"What the hell? We're back at the hell hole?" Finn groaned, staring up at the tall, battered walls of the castle. The fortress looked like it had been through countless wars already.
Deep cracks ran along the stone, and scorch marks from past battles marred the surface. The surrounding landscape was ravaged, the earth torn apart by explosions and fires, twisted trees barely standing, and old siege equipment rusting at the edges of the battlefield.
"Don't panic," Rey tried to calm the group, his tone steady but his eyes sharp as he surveyed the grim scene. "Best case scenario, this is some kind of reboot, and this whole scene has nothing to do with our previous visit here."
"And worst case scenario," Asher chimed in dryly, "it does have everything to do with our last visit, and we're partially screwed depending on what happens next."
Before anyone could respond, the unmistakable sound of armored footsteps echoed around them. Out of nowhere, a squad of castle guards appeared, fully armed and surrounding the group. Spears and swords were pointed at them, gleaming in the fading light. Their leader, a grizzled man in a dented helmet, stepped forward and barked a command.
"We have you surrounded. Drop your weapons!" he ordered, his tone cold and unyielding, "You're all under arrest."
The group exchanged confused looks, not quite sure what to make of the situation. Matthew furrowed his brow. "What's going on here?"
Marcella crossed her arms, her expression bored but slightly irritated. "Kinda looks like we're getting arrested," she deadpanned.
Finn threw her a glance, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks for pointing out the obvious, genius."
"I guess we have to fight our way through," Seraphina said, already reaching for her weapon.
Freya quickly stepped forward, eyes wide in alarm. "I'm pretty sure that's a bad idea. Have you seen what we're standing on?"
Everyone's gaze dropped to the ground beneath them, where a faint glow was pulsing. Just below their feet was a massive, intricate magic circle, its runes humming with power.
"An anti-magic circle," Rosa realized, her voice tight with concern. "I can't sense my mana."
"Same here," Morrigan added, eyes narrowing in frustration. "I can't use any of my magic."
A tense silence fell over the group as they processed the situation. They were surrounded by guards with weapons, standing on a circle that neutralized their magic, and unsure of what exactly they were up against. The trial was already proving to be far more dangerous than they'd anticipated.
"I still feel my Aura. That's good enough to fight our way through, right?" Rey pondered, his brow furrowing as he considered their options. "But we're supposed to be protecting these people, aren't we? This is so confusing."
"That sounds like a plan," Aiden replied, his sword beginning to glow faintly as he channeled his Aura.
"Fine by me," Asher added, spinning his daggers in his hands, ready for action.
"We can figure out what to do next once this is all over," Elora said, drawing her twin swords with a quick flourish.
"What... Jett?!" Seraphina exclaimed, bewildered by his actions. But before anyone could even begin to question him, Jett spoke.
"Drop your weapons," he instructed, his voice steady. "Trust me."
The group hesitated for a moment, exchanging confused glances, but one by one, they followed Jett's lead. Rey lowered his sword, Asher sheathed his daggers, and even Aiden, with a reluctant sigh, released his grip on his blade.
"This is not how I thought I'd be spending my free time," Finn muttered, shaking his head as he tossed his bow to the ground.
As soon as they surrendered, castle guards moved in swiftly, cuffing them all. Cold metal clamped around their wrists, and within moments, they were led away into the depths of the castle.
*****
The prison beneath the castle was cold and dimly lit, with thick stone walls and barred windows high above, offering only the faintest hint of sunlight. The boys were thrown into one large cell, while the girls were locked in the one across from them.
"What the hell, Cedric, Jett, what was that for?" Finn asked anxiously, pacing back and forth in the cramped cell. His nervous energy seemed to be getting the best of him.
"Could you please calm down?" Jett replied, sitting down on the hard stone bench. "Did anyone get a personal trial?"
"Now that you mention it..." Rey glanced at the notification floating before his eyes. "I did."
He read it aloud, "*Personal Trial: Lead the Castle to victory.*"
"And mine says to stay here as a prisoner till this is all over," Jett explained, leaning back against the cold stone wall as if he were settling in for a nap. "Seems like I can't help you guys this time."
The group fell silent, trying to process the situation. The only sound was the distant clanking of chains and the faint drip of water echoing through the underground prison.
Just then, the heavy door at the far end of the room creaked open, and the echo of footsteps approached. A tall woman, draped in an elegant yet stern gown, entered the prison. Her sharp eyes swept over them before she turned to the guard.
"Open the door," she commanded with authority.
The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding, quickly moving to unlock the cell door.
*
*
*
Feeling like making this trial really long.