Scar

Seven Trials ahead

Marco stood tall, his balanced powers surging through him like liquid fire.

Lyra had taught him well – he could feel Scar's darkness and his own light magic entwined, ready to be unleashed.

Sophia approached him, eyes gleaming with determination.

We should go after Ruby now .

While you're powerful and Leo's still recovering from your fight.

Marco nodded, a fierce grin spreading across his face.

Time to end this , time to defeat Ruby once and for all .

Let's gather our allies and take down Ruby.

Their first stop was Nana's place, where Leo was being held under Sophia's watchful eye.

Marco filled Nana in on his plan, and she agreed to join them with her Shadowborn powers.

Next, they visited Caleb and Maya, who were eager to help take down Ruby.

Caleb brought his military training and weapons expertise, while Maya contributed her knowledge of ancient artifacts and magic.

Finally, they reached out to Ava and her secret society, who had been fighting Ruby's influence in the city for months.

Ava agreed to meet them near Ruby's fortress, bringing her own team of skilled fighters.

With their army assembled, Marco led the charge towards Ruby's stronghold – a towering fortress built on a convergence of dark magic ley lines.

As they approached, Ruby's voice boomed from atop the fortress walls.

Fools. You think you can defeat me? I am a goddess!

Marco smiled grimly.

We'll see about that.

He raised his hands, unleashing a blast of balanced magic – both light and dark energies combined in a spectacular display of power.

The fortress gates exploded inward, clearing their path.

He charged forward, his team close behind.

Marco's attack seemed successful at first – Ruby's minions fell before him, and his allies pushed forward with renewed hope.

But suddenly, Ruby herself appeared behind him.

Foolish Marco, she said, her voice dripping with contempt.

You think balanced powers make you strong? I have witnessed every possibility, every future, every outcome .

Your victory was never one of them.

Ruby raised her hand, and Marco felt an intense force slam him into the ground.

His vision blurred as she summoned dark tendrils to bind his allies.

Sophia, Lyra, Nana, Caleb, Maya, Ava – all trapped, helpless.

Ruby's magic drained their strength, leaving them weak and vulnerable.

Marco struggled against his own restraints, but Ruby's power was too great.

He collapsed back onto the ground, defeated.

Please... release them, he begged.

Take me instead.

Ruby laughed, the sound echoing through the fortress.

You amuse me, Marco.

But your friends will make perfect additions to my collection.

As Ruby raised her hand to deliver the final blow, a familiar voice boomed from behind her.

Not yet, goddess.

The Ancient One appeared, dragging Marco out of Ruby's reach.

I told you, Marco Valenti – you were not ready.

Look at yourself now, the Ancient One chided.

Your arrogance nearly destroyed everything.

Marco coughed, still dazed from Ruby's attack.

Please... help me.

Save my friends.

The Ancient One regarded him silently, then nodded.

Your loyalty is admirable.

I will grant you another chance. But this time, listen and learn.

He nodded eagerly, ready to obey the Ancient One's counsel.

The Ancient One led Marco to a serene mountain range, teleporting them to a secluded peak surrounded by misty clouds.

Here, you will train before facing the Seven Trials.

Marco eagerly asked, What are the trials? Tell me now!

The Ancient One smiled knowingly.

Patience, young one.

First, rest and recover from Ruby's attack. Then, I will explain each trial.

But Marco persisted.

Please, just tell me the trials!

I'll pass them, I know it!

The Ancient One sighed, shaking his head.

This is what will get you killed, Marco Valenti – your lack of patience.

Very well, I shall list the trials for you.

But know that knowledge alone will not suffice; you must still train and prepare.

The Ancient One gestured to the air, where seven glowing runes appeared:

One . Trial of Strength - Physical prowess against formidable foes.

Two . Trial of Wisdom - Intellectual battles against cunning illusions.

Three . Trial of Power - Magical combat against intense energy attacks.

Four . Trial of Courage - Facing fears and overcoming mental weaknesses.

Five . Trial of Speed - Agility and quick reflexes in treacherous terrain.

Six. Trial of Endurance - Surviving extreme environments and conditions.

Seven . Trial of Spirit - A test of heart, compassion, and selflessness.

Now, rest. Tomorrow, your training begins.

Marco nodded reluctantly, still eager to start the trials immediately.

But he knew better than to argue with the Ancient One.

Marco woke up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle any challenge.

He walked outside to find the Ancient One meditating serenely.

After a few minutes, the Ancient One opened his eyes and gestured for Marco to approach.

Two buckets appeared before them – one filled with water, the other empty.

A spoon lay inside the empty bucket.

The Ancient One pointed to the empty bucket.

Fill this bucket using only the spoon.

Marco's eyes widened in surprise.

Is this... what you want me to learn?

I thought we'd be practicing magic or fighting techniques!

The Ancient One smiled enigmatically.

Patience and obedience are essential virtues in  life .

Fill the bucket.

Marco shrugged, deciding to obey.

He picked up the spoon and began scooping water from the other bucket , carefully pouring each spoonful into the empty bucket.

As he worked, the Ancient One spoke.

What is the purpose of this exercise, Marco?

Do not think of the answer – feel it.

Marco continued filling the bucket, I don't know  the purpose.

The ancient one spoke again.

What is the purpose of this exercise, Marco? Do not think of the answer - feel it Marco .

slowly realizing the Ancient One's intent.

It's not about filling the bucket... it's about the journey, the process.

About being patient and persistent.

The Ancient One nodded.

Exactly. Now, finish filling the bucket.

Your first lesson just started .