The next morning, Elara and Sylveras once again climbed the path to the Crystal Cavern. The morning sun touched the mountain ridges, while a thin mist still lingered among the trees. Their bodies ached from the previous training, but their determination was unwavering.
As they stepped into the cavern, what they saw made them freeze.
In the center sat the three mountain spirits—Yur'Gan of lava, Mirtagos of storm, and Niveus of light. Their presence was heavier than ever, their aura vibrating through the chamber.
"Welcome," Niveus's voice echoed, calm yet weighty. "At last, your final trial begins. Now, you will see who we truly are."
Elara stepped forward, confused. "What do you mean? Aren't you mountain spirits?"
Niveus smiled faintly. "Yes… but you have yet to witness our true form."
Sylveras folded his arms, smirking. "What, are you actually goblins?"
Mirtagos burst out laughing, his booming voice shaking the cavern. "Hahaha! I can't believe this boy is that stupid! Goblins, he says!"
Yur'Gan growled, kicking a molten pebble toward Sylveras. "Are you stupid, or truly stupid?! Shut up and watch!"
Suddenly, a blinding light filled the cavern. The ground trembled as the three spirits rose. Their bodies merged—lava, storm winds, and radiant crystal fusing together into a towering giant.
Three voices spoke in unison, layered as one."Once, we fought against the primordial demons in the great war. This is our true form… the fusion of mountain's wrath. Are you ready to face us?"
The Final Battle
The cavern shook violently. The giant raised its arm, unleashing a torrent of molten lava entwined with raging wind.
"Radiance Barrier!" Elara lifted her staff, white light forming a shield. The explosion sent her skidding back, her face pale with strain.
"Don't falter, El!" Syl shouted, slamming his hand to the ground. Stone pillars surged up, blocking the second blast. "If this is the final trial, we have to endure it together!"
The fused spirit roared, its crystal core flashing. Suddenly, visions scattered across the cavern like mirrors.
Elara gasped—before her stood a monstrous version of Sylveras, his eyes empty as he destroyed their village. Syl, meanwhile, saw Elara lying dead in his arms, blood soaking her clothes.
"Elara!" Syl shook her trembling shoulder. "It's not real! You're alive—right here with me!"
Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. "You're right… I'm still here."
They rose together, raising their hands in unison. Earth mana from Sylveras intertwined with Elara's radiant light, forming a green pillar of energy that blasted toward the spirit's core.
The fused giant let out a deafening roar, cracks splitting across its body. A final burst of light shattered it, and the cavern fell into silence.
The Spirits' Words
The three spirits returned to their original forms, their expressions proud.
Niveus inclined his head. "Congratulations… you have defeated us. The final trial is complete. From the first day you stepped here until now, you have grown far stronger."
Elara bowed deeply, her voice trembling. "Thanks to you… I've been able to deepen my magic. Thank you, truly."
Sylveras staggered to his feet, grinning despite his exhaustion. "You were strong, but now I'm stronger! Hahaha!"
Yur'Gan stomped the ground, furious. "Stop your nonsense, you stupid elf! Don't get cocky after one little victory!"
Mirtagos burst into laughter again, slapping his thigh. "Hahaha! At least the boy knows how to celebrate!"
Niveus smiled faintly, his calm voice carrying weight. "Go now. The world will demand far more from you than we ever could."
Pale and battered, Elara and Syl leaned on each other as they limped out of the cavern.
Epilogue – Gorion and the Mountain Spirits
Moments later, Gorion entered the chamber. He lowered his head respectfully at the three fading spirits.
"Thank you… for training them. I cannot repay this debt."
Yur'Gan grumbled, crossing his arms. "That elf boy isn't fit. He's a fool."
Gorion chuckled softly. "You're right. That's why I've already registered the girl for the Council's trials. She will be Ardan's successor. The boy, however… has a fate of his own."
Mirtagos nodded, his stormy eyes glinting. "Hmph. Annoying as he is, both of them have grown beyond what I expected."
Niveus studied Gorion with piercing calm. "I sense something great within the boy. Something… mysterious. He hasn't yet revealed his true power. And the girl… she has not reached her peak either. Both still have much room to grow."
Gorion lowered his head once more. "Very well. From here on, I will take care of them. You've done your part."
Slowly, the spirits began to fade into shimmering light. Their final words echoed softly:"Then we take our leave, Gorion. May light and shadow endure their destined path."
The cavern fell silent once more.