Chapter 7

The rope had slipped from his hand and he was about to fall to his doom below. Zeph was on the brink of letting out a shout when he propelled himself forward and caught the next rope. Zeph heaved a sigh of relief, that idiot almost gave him a heart attack.

Zeph kept moving forward at full speed. There was no time to waste if he wanted to win this thing. His arms were throbbing and he was trying to not think about the pain as adrenaline rushed into his body and kept him from falling.

"Hurry up you idiots and show me what you are made up of," Shumal shouted at them. She was keenly observing them and there was a man next to her who was looking at them like a hawk. It was Artins Drugh, son of Alexis Drugh; the most powerful warlock to be alive and the head of the Haxum Realm. His magic was considered so strong that he didn't even need a wand for it.

"So, you are here to enjoy the show. That black-haired boy looks pretty strong and determined. Artins my money is on him to win," said Shumal rather slyly.

"It's too early to say anything yet, anyone can win but I hope we get some good ones. I don't want a bunch of losers in my institute," replied Artins with a hard expression on his face.

"Uggh, you are no fun Artins and loosen up a bit. Try to smile and have some fun. I am waiting for one of them to fall, that would be very entertaining to see." Shumal replied with an evil smile.

" You and your evil twisted ways," he could hardly suppress a smile.

"There, I knew you were capable of smiling," She laughed out aloud.

Zeph had made it to the end of this obstacle. He jumped forward and rolled on his back to avoid any injuries. He was the first one to have made it across so far. At least three participants have fallen into the muddy pit, their shouts filled the air and the instructors standing by removed them. None of them had the strength left to continue further.

Zeph had no time to waste. Without thinking he rushed forward and instantly regretted it. As he collided with an unseen object and realized his mistake, always assess your surroundings before moving forward. That's what he was taught. So, what was it? He moved his hand forward to touch it. It felt like something huge, hard and smooth with facets.

Instantly, he was covered with a cloud of black smoke. He couldn't see outside of that smoke. It didn't hurt his eyes or anything it was just a smokescreen he guessed. They didn't want participants to see each other on this one.

He was guessing it was a huge prism or diamond. But, what was he supposed to do with it as he couldn't even see it? An idea struck him, aren't jewels supposed to shine when light is refracted in them? He pulled out his sword and reflected the sunlight towards it. As the rays of light entered it, it began to shine. It was shaped like a rhombus and shone with multiple colours. It was hanging in the air without any support. So, now what?

Suddenly, a voice sounded from inside it. Welcome, Zeph you have successfully completed the first phase of your test. Onto the second phase now. I will give you one clue about the second phase. " Beware of the creatures of the moon in the forest ". With that black smoke was lifted and the rhombus was gone.

Shumal approached him. " Not bad, young delinquent," as she eyed me up and down. "You are the first one to complete the first phase. Your second phase starts now, you have to survive for 30 minutes in the forest and bring back a green flag and embed it in the lake's bank. Don't die and don't get caught, good luck." He nodded his head and looked towards the other black smoke circles. Ralph was nowhere to be seen. But, time was of the essence and he had to complete the second phase. So, without wasting any time he made his way to the dense forest ahead.

(Writer's Note: Zeph is from Folkshel Realm and doesn't possess any magical abilities. He has a complex character which will go through several changes throughout his journey. Hops you get to love him as much as I love writing him.)