Master Wu walked ahead, with Niya staying close by, carefully observing his every move. The wind howled through the mountains at every step, and snow increasingly covered the ground. Far behind, slightly lagging behind the rest, Jay and Zane tried not to lose their bearings in the mountainous terrain as the storm grew stronger.
To the left and right, Elis, Kai, and Cole walked together, struggling against the blizzard that was gaining momentum. Each of them fought to maintain balance on the constantly shifting ground. The earth trembled more frequently under their feet, and the falling rocks made the path even more treacherous.
- We're getting close.
Master Wu's voice was barely audible over the whistling wind, but everyone understood—they were approaching the place where the elements converged.
Niya walked beside him, feeling the storm's weight intensify. She recalled Master Wu's words about the Blade of the Storm, which awaited them somewhere ahead, though the path to it would be perilous.
- We can't stop, or we'll never make it.
She whispered, addressing Wu.
Master Wu cast glances at everyone, checking if they were able to continue. The road became more challenging, and even the fierce wind pushing them forward did little to help them maintain their pace.
At last, they reached the mountain's peak, which loomed above them like a titan of the heavens. Before them lay a sight beyond words—a towering height, shrouded in clouds, rising above anything they had ever seen before. And at the very summit stood a temple—an ancient structure that seemed to be part of the mountain itself. Its stone walls were worn by time, yet they still retained their grandeur. The temple's peak was covered in moss and lichen, while the carved symbols adorning the façade had faded under the relentless force of the elements.
Each lightning strike tearing through the dark sky made the temple seem alive as if it were responding to the storm's fury. Bursts of light from the heavens scorched the stone walls, leaving flashes that burned even brighter amidst the storm. The temple was guarded by this mighty tempest, which ceaselessly shattered the sky, preventing anyone from approaching without a great cost.
Master Wu stood at the edge of the cliff, his gaze fixed on the temple. His eyes reflected the lightning's glow, and his voice was quiet but heavy with the realization of how difficult this trial would be.
- This place is guarded by the storm itself.
He said, his eyes still locked on the temple.
- Only the strongest will be able to pass through it.
The ninja standing behind him could feel the storm's treacherous energy wrapping around them like invisible chains. Every step forward felt like a challenge, and it was impossible to predict whether they would reach the temple without first overcoming this raging tempest.
- If only the strongest... then that's me!
Jay declared, his voice filled with determination.
- Oh, of course, go ahead, Jay! We believe in you... just don't come crying later, saying we abandoned you!
Elis added with a grin, feeling her heartbeat quicken.
***
They began climbing upward, but strange changes started occurring right at the base of the mountain. The ground beneath their feet felt unstable, shifting its form with every step. Loud cracks echoed in the distance, and suddenly, massive boulders began tumbling down from the mountaintop, shattering the earth around them. It was as if the mountain itself had decided to test their determination.
- Watch out!
Master Wu shouted, immediately on alert. Everyone tried to stay together, but the rocks were falling at an incredible speed, making each step more difficult.
The ground beneath them started to tremble, and the winds, which had previously been barely noticeable, suddenly intensified into raging storms, making it nearly impossible to keep their balance.
- This isn't just a storm!
Kai said, struggling to stay on his feet.
- The mountain... it's alive!
- Stick together!
Jay shouted as he pushed forward with determination.
- If we want to reach the temple, we have to get through this!
Meanwhile, the massive boulders continued to fall, bouncing off the cliffs and crashing into the ground. Their jagged edges and the shifting terrain forced everyone to carefully watch every step. The mountain seemed unwilling to let them pass, using all its strength to block their path.
The ninja struggled to climb, but the mountain refused to let them. Every step they took presented new obstacles—stones beneath their feet suddenly disappeared, and the ground swayed and crumbled, trying to throw them off again and again. The winds grew stronger, and the deafening cracks of falling rocks made the climb even more treacherous.
- This is even harder than those endurance stairs at the temple!!!
Kai yelled, desperately trying to hold his ground.
- That's exactly what they were made for!
Niya replied, keeping her balance.
At that moment, enormous boulders came crashing toward them. They deflected them, using all their strength and agility to avoid being hit.
