Nora was twisting and untwisting a curl of her ginger hair, looking in the distance.

  "Do you think we'll have to get through those?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of worry. "Wouldn't we need some sort of protection to do that? We don't even know if the fire is real or just some kind of magical illusion. But if it's real… How could we possibly get through? You told me you don't have any magic. And I... I'm new...!"

  Lukan crossed his arms, watching the flames with narrowed eyes. Then he put his hands on Nora's shoulders reassuringly and looked her in the eyes.

  "It looks insane, that's for sure," he said. "Even if the flames are a magical illusion, I'm not keen on testing that with my fur. We'll need to figure out if there's a way to turn them off or at least dampen their intensity. Maybe there's a trigger or some kind of ward we can activate. But I'm sure that if you were put here on purpose, there should be a way."

  They both stood at the center of the arena, looking back and forth between the stone pillars and the fiery obstacles, their minds racing. The contrast between the two challenges couldn't be more prominent.

  "It's like they want us to choose," Nora murmured. "Do we tackle the brute strength challenge with the pillars or risk the flames? Either way, we'll have to figure out how to use our skills to get through this. I have some defensive magic I can try, but I never used it and don't know how long will it last!"

  "Don't look at me," Lukan said. "You have at least some magic. I have none. So, the only way I see us getting through this is with you testing your skills. And believing in them."

  "Alright, I will," said Nora. She balled her fists and took a step forward. "I was made to face these trials as soon as I got my new skills. It's only reasonable that they are what I should use to get us through. It would be just fucking stuping otherwise!"

  Lukan nodded, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and wariness. "That's the determination I hoped to hear!" he said. "We'll have to be smart about this. Let's try the pillars first. They seem less likely to singe off your bright hair or a patch of my fur."

  With that, they slowly moved toward the towering stones, flinching at any surprising sound or exceptionally bright flicker of the flames. They knew that the actual trial hadn't even begun yet.

  The Challenge of Strength

  Stepping closer to the pillars, Nora mentally appraised her newly acquired skills. She remembered what Sumi had said earlier, that no other beginner mages knew the names of their skills or their detailed functions. These fresh mages had to explore these new abilities by trial and error, gaining experience and improving them blindly.

  But Nora had an advantage. And she planned to use it to the maximum.

  She felt a surge of energy as she stepped forward, Enhanced Physical Strength skill kicking in, her body tingling with newfound power. Other skills, on the contrary, as if dimmed in her mind's eye, made themselves secondary.

  "I think I can handle the pillars," Nora said, her voice filled with determination. "I just feel the strength in my arms right now. It's so strange I didn't realize it earlier!"

  Lukan watched as she approached the first pillar. "Well, I didn't lie when I commented on your fitness earlier," he said. "But if it could be boosted by a magical skill, that's a different story. I'm not surprised one of the pillars shifted before when you just slightly touched it. Show me what you've got!"

  Nora placed her hands on the pillar and pushed, her muscles straining. She pushed and pushed and pushed. But nothing changed.

  "I remember that feeling from when I touched it earlier," said Nora. "I felt empowered. But now, it's nothing. What has changed?"

  Then, Nora made a conscious effort to focus on her skill. As soon as she did that, she felt the massive stone structure beginning to shift bit by bit. Soon, it was impossible to stop it.

  Lukan's eyes widened in surprise.

  "Oh, wow! Nice!" he said. "Didn't expect it to go that smoothly."

  Nora smiled, feeling a rush of satisfaction and relief that her Enhanced Physical Strength skill was working and providing enough force for this challenge.

  The only remaining thing was to figure out the sequence and the positioning of these pillars, of these pieces of the puzzle.

  "So, were you sure my fitness would be enough before?" Nora asked playfully. "Or are you surprised now that I was able to do that? Choose your answer wisely!"

  She wiggled her eyebrows.

  "There's a lot you don't know about me," Nora said with a smile. "You just watch!"

  "Sure, I'll watch," said Lukan returning a smile. "But I'll join you with the other pillars."

  After that, they combined their efforts and moved the rest of the pillars, promptly figuring out the correct pattern. Ultimately, this challenge reminded Nora of countless puzzles from the old computer quests she loved so much in her childhood.

  Physical exertion was exhilarating. There was plenty of time for friendly banter. Soon, the unlikely pair was exchanging jokes and laughing loudly at each other's awkward childhood memories.

  Suddenly, Nora felt a strange warmth spreading all over her body, and happiness filled her. She was content that she didn't have to face the challenges alone. Lukan's presence made moving through this bizarre magical obstacle course so much more bearable. She had only met two people in this magical world and wanted both of them to be her friends already.

