Nathaniel's Point of View**
Minutes passed, and the allotted prep time for the next trial ended. Medics distributed magic potions, easing bodily pain and fatigue for the wounded applicants. Some who'd collapsed returned, but those asleep were struck from the third trial's list.
We were summoned back to the arena's center, where Kyros stood atop a raised stage, overseeing the next challenge. Known as Rei's general, he ruled his own lands yet chose to stay in Ireland as her ally, bound by their bond.
"Good day, brave warriors! Let's begin the third trial," he announced, his voice brimming with cheerful optimism. As the Void Weapon, a Dailan, he treated humans and other beings as equals, much like Sei's compassion—though his fairness wavered, often swayed by Rei's welfare.
His love for her bordered on obsession, willing to use or sacrifice others for her sake. I realized caution was key—if they learned of my future knowledge, they might exploit me. Better to stay unnoticed, loyal to Sei, whose motives I trusted over their greed for power.
"Before we start, are you familiar with this egg?" Kyros asked, holding up a red egg for all to see.
He explained it came from Red Giant Tarantulas, thriving in the island's southern forest, hiding in colossal trees. They bred rapidly, and this season's egg-laying aligned with our trial. The eggs held ingredients for potent healing potions, so in exchange for the potions we'd used, we needed to collect at least one.
"Don't worry—they don't eat flesh, but avoid their bites— their venom paralyzes and kills," he warned.
It sounded simple: grab an egg and return. Or so I thought. Minutes into the southern forest, towering trees loomed, rivaling buildings in height. "Unbelievable—how am I supposed to climb that?" I groaned.
The lower trunks offered no branches, their massive, slick surfaces daunting. This trial felt unfair for someone like me.
"Of course it's not for a human like you," a woman's voice cut in. "You're unfit even for Eskapa's ranks."
Turning, I faced a group of applicants, including a silver-haired Wild Fox Spirit— a forest guardian under the God of Fox. Dressed in long skirts and temple robes, they upheld strict traditions. She'd seen me picking fruit earlier.
"I don't know how you passed the second trial, but don't expect luck to hold," she cautioned, advising retreat if I valued my life. "Those tarantulas get aggressive if their eggs are threatened, even if they don't eat humans."
"Uh… thanks, but I can't withdraw," I replied, committed despite the risk.
"Tsk, suit yourself—I warned you," she huffed, leading her group into the forest.
Her words lingered, but how could I reach those high eggs? Xxv once struggled with the spiders' tough, sticky webs, and unlike him—who merged with red smoke—I lacked climbing skills or combat prowess. "I want to go home," I muttered, sinking into despair.
Then, a familiar figure caught my eye—a woman with a turtle shell house, formal as ever, parting from her group. She approached me, startling me with a warm greeting.
"No companions for this trial? Care to join me, little one?" she asked.
"Huh?" I blinked, baffled. Knowing I'm human—a potential burden—why offer help?
"But why? Don't you have a team?" I asked.
"They refused to include you, so I left to join you," she said.
Her sacrifice—trading strong allies for me—left me speechless, though I worried I'd drag her down. "Wait, miss, I'm grateful, but you don't need to—I might hinder you," I protested.
She took my hand. "I don't break promises. I owe you for helping me stand—consider this repayment."
"But…" I started.
"As a Prime Turtle Spirit, our word is sacred—let me aid you," she insisted.
Outmaneuvered, I agreed, feeling oddly privileged despite my need. "I'm Isay Jade. And you, little one?"
"Nathaniel Muntingbato, but just Nathaniel, Miss Isay," I replied.
We entered the forest, soon spotting spider webs as thick as power lines. Looking up, we faced human-sized, plump Red Giant Tarantulas. "They're massive up close," I whispered.
"Their look is terrifying—dangerous if they attack," Isay added, uneasy.
Clueless about egg retrieval, I asked if she had a plan. She smiled, admitting, "No—I can't climb trees, being a turtle."
"Fair point," I muttered.
She confessed she couldn't jump high either, fearing attack despite her high status, lacking combat skills. I winced—why abandon her group for me, a novice, in a soldier's trial? Yet, her non-warrior vibe—peaceful attire and demeanor—stilled my tongue.
"Turtles don't fight; we live in peace," she said.
I didn't pry, asking instead why she joined Eskapa. "It's a long story—my village needs their protection. Joining might let me negotiate with their leader," she explained.
"Oh… couldn't you just talk without joining?" I suggested.
"Huh? Really?" she gasped, surprised.
I sighed—her impulsive nature amused me, though her beauty and kindness curbed my critique. "Let's figure out how to get an egg and pass," I redirected.
Minutes later, we found warriors ensnared in webs, attacked by wolf-sized spiders. Thousands outnumbered them, their sticky traps relentless. "Staying here is risky—we can't handle those webs if caught," I noted.
The danger loomed, yet avoiding it meant no eggs. As we pondered, Isay spoke. "If only we had a Tahako Medallion—we'd pass easily."
"What's that?" I asked.
She described a mystical medallion warding off insect beasts like the tarantulas, protecting her people outside their village. "Oh, I see," I said.
Melon popped from my hood, joining in. "If it works against these spiders, I can use my power to create one," he offered.
Surprised—my Power of Creation needed items I'd seen or touched—I wondered how. Melon clarified his power wasn't limited to me; he could craft from others' memories. "I just need to touch her head, access her memory, and create it if conditions align," he explained.
"Wow, so cute! Your pet, Nathaniel?" Isay asked.
"Uh… he's my partner, Melon," I corrected.
Melon leaped to her head, instructing me to ask her to request the medallion—his only way to create it. Hesitant— who'd believe this?—I tried. "Uh, Miss Isay, a favor? Melon can make that medallion if you ask."
To my shock, she smiled, intrigued. "Wow, really? Then, Melon, can you give us a Tahako Medallion?"
Without hesitation, his eyes glowed, and from his mouth spilled multiple medallions—more than expected. "It depends on the memory's detail. She handled several, so I made copies," he clarified.
Isay marveled, clutching them. "Amazing, Melon—how'd you do that?"
"Uh… long story, but we've got medallions now—let's move on," I said, eager to proceed.
---