Rise of Shi Hon

Ch. 16 - A Lignorian Test

The edges of the Deonis district in Saphrith could've been described as a calm mishmash of both nature and typical, town-like structures. On the one hand, everything spoke of livability: restaurants, towers to house multiple apartments and a smaller square closer towards the streets leading out to Oldenklow and whatnot.

On the other hand and much like in Galliath, trees and alike made their presence known everywhere. The further you ventured in, the more it became a little stranger at first glance.

Spare the treehouses or even Prope Portam-esque tents here and there, people found their way into every little neat corner. Such further led to even more curious hideouts, and eventually, the lack of practically any human out there.

Crossing through the small Deonis forest, the next step led to the Deonis plain, which was an open, green hill stretching out across a great perimeter, with a river splitting two lands and a lake, and home to the view towards the massive Deosia Arch.

Stairs climbed from another stretch of conifer woods towards a point higher than the Goldenleaf Castle, before moving down a similar peak, into the areas of the jungle.

It seemed almost too perfect in its structure and was an attraction amongst the people passing through town. Perhaps, it was also a reason why humans didn't extend their houses as far as these parts.

A few religious Paladians, in tandem with Erans, thought of this place to be of great, holy importance. In a few stories, here and there, it was dubbed as the resting place for Gods, with humans standing below the arch and accepting their gifts or sorrows.

Today, things seemed similar.

Kashmir Zenon skipped around the plains, watching the thousands of contestants, with even a good chunk of the Paladians still moving from the forest. He grinned, before staring up at the sun, and then bringing the King's device closer towards his mouth.

Soon, his voice rang from each bell placed around the perimeter, and the people slowly turned their heads, anticipating the next words in a stressed silence.

"Stand!" Zenon announced, with his expression immediately changing. The crowds immediately followed his command, with a few trembling.

Kashmir took the wooden podium, where a few guards stood by the side. Observing the many faces present, he took a deep breath, before squinting.

"Dear future Demonears," he uttered. "Noon's about to strike in only a few. This is your last chance to make any changes to your equipment. Remember, only one tool of choice, and one layer of clothing. Otherwise, anything else that can be spared, must be spared."

Other guards strutted about, checking the said inventory.

"A book?" one asked.

"A journal." Judy corrected him, raising a finger and fixing her glasses.

"Wouldn't even a sword be better at this point?" he whispered.

"I stand corrected." she fixed her posture. "A journal is all I'll ever need."

A few moments later, Kashmir furrowed his brows.

"Unlike during the test in Magna a few years ago, this one won't involve killing any demons. We made sure none stood in the way of the course, as I took inspiration from my late brother's ways." he halted for a second, as a few sighs of relief sounded in the crowds.

"Maybe we can do it!" a Paladian said to another.

"That, however!" Kashmir raised his voice. "Doesn't mean it will be any easier! How can the world allow you to become a Demonear without anything to prove your strength? Now, men, women, everyone!" he spoke up. "Are you willing to prove your worth to this world?!"