The Wyrmkin’s claws slashed through the air with unnatural speed, leaving trails of swirling darkness in their wake. Eryan barely had time to react, his instincts pushing him to leap backwards, narrowly avoiding the creature’s vicious swipe. The platform beneath him trembled, shifting dangerously as the Wyrmkin lunged again, its body a blur of motion.

Eryan’s heart raced, adrenaline flooding his senses. His hands gripped the prismatic shards that hovered in the air around him, their ethereal glow reflecting his growing resolve. With a sharp exhale, he flung his hands forward, sending the shards hurtling toward the Wyrmkin. The creature twisted and dodged with uncanny agility, but a few of the shards grazed its scaly hide, causing it to roar in fury.

A surge of power coursed through Eryan, his Aetherline flaring brightly in response. It felt as though the tower itself was guiding him, lending its power to fuel his growing understanding of his abilities. The glow intensified, swirling around his body like a protective aura.

The Wyrmkin growled, its eyes narrowing with malice. It lunged again, but this time, Eryan was ready. His hand snapped upward, and the prismatic shards solidified into a glowing barrier just as the creature’s claws collided with it. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the floor, causing the platforms to shift violently. Eryan’s knees buckled under the pressure, but the shield held.

For a moment, there was nothing but the deafening sound of rushing air and the crackling of energy. Eryan focused, letting the Aetherline flow through him, his mind clearing. He didn’t just need to survive this trial; he needed to understand the creature, learn its rhythm, and anticipate its next move. As the Wyrmkin pulled back for another strike, Eryan made his move.

The creature launched itself forward, its maw open wide, ready to tear into Eryan with its vicious fangs. But this time, he was quicker. With a flash of determination, he thrust his hand forward, commanding the Aetherline. The shards in the air shifted, converging with his will. The Wyrmkin’s approach faltered as the prismatic shards encircled it, binding it momentarily in a cage of light.

With a roar of frustration, the Wyrmkin fought against the prison of light, but it was too late. Eryan stepped forward, releasing the full force of his power. The cage of prismatic energy surged outward, exploding in a burst of radiant force that sent the Wyrmkin flying back into the darkness.

The creature collided with the far edge of the platform and vanished, dissolving into the shadows with an eerie wail. Eryan stood panting, his body still tingling with the aftershocks of the battle. The floor trembled again, and a soft, rhythmic hum filled the air.

The voice from before echoed through the vast space.

"Well done, challenger. The first trial has been passed. But do not grow complacent. Many more await you."

Eryan glanced around. The stone pillars had returned to their original formation, the runes still glowing faintly. The floor beneath him shifted slightly, revealing a new path that led upward into the dark expanse. But despite the victory, a gnawing feeling settled in his chest—a sense that this was only the beginning.

He took a deep breath, feeling the pulse of the Aetherline within him, and pushed forward.

The Voice of the Tower

As he moved down the newly revealed path, Eryan’s mind raced. His body ached from the battle, but his thoughts were consumed by the name that had echoed in his mind—the name Kael. His father’s name. He couldn’t remember much about him, only fragments of memories—images of a tall man with stern eyes and a fierce presence, someone who had once stood in the tower’s shadow, striving for something greater.

But why had his father failed? What had caused him to be forgotten by the tower, and why was Eryan now in his place? And the strange voice—“Kael’s legacy.” What did it mean? Why did it feel as if the tower itself recognized him as if it was calling him by a name that didn’t belong to him?

The path ahead twisted, narrowing into a dark tunnel. Eryan’s footfalls echoed in the silence. He stepped lightly, listening for any sign of danger, but the only sound was the soft hum of energy that vibrated through the air. It felt as though the tower was alive, watching, waiting for him to make the next move.

He felt it again—the pulse of the Aetherline, stronger this time. It was as if the tower itself was drawing him in, urging him to follow the path that had been set before him. But Eryan wasn’t sure if he was ready. He didn’t know what awaited him in the depths of the tower, or what secrets it held about his father’s past. All he knew was that he couldn’t turn back now.

With a final glance at the receding platform, Eryan pressed forward into the darkness.