*I will endure whatever it takes to reach her!"

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***author's pov***

Valeria whispered, "Zelerious... I hope you will make me remember about yourself." As she closed her eyes, the world around her began to fade, replaced by vivid flashes of their shared moments. She felt a pull towards him, a connection that transcended time and space.

The stone before her glowed brighter, responding to her yearning. A surge of energy coursed through her, igniting the black aura surrounding her. Images of Zelerious's smile, his fierce determination, and the warmth of his presence flooded her mind.

In that moment, she felt a spark of hope. Perhaps the trials were not just about power, but about love and remembering the bonds that shaped her destiny. With a deep breath, she embraced the light, ready to unlock the memories that awaited her.

The stone erupted in blinding light, and a surge of energy shot into Valeria, overwhelming her senses

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The stone erupted in blinding light, and a surge of energy shot into Valeria, overwhelming her senses. She gasped as memories of Zelerious flooded her mind—moments of laughter, warmth, and connection. But with each precious memory, she felt an intense pain, as if the very essence of those feelings was being ripped from her.

Valeria screamed, clutching her head as the light intensified, consuming everything she held dear about him. Images twisted and distorted, leaving her feeling hollow and exposed. Just when it felt unbearable, a final pulse surged through her, and she collapsed to the ground, breathless and trembling.

In that vulnerable moment, she realized the cost of the trial. Though her heart felt heavy, there was also a flicker of recognition, a spark of clarity. She had not just lost; she had been transformed, stripped bare to confront the truth of her love for Zelerious.

Zelerious paused in his tracks, a chill running down his spine as Valeria's voice echoed in his mind. The connection between them felt electric, a tether pulling him toward her. "Valeria!" he called out, his heart racing. He could sense her presence, faint yet unmistakable, as if she was reaching out across the distance.

Images of her flooded his thoughts—her laughter, her fierce determination, and the warmth of her spirit. He felt a sudden urgency to protect her, to be with her. With renewed purpose, he quickened his pace toward the castle, determined to find her before it was too late.

“Hold on, Valeria. I’m coming,” he whispered, feeling the bond between them strengthening with each step. The air around him crackled with anticipation as he moved, driven by the need to bridge the gap that separated them.

Zelerious soared through the skies, the wind whipping past him as he navigated toward the Temple of Ancients. The landscape below blurred, a tapestry of greens and browns, but his focus remained unwavering. He could feel Valeria's energy pulsing in the air, guiding him closer.

As he approached the temple, its towering spires and ancient stones loomed before him, bathed in an ethereal glow. Dark clouds swirled above, hinting at the trials she faced within. With a determined heart, he descended, landing softly at the entrance.

“Valeria!” he called out, his voice echoing against the stone walls. He could sense her presence strongly now, but there was an undercurrent of pain. Every instinct screamed at him to hurry. He pushed through the heavy doors, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the remnants of powerful magic.

Inside, the air crackled with energy, and Zelerious could see the faint shimmer of purple light in the distance. “I’m here!” he shouted, striding deeper into the temple, each step resonating with his urgency. The sound of a scream pierced the silence, and his heart dropped.

“Valeria!” he rushed forward, following the sound, his mind racing with worry. He needed to reach her before the trials consumed her entirely.

The guardian materialized before Zelerious, its form a shadowy figure wreathed in dark energy. It raised its sword, the blade shimmering ominously, blocking his path to Valeria.

“You cannot pass,” the guardian intoned, its voice echoing like thunder. “Only those who have faced the trials may approach her.”

Zelerious clenched his fists, determination surging within him. “I will not let you stand in my way. She needs me!”

The guardian's eyes glowed, assessing him with an unyielding stare. “To save her, you must prove your worth. What will you sacrifice for the one you love?”

Zelerious felt the weight of the question pressing down on him. His heart raced as he considered the stakes. “I will sacrifice anything. My power, my life—whatever it takes!”

The guardian remained impassive, its sword still raised. “Then face me in combat. Only then will you be deemed worthy.”

With a fierce growl, Zelerious prepared for battle, channeling his energy. He wouldn’t let Valeria down; he had to reach her, no matter the cost. The clash of their powers would determine the fate of their bond.

Zelerious gripped Dashker tightly, feeling the dark energy pulse through the blade. It hummed with power, resonating with his determination to protect Valeria.

He faced the guardian, eyes narrowed, ready to engage. “I won’t hold back,” he declared, charging forward with a fierce battle cry.

The guardian mirrored his movements, the clash of their weapons sending shockwaves through the air. Sparks flew as Dashker met the guardian’s sword, each strike a test of strength and resolve. Zelerious fought with everything he had, each swing fueled by memories of Valeria and the bond they shared.

As they exchanged blows, the guardian taunted him. “You fight with passion, but can you endure the cost of your power?”

Zelerious gritted his teeth, focusing on the guardian’s every move. “I will endure whatever it takes to reach her!” With a final surge of energy, he launched a powerful strike aimed at the guardian's heart, determined to break through and prove his worth.

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