The Founders’ Challenge
As the morning sun bathed Hogwarts in golden light, Clow Reed and the four Founders stood at the edge of the training grounds, observing their students. Today’s lesson was different—this wasn’t just about sparring or magic.
Helga Hufflepuff clapped her hands. “Today, we test more than just your skill. We test your synergy.”
Salazar Slytherin smirked. “Let’s see if you can truly fight as one.”
Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw waved their wands, and the training field shifted. Suddenly, the students were no longer standing on solid ground—they were in the middle of an enchanted battlefield, a vast ruin filled with shifting terrain, hidden traps, and magical constructs.
Clow Reed stepped forward. “Your task is simple. Work as a team to reach the center of the battlefield.” His eyes gleamed behind his glasses. “And survive.”
Syaoran, Reiko, Tranquility, Endymion, and the four guardians tensed as the ground beneath them rumbled.
“Let’s move,” Reiko ordered, taking charge.
The First Trial: Coordination
The ruins came alive around them. Stone golems emerged, their eyes glowing with runes, blocking every path forward.
“Endymion, take the left! Syaoran, right!” Tranquility called, unsheathing his sword.
Syaoran channeled his moon magic, sending a wave of silver energy toward the closest golem. It barely staggered.
Endymion and Jadeite engaged another, their teamwork seamless.
Reiko and Tranquility stood back to back. “I’ll distract them, you strike,” Reiko said.
Tranquility nodded, gripping his weapon tightly. “Go.”
Reiko darted forward, feinting a strike, drawing the golem’s attention. The moment it turned, Tranquility leaped in, slashing at the weak point in its runes. The construct crumbled.
“That worked better than I expected,” Tranquility admitted.
Reiko grinned. “We make a good team.”
The Second Trial: Trust
As they moved deeper into the ruins, the terrain shifted again. The path ahead splintered into several floating platforms over a vast abyss.
Salazar Slytherin’s voice echoed. “Only one path leads forward. Choose wisely.”
“Great,” Syaoran muttered. “And how are we supposed to know which one?”
Reiko closed her eyes, reaching out with her Earth magic. She frowned. “Some of these platforms… they’re unstable.”
Tranquility stepped beside her. “Then we follow your lead.”
One by one, they leaped from platform to platform, trusting Reiko’s instincts. At one point, a platform beneath Tranquility crumbled.
“Tranquility!” Reiko shouted, reaching for him.
Without hesitation, Tranquility twisted mid-air, catching her outstretched hand. She pulled him up, her grip unwavering.
“Didn’t know you cared that much,” he teased.
Reiko huffed. “You’re an idiot.”
But she didn’t let go of his hand until they reached solid ground.
The Final Trial: Unity
At the heart of the ruins, a powerful magical construct awaited—a massive serpent of fire, its eyes burning with challenge.
Godric Gryffindor stepped forward from the shadows. “The final lesson: defeat this guardian, together.”
The serpent struck without warning.
Syaoran and Yue moved first, their combined magic shielding the group. Endymion and his guardians split off, attacking from multiple angles.
Reiko and Tranquility fought in perfect sync—her magic supporting his blade, his strength covering her movements.
But the serpent was relentless. It reared back, fire gathering in its mouth.
Reiko realized what it was about to do. “We need to combine our magic!”
Clow Reed watched from afar, intrigued.
Syaoran and Yue merged their moon and darkness magic, forming a barrier. Endymion and his guardians channeled their own strength, adding to the defense.
Reiko turned to Tranquility. “Together?”
He smiled. “Always.”
Their powers intertwined—Earth and Sun, magic and steel. As one, they struck.
The serpent let out a deafening roar before exploding into a burst of golden flames, fading into the sky.
The battlefield returned to normal. The test was over.
Rowena Ravenclaw nodded approvingly. “Impressive.”
Godric smirked. “They might actually be ready.”
Reiko turned to Tranquility, still catching her breath. “You okay?”
Tranquility met her gaze, a warmth in his golden eyes. “I’ve never been better.”
And with that, the real journey was just beginning.