The Gate of Valor open with a warm light as Shawn and Lyra stepped through, the golden glow enveloping them like a soft blanket. The familiar sound of the Awakening Chamber faded, it change to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of unseen creatures. They found themselves in a large, ancient forest. Towering trees, their trunks are wide, stretched towards the sky, and the air was thick with the scent of the soil.
"So this is the 'first trial'," Lyra whispered, her hand still resting on the hilt of her swiftblade. Her eyes look around, taking every details of their surroundings. "It's… beautiful, but also a little eerie."
Shawn nodded, his senses already heightened. His Perfect Perception seemed to pick up some rustle in the undergrowth, every subtle shift in the breeze. He could feel the energy of the forest, a soft sound under the surface. He look over the large trees, searching for any signs of movement or hidden enemy.
Suddenly, a sound of a growl coming from deeper within the woods. It wasn't the sound of a wild animal, but something more like a sound of an enemy.
"Did you hear that?" Lyra tensed, her swiftblade already drawn.
Before Shawn could respond, a creature lumbered into view from behind a massive oak. It was a humanoid in shape, but made entirely of a wood and twisted vines, its eyes glowing with dark green light. He have a root-like club in his hand.
"A Treant!" Lyra shout, recognizing the monster from her studies . "They're usually slow, but surprisingly durable. Their hits can be devastating."
The Treant let out another roar and began to advance, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground.
"Let's see what this Protector can do," Shawn muttered,he can feel the will of the protector. He focused on the Treant, and a feeling of warmth spread through his body. He was helping Lyra, protecting her from this threat. He could feel his Body Enhancement and Speed Enhancement kicking in, a subtle but distinct increase in his physical prowess.
"I'll try to draw its attention!" Lyra called out, her blade a silver blur as she darted forward, a series of quick, precise slashes aimed at the Treant's legs. The wooden creature grunted, its movements clumsy but powerful as it swung its club in a wide arc. Lyra, true to her Swiftblade job, easily evaded the blow.
Shawn, however, didn't evade. He wanted to test his new abilities. As the Treant's club came crashing down, he stood his ground, a raw sense of determination fueling him. "This is for you, Lyra!" he thought, and his Will of the Protector surged, his abilities enhancing further. He brought his arm up, not with a weapon, but with the raw power of his Body Enhancement. The impact was jarring, a deep thud that resonated through his bones, but he held firm, the club deflecting off his forearm with surprising ease.
"What?!" Lyra cried out, momentarily stunned by his seemingly reckless move.
Shawn gritted his teeth, a strange sense of exhilaration bubbling within him. He was indeed a Protector, and he could take a hit. More than that, he could fight back. He step forward, his hand reaching out, and a shimmering, ethereal blade materialized in his hand. It hummed with power, an extension of his will. This must be the effect of Master of All Weapon.
"Time to see if this 'Protector' can also be an attacker," Shawn declared, a glint in his eye. He raised the ethereal blade.
"Try this, Treant! Heavenly Cut!"