Chapter 26: The Trial of Fire

Eriol stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I will face the Trial of Fire next."

Zephyr nodded. "Then let us begin."

The fire statue began to glow, and a wave of flames swept across the plain. Eriol found herself transported to a fiery inferno, where a massive dragon awaited her. The dragon was enormous, its scales shimmering like molten lava, its eyes blazing with fierce intensity.

"The Trial of Fire is a test of courage and willpower," Zephyr's voice echoed in Eriol's mind. "Defeat the dragon, and you shall be granted the power of fire."

Eriol drew her sword, its blade shining with a fierce light. The dragon roared, its flames engulfing her, but she stood firm, her sword flashing in the firelight. The battle raged on, Eriol striking again and again, but the dragon refused to fall. It was a formidable foe, its flames burning hotter with every passing moment.

Just when it seemed that Eriol would emerge victorious, the dragon unleashed a blast of fire that sent her stumbling back. She fell to the ground, her sword slipping from her grasp, and the dragon loomed over her, its flames ready to consume her.

But Eriol refused to yield. With a surge of determination, she summoned all her strength and struck back with a desperate blow, striking the dragon's heart and defeating it.

As the dragon lay defeated, Eriol struggled to her feet, her body burning with flames. Zephyr approached her, a smile on his face. "Well done, Eriol. You have passed the Trial of Fire, and proven your courage and willpower. You are now a true master of fire."

Eriol nodded, her vision blurring. She felt the power of fire flowing through her, but her body was burning with flames. She collapsed to the ground, her companions rushing to her side.

"Eriol, no!" Kae cried, tears streaming down his face.

But Zephyr's voice was calm and reassuring. "Do not worry, my friends. Eriol's wounds will heal, and she will emerge stronger than ever. The power of fire will sustain her, and she will rise again, victorious."

And with that, the Trial of Water began...