The early morning of the seventh day arrived with a heavy air of anticipation. The grove, usually bustling with activity, was silent. Even the frost wolves and fire foxes seemed to sense the importance of the day. Selene stood before the Fae Circle, her Fae Lords gathered around her. The trial was mere hours away, and every decision she made now would determine their survival.
《System Alert: Day 7》
《Court of the Fae Lords is alive with mystical energy!》
《Do you want to summon two Fae Lords?》
《Yes》《No》
Selene pressed 《Yes》, the tension palpable as the circle flared to life. The runes glowed with an intensity she had never seen before, the energy building to a crescendo as two figures stepped forward.
The first was a towering figure of molten obsidian, his body coursing with streams of glowing lava. His eyes burned with an inner fire, and his presence radiated raw power. His voice was deep, resonant, and unyielding.
“I am the Fae Lord of Cataclysms,” he said, his voice like a rumbling volcano. “A Tier 3 Fae Lord. I command infernal elementals, destruction sprites, and volcanic beasts. My domain is devastation, and I serve you, Queen of Balance.”
The second figure was cloaked in vibrant green, their form flowing like a living forest. Leaves, flowers, and vines intertwined to create their body, and the air around them was filled with the scent of fresh earth. Their voice was soft but firm, like the rustling of trees in the wind.
“I am the Fae Lord of Verdure,” they said, bowing low. “A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command grove guardians, healing sprites, and verdant beasts. My power lies in growth and restoration. I am yours to command.”
Selene smiled, their introductions filling her with confidence. “Welcome. Your strength will be crucial for what lies ahead. Claim your places in the castle.”
---
As the two new Fae Lords approached the castle, the structure began to transform once again. Cataclysms placed his hands on the black side, and jagged obsidian spires erupted from the walls, glowing faintly with molten energy. Verdure touched the white side, and a vibrant garden of blooming plants and intertwining vines spread across the structure.
《System Alert: Castle Upgraded!》
《The castle reflects the growing harmony of its Queen and her Fae Lords.》
Selene stepped back, admiring the transformation. The castle was now a masterpiece of elemental balance and Fae magic, a fitting stronghold for the Queen of Balance.
---
Stolen story; please report.
As noon approached, Selene gathered her Fae Lords in the castle’s main hall. The tension was thick as they prepared for the trial. Each lord stood tall and ready, their forces assembled and awaiting orders.
A system prompt shattered the silence.
《System Alert: The Trial of Survival Begins Now!》
《Objective: Defend your territory against waves of increasingly powerful monsters. Rewards will be distributed based on performance.》
The air in the grove grew heavy as a low, guttural roar echoed in the distance. The first wave was coming.
---
The monsters appeared at the edges of the grove, their forms massive and grotesque. Selene wasted no time.
“Snow, hold the front with your frost wolves. Cataclysms, deploy your volcanic beasts to the choke points. Verdure, support them with healing sprites and grove guardians. Everyone else, prepare to reinforce where needed.”
The Fae Lords moved swiftly, their forces taking their positions along the defensive barrier. The shimmering wall held firm as the first wave crashed against it. Snow’s frost wolves froze the attackers in their tracks, while Cataclysms’ volcanic beasts crushed them with molten fury. Verdure’s healing sprites flitted between the defenders, mending wounds and keeping the line strong.
The first wave fell quickly, but Selene knew it was only the beginning.
---
The second wave arrived minutes later, larger and more coordinated. This time, shadowy beasts surged forward, their movements fast and erratic. Selene directed Mists to the front, his foglings creating a thick, disorienting mist that slowed the attackers. Ember’s fire foxes darted through the chaos, their flames illuminating the battlefield and searing the creatures.
Selene watched from the castle steps, her mind racing as she coordinated her forces. “Dreams, use your illusion beasts to confuse the stragglers. Iron, reinforce the gates with your steel golems.”
The combined efforts of her Fae Lords turned the tide once again, and the second wave was defeated.
---
By the time the third wave arrived, Selene could feel the strain on her forces. Massive beasts, each the size of a small house, charged the defenses. Their strength was unlike anything she had faced before.
“Cataclysms, you’re up,” Selene called.
The Fae Lord of Cataclysms stepped forward, his infernal elementals and destruction sprites unleashing devastating attacks. The ground shook as volcanic beasts slammed into the attackers, breaking their momentum.
“Verdure, keep the healing constant,” Selene commanded. “We can’t afford to lose anyone.”
Verdure’s grove guardians and healing sprites worked tirelessly, their restorative magic keeping the defenders in the fight.
---
The final wave came as the sun began to set. The monsters were colossal, their roars shaking the very earth. Selene’s forces were battered but unbroken, their determination shining brighter than ever.
“Everyone, hold the line!” Selene shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. “This is our home, and we will not fall!”
The Fae Lords unleashed their full power, their combined abilities creating a storm of elemental fury. The monsters faltered, their strength no match for the unity and balance of the grove.
Finally, as the last beast fell, the grove fell silent. Selene exhaled, the tension draining from her body.
---
《System Alert: Trial Complete!》
《Congratulations, Queen of Balance. Your performance ranks in the top 1% of all lords.》
《Rewards: Rare Territory Upgrade Token, Tier 4 Summoning Crystal, 500 Energy Stones, 50 Energy Cores.》
Selene smiled as she read the rewards. The trial had been grueling, but her preparation and strategy had paid off. She turned to her Fae Lords, their expressions weary but proud.
“Rest,” she said. “You’ve earned it. Tomorrow, we build on this victory.”
The grove, though scarred from the battle, stood strong. Selene knew the days ahead would bring new challenges, but she was ready. With her Fae Lords at her side, she would continue to rise, carving her place as the Queen of Balance in the Boundless Continent.
