Exam in the Tower

As they moved through the shattered streets of Aeltharion and reached the tower, Kael and Lira felt both fear and curiosity stirring in their hearts. From the outside, the tower appeared half-collapsed; yet the moment they stepped inside, they were met with an entirely different sight. The interior was still alive. Glowing symbols covered the walls, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and magical patterns were carved into the stone floor.

Elandor struck his staff against the ground. “This is the Crystal Tower. Once, it was the center of wisdom and light. Now, it is a place of trials. Everyone who enters learns the true weight of their heart here.”

Kael raised the crystal shard. Its light guided them toward the center of the tower. There stood a vast circular platform, and at its heart rose three stone pillars. Each pillar bore a different glowing symbol: Courage, Wisdom, and Loyalty.

“The first trial,” Elandor said, “will reveal which of these three virtues is strongest within your hearts. But be warned: a wrong choice will lead your path into darkness.”

Kael and Lira approached the pillars. Kael’s gaze was drawn to the symbol of Courage. A fire stirred within him, and the crystal shard glimmered in response. Lira, however, moved toward the symbol of Wisdom. She clutched her book tightly, her eyes steady and resolute.

Suddenly, the pillars began to tremble. The patterns on the floor shone brightly, and two doors appeared before them. Kael’s door opened into a dark cavern, from which a low, ominous hum echoed. Lira’s door led into an endless library, its shelves stretching up toward the sky.

“Each of you will face your own trial,” Elandor said. “But remember—your journey is shared. Though your trials are separate, your fate is one.”

Kael took a deep breath and stepped into the cavern. Darkness enveloped him at once. Within it lurked creatures formed of shadow, each one reflecting Kael’s fears: loneliness, failure, loss. Kael lifted the crystal shard. The light did not banish the shadows; it only revealed them more clearly. He understood then—these fears were not meant to be fought, but accepted.

“I do not deny my fears,” Kael said. “They are a part of me.”

One by one, the shadows faded away. At the end of the cavern, a radiant stone door opened. Kael had passed the trial.

Meanwhile, Lira walked among countless books in the library. Each one offered a different form of wisdom. Yet at the far end of the shelves, one book glowed brighter than the rest—its cover marked with three crystal rings. Lira opened it, and a voice rose from within:

“Wisdom is not merely knowing, but speaking the right truth at the right time.”

Lira closed the book and pressed it to her heart. In an instant, the shelves filled with light, and the library vanished. She, too, had passed her trial.

They reunited at the center of the tower. Elandor smiled. “Courage and Wisdom. You have both succeeded. Now, the next step of your journey begins. But remember—the third virtue, Loyalty, has yet to be tested.”

Kael and Lira exchanged a glance. The journey ahead was only going to become more difficult.