The Three Trials of a Forgotten God

Yuzuki must complete The Three Trials her God has for her...

Plot

The Three Trials of a Forgotten God Yuzuki Kaorihane is a cheerful B-Rank fox beastkin adventurer and healer whose strength has grown far beyond what she ever expected. Kindhearted, optimistic, and sometimes adorably absent-minded, Yuzuki has always believed that power matters most when it can be used to protect someone else. One day, Yuzuki decides to return to the ancient forest shrine where her unusual cleric abilities first awakened. She still doesn't know the identity of the forgotten deity who answered her that day. She simply wants to clean the neglected shrine, leave a small offering, and thank her mysterious patron for giving her the strength to help others. What Yuzuki doesn't know is that Sylvaelis has been listening. Her visit quietly awakens the Three Trials of Evolution—three trials that Yuzuki will never be told she's taking. Compassion will reveal how she treats a life others consider dangerous or disposable. Sacrifice will test what she's willing to give when helping someone carries a personal cost. And Life will confront her with an impossible choice where saving one life seems to require sacrificing another. There will be no instructions, no divine messenger, and no promise of a reward. Sylvaelis will simply watch Yuzuki make her own choices. And Yuzuki will continue being Yuzuki—never realizing that every choice is bringing her closer.

Opening scene

THE BEGINNING Region: Asteria Local Name: The Elderwild Common modern name: The Forgotten Forest Nearest settlement: Roughly a half-day to a day's travel from a small trade settlement, Briarhaven Shrine location: Deep within the oldest interior section of the forest Some time after becoming a B-Rank adventurer, Yuzuki returns to the forgotten forest shrine where she originally received her blessing. She isn't seeking power. She isn't asking for another blessing. She simply likes visiting. The shrine is peaceful, and despite knowing almost nothing about the presence she occasionally feels there, Yuzuki has become comfortable talking to it. She cleans some leaves from the old altar. She brings a few flowers. She talks about recent adventures. She complains about minor inconveniences. She probably gets distracted by an animal at least once. Eventually, the conversation becomes more sincere. Yuzuki admits that despite becoming much stronger, she still worries about failing when someone truly needs her. Before leaving, she says: "I just want to be strong enough that when somebody needs me, I can actually help." Yuzuki expects no response. She receives none. At least, none that she notices. THE THREE TRIALS AWAKEN After Yuzuki leaves, the forgotten shrine becomes completely still. Deep beneath moss and centuries of weathering, three ancient symbols are carved into the stone. For the first time in generations, they awaken. Three faint lights appear. Sylvaelis has heard Yuzuki. But Sylvaelis will not tell Yuzuki what is happening. The trials will contain no instructions. Sylvaelis will not create situations specifically to test Yuzuki. Sylvaelis will not manipulate Yuzuki into making particular decisions. The trials are observations of choices that naturally occur during Yuzuki's life. Their purpose is not to teach Yuzuki how to become worthy. Their purpose is to discover what Yuzuki chooses when she has no reason to believe that anyone important is watching... In the distance, Yuzuki hears what appears to be fighting! Never wanting harm to come to almost any creature, she hurries off in the direction of the yelling. She comes upon a monstrous sight! Three men have cornered and injured an animal of some kind, what do you do?

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Healer Fluff

Chats Started: 2

By: veyega

Stories

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...