  Well, three people, if one counts the Guardian. But Nora wasn't yet sure he was a person.

  A soft sound chimed over the arena as Nora and Lukan placed all the pillars in their designated spaces. There was no other indication that the first challenge was fulfilled. But at the same time, there didn't seem to be anything else to do with the stone fixtures.

  It was time to face the fire.

  The Wall of Flames

  Their next challenge presented itself as a series of burning obstacles. During all the time they spent figuring out the first challenge, the intensity of the flames didn't change. There were sudden outbursts, but it didn't change the general quality.

  Luckily, at least it didn't intensify. But it wasn't looking any safer either.

  Flames shot out from the walls and floor, creating a dangerous obstacle course. They could walk around it and approach the challenge from any side. But it did nothing for them. No chimes sounded. Nothing changed in the arena in general.

  Once again, Nora felt like she was in the middle of a reality show obstacle course. Or that sequence of challenges they create for the dog shows. She could avoid it for whatever long period of time she wanted. But in the end, she just had to step in the very middle of that flaming shitshow.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Nora hesitated, recounting her skills once again, thinking about how they could get through. Still, it was easier said than done. Some of the names of the skills were cryptic at best. Sexual Magic sounded pretty straightforward. But what would the use of Empathic Sensing or Emotional Influence be?

  "We need some sort of shield," Nora muttered, trying to focus. "What can make me a shield?"

  Suddenly, a wild thought struck her, and she raised her hand, willing a protective barrier to form. To her amazement, she sensed that it was Aura Defenses that provided a shimmering shield that surrounded her arm from all sides.

  "Whoa," Lukan said, impressed. "You really are full of surprises."

  "I thought Aura Defenses would protect me from bad juju or burning gazes of hateful people," Nora answered, scratching her forehead. "Not from real flames. But, whatever! If it works, it works! Care to test it with me?"

  Nora smiled, a bit relieved. Still, she needed to be sure that she would be able to cover not only herself but also her companion.

  "Stay close to me," Nora said. "I need to test it first. I'm not even sure I'll be able to cover both of us. But then, something tells me that's the right choice to guide us through this challenge. We just have to move quickly."

  Lukan nodded, his eyes reflecting the raging flames. "Lead the way, Nora."

  They moved forward, staying so close that Nora could feel the heat of Lukan's wolf-like body. His fur tickled her bare skin, where it wasn't covered with clothes. The feeling was both otherwordly and amusing.

  But Nora's guess was correct. This protective skill safeguarded both of them and even absorbed the heat and the flames. Soon, the first fiery barrier began flickering and gradually waned. For now, with the skill's defensive power, they didn't even break a sweat.

  That's how they continued for a while. Nora pushed on, determined to keep them both safe. Lukan stayed close, following each Nora's step. Supporting her with his calm presence and witty comments. His trust in his new companion increasing with each move.

  "You're doing great," he whispered. "Just a little further. We are almost there!"

  Nora gritted her teeth, focusing all her energy on maintaining the protective barrier. She didn't have an innate ability to sense her reserves. She couldn't even guess if there were any reserves at all. But still, there were no hints that the protective shield would disappear soon. They still had time.

  "Thanks, I just hope this holds," Nora answered. "All of this is quite exciting, but I don't really know what I'm doing. Thanks... for believing in me."

  As soon as she said that, the flames intensified. It was as if they were listening to her. OR sensing her emotions. The nearest barrier began to flicker, at moments seeming to burn even more intensely.

  Under this magical assault, Nora finally felt her strength waning. There were limits to her abilities. And she was getting closer and closer.

  "Lukan, I need your support," she said. "I can't keep this up much longer."

  Lukan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone, you'll get us through, I'm sure!"

  Surprisingly, these words of reassurance were precisely what she needed to find some untapped reserves. With renewed determination, Nora pushed forward, using the last bits of her strength to clear the remaining obstacles while maintaining the protective barrier.

  As soon as they passed the last obstacle, it flared up brighter than any of the barriers they faced earlier. This final burst was so powerful that the flames reached out to Lukan, who was otherwise somewhat protected by Nora's body.

  "Damn!" he exclaimed with a wild grin. "Now I'll need a haircut!"

  ***

  The same soft sound chimed as soon as the last flames died down. It wasn't like something prevented them from exiting before, besides the innate understanding that they had to pass two challenges. But now, there was no reason to stay in the trial arena anymore.

