Marco lay in bed, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. He had no desire to do anything, no desire to face another trial , no desire to be a hero . Fear of what might happen or what he might see had paralyzed him.The Ancient One sensed the hero's spirit dying.He entered Marco's room, his eyes filled with concern.Marco... you must not give up. The trials are not meant to break you, but to test your strength.Marco turned away, his voice barely above a whisper.I'm not strong. I'm just a killer with a fancy name.The Ancient One sat beside him, his hand reaching for Marco's heart. But he hesitated, not touching it.You have a good soul, Marco. I have seen it in your actions, in the way you care for those around you. Do not let the trials make you forget that.Marco looked up at the old man, surprise in his eyes.You really believe that?The Ancient One nodded.I do, Marco. I have watched you since the day you arrived. You have a heart that is pure and strong. Do not let

The night of the third trial arrived, and Marco stood outside the Ancient One's chamber, his heart pounding in his chest. The moon cast an eerie glow over the landscape, and the air was filled with an otherworldly energy. The Ancient One appeared beside him, his eyes gleaming with intensity. Are you prepared, Marco Valenti? he asked, his voice low and mysterious. Marco nodded, his voice firm. I'm ready. The Ancient One nodded, then stepped aside, revealing a glowing portal behind him. The Trial of Power awaits you, he said. May the gods guide you. Marco took a deep breath, then stepped through the portal. He felt a rush of energy, and suddenly found himself in a vast, moonlit arena. The air was filled with the sound of cheering crowds, and Marco saw that he was surrounded by thousands of people – all of them cheering for him. But as he looked closer, Marco realized that something was off. The people in the crowd weren't quite... human. Their faces were twisted, th

Marco sat on the bench, lost in thought. The night air was cool and calm, and the city was quiet around him. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.The stranger from earlier stood before him, a knowing smile on his face.I see you've made your decision, he said, his voice low and gravelly.Marco stood up, his eyes narrowing.I won't give up Scar, he said firmly. We're one, and I won't need your potion.The stranger chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound.I knew you'd say that, he said, reaching into his pocket. You're just like all the others, so predictable.Marco's eyes widened as the stranger blew a cloud of white powder into his face. He tried to step back, but his legs felt heavy, his mind cloudy.What... what did you do? Marco slurred, his voice barely audible.The stranger smiled again, his eyes glinting with malice.Just a little something to help you sleep, he said, catching Marco as he fell. Don't worry, you'll wake up soon enough.Marco felt himself being dragged to

Marco and Kila were left alone in the room, their wrists and ankles bound by ropes. Marco looked over at Kila, who was staring at the wall with a fierce determination in her eyes.What are we going to do? Marco asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Kila turned to him, a hint of a smile on her face.I have a plan, she said. But we need to wait until the right moment to strike.Marco nodded, trust in her eyes.What is it? he asked, his curiosity piqued.kila glanced at the door, ensuring they were still alone.I've been studying the symbol on the floor, she said. The one that's blocking your power. I think I can disable it, but I need your help.Marco's eyes widened, hope rising in his chest.How? he asked, his voice filled with urgency.kila smiled again, her eyes glinting with mischief.Leave that to me, she said. Just be ready to act when the time comes.Marco nodded, determination in his eyes.I'll be ready, he said. Just tell me when.Kila smiled, a fierce glint in her e

Ryder dragged Marco back to the ritual ground, throwing him into the middle of the six-cornered symbol. Marco landed hard on the ground, his body sore and bruised from the battle.Ryder looked up at the blood moon, his eyes gleaming with excitement.It isn't over yet, he said, his voice dripping with anticipation.Ryder called his six crew members back, and they quickly returned to their positions around the symbol. Luna, Owen, Olivia, Dylan, and the two others stood at each corner, their eyes fixed on Marco.Let's begin, Ryder said, his voice echoing through the night air.The crew members nodded, raising their hands to the moon. A dark, pulsating energy began to emanate from them, flowing towards Marco in the center of the symbol.No, Marco thought, trying to struggle to his feet. I won't let you do this.But it was too late. The energy was already building, flowing through him like liquid fire. Marco felt his body begin to change as he became weaker. Ryder started the chanti