Clan Ashen

The place was packed. Not only was that the case outside where they had first arrived, but even more so in the cavern where Winston and June ended up.

Outside, several people were roaming about, trying to make their way into the large colosseum. 

It was a bit tricky and complicated, but Winston and June eventually managed to push through the crowd outside. Once they entered the colosseum, they were escorted into a cavern directly beneath it.

Now, that's where they were.

Surrounded by several more people, June scanned the crowd conversing amongst one another — their soft murmurs echoing throughout the cavern.

A few wore shiny armors and cradled either swords, spears, or some kind of bow in their hands. 

Others were like June, devoid of any compelling Relics at all.

Of course, among those who were well-equipped, a few flaunted their weapons and armor, their faces expressing confidence. 

Seemed more like an egotistic persona to June, though, who could clearly tell those few individuals trusted in their Relics and what they had on more than their skills as fighters.

Although… June wasn't one to talk about skills as a fighter — rather, skills period. He had none. 

But he knew a fool when he saw one. 

Those who trusted in their gear more than themselves were going to die a gruesome death. 

The smirks on their faces would soon turn to that of fear, and the Relics they held dear would crumble underneath the pressure of that weight.

In any case… the room consisted of many different people preparing to take on the Trial. 

While a few exuded confidence — those like June were visibly nervous. 

Some were even hauled up in the corners of the cavern, already cowering under the fear of the Ark… while the majority — including June and Winston — stood at the center, awaiting instruction.

Growing anxious, June took a look around him, through the crowd of people.

The cavern itself seemed to stretch extensively, illuminated by the distant hue of a blue torch, painting the atmosphere with a somber blue.

The ceiling was also oddly large, providing more than enough space for the people beneath it. Several stalagmites rose from the ground nearby as well, some small and pointy, others thick and towering.

And though there was light, it was quite scarce. The majority of the cavern was shrouded in shadows that lingered all around, swaying from the dim light of the torch.

"Winston, where exactly is the Rift that's tethered to our realm?"

June whispered, curious. Winston had said that in order to begin his Trial, they'd be guided into the Rift, but so far June saw no signs of it.

He looked over to his side where Winston stood close by who eventually responded:

"It's nearby… I can feel it, don't worry. Although, this seems rather odd…"

Winston had a confused expression etched on his face. His brows were scrunched, and his frown was deeper than usual, alerting June.

"What do you mean?"

June asked, now frowning himself.

"Well, typically, the locations of a Rift are tethered to a secure place. Which, this very clearly is. Only, it's overly secured. I mean, not only is it contained by a large colosseum, but entrapped within a deep cavern? That… and she's here…"

Winston seemed to stare directly at someone, his height providing him a clear view over the crowd.

A moment later, a piercing voice resounded through the spacious cavern.

"Prepare yourselves Challengers, you will now begin your Ascension."

It was a woman's voice — both mature and assertive.

Her voice ignited several whispers amidst the crowd, their attention piqued.

'Damn it…'

June tried his best to peek through the crowd, hoping to get a glimpse of who the woman was. 

But of course, he wasn't able to. However, she suddenly announced:

"I am Agler of the Ashen Clan, I — among several of my peers, will guide you safely to the Rift, so worry not… you all are in good hands."

Her words seemed to send a wave of inspiration to those who had previously been cowering in fear, a few even cheering with motivation.

Her words had indeed been impactful, but it was not only because of her words, though, that had inspired so many… but who she was.

'Agler…'

One of the three — four, considering June — Heritage bearers of the Mortal Realm.

Her presence was significant in the eyes of Ascenders, in the eyes of the world. A renowned figure like her could say anything, and people would automatically feel assured — compelled to take on any arduous task that initially seemed unconquerable.

"Now, I ask you all to step up in groups of three. My Retainer here will conjure up several boats that will take you down the river path where the Rift resides." 

Through the murmurs of voices sounding around him, he could somewhat hear the echoes of running water from where her voice had come.

"Winston, what's it look like?" 

He asked, wishing he had the height to look over so many people at once.

"It's a lake, with a distinct current that's softly pulling the water toward an underpass. I can't see much further than that, but the Rift is clearly past that, pulling the water with it."

With that, the crowd of people soon began marching forward group by group.

There were quite a lot, so June had to wait for some time before he arrived at the front to see what Winston had described.

Nevertheless, he patiently waited, but the longer he did… the more Winston's skepticism grew.

"What is it?"

June, who seemed to notice, asked. Winston was clearly cautious of something.

"I'm sorry June, excuse me for a moment."

Winston then left June, moving people aside with his presence alone.

'What is going on with him?'

Instead of staying where he was, he used Winston, following close behind, taking advantage of the space he created with his broad build.

A few seconds later, he arrived closer to the front where he could now see.

There was indeed a wide lake that extended into an underpass veiled with shadows. Next to it, a small walkway was apparent, with several men and women standing tall — clad in rich ebony armor. 

Squinting, he noticed each of their chest plates were adorned with a sigil depicting a cloud of dust that served as the backdrop for the tips of two spears colliding with one another. 

Each individual was posted up with the tips of their spears balanced on the ground, their backs straight.

Meanwhile, Winston was approaching them, his steps echoing throughout the cavern.