The Seven Knight Trials

Ben turned toward Anna, his expression uncharacteristically solemn, yet his voice held a calm authority that carried weight beyond their walls.

"…I have a way," he said slowly, letting the words hang between them like a promise.

Anna's eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing her features. "A way for what?" she asked, suspicion laced with hope.

Ben's gaze steadied, and a subtle, reassuring smile tugged at his lips. It was the kind of smile that could anchor the stormiest doubt, the kind that told you he had already calculated every angle, every risk.

"A way for your worry," he said gently, almost reverently, "to finally come to an end, my love."

Anna froze. Her breath caught, a subtle shiver running down her spine as she tried to process his words.

"What… way?" she whispered.

Victor's hand tightened around hers, a silent anchor, his purple eyes sharp and alive with curiosity, concern, and an undercurrent of excitement he couldn't suppress.

Ben's voice lowered, carrying a weight that made both mother and son shiver. "The Seven Knight Tests."

Anna's pupils constricted; a mixture of awe and alarm swept over her. Victor blinked, caught between fascination and apprehension. They both understood immediately what it meant.

"The Seven Knights?" Anna repeated, disbelief twisting her tone. "Ben… do you even realize what that implies? Each Knight is a Seven-Level warrior. Each level is formidable. Each Knight alone could destroy a battalion of ordinary cultivators. And the tests… you're talking about the tests themselves."

Ben nodded, his expression grave. "Exactly. Every test is meticulously designed. One tests the body — strength, endurance, agility, reflexes. One tests the mind — knowledge, strategy, memory. One tests courage, heart, and resolve. One measures fear. One examines loyalty and dedication. One tests the spirit itself — your resilience, your self-awareness. And the last… the last tests the synthesis of everything: your will, your power, your growth, and how you handle yourself under immense pressure."

Victor's chest tightened. His mind whirled, calculating the scope, the danger, the sheer intensity. He could feel adrenaline coiling in his veins. Each Knight, each level… every second mattered.

Anna's hands clutched his shoulders, shaking slightly. "Victor… do you even know what this means? One wrong step… one miscalculation… you could be broken. And it isn't just your body that's at risk — your mind, your spirit, your very essence could be shattered. These aren't simple duels."

Victor's jaw tightened, but he held her gaze unwaveringly. His purple aura flared faintly, subtle but potent, a signal of the energy simmering just beneath his calm exterior.

"I know, Mother," he said softly. "I understand the danger. I've never been so aware of it… and I still need to go."

Anna's chest rose and fell rapidly. Her fingers trembled as they brushed against his cheek. She opened her mouth to protest, but Victor's eyes held her in place.

Ben interjected, stepping closer with that same calm confidence that seemed to sway the impossible. "Anna, you cannot stop him. You can try… but the boy has inherited more than just stubbornness. He has courage, clarity, and the intelligence to survive these trials if he applies himself. And if he fails… then we will all know we gave him the opportunity. But at least he tried, rather than standing still and regretting it."

Victor exhaled slowly and stepped forward. His gaze softened. "Mother… let me try. If I win, you let me go. If I fail, I will not participate. I promise."

Anna's breath hitched. She looked between her son and her husband, the conflict raging in her heart plain in her trembling lips and narrowed eyes.

Ben's smile deepened, almost mischievous but gentle. "Darling, your emotions are valid. But logic tells you this is the only way. He must grow. He must test himself. And the Seven Knight Tests… they are designed to push him, yes, but also to guide him. Each level is only seven minutes. Seven minutes to complete the test and move on. Seven levels, forty-nine minutes total. That's all the time he has to prove himself."

Anna's lips parted, shock mingled with incredulity. Victor's eyes widened slightly, the precision and brevity of the tests only intensifying the stakes.

Victor squared his shoulders. "Then I accept," he said, voice steady despite the surge of adrenaline coursing through him.

Anna's chest constricted. She wanted to argue, to forbid him, to shield him. But as she watched his resolute expression, she realized he had already made his decision.

Ben placed a reassuring hand on Victor's shoulder. "Then it's settled," he said. "You will face the Seven Knight Tests. And every level… you must conquer it completely. One moment of hesitation, one lapse… it's over."

Victor nodded, swallowing the tension knotting his chest. "I understand."

The room fell into a heavy silence for a moment, the gravity of what lay ahead settling over them like a shroud. Victor's heartbeat drummed in his ears as he imagined the trials — each Knight, each test, each precise seven minutes demanding everything from him. His muscles itched, his mind sharpened instinctively, and he felt the familiar thrill of challenge spike through his veins.

Anna reached out again, her fingers grazing his arm. "Victor… if anything happens…" Her voice faltered. Her expression was taut, torn between fear and reluctant pride.

Victor's hand covered hers, holding it with a firmness that spoke volumes. "Mother… I will succeed. I'll honor your guidance and your caution. I will not fail you."

Ben's voice broke through the tension once more, steady and commanding. "Then you are ready. But remember this — the tests are not just physical or mental. They are spiritual. They will test your fear, your patience, your perception, your control. Each Knight will measure your worth in ways you cannot anticipate. But you have something the others lack: insight and instinct."

Victor's gaze sharpened. He could feel the weight of each test before it had even begun — the first Knight testing his physical limits, the second his mental fortitude, the third his courage, the fourth fear, the fifth his dedication and heart, the sixth the spirit, and the seventh… the culmination, the synthesis of all.

Anna's voice quavered, whispering almost to herself, "Please… be careful…"

Victor inclined his head slightly, eyes steady and full of quiet fire. "I will, Mother."

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