Chapter 155: A Shocking News
The announcement came suddenly. All ten great werewolf clans received a direct order from their king that each clan must host an inter-clan competition within one month to identify their five most promising warriors under the age of one hundred. Those selected would earn the right to enter the Trial of Yggdrasil.
The news spread like wildfire. Youths across the clans erupted in excitement, preparing fervently for the competition. The clans themselves were pleased, grateful for the unexpected opportunity. But one clause in the decree stood out... one that caused far more concern than celebration.
The king’s order specified that the heirs of each of the ten great clans who had not yet undertaken the Trial were required to participate, alongside their clansmen.
As it turned out, only five heirs among the ten had successfully completed the Trial and become ascendants. The remaining five, for various reasons... be it youth, circumstance, or unpreparedness... had not yet entered. Now, they would have no choice.
When Eleanor heard the news, her mood turned grave. The shock was beyond anything she had expected. Knowing what this meant for Eleanor, Fiona came in person to deliver the news.
"Grandma," Eleanor said, her voice trembling, "how can I leave Freya for so long? I’ve heard there can be casualties during the Trial. If someone dies in there, they’re gone forever. My Freya is still a child. How can I put her through such uncertainty?"
"I’m just as worried as you are," Fiona said softly. "I’ve spoken with the other clan heads. You may be the youngest of the heirs, but many believe you’re also the strongest. Everyone is concerned, but for reasons we don’t yet know, the king is resolute. He’s going through with it. And if someone misses this chance, I fear the next opportunity for ascendance won’t come for another two to three hundred years."
Eleanor’s brow furrowed. "Why now? Why such a sudden order? Do you know anything?"
"The king hasn’t explained," Fiona replied. "But he visited Yggdrasil a few days ago. After returning, he sent this order out. I’ve also heard that other supernatural races were given quotas for the Trial. You have friends among them... you could ask around for more details."