The higher they climbed, the harder it became to stay upright. The ground beneath their feet was literally moving, and the wind was so strong it felt as if the mountain itself was trying to sweep them off the cliff.
- Exactly!
Elis shouted, blocking one of the massive boulders.
- The endurance stairs!! Kai, I never thought I'd say this, but you're right!
- What do you mean?!
Kai asked, confused by her words.
- I understand.
Zane said, focusing intently on the mountain.
- This mountain is, essentially, one giant endurance stairway. We just need to do exactly what we did during our training at the temple.
- That's right.
Master Wu confirmed, watching their every move carefully.
***
Master Wu and Niya walked side by side, their steps synchronized and swift. The winds at the mountaintop tore through the clouds, but they paid no attention to the storm. Master Wu watched the path carefully, every movement calm and confident, as if he could tame the mountain with just a glance. Niya moved beside him, her steps growing more assured, though the mountain refused to grant her peace—rocks kept vanishing beneath her feet, and every step felt like a struggle. But she did not fall behind, nor did she stop.
- Hold on, Niya!
Master Wu shouted as she stumbled, but she quickly regained her footing.
- I can handle it, Sensei!
She replied, her voice firm and determined.
Meanwhile, Kai and Elis were already in full sprint, like two competitors on a track. They raced to see who would conquer these treacherous slopes first. Kai laughed as he pulled ahead, but Elis wasn't about to give up—her feet nearly slid over the rocks, yet she kept pushing off them, refusing to fall behind. Every movement was lightning-fast, focused on not letting the other gain the upper hand. They constantly overtook each other, skillfully dodging falling rocks and navigating the increasingly unstable terrain.
- Is that all you've got?
Kai called out playfully as he surged ahead once more.
- Don't get cocky! You'll see who wins this!
Elis shot back, quickening her pace.
Trailing behind them were Zane, Jay, and Cole, moving just as quickly, though without the same fierce competitiveness. Jay and Cole soon realized it was time to join in. They sped up, exchanging glances before throwing themselves into the race, fully aware that it wouldn't be easy. Zane kept pace, closely observing everyone, ready to help if anyone faltered under the intense challenge of the climb.
- Come on, keep up!
Jay shouted, glancing at Kai and Elis, who were once again pulling ahead.
- This is just the beginning!
Cole replied, his voice steady, but his eyes burning with the fire of competition.
And so, they moved together—a group filled with energy and determination to overcome the mountain that sought to stop them. Every step was a struggle, but they refused to slow down. Their hearts pounded in unison, and what started as a competition was turning into something more—a battle to conquer nature itself.
***
Elis was the first. She managed to overtake Kai in the last few meters just as the mountain seemed to tremble from the latest thunderous explosion. Rocks tumbled and rolled down, but she, like a streak of lightning, never stopped. Her heart pounded so hard it felt as if even the mountain could hear its rhythm. She took the final step and found herself at the summit—the highest point of this relentless mountain.
Before her stood the temple.
It was an incredible structure, like an invisible bridge between the earth and the sky. The temple's stone walls were covered in moss and lichen, yet they still held their grandeur and mystical aura. The carved symbols on its facade seemed to whisper something to the wind that swirled around in a wild dance. With each lightning strike, the temple appeared alive—its walls flashing in shades of yellow and blue, while the dark horizon flickered and tore apart under the fury of the elements.
Elis froze for a brief moment, taking in the sight. A few more steps, and she stood right at the temple's threshold. The winds tossed her hair, her eyes gleamed with triumph, and only now, standing at the summit, did she fully grasp the difficulty of the journey.
- I won...
She murmured, stepping onto the stairs leading into the temple's darkness.
Not long after, Kai, Zane, Jay, Cole, and Master Wu with Niya reached the temple as well, each climbing at their own pace. Kai stopped when he saw Elis already at the top and laughed.
- You may have won, but don't think this is over.
Elis smirked, glancing back before calling out:
- Someone's just too slow, Kai!
Zane clenched his fists with a slight smile, having conquered the mountain without unnecessary words but clearly feeling pride for the team. Jay and Cole walked side by side, their expressions calm, yet every step radiated the same determination as the rest of the group.
