The Strongest Of All Beings (Mongu)

Chapter 5: The Third Trial

Mongu's paws tread lightly over the shifting terrain of the new world. The serene landscape that had appeared after his victory over the hulking beast seemed almost peaceful in comparison to the chaos of the storm-filled world he had just left. The skies above were a clear blue, and the ground beneath him was soft with grass, dotted with clusters of vibrant flowers. It felt almost... welcoming. But Mongu knew better than to trust appearances. He had survived too many trials to believe in the calm.

As he moved forward, the voice of the Trial echoed once again, its cold, unfeeling tone filling his mind.

"You have passed the Second Trial. Congratulations, Mongu. But do not rest. The Third Trial awaits."

The ground beneath his paws trembled for a brief moment, and before Mongu could react, the world around him shattered.

The peaceful landscape cracked open like glass, the skies darkening once more. The air grew heavy with tension, and the flowers and grass vanished into wisps of smoke. The light of the sun faded, replaced by an unnatural, dim glow.

Mongu barely had time to register the change before the ground in front of him erupted, sending a shockwave through the air. He leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the massive claws that tore through the earth, each strike sending cracks and fissures across the ground.

From the newly formed chasm, a towering figure emerged. It was a massive creature, humanoid in shape, but made entirely of stone and metal. Its body was adorned with intricate carvings that pulsed with an eerie red light, and its eyes glowed like burning coals. It let out a deep, rumbling growl, its gaze locking onto Mongu.

"The Third Trial begins," the voice boomed, its tone colder than before. "This Trial will test your mind and your heart. Face the Guardian of the Trial."

The creature stepped forward, its enormous foot crashing into the ground with a force that sent a tremor through the air. Mongu's golden energy flared, and he crouched low, ready to face the massive guardian. The creature's movements were slow, but the sheer weight and power behind them made every step dangerous.

Without warning, the Guardian swung its massive arm toward Mongu, sending a shockwave through the air. Mongu dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the force of the impact sent debris flying in all directions. His eyes darted around, searching for an opening. He needed to be faster, more strategic. This creature was too powerful for brute force alone.

As Mongu considered his options, the Guardian paused. It didn't move, but its glowing eyes fixed on him, as if it were studying him. Mongu tensed, waiting for the next attack. But instead, the Guardian spoke.

"You think you can defeat me with speed and strength alone?" its voice was like the grinding of stone, deep and unsettling. "I have faced thousands of challengers, and none have passed this Trial. What will you do that they could not?"

Mongu's fur bristled. The Guardian's words hit him harder than he cared to admit. He had faced physical challenges before, but this was different. It wasn't just his strength that was being tested. It was his will.

The voice of the Trial spoke once more, its words like a whisper in the back of Mongu's mind.

"Do you wish to continue, Mongu? Or will you accept defeat? The Trial of Choice is always present."

The world around him seemed to hold its breath. Mongu's paws twitched, and his heart beat faster. This was it—the Trial of Existence was not only testing his physical limits but also his resolve. Would he give up? Would he admit that the challenge was too great? Or would he push forward, no matter the cost?

Mongu took a deep breath, the golden energy within him flaring once more. His eyes locked onto the Guardian, his tail flicking with renewed determination.

"I will not give up," he said, his voice steady and filled with defiance. "I will face this Trial. I will overcome you."

The Guardian's eyes glowed brighter, a twisted grin forming on its rocky face.

"Very well," it said. "Then prepare yourself for the true Trial."

With a sudden, terrifying movement, the Guardian slammed its fist into the ground, sending a shockwave of energy that rippled through the air. The ground cracked open beneath Mongu, and the air itself seemed to distort. Mongu's body was thrown off balance, but he quickly regained his footing, his paws digging into the earth as he leapt to the side.

The Guardian's movements were now faster, its body shifting as if it were no longer bound by the laws of the physical world. Each attack came with a force that Mongu barely managed to dodge. The creature's attacks seemed endless, a constant barrage of crushing blows and disorienting energy.

Mongu gritted his teeth, every muscle in his body screaming for respite. He was fast, but the Guardian was relentless. There was no room to think, no time to catch his breath. He was fighting with everything he had, but each strike from the Guardian sent a shiver of doubt through his mind. Could he truly win this Trial?

But then, something changed. As the Guardian raised its massive arm for another strike, Mongu saw an opening—a small crack in the creature's form, just beneath its glowing chest. It was fleeting, but it was enough.

Mongu's golden energy flared one last time, and with a burst of speed, he charged. His claws dug into the ground as he propelled himself toward the crack in the Guardian's chest. The creature tried to stop him, but it was too slow. Mongu leapt, his body glowing with golden light, and with one powerful strike, he sank his claws deep into the Guardian's chest.

The creature howled in pain as the golden energy surged through its body, breaking through the cracks in its form. The Guardian staggered back, its rocky skin crumbling and its glowing eyes flickering.

"No... This cannot be..." the Guardian growled, but Mongu was already in motion, striking again and again, each blow shattering more of the Guardian's form. The once unshakable creature began to crumble under the force of Mongu's golden energy.

With a final, earth-shattering roar, the Guardian collapsed, its form disintegrating into a cloud of dust and stone.

Mongu stood over the rubble, panting heavily. His fur was singed, and his body ached from the intense battle, but he had done it. The Trial was complete.

The voice of the Trial spoke once more, its tone more solemn than ever before.

"You have passed the Third Trial. But remember, Mongu, the path ahead is not guaranteed. Many will fall. Few will rise."

The world around Mongu shifted once again, the dust settling and revealing an empty horizon. For a brief moment, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, but it was fleeting. He had passed this Trial, but there were more challenges to come.

The Trial of Existence was far from over.