And so it was done.
The Challenge of Will, a trial carved from the souls of the first dragons, had not devoured them.
It had reforged them.
—
Two marks flared into existence on their chests — one red like molten flame, the other pale water like starlight.
They had passed.
Two blinding columns of light erupted from the ceremonial plateau.
The first of the three orbs shattered for both of them.
Across the Viewing Grounds, the Ten Beast Kings stood in stunned silence.
Silver sparks trickled off Soliel the Soaring Flame, her phoenix wings dimming as her amber gaze narrowed. "...Two human children. Unawakened. Unmarked. And their minds didn't break."
Byaku the Fang exhaled with a savage grin, his saber teeth glinting in disbelief. "That boy's pride should've killed him. I felt it. That rage. That shame. It should have caved his chest in."
Kitsune flicked her tails, half-masked in shadow. "He bled. She froze. But neither yielded. Hmph. The bloodline must be thick indeed."