Master Wu observed them with a hint of satisfaction.
- Well done. Together, you have overcome the mountain that guards the temple.
They stood at the threshold, ready to step inside. The last moments of struggle and competition were now behind them.
- Alright, Jay, after you!
Cole said, pointing toward the dark entrance of the temple.
***
Jay stepped inside, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The temple was vast and somber, its walls covered in ancient carved symbols. The air was thick, as if even space itself had frozen in time. Only faint beams of light seeped through the narrow windows, barely illuminating the heavy stone columns and dark corners.
- Jay, do you see anything in there?
Zane asked, waiting for a response.
- Yeah!
Jay's voice rang out loudly in the empty temple. He moved forward quickly, and soon, a pedestal appeared before him. Resting on it was the Blade of the Storm. The sword had no glow—only its smooth golden surface, like the other ancient weapons in the temple, gleamed faintly under the dim light. Its hilt was strong yet elegant, adorned with symbols, and though the blade itself appeared ordinary, it couldn't hide its grandeur.
- I found it!!!
Jay shouted excitedly, grabbing the Blade of the Storm. The moment his fingers touched it, the sword lit up with a dark blue glow, its radiant light cutting through the temple's darkness. Jay felt its energy surge through him, and with a joyful yell, he began swinging it around, even dancing on the spot from excitement.
- The Blade of the Storm has recognized the true master of lightning in Jay.
Master Wu said, watching as the sword radiated its mighty energy. His voice carried both pride and acknowledgment—Jay was truly worthy of wielding this power.
***
- Where to next, Sensei?
Niya asked.
Leading the group forward, Master Wu answered her question.
- Next, we go after the Crystal of Frost. It is an artifact protected not only by natural forces but also by powerful beings. We will have to pass through a cave that leads to it and overcome all the challenges along the way.
Zane, walking beside him, asked,
- What does this cave look like?
- The cave we are heading to is a place where ice and snow hold incredible power. It is completely covered in ice—walls, floor, even the ceiling. Gleaming stalactites hang from above, and every step we take will crunch on the frozen snow that blankets the ground.
- And who guards the Crystal?
Jay inquired.
- Ice spirits.
Master Wu replied, his gaze turning serious.
- These beings, created by the very essence of freezing cold, guard the path to the crystal. Only those who are prepared to endure trials of frost and self-control will be able to reach it.
They continued their journey, moving forward to the place where, according to Master Wu, the Crystal of Frost awaited them.
***
The ninja began descending the mountain, but suddenly, Kai raised his hand and shouted:
- Whoever comes down last will wash the dishes at the temple for two weeks when we get back!
- I'm first!!!
Elis yelled and instantly dashed down the slope.
- Hey!!!
Cole exclaimed, wasting no time and running after her, with Kai right behind him.
- I'm not planning on washing dishes either!
- I'm with you!!!
Jay shouted, joining the race, his laughter carried by the wind.
- I'm definitely not washing dishes, so... wait for me!
Niya called out, quickly trying to catch up with her friends.
Master Wu, watching the race, gave Zane a knowing smile before also starting his descent, trying not to fall behind the ninja.
They all raced downhill, sliding down the steep slopes, their speed increasing with each step. The descent was just as dangerous as the climb—loose rocks tumbling under their feet and the biting cold wind cutting through everything made this challenge extremely difficult. But each ninja was determined to win, and their laughter and shouts filled the air with energy.
Zane, moving at the back, realized his chances of winning were slim. He didn't rush, instead enjoying the moment, watching his students compete. Though they were too far ahead to notice, he knew he was falling behind.
Kai, Elis, and Cole reached the foot of the mountain first, grinning when they saw Zane still in the distance. Jay wasn't far behind, practically flying to the finish with them.
- So, did we win?
Cole shouted, laughing.
- Oh, looks like Zane was last.
Kai said with a smirk.
Zane, still further back, finally approached them, his expression calm.
- It seems I was last.
He admitted, smiling.
The ninja laughed, and Master Wu, with a sly grin, stepped forward, looking at the group.
- You won, but now you have a new challenge ahead. The Crystal of Frost awaits you.
Now, they stood before their next trial—the Crystal of Frost, their next destination.