CHAPTER 5 - THE TRIAL OF WISDOM

Kael's eyes narrowed as he examined the box carefully. The riddle was etched into the lid, and it read:

"What can be broken, but never held? What can be given, but never sold?"

Kael's mind raced as he pondered the riddle. He thought about all sorts of things that could be broken or given, but nothing seemed to fit.

Hannah watched him with a keen eye, her expression sympathetic. "It's a tough one," she said. "But I have faith in you, Kael."

Kael smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Hannah. He knew that he could count on her to support him, no matter what.

The Guardian cleared his throat, his voice booming through the air. "Time is running out, Kael," he said. "You must solve the riddle before the sun rises."

Kael's eyes snapped back to the box, and he focused his mind. He thought about the riddle from every angle, trying to find a solution.

And then, just as the sun was starting to rise, Kael's eyes widened as he realized the answer. "The answer is a promise," he exclaimed.

The Guardian's face broke into a wide smile. "Very good, Kael," he said. "A promise is indeed something that can be broken, but never held. And it is something that can be given, but never sold."

The box lid opened with a small click, and Kael felt a surge of pride and accomplishment. He had solved the riddle, and he had passed the second trial.

Hannah clapped him on the back, her eyes shining with pride. "Well done, Kael," she said. "You're one step closer to fulfilling the prophecy."

The Guardian nodded, his expression serious. "The final trial is the Trial of Heart," he said. "It is the most difficult trial of all, and it will require all of your courage and determination."

Kael steeled himself, his heart pounding with anticipation. He knew that the final trial would be the most challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on.

The Guardian led them to a large, ornate door. "The Trial of Heart is behind this door," he said. "But be warned, Kael, the trial is not just about courage and determination. It is also about sacrifice."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. What kind of sacrifice would he have to make? And what would be the cost of fulfilling the prophecy?

Hannah's hand found his, and she gave it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll face whatever comes next together," she said.

Kael smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Hannah. He knew that he could count on her to support him, no matter what.

With a deep breath, Kael pushed open the door, and they stepped through it together. The room beyond was dark and silent, and Kael could feel a strange, pulsating energy emanating from it.

The Guardian's voice boomed through the air, his words echoing off the walls. "The Trial of Heart begins now," he said. "May your heart be pure, and your spirit be strong."

And with that, the door slammed shut behind them, plunging Kael and Hannah into darkness.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***