Lumian climbed down from the tree branch doing some stretches to prevent muscle stiffness in the morning decided to use the nearby river to wash up before heading off.
First, undoing the straps on the sandals to glide his feet out of them before grabbing his belt and unbuckling it to remove the oversized robe. Neatly placing his clothes and equipment to the side yet nearby to ensure his safety in unforeseen circumstances where he needed the weapons quickly.
Carefully placing his bare feet into the water streaming in a pleasant current he quickly pulled it back out as the river water was ice cold, freezing his toes under extreme conditions. Despite the Goosebumps developing on his skin, he gritted his teeth before biting his lips as he practically rushed into the water before he could change his mind.
Sploosh
Water splashed about dripping all over his bare skin falling back into the river. After soaking for a decent period of time, he grabbed hold of a spare cloth to dry himself off whilst removing layers of sweat and grime before climbing onto the bank of the river back to where his clothes and equipment was. Thank god there was water here, I would have no idea how I would deal with the smell and feel of dirt and grime all over myself. Lumian thought to himself. Due to being born in a more convenient era? World? Whatever. I guess I’ll have to get used to the rules of this one now. Getting dressed he packed everything as he continued heading South.
Along the journey he practiced using the knife as a throwing knife targeting certain parts of trees and branches to see if he can cut them down or embed them into the scratchy bark. Lumian believed this would come in handy as a skill if he needed to target a prey that runs off or if he needed to use a somewhat ranged weapon.
Through practice, Lumian only managed to get a decent target in about four tries out of ten which isn't that good but better than nothing he thinks to himself.
Rustle...Rustle
Slowing down, Lumian concentrates his hearing only to perceive the rustling sounds of small animals moving around in the trees and grass. Trying to decrease the amount of sound he makes, Lumian carefully treads forward before noticing a herd of rabbits nibbling on plants nearby, perking up their heads every now and then to keep alert. Calming himself down, Lumian monologues inside his head. It’s not a cute bunny, it is a meal… not a bunny, a meal… Gripping the edge of the blade, Lumian throws it at a nearby bunny shanking it near its neck.
Squeak
The outcry of the rabbit before its passing caused the rest of its members to flee in fright not allowing Lumian to grab a hold of anymore. After doing so, he prepares for a quick lunch meal by washing, skinning and cooking the rabbit meat. The meat has a gamey flavour that permeates his senses as he eats the slightly overcooked meal leading him to furrow his brows.
After washing his hands in the river, Lumian continues his journey further South before entering a large clearing with nothing but plant life teeming the reaches of the forest. There seemed to be an eerie silence that even the wind does not blow leading to a slight stagnation in the air allowing for any movements to be heard if made by Lumian.
Grabbing a hold on his knife and pulling it slightly out of the sheath, Lumian bends down slightly to prepare to move in case any danger approaches. Advancing carefully, Lumian reaches to middle of the clearing where there appears to be nothing out of the ordinary.
RUMBLE
The sound of rumbling rings out as the ground fissures and cracks where a stonelike structure starts to spring forth rising to a height of approximately fifty feet into the air. The temple looked pristine white like marble with Greek style Corinthian columns whilst the façade on the gable reveals sculptures of history that Lumian is currently incapable of understanding not knowing the history of this world. Approaching closer, Lumian sees that in the middle of the gable there appeared to be a blackened sun with a golden glow around its edges. Walking up the marble steps, Lumian enters the temple where he sees a stone tablet to the side with carved words written in the unknown language that he can somehow read.
It says the following.
Shed blood, oh inheritor of...... become Albus's successor for only those of Mortem bloodline may enter the trials to gain power that triumphs death itself otherwise, failure and trespassers shall only meet the embrace of death.
Hm, it should be fine for me, right? Lumian furrows his brow as he thinks back to the prophecy that the previous note left behind said about becoming a successor and to head to the trials here while unwittingly thinking of what the deity who brought him here said that his body must go under advancement and change. Did… Did they predict this would happen? Shit! taking advantage of me, fine then, I'll be your entertainment for now just wait till I reach you and see what happens!
Turning his gaze to the middle of the room, a shadowy sphere was floating and pulsing like a heartbeat in the widened space yet, was silent as if there was nothing there. Lumian walked up to the shadowy substance-like gate before placing his hand upon it feeling it slowly sink in, not feeling anything other than an ashy texture. Pulling his hand back, Lumian scrutinized them making sure nothing was wrong or misplaced before heading straight into the darkness where his eyesight lost the vibrancy of the world.
The last thing Lumian sees before his world goes dark is the appearance of purple flames dancing in an out of sight into strange letters that reads as.
TRIAL COMMENCING ..................................... TRIAL OF THE MIND
GOOD LUCK APPRENTICE NECROMANCER
"What the!?"