The first rays of dawn filtered through the inn room window, painting the dusty floorboards in stripes of gold. Adrian awoke with a jolt, the chilling remnants of his dream clinging to him like a shroud. It wasn't fading like a typical nightmare; every detail was etched into his mind with terrifying clarity. The desolation, the screams, the effortless destruction... and that face. His face, twisted into a cosmic horror, dominating a shattered world. It felt less like a dream and more like a terrifying premonition, a glimpse into the raw, unbridled destiny of Nyxal, the Primordial Apex Devil. Was that truly what he was capable of? Was that what he was meant to do? The realization sent a cold shiver down his spine. He was no longer just a player in a game; he was potentially a force of world-ending destruction.
He forced himself out of bed, the lingering unease battling with the practicalities of the day. The Guild trials. He had to focus. He had to navigate this new reality, gather information, and figure out how to survive – and perhaps, how to avoid becoming the monster he'd seen in his sleep.
When Adrian descended to the common room, the scent of sizzling bacon and fresh bread filled the air. Elara was already bustling about, setting tables.
"Good morning, Nyxal!" she greeted him, her voice as cheerful as the rising sun. "Slept well, I hope? Breakfast is nearly ready."
Adrian managed a polite smile, pushing the nightmare to the back of his mind. "Morning, Elara. As well as can be expected. The bed was certainly more comfortable than the ground I've been used to." He took a seat at a small, unoccupied table.
"Glad to hear it!" she chirped, placing a steaming plate of food before him: crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and more of that delicious bread. "So, the big day, huh? Are you ready for the Guild trials?"
He took a bite of bacon, savoring the realness of the taste. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. Jana gave me the rundown yesterday, but it's still a bit... daunting, seeing it all laid out."
Elara poured him a mug of steaming tea. "Oh, don't you worry! Everyone feels that way. I remember my cousin, Bort, he nearly fainted just looking at the obstacle course for the physical exam. And he's built like a brick wall!" She chuckled. "But he passed, and so will you. You've got that quiet strength about you, Nyxal. I can tell."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Quiet strength, you say? I'll take that as a compliment." He thought of Yena's "dark scent" and wondered if Elara was also sensing something beyond the ordinary. "What's the hardest part, do you think? The physical, the written, or the combat?"
Elara leaned closer conspiratorially. "Honestly? For most, it's the written. All that history and monster lore! Unless you've spent years with your nose in dusty old books, it can be tricky. But for you, I have a feeling it'll be a breeze. You seem like a clever one."
"And the combat trial?" he pressed. "Is it as intense as it sounds?"
"It can be," she admitted, her tone growing a little more serious. "They throw all sorts at you – slimes, goblins, even a few conjured beasts for the higher levels. It's designed to push you, to see how you react when things get tough. But Guild Master Borin, he's just looking for competence and courage. He's not trying to get anyone killed. Just don't let your nerves get the better of you, and you'll be fine." She patted his arm reassuringly. "You've got this, Nyxal. Just breathe, and show them what you can do."
Her genuine encouragement was surprisingly comforting, a small anchor in the storm of his new reality. "Thank you, Elara. That means a lot." He finished his breakfast, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
"Well, I should be off then," he said, pushing back his chair. "Wish me luck."
"Good luck, Nyxal!" Elara called after him. "Come back and tell me all about it!"
The Adventurers' Guild hall was even more vibrant than yesterday, buzzing with the energy of a thousand different stories waiting to unfold. Adventurers were signing up for quests, discussing tactics, or simply enjoying a morning ale. The air was thick with the scent of leather, steel, and a nervous excitement.
Adrian approached the reception desk. Jana looked up, her smile just as bright as the day before. "Nyxal! Good morning. Ready for your trials?"
"As I'll ever be," Adrian confirmed.
Jana nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Excellent! Guild Master Borin is expecting you. Just to reiterate, the exams are designed to gauge your complete combat prowess. For the physical assessment, we're looking for a baseline of strength, agility, and endurance. You need to complete the obstacle course in under two minutes, lift at least 150 pounds, and spar for five rounds without yielding."
Adrian's internal Nyxal smirked. Child's play. He could lift three times that weight and run the course blindfolded.
"For the written examination," Jana continued, "you'll need to score at least 70% to pass. It covers Aethelgard's history, common monster identification and weaknesses, basic survival, and an overview of the major political factions. It's crucial for understanding the world and making informed decisions out in the field."
Adrian felt a surge of confidence. Years of meta-gaming and lore-diving would serve him well here.
"And finally, the combat trial," Jana's voice became slightly more serious. "This is a pass/fail. You'll face a series of magically conjured threats in the arena. You must defeat all challenges presented to you. It's not just about raw power, but about tactical thinking, resource management – if you use magic – and adaptability. Guild Master Borin will be observing closely, looking for discipline and sound judgment under pressure. You need to demonstrate that you can handle yourself against escalating threats."
Adrian nodded, his jaw set. This was it. His chance to prove himself, to gain access to the Guild's resources and information, all while maintaining the delicate deception of his human form. The game was truly on.