Part IV – The Bronze Core Trial
The arena of Aurion Citadel stretched before them, a miniature city beneath a shimmering protective dome. Glass towers refracted sunlight, casting fractured patterns on simulated streets and plazas where recruits clashed with drones and mechanical defenders patrolled relentlessly.
Tomas paused at the threshold, his prosthetic leg glinting under the light. Behind him, his sons watched the chaos with anticipation.
Mira whispered, "Our secret remains. Nobody can know who you truly are."
He nodded silently. Only the family knew—he was Thomarion, the legendary guild leader.
The Guild Briefing
A floating platform above the arena revealed the senior trial overseer, voice amplified with authority, tinged with condescension:
"Welcome to the Bronze Core Trial. Strength alone will not carry you. Leadership, strategy, and coordination are key. Fail, and you are eliminated from the succession process."
Lower-tier recruits, including Tomas and his sons, were met with quiet laughter and mutters:
"Farmers…"
"That old man can't even stand properly."
"They'll be gone in minutes."
The sons noticed but remained composed, knowing the truth about their father's past.
Trial Begins
The family was deployed into the simulated city. Narrow alleys, open plazas, and high-rise towers formed the battlefield. Tomas instructed his sons quietly:
"Observe. Learn the rhythm. Do not reveal too much too soon."
Chaos erupted as small drone squads attacked immediately.
Doren swung a metal baton, blocking lasers and rolling into cover.
Lio hacked a drone mid-flight, redirecting it toward attackers.
Soren moved fluidly, intercepting strikes with almost supernatural precision.
Tomas remained slightly back, silently analyzing every pattern.
Guild Leader Mimicry
Without drawing attention, Tomas began mirroring the gestures, commands, and speech patterns of the former guild leader.
Lower members whispered and mocked:
"He's copying the leader!"
"This farmer thinks he can command like the Bronze Plate?"
The sons exchanged knowing glances—they understood that these were instinctive echoes of the founder, not arrogance.
Rogue Drone Assault
Midway through the trial, an unscheduled squad of advanced drones descended from high towers. Autonomous targeting and adaptive movement created chaos.
Tomas acted decisively:
He timed movements to counter drone attacks.
Daren and Lio followed instinctively.
Soren intercepted stray threats with precise agility.
Observers paused. The preserved leg pulsed faintly in the inner sanctum, visible only to senior elders:
"The relic… it's reacting," one whispered."Impossible… no one should control it like that."
The Family Secret
After repelling the drones, the family regrouped in a plaza. Mira placed a hand on Tomas's shoulder:
"Well done. Keep them guessing."
Daren leaned close:
"They still don't believe it, do they?"
Tomas smiled faintly:
"Let them wonder. Suspicion is a weapon when used wisely."
Lio glanced toward the faint glow of the preserved leg:
"It's responding… not just to you."
Soren nodded silently, understanding the weight of their shared secret.
Trial Conclusion
The trial ended. Success had been achieved, but the guild's whispers continued:
Lower members whispered and gossiped.
Observers frowned, struggling to rationalize what they had seen.
No one knew Tomas's true identity.
The preserved leg pulsed again, hinting that the Bronze Plate legacy had begun awakening.
Tomas and his family exited the arena together, silent and resolute, leaving guild suspicion lingering in the air.
"The Bronze Core Trial has begun. And the world is starting to notice… something is different about this farmer."
END OF CHAPTER IV