Chapter 75: End of the First Phase
Kyrian walked through the forest with firm steps. His eyes were always alert to any abnormalities, probing and avoiding all the beasts along the way.
The place where Yanyu had fallen was already engraved in his mind, but when he arrived there, he found only traces of small beasts and a trail of blood.
A beast seemed to have been killed there and left behind. Kyrian imagined it had been Yanyu.
Kyrian saw no sign of her.
He remained silent for a moment. Then he took a deep breath.
"She is not weak. She will manage, I don’t have to worry so much..." Kyrian murmured decisively.
He pushed the concern he had to the back of his mind and then continued walking. He didn’t want to waste time nor remain in this hot forest.
The test would end soon, and he was certain he would be first. So, he turned and followed in the direction of the giant clearing.
The place where everyone should gather to end the first phase. The darkening sky already revealed that the last day was arriving. Tomorrow morning, the first test would be over.
Kyrian thought he might find some fruits along the way, but it seemed all the places had already been emptied. So he no longer wasted time detouring to search.
When he arrived at the clearing, the sun had already disappeared. Even so, the heat still remained. But at least, because the clearing was more open, the circulation of the wind was a little better.
Several young people were there, sitting calmly. Some were even dozing off. After all, many elders were nearby, so it was safe.
It was easy to see that most of those present had already been there for a long time. They had taken only the three fruits necessary to pass.
It was the most practical path for the weak. And for those without confidence in being among the ten with the most fruits. It was enough to pass the phase and then leave the forest so as not to risk losing the fruits already obtained.
Better to have the three fruits than nothing.
Kyrian swept his gaze around and quickly found whom he was looking for. The elder was responsible for the country he had come from. He then silently approached.
Elder Li Yuan raised his eyebrow when he saw him arrive.
"You look well. How was it?" asked the elder, seeing that there wasn’t a drop of sweat nor even dirt on Kyrian. He looked as if he had merely taken a walk.
"Simple, I would say." Kyrian replied without hesitation.
"How much time is left?" he asked next.
"About six hours." the elder replied.
Kyrian only nodded and chose a corner of the clearing to wait.
The hours soon passed slowly. Young people gradually emerged from the forest, some with serious injuries. Some were even carried by acquaintances. Others were smiling, satisfied with their gains.
There were also those with bitter expressions, probably those who had been robbed or those who hadn’t managed the minimum to pass.
The sky was beginning to brighten when only an hour remained before the end.
And it was at that moment that Kyrian raised his eyes. A familiar figure was running out of the forest toward him.
It was Mu Yanyu.
Her face was red from the heat, sweat dripping down her neck with some strands of hair stuck to her skin.
But something immediately stole Kyrian’s attention. A small white light was darting across the ground at high speed, holding a fruit of ashes between its fangs.
That was... the fox.
As soon as it reached Kyrian, the small beast positioned itself behind him. Acting as if seeking some protection. Letting out an irritated growl in Yanyu’s direction.
Soon after, Yanyu caught up to the two, panting.
"You... you are a thief!" Yanyu shouted, pointing her finger at the fox.
"The deal was half for each."
The little fox let out another growl, its eyes full of disdain, not recognizing any guilt.
Yanyu’s face, red from the heat, turned even redder in frustration.
Kyrian just watched the scene in silence. Then let a small smile slip.
"Looks like I worried for nothing. You are already getting along. That’s good." Kyrian said, nodding once.
"How is this getting along!?" Yanyu shouted while the fox growled along, contesting Kyrian’s words.
He didn’t mind, his eyes scanned Yanyu’s body. Her tunic was stuck with sweat. The sleeves were rolled up as an improvisation. She was in the same state as many there.
"Come here, sit down." Kyrian suddenly said when he noticed this.
Yanyu didn’t hesitate and, without thinking much, sat beside him. Still muttering quietly against the fox.
But suddenly, a cold sensation ran across her skin, causing shivers. Making her forget the fox for a moment.
Kyrian shared with her the freshness caused by the intent of ice. Making the unbearable heat disappear completely.
She sighed in relief.
The fox, however, seeing that, didn’t want to be left behind. It jumped into the space between the two and settled there. Snorting in irritation.
The heat also seemed to bother it, just like everyone present. Except for the elders, who seemed completely fine.
Kyrian, seeing this, without haste, picked it up under the front paws and lifted the fox into the air.
The fox writhed and cried out with teeth bared in protest. But Kyrian noticed there was no longer that true hatred from before.
It was different from the first time the little one had awakened. Now, the fox was even stronger, but he was holding it calmly. He realized the fox was holding back its strength.
He then carefully observed the golden stripe that ran through all its white fur. A new, but striking detail, hard not to notice. Then, he placed it back on the ground between him and Yanyu.
"Tell me, what happened these days?" Kyrian asked Yanyu, looking at the fox.
She then quickly told him about the past days, the fights, the strange partnership, and the fruits found. Whenever she told something exaggeratedly, the fox let out a loud growl as if correcting her.
Making Kyrian truly find it funny.
In the end, he silently confirmed that the hostility of the little beast had diminished. It was still wild, but with them now there seemed to be dialogue.
After thinking a little, Kyrian once again picked up the fox in his arms. Ignoring its protest.
"It’s really bad just calling you fox. You need a name."
The little one tilted its head slightly, curious.
"Your name will be... Luz," Kyrian finished, satisfied.
The response was only a growl, as if it didn’t care about it.
Kyrian smiled and placed it on Yanyu’s lap. But the instant Light’s paws touched her legs, it leapt away, immediately landing on the ground beside Yanyu’s thighs. Then, it turned its back on her.
Yanyu, just watching, smiled, satisfied.
It was at that moment that a huge shadow covered the clearing.
Everyone looked up, only to see the clouds parting and dozens of winged beasts descending in formation. At their command was a single figure.
Elder Mei Ran, mounted imposingly on her own beast.
She looked down, her clear voice cutting through the air.
"The first phase of the test ends now!"