"The First Test" [Part 15] Tengu Origins - An Infinity Kingdom Story

🔷 Introduction

Welcome to part 15 of my new Tengu series.  This will be inspired by the new release of Tengu in our game and incorporating his legend within the realm of Norheim. His story will be roughly based on his historical legend with a twist from within the game we know and love. 

I will be bringing 1 or 2 new episodes per week so stay tuned for more!

🔷 Recap Part 14:  “Trial of Thorns”

Tengu faced a spiritual trial within the memories of his greatest failures, where the thorns of the fallen Briar Titan tested the strength of his spirit. By accepting his mistakes instead of denying them, he earned the living Thorn Armor, but its awakening was felt by an ancient presence lurking beyond the village that finally opened its eyes. 

🔷 Part 15:  “The First Test”

The mountain path stretched before Tengu as he began the journey home.

The Thorn Armor felt different from any weapon or tool he had ever carried. Though the dark metal rested quietly against his body, he could sense a faint pulse within it. The armor was alive in its own way. It listened. It remembered.

The giant stood beside the forge entrance as Tengu prepared to leave.

"Do not mistake passing the trial for mastering the armor," the giant warned.

Tengu adjusted the sword at his side. "Then how do I master it?"

A faint grin crossed the giant's face.

"Get hit."

Tengu frowned.

The giant laughed loudly. "Every wound teaches the armor. Every battle feeds its memory. Go find a fight."

Hours later, Tengu was descending through a dense forest at the base of the mountain when a strange sound drifted through the trees.

Metal grinding against metal.

Then came shouting.

High pitched voices.

Goblins.

Tengu leaped onto a rocky outcrop overlooking a clearing below.

At least thirty goblins swarmed through the forest. Most carried crude weapons and rusted armor. Trees crashed to the ground as they advanced.

Then Tengu spotted the source of the noise.

A giant mechanical goblin towered over the horde.

Its body was built from mismatched plates of iron and bronze. Steam hissed from pipes along its back. Massive gears rotated inside its chest while glowing red eyes scanned the forest ahead.

The machine stood three times taller than any ordinary goblin.

Tengu raised an eyebrow.

"Well. That is new."

One of the goblins pointed upward.

"There he is!"

Every goblin turned toward him.

The clearing erupted with shrieks.

Tengu sighed.

"So much for a quiet trip home."

The horde charged.

Wind gathered around his feet as he launched himself forward.

His sword flashed.

Three goblins flew backward before they could even swing.

Another group rushed from the side.

Tengu spun.

A burst of wind knocked them off their feet like leaves caught in a storm.

Yet more goblins poured forward.

One struck his shoulder with an axe.

The blade bounced harmlessly from the Thorn Armor.

A pulse traveled through the dark metal.

The thorns along his forearm glowed faintly.

Tengu paused.

The armor had reacted.

A second goblin slammed a hammer into his chest.

Another pulse.

Stronger this time.

The armor seemed to be collecting something.

Energy.

The giant's words echoed in his mind.

Every wound teaches the armor.

Tengu smiled.

"I think I understand now."

The mechanical goblin released a deafening roar and charged.

Each step shook the earth.

Its enormous metal fist came crashing toward him.

Tengu crossed his arms and met the attack head on.

The impact thundered through the clearing.

The Thorn Armor flared with power.

Every thorn erupted with silver light.

For a single heartbeat, the world stood still.

Then the armor answered.

A massive wave of compressed wind exploded outward.

The force ripped across the battlefield.

Goblins were launched through the air in every direction.

Trees bent violently.

The mechanical goblin slid backward across the ground before crashing into a hillside with enough force to shatter stone.

Silence followed.

Tengu lowered his arms.

The thorns slowly dimmed.

A counterattack.

The armor had absorbed the blows and returned them tenfold.

The surviving goblins stared in terror.

Then they ran.

Within seconds the entire horde disappeared into the forest.

Tengu watched them go.

"Useful."

Far away, hidden deep within the darkness beyond the village, ancient eyes opened once more.

The unseen presence had felt the armor awaken.

Had felt it fight.

And for the first time in centuries, it recognized a familiar power.

The Thorn Armor had returned.

This time, it belonged to someone worthy of wearing it.

📄 Recap Questions

1. What lesson did Tengu learn about the Thorn Armor's true power during his battle against the goblin horde?
2. Why did the ancient presence hidden beyond the village become interested in Tengu after the battle?

🔷 Conclusion

While traveling home from the forge, Tengu encountered a massive goblin horde led by a towering mechanical goblin and was forced to test his newly earned Thorn Armor. During the fight, he discovered the armor's powerful counterattack ability, unknowingly alerting the ancient enemy that had been watching from the shadows.

See you next week!

🔷 Hades, Press Officer.

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