Shade’s Realm

The trials were more challenging then I had anticipated; I felt relieved after finishing them. Judging by the look on Isaac’s face, I could tell he was pleased that I was able to complete them. All of the sudden multiple threads of light surrounded Isaac. The light descended upon Isaac and a substance that resembled a glowing, translucent alloy began to cover his body. When the lights faded, Isaac was covered in what appeared to be a suit of armor. Isaac then said,

“You were able to complete the trials by being able recognize and obey the voice of the Commander.  The Commander Words can empower and protect you. The holy armor that I am wearing is a spiritual manifestation of the Commander’s Words. You will now be granted with your own holy armor.”

At that point Isaac placed his hand on my shoulder. A peculiar energy emanated from his hand. It was warm and powerful and it compelled me to fall to my knees. A slender, ornate suit of armor took shape around my body. The armor included a katana that was sheathed at my left hip. The armor radiated its own energy signature that was very intense. Isaac said,

“Your holy armor is dynamic; it will adjust itself to complement your combat style. This also applies to the weapon that accompanies your armor. Your armor will increase your effectiveness in combat and has the ability to absorb the energy that you channel. It also contains dormant power that can be unlocked by holy seals. These seals are usually recovered from enemy strongholds within the 2nd realm. As far as anyone knows, there are 66 seals that you can possibly recover. Now that you have obtained your armor we can proceed with the next stage of your development, field training…”

The cycle of time only flows within the 1st spirit realm. Time can affect 2nd and 3rd spirit sub realms through a rift connection with a 1st spirit sub realm.

Isaac informed me that the Commander had told him that it was time for me to face the trials. He explained to me that the trials were the ultimate test of your heart before the Commander. After completing the trails, one was rewarded with a powerful spiritual gift. I certainly felt ready and looked forward to the trails.

Isaac led me to a sub realm that was lush, green, and beautiful. We arrived at a large foreboding castle. I entered the castle to begin the trials. I was approached by a figure that was cloaked in white apparel and appeared as if  he was shrouded in light. The figure entered into an offensive stance; I immediately entered into my defensive stance. We engaged each other in combat.

My initial encounter with the ‘figure of light’ was a bit of a stalemate. I would be able to fend off his attacks without an issue. Conversely he would be able to fend off my attacks, when I toggled through my offensive stances. At one point during our encounter, the figure of light began to attack with greater intensity and his attacks were fueled with the element of fire. These attacks caught me off guard.  I got hit with multiple strikes and fell to the ground, reeling from the onslaught. I then heard a voice within my spirit,

“I have taught you how to fight, apply your heart unto wisdom.”

I recovered from the attacks and switched my combat stance to my water style. I was able to evade the figure of light’s fire strikes, and began to counter attack. I began to pick up momentum, and was soon able to overcome the figure of light. As the encounter ended, the figure of light vanished.

I advanced into the castle and entered a grand hall. The ground began to violently erupt and fracture. A massive figure rose from the ground. A thick aura that resembled smoke surrounded the ‘giant figure’. When I was enveloped in the aura, the giant figure seemed more frightening then he already was. I was literally paralyzed with fear; the giant figure grabbed me and threw me across the room with intense force. I then heard a voice within my spirit,

“I am your strength, who is there to be afraid of?”

At that point I rose with renewed confidence. My visioned sharpened, and I noticed what seemed to be an exploit in the giant figure’s armor, near the chest area. After evading one of his attacks, I began attack the giant figure’s weak point. After a few focused attacks, I was able to overcome the giant figure. As the encounter ended, the giant figure vanished.

I continued to advance into the castle, and entered the throne room. A figure in black apparel, shrouded in darkness emerged from a silhouette on the floor. The ‘dark figure’s’ eyes were piercing and appeared full of malice. As he gazed upon me, I began to recall many painful memories. I was enraged by the dark figure’s manipulation of my emotions. I began attacking him fiercely. As I continued to strike with rage and intensity, my attacks started to lose their potency. It seemed as if the energy that I was losing was being absorbed by the dark figure, and he was becoming empowered by it. His counter attacks knocked me to the floor. Once again I heard a voice within my spirit,

“Love your enemies, do good unto those that mistreat you.”

As I recovered I began to calm down, and I was determined not to let anger dictate my actions. I toggled through my defensive stances, evading every attack from the dark figure. As I continued to evade his attacks, they started to lose their power. After a few counter attacks, I was able to overcome the figure of darkness.  After the encounter the dark figure vanished. Afterward, Isaac appeared before the throne and said,

“Well done my friend, you have completed the trials!”