Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 183: The Trial
The aspirants all sat together as various Chosen took their places around the room. Hushed whispers filled the air as each aspirant pair began discussing what resonance to pick.
In the background, the pale leaves of the Shivering Tree rustled, even though there was no breeze in the small garden.
Ren surreptitiously glanced around before leaning closer to Lilith, his voice low. "So, what do we choose? We need something that doesn't interfere with our real abilities."
It was a pity that the Church wouldn't allow any bonding with Soul or Emotions. Maybe they'd have been able to find something that would take care of Lilith's weakness. Maybe they'd have been able to keep her emotions in check.
But one can only dream.
Ren had felt a glimmer of the resonance loop of Father frances. The man definitely wasn't weak. He should be strong enough to survive an attack from them. And even if they won, it wouldn't come without a cost.
The better option right now was to keep up the charade, become Chosen, and find the Blood Chosen.
He focused back on Lilith, who nodded at his words. "We can't choose something that overlaps with Soul Dominion, Soulbinding, or Tithecraft." She said.
"First, we need something that lets us blend in. Something practical. Right now, we can't afford to stand out or draw too much attention."
"But something not so weak that we'd stand out for the wrong reasons." Lilith hummed.
Ren rubbed the back of his neck. "We could go with something elemental. Stone, wind, maybe even light?"
Lilith shook her head. "Too common. Too many existing pairs. There is something such as blending in too much."
Ren sighed. "Then maybe something that is at least utility-based. We already have enough firepower."
Lilith turned to him, a slow smile forming. "Push and Pull?"
Ren blinked. "Simple. Useful. Easily overlooked. I like it."
"I'll take Pull." Lilith grinned. "So that I can always pull you to me, no matter where you are."
Ren chuckled. "Then I'll take Push. Works well together. Offense and control at the same time."
They spent the rest of the time quiet, watching the others as they discussed among themselves, before Father Francis stepped forward, his voice cutting off all the conversation, bringing quiet to the gathering.
"Your time is up."
The aspirants watched as ten white-cloaked Chosen moved in near-perfect unison, stepping forward from the perimeter of the courtyard.
They formed a loose half-circle around the aspirants and the Shivering Tree, their resonance loops building within them. Another reminder that if they bonded with the forbidden resonances, their deaths would be swift and painless.
"You will come forward in pairs." Father Francis spoke. "You will walk through the threshold of fear, and you will not be defeated by it."
He turned and walked up to the Shivering Tree, its white leaves trembling with unnatural rhythm, and placed his hand gently upon the bark. The air shimmered slightly where his fingers touched.
"When I call you forward, you will approach the tree. As you come, you may feel resistance. Like walking into a storm. That is the trial. That is your fear. Do not run from it. Do not deny it. Control it."
He raised his hand and gestured toward the first pair. "You two. Step forward."
The first pair exchanged nervous glances, then moved. As soon as they passed the outer edge of the circle, it was as if there was an invisible storm.
Their steps slowed, their gray robes flapping and their hair being whipped about as if they were walking through powerful winds. They grunted, each step physically harder than the last.
Ren suppressed the smile that was building up within him. This reminded him of the trial he'd taken to retrieve Unfettered Enhancement, except this one was easier. With Unfettered Enhancement, he'd had to fight memories and feelings. With this one, the aspirants just had to control their fear if they wanted to walk closer.
Father Francis watched the aspirants calmly, a neutral expression on his face. "Steady." He said. "Control your breath. Focus. Let fear flow through you, but do not let it guide you."
The pair finally reached the Shivering Tree. Together, they extended their hands and placed their palms flat against the trembling bark.
The aspirants around Ren and Lilith held their breath, waiting as the pair stood for a long moment, their hands pressed to the tree.
Then, there was a subtle ripple of energy, swimming outward from the tree, and washing over the courtyard like a quiet heartbeat.
The pair lowered their hands and stepped aside, their eyes wide but shining.
Father Francis turned back to the group. "Next!"
Ren and Lilith watched silently as pair after pair approached the Shivering Tree.
Each one moved slowly, fighting through whatever resistance was there. Some didn't even have to fight fear at all, walking straight to the tree with little to no resistance. But eventually, they all placed their hands on the bark of the tree and completed the trial.
They stood there for minutes, then it was their turn.
"You two." Father Francis called, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Step forward."
Ren and Lilith moved as one, stepping from the line of aspirants. They had only taken a few steps when a voice filled the air.
"Wait!" They froze as one of the Chosen stepped forward. "I haven't seen those two among the aspirants before."
The man was frowning, one hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
"Wait a minute. I know them." Another Chosen stepped forward from the line, a lazy smirk on his face. "They're from Florian's branch. I saw them with him earlier."
It was Axel, the same Chosen who had argued with Florian when they'd followed him to the room of records.
All eyes moved to Father Francis, who frowned. His gaze shifted from Ren to Lilith, eyes cold. "Names?"
Ren bowed slightly. "Ren."
"Lilith." She said, mirroring his gesture.
The man studied them for a few seconds more before nodding. "Step forward."
Ren and Lilith continued their walk, walking slow enough to fake a little resistance as they approached the Shivering Tree, even if they didn't feel anything. They were just too powerful for this to even be called a trial.
Ren squinted slightly as he walked, acting as if he was walking through a slight breeze, while Lilith tilted her head, her hair fluttering behind her
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Father Francis's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched them. But before he could do or say anything, Ren and Lilith were already at the tree.
With a last glance at each other, they placed their hands on the Shivering Tree.
