The Trial

The grand chamber fell into silence as a commanding voice cut through the air.

"Attention, Heroes."

A figure stepped forward, her presence overwhelming. She exuded sheer authority, the weight of her aura pressing down on the newly summoned warriors.

"I am General Lennox, Warlord of Velmoria’s Elite Forces."

Jace could barely comprehend the immense power radiating from her. His mind raced as he observed her sharp gaze and battle-hardened stance.

"I don’t know how powers work in this world… but I can tell—she’s overflowing with it."

Lennox’s piercing eyes scanned the group before she continued.

"I know you have many questions. Those will be answered by the King himself."

Her words left no room for debate, yet the air was thick with curiosity.

She then clasped her hands behind her back, standing tall.

"However, I am here to address an unexpected problem."

Finn, one of the summoned heroes, stepped forward .

"Oh? And would you be kind enough to enlighten us?"

A flicker of amusement crossed Lennox’s face.

"Bold of you to address me so casually. I’m impressed. As a reward, I shall answer."

She took a step forward, her boots echoing against the marble floor.

"As you know, you were summoned here from another world as heroes. Normally, only four heroes are chosen. But this time, something unprecedented occurred."

The room grew still.

"This time, five individuals emerged from the summoning circle. Such an anomaly has never happened before in history."

A figure leaned against a stone pillar at the far end of the room, his arms crossed as he looked down. His voice was calm, indifferent.

"I fail to see how that's a problem," Zane said, tilting his head slightly. "Wouldn’t an extra warrior be an advantage?"

Lennox narrowed her eyes.

"An extra warrior, yes. But an unnecessary one? No. In the battlefield, an unworthy fighter is more of a liability than a asset."

Zane’s lips curled into a smirk.

"I agree. Weaklings are better off dead."

The cold statement sent a chill through the group.

Lennox, however, seemed unfazed.

"Regardless, there is another issue. There exist only four Holy Weapons—each bound to a hero by divine will. That means one of you… will be exiled from the hero rank."

A heavy silence settled in.

Finn clenched his fists.

"How can this be fair?"

Lennox met his gaze, her expression unreadable.

"It never is."

Jace stepped forward, his voice firm.

"Then tell us—how can we prove ourselves?"

Lennox let out a sharp breath.

"There is no need to prove anything. You were summoned as heroes. The power already resides within you. You must simply awaken it through training and mastery."

She turned, pacing slowly.

"The Holy Weapons, however, are another matter entirely. They are not chosen by you. Instead, they choose their wielders based on their attributes. This has been the way of heroes for generations."

A chuckle broke the tense atmosphere.

Ivy, a lively girl with short silver hair, crossed her arms.

"So it’s all just a gamble? I like those odds."

Lennox gave a nod.

"Now that you understand, I will explain the next steps."

She motioned to a tall man standing beside her. His armor bore the insignia of Velmoria, and his presence was both commanding and composed.

"This is Dante Valcrest, Captain of the Army’s Engaging Force. From this day forward, he will be your commander."

Dante stepped forward with a confident smile.

"I may not be as terrifying as Lennox, but I’ll do my best to guide you."

He gestured toward the hallway ahead.

"Come. Our first stop is the Mana Crystal Chamber."

To be continued...