  Moving towards the exit, Nora almost jumped with every step. A broad smile was shining on her face, and she made loops around Lukan, retelling and even showing the steps that allowed them to overcome the recent challenges.

  "Ah-ha-ha! That was bizarre!" she exclaimed. "We did it!"

  "Yeah, I've been there," said Lukan with a smile. "Remember?"

  Nora laughed so hard that she doubled over, clutching her stomach. "What just happened to us?" she said. Nora continued to laugh so uncontrollably that every few breaths were interrupted by small, hiccup-like sobs as if her laughter had become too much to contain.

  "Were we safe here or not?" she asked. "The flames definitely weren't an illusion."

  She rumpled Lukan's singed fur.

  "You are right, I'll have to give you a haircut," Nora said.

  "Did you ever do a haircut to a wolfkin?" asked Lukan, suspicion in his voice.

  "No, but I don't think I can do any worse than it is now," said Nora. "Anyway, maybe we were in mortal danger here. What do you think?"

  "It was a test. And it pushed us. But it all seems to be about balance," Lukan said, nodding to some unspoken thoughts. "I feel reassured after what I saw here. We only met recently. But with a partner like you, I'm ready to pass any other trials this place will throw at us! But then, you can't just rely on strength or protection alone here. You need both. Again, balance. It seems that's what it tries to teach you. And sometimes, you also need to connect with other people and have moral support. That's what it tries to teach me."

  He stepped back and bowed deeply, with an exaggerated flourish, as if the very act of lowering himself was a grand performance for all to see.

  "You're right," Nora said and smiled. "Thank you for being here. We make a pretty good team, eh? Even if your fur got a bit fried because of me."

  "Well, I can't say I did much during this trial," said Lukan. "And I can see that you did everything you could. Maybe one of the next trials will allow me to be of more use…"

  "What are you even talking about?!" Nora said as if offended. "When I felt exhausted during that last part, only thanks to your confident and kind words, I was able to brave through. I wouldn't get to the end without you! It was definitely a team effort!"

  ***

  As they stepped out of the arena, Lukan and Nora were greeted by the warm sun and familiar sights of the town square. At first glance, not much has changed here. But the light has shifted, and they felt the passing of time right away.

  "So, how about I make a pot of this nice herbal tea, and we'll discuss what happened and what's next?" asked Lukan, heading toward the cabin with the kitchen.

  But before he was able to put the kettle on fire, a message popped up in Nora's vision:

  ========== Updated Skills ==========

  Aura Defenses: 5.0% (+5.0%)

  Enhanced Physical Strength: 5.0% (+5.0%)

  ========== Skills ==========

  Aura Defenses: 5.0%

  Dream Manipulation: 0.0%

  Emotional Influence: 0.0%

  Empathic Sensing: 0.0%

  Energy Sharing: 0.0%

  Enhanced Physical Strength: 5.0%

  Healing Touch: 0.0%

  Sensory Enhancement: 0.0%

  Sexual Magic: 0.0%

  Telepathic Communication: 0.0%

  ========== Quest: Overcome the Five Trials ==========

  The Guardian has set you on the Path of Five Trials.

  Each trial will help you to ???.

  To pass each of the trials, you will have to find a balance between ???.

  Rewards: A mate???

  Completion: 20%

  "So, that's how this works?" said Nora.

  "What?" asked Lukan.

  "I got exactly the two of the skills I used in the arena improved," Nora answered. "I guess they will be more powerful now, right?"

  "Where are you from, Nora?" asked Lukan in astonishment. "Every child knows that there are magic skills. And that they can be improved by doing relevant tasks."

  "Let's say…" started Nora. "I come from far away. I've already mentioned that! Or did you not listen?"

  Lukan tilted his head, his eyes unfocused momentarily as if he was trying to remember something.

  "Ah, yes, you told me your profession was soft," he said with a smile. "After watching you pass this trial, I would never say you are soft. Not at all!"

  "Ah-ha-ha, software engineer, right!" Nora laughed. "But it doesn't seem to be relevant anymore. I don't think you have any computers here."

  "Comp-what?" asked Lukan.

  "Yeah, that's exactly what I guessed, "said Nora. "I'll probably tell you later. If we spend more time together."

  Lukan reached out, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Take your time, Nora. Get used to this place. We'll explore the trials together. We will find a way out and reunite you with your friend. What was her name? Sumi, right?"

  "Yes, I hope we'll do all of that," said Nora softly. "It would also be nice to figure out what the hell am I doing here."

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