The Barren Trial..

Isabel materialized in an open, rocky landscape. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze rustled through the sparse trees. The terrain was dotted with jagged rocks and patches of dry grass, and in the distance, she could see the towering peaks of the Dragon's Keep's mountains.

She took a moment to steady herself, still reeling from the intense teleportation magic. The area was vastly different from the lush forests of her home.

Isabel surveyed her surroundings, noting the stark and rugged landscape. The ground beneath her feet was a mix of cracked, hardened earth and patches of sparse vegetation.

The air carried a faint, faint scent, She couldn't recognize. The terrain was marked by jagged rocks and charred remnants of trees, their twisted trunks bearing the scars of past fires.

The soil was dark and ashen, a result of frequent volcanic activity that had transformed the once-fertile land into a desolate expanse.

Patches of hardy grasses and shrubs clung to life, their roots finding purchase in the nutrient-poor soil. The few trees that dotted the area were stunted and gnarled, their leaves sparse and brittle.

Isabel noticed small vents in the ground, emitting occasional puffs of steam. The heat from below warmed the air, creating an uncomfortable, humid atmosphere. Pools of bubbling mud and hot springs were scattered throughout the landscape, adding to the surreal and otherworldly feel of the place.

In the distance, the towering peaks of the Dragon's Keep's mountains loomed, their rocky faces covered in dark, volcanic rock. The mountains seemed to radiate a palpable heat, and Isabel could see faint plumes of smoke rising from their summits. The sky above was tinged with a hazy, reddish hue, a testament to the volcanic ash that frequently hung in the air.

Despite the harshness of the environment, there was a certain raw beauty to it. The contrast between the barren land and the towering mountains created a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene. Isabel took a deep breath.

Isabel didn't find anything immediately useful in her surroundings and decided to head towards the mountains of Dragon's Keep. The towering peaks were the most remarkable feature in this desolate landscape, and she hoped they might hold the answers or resources she needed.

As she made her way across the rugged terrain, she marveled at the surprising variety of life that had adapted to the harsh conditions. She spotted clusters of rare plants with vibrant, jewel-toned flowers that seemed almost out of place against the dark, ashen soil.

There were also strange, resilient animals: lizards with iridescent scales basking in the heat of the volcanic vents, and hardy birds with sharp, keen eyes circling above, their cries echoing in the vast emptiness.

Isabel's heart raced when she recognized some of the precious herbs and medicinal plants she had only read about in books. She knew these could fetch a high price in the markets of Valaraeth or be used to craft powerful potions.

Her fingers itched to gather them, but a cautious voice in her mind warned her against it. This land, though alluring with its hidden treasures, was fraught with danger. Taking anything without understanding its potential consequences could spell disaster.

As she continued her trek, Isabel kept her eyes peeled, her thoughts a mix of awe and caution. The path became steeper, and she had to navigate carefully over loose rocks and uneven ground.

The closer she got to the mountains, the more intense the heat became. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur, and the ground beneath her feet seemed to pulse with a slow, steady rhythm, as if the land itself were alive. Pools of bubbling mud and steaming hot springs were more frequent now, adding to the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.

At one point, Isabel paused to rest by a small, bubbling spring. She took a sip from her water flask and gazed up at the towering peaks ahead.

With renewed determination, Isabel stood up and continued her journey toward the mountains. The path ahead was uncertain, but she was ready to embrace whatever challenges came her way.

Isabel continued her journey, her eyes focused on the mountains ahead. Unbeknownst to her, Princess Thalassa was also in the vicinity, having arrived earlier.

Thalassa had expected something entirely different from the tales she had heard, and the reality of the barren land left her frustrated and infuriated.

"That scheming old man," she muttered, kicking a rock in frustration. "Sending me here, of all places. What a twisted sense of humor."

The heat was unbearable, and every step she took seemed to make it worse. Her feet were already blistering from the rough, hot ground, and she cursed under her breath with each painful step. The volcanic vents and bubbling mud pools only added to her discomfort, the air thick with sulfur making her cough.

Thalassa paused to catch her breath, leaning against a charred tree trunk. "Why would he send me here?" she wondered aloud, her voice echoing in the empty expanse. "Is this some kind of test?"

Despite her anger, Thalassa knew she couldn't afford to waste time. She had to keep moving, find some kind of shelter or relief from the relentless heat. She forced herself to continue, her thoughts a mix of anger and determination.

As she made her way through the rocky terrain, she stumbled upon a small cluster of rare, vibrant plants. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Well, at least there's something of value here," she muttered, bending down to inspect them. But her hands stopped short, the cautious voice in her mind warning her not to touch anything without understanding its potential consequences.

Grumbling, she stood up and resumed her trek, her feet screaming in protest with each step. She couldn't help but curse the grandmaster again, blaming him for her current misery. The path became steeper, and she struggled to navigate the loose rocks and uneven ground.

After what felt like an eternity, Thalassa spotted a figure in the distance. She squinted, trying to make out who it was. As she got closer, she realized it was another candidate –

Thalassa quickened her pace, her thoughts racing as she approached the figure in the distance. The closer she got, the more certain she became. It was indeed her, the same young woman she had seen at the market in Valaraeth.

Thalassa's lips curled into a slight sneer as she muttered under her breath, "Isn't she the vixen from the market? What is she doing here?"