Chapter XX: The test

"Dear followers and readers,

First of all, we want to express our sincere apologies for the delay in publishing the chapter XVIII. We understand that the wait has been frustrating, and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

To make up for this delay, we are excited to offer you something special. Starting today, you'll have access to a completely bonus chapter.

Our goal has always been to give you the best reading experience possible, and we hope this compensation shows our appreciation for your patience and continued support. We greatly appreciate your commitment to our work and promise to work diligently to avoid future delays.

Thank you for being part of our community of readers.

Sincerely,

OYG~Capitan117~John

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John and Astrid are in their cozy Spartan house, sitting by the bonfire that burns in the center of the room. Outside, the night is starry and calm, but the atmosphere inside the house is tense, as they know that tomorrow John will face an epic test in front of the entire town at the training ground.

John: (sighs deeply) "Astrid, tomorrow is the big day. I have to face those four dragons in front of all our fellow citizens."

Astrid: (places her hand on John's) "I know, John. It's a colossal and dangerous challenge. But remember, you are one of the bravest warriors I know. You can do it."

John looks at Astrid with gratitude, his gaze reflecting the trust she has in him.

John: "Thank you for always being by my side, Astrid. Your support and bravery are my greatest strength."

Astrid: (smiles) "We are a team, John. Together, we are unstoppable. No matter how many tests we face, we will always be there for each other."

The conversation is filled with an emotionally charged silence as the two warriors realize the importance of the task that awaits them.

John: (looks into the distance) "When we were young, we dreamed of being great warriors, and this is the time to fulfill that dream. Our people trust us."

Astrid: (nods) "Yes, John, and although these dragons are formidable, our determination and our love for our people will guide us. And we will find a way to unify Dragon and Vikings."

Calm and confidence fill the room as John and Astrid mentally prepare for the challenge that awaits them. Tomorrow, in front of all the people, they will demonstrate their courage and devotion, facing the dragons with courage and determination.

John notices the meaningful look in Astrid's eyes and is intrigued.

John: "What is it, Astrid? You seem to have something on your mind."

Astrid: (holds John's hand) "John, we have overcome so many challenges together and we have proven that our love is stronger than any obstacle. I think the time has come to take the next step in our lives together."

John looks at Astrid in amazement as he begins to understand what she is implying.

John: (excited) "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Astrid: (nods with a radiant smile) "Yes, John. I want to marry you."

John's heart pounds as he processes the incredible news.

John: (taking Astrid's hand in his) "Astrid, I couldn't wish for anything more than to spend the rest of my life by your side. Yes, I agree to marry you!"

They both embrace each other with joy and excitement, knowing that this engagement is the next chapter in their love story.

Astrid: (looks into the future) "John, I want us to announce our marriage proposal to all the Viking people. Our union will be a symbol of strength and love, and I want everyone to know it."

John: (smiles with determination) "That's how it will be, Astrid. We will announce our marriage proposal tomorrow, after the test, and we will share our happiness with everyone"

The night is filled with laughter, hugs, and the promise of a future together as John and Astrid celebrate their success in the test and the commitment that will further strengthen their bond among the Viking people who admire and respect them.

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(The Next Day)

At the Viking training ground, an expectant silence falls over the gathered crowd. Villagers and warriors have flocked to witness an epic showdown, but this time, it's different. John, the brave Spartan warrior, prepares for a combat like no other.

Stoick, the respected leader of the Viking people, stands on a raised platform in the center of the training ground. The crowd has gathered in front of him, waiting in anticipation for the speech that will precede John's final exam against the dragons. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation, and Stoick prepares to address his town.

Stoick: (in a booming voice) "Sons and daughters of Berk, today we gather here to witness an event that will be remembered in the annals of our history. A final examination of bravery and courage."

The crowd nods and murmurs in approval, aware of the importance of this test.

Stoick: "Our young warrior, John, has shown unwavering determination in his training. He has learned the arts of fighting, strategy, and honor. He has faced unimaginable challenges, and today, he will face four of the most formidable dragons ever."

The Vikings look towards the training ground, where John is preparing for battle. His Spartan armor shines in the sun, and his expression is one of concentration and resolve.

Stoick: (proudly) "John is an example of tenacity and the Viking spirit. He has shown that no matter how impossible challenges seem, we can face them with courage and determination."

The crowd applauds loudly, expressing their support for John.

Stoick: "Today, at this training camp, our people will come together to witness their final test. It is not only a test for John but for all of us. It is a reminder that we are a strong, united community, willing to face any threat that crosses our path."

The crowd nods in agreement, understanding the importance of unity in times of challenge.

Stoick: "So, as John prepares to face the dragons, let us remember our strengths as a Viking people. Let us remember that courage and bravery are in our DNA. John, as one of our own, will carry our determination with him in this battle."

Stoick concludes his speech with a gesture of respect towards John, who now prepares to face the four dragons at the training ground. The crowd waves goodbye with a unified shout of encouragement and support, ready to witness John's final test and reaffirm his commitment to a united Viking community.

John emerges from the edge of the training ground, wearing imposing Spartan armor, with his shield in one hand and his sword in the other. The sun shines on his silver armor as he faces off against an imposing formation of winged creatures: a Monstrous Nightmare, a Gronckle, a Nadder, and a Cremallerus Espantosus.

The crowd holds its breath, knowing that they are about to witness an incredible feat of bravery and skill. The terrain is marked by flaming torches, creating an illuminated arena in which these battles will be fought.

John: (with determination) "For glory and honor!"

The roar of the beasts and the clamor of the crowd fill the air as the fight begins.

The Monstrous Nightmare lunges toward John, its burning flames ready to scorch everything in its path. But John, with a swift movement, blocks the fire breath with his shield, holding his position firmly.

The Gronckle swings in the air and fires rocks at John, who deftly dodges them as he advances towards the creature. In one bold move, John leaps up, delivers a blow with his sword to the Gronckle's head, and knocks the beast down.

The Nadder, fast and agile, tries to ambush John from behind, but he realizes it in time. He performs a graceful spin and throws his sword with precision, catching the Nadder in mid-flight and knocking it down.

The Cremallerus Espantosus, the largest of them all, launches itself towards John with surprising speed. His claws threaten to ensnare the warrior, but John skillfully slides his sword and cuts into the Cremallerus's leg, knocking it back.

The crowd erupts in cheers and applause as John takes on the four creatures with skill and courage. Every movement is calculated, and every blow is precise. The fight is intense, with John dodging attacks and counterattacking ferociously.

The Gronckle and the Nadder are defeated one after another, leaving only the Monstrous Nightmare and the Cremallerus Espantosus standing. John, showing no signs of fatigue, concentrates on his final opponents.

The Monstrous Nightmare launches a blast of fire at John, but he jumps over the flames and delivers a masterful blow that severs one of the beast's wings, causing it to fall with a deafening roar.

Only the Cremallerus Espantosus remains, the most formidable creature of all. Both combatants face off in a duel of titans. The Zipperus charges at John furiously, but John deftly leans down and slides his sword through the monster's neck, ending the battle.

The crowd explodes in applause and shouts of admiration as John, covered in sweat and triumphant, emerges as the undisputed winner of the fight. He has faced four dragons, with only his skill, courage, and his Spartan armor.

John's victory is a testament to the bravery and skill of a Spartan warrior, and his name will echo in the songs of Viking bards for generations. The Viking people have witnessed a feat that will remain engraved in their memory forever, an example of the indomitable strength of the human spirit.