Chapter 238: Unorthodox
[Day 61]
Though the Abyssal Maw's resort had become increasingly popular with Ascendees and guests of the Dragon's Pavilion, Vahn eventually had all but a few observers vacate the floor in preparation for his attempting the Third Trial: Laevateinn's Embrace.
"It's quite the imposing set of doors..." remarked Ravel, standing a short distance behind Vahn as he placed his hand against the familiar-feeling, glowing-eyed dragon's visage adorning the stone doors barring entry to the Third Trial.
"Everyone is in position. Short of the volcano exploding, any flames that manage to escape the castle should be contained by our barrier," stated Rias, standing cross-armed between Ravel and Sona, her sapphire-blue eyes gleaming with expectation. Originally, Vahn was going to tackle the Trial alone, but after some persuasion, they had persuaded him to turn the attempt into a large-scale operation—one she had been appointed to oversee.
'Let's hope it doesn't come to that...' thought Vahn, his brows furrowed as he felt the Trial would be too simple if the Lævateinn and its counterparts were gathered in one place. To him, it made more sense for the volcano to erupt, scattering both the blades and the flames across the island like an apocalyptic rain...
"Alright, let's do this..." said Vahn, placing his second hand on the double doors before pushing them open with a fair amount of effort. Vahn was a little taken aback by the strength required to so much as budge them, but the reason for this became clear when a crack formed between the doors, allowing an intense wave of heat and pressure to surge out, forcing him to close his eyes and turn his head aside.
Seeing Vahn struggling, Rias attempted to step forward but was stopped by Sona stepping into her path and staring her down with her usual calm, composed expression. They had previously agreed that they would only step in if Vahn asked for their help or ordered them to take action, so she wouldn't allow Rias to rush to his side at the first setback.
"Haaa...!"
Exhibiting that he didn't need help, Vahn put considerably more strength into his hands and arms, blowing the stone doors open with enough force that their concealed hinges became exposed, nearly breaking free of their stone housings. At the same time, a veritable deluge of heat emptied into the antechamber where everyone was gathered, forcing Rias and Sona to shield their faces instinctively.