “I’m ready.”

The words left her mouth, but doubt lingered in her mind. Could she really control the power of the Moon? Could she withstand the trials set before her?

Before she could ponder any further, the first shadow beast materialized from the darkness—a towering figure with glowing red eyes and long, sharp claws. It moved with unnatural speed, lunging toward Mei Lin with a terrifying growl.

Instinctively, she raised her hands, calling upon the Moon’s energy. A soft light surrounded her, and she felt a warmth spreading through her body. The shield of light flared to life once again, protecting her from the beast’s savage attack.

The beast’s claws met the shield with a harsh screech, but it didn’t back down. It circled her, searching for a weakness.

“Mei Lin, you can’t just defend,” Li Wei called out from behind her, cutting down another beast. “You need to fight!”

His words sent a shock through her. Fight? How could she, someone who had never fought in her life, take on these creatures?

But something inside her shifted. The memories from the vision at the altar flashed before her eyes—the battles, the Moon Goddess’s words, the destiny she had been chosen for. Mei Lin wasn’t just anyone. She was the Moon’s chosen.

She closed her eyes and focused on the connection she had to the Moon, the energy coursing through her veins. The light that had once been a protective shield now began to change. It brightened, intensified, until it felt like fire beneath her skin.

With a cry, she thrust her hands forward, releasing the pent-up energy. A brilliant beam of moonlight shot from her palms, striking the shadow beast square in the chest. The creature let out a deafening screech as its dark form began to disintegrate into the night, leaving nothing behind but a wisp of smoke.

Mei Lin stared in disbelief at her hands. Had she really just done that?

Li Wei approached, a smile of pride on his face. “Well done,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think.”

Before she could respond, another howl pierced the air. More shadow beasts emerged from the forest, their forms darker and more menacing than the last.

Mei Lin’s heart pounded in her chest. There were so many of them—too many.

“Stay focused,” Li Wei said, moving to her side. “Remember, the Moon is your guide. Let its light show you the way.”

With his words in mind, Mei Lin raised her hands once more, the moonlight gathering at her fingertips. She and Li Wei moved together, fighting off the beasts as they circled around them. Each attack felt more powerful than the last, but Mei Lin was growing more confident. With every swing, every blast of moonlight, she was embracing her role as the Moon’s chosen.

Just when it seemed like they were gaining the upper hand, a new figure appeared—a shadow beast unlike the others. This one was larger, more imposing, its body made entirely of swirling darkness. Its eyes glowed a sickly yellow, and its presence sent a chill through Mei Lin’s body.

“This is the true test,” Li Wei said, his voice grim. “That’s the shadow guardian.”

Mei Lin swallowed hard. The guardian’s power was palpable, its energy swirling in the air like a storm. But she couldn’t back down now. This was her trial, her chance to prove that she was worthy of the Moon’s blessing.

The guardian charged at them, moving with terrifying speed. Mei Lin raised her hands to form another shield, but the guardian’s claws tore through it like paper, sending her stumbling backward.

Pain shot through her body, but she forced herself to stand. She couldn’t let the guardian win. Not now, not after coming this far.

Drawing upon every ounce of strength she had, Mei Lin called forth the full power of the Moon. The light around her flared to life, brighter than ever before, casting the entire clearing in an ethereal glow. The guardian paused, momentarily stunned by the light.

This was her chance.

With a cry, Mei Lin thrust her hands forward, sending a wave of pure moonlight crashing into the guardian. The creature howled in pain as the light consumed it, its dark form breaking apart under the intensity of the Moon’s power.

And then, as quickly as it had begun, it was over. The guardian dissolved into the night, leaving behind only silence.

Mei Lin stood there, panting, her body trembling with exhaustion. She had done it. She had passed the first trial.

Li Wei approached, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You did well,” he said softly. “But this is just the beginning.”

Mei Lin nodded, her heart still racing. She knew there were more trials ahead—trials that would test her in ways she couldn’t yet imagine. But for now, she had taken the first step on her journey. And with the Moon’s light guiding her, she knew she could face whatever came next.