Chapter 3: The Outer Sect Trials
The morning mist hung low over the Iron Shadow Sect's mountain grounds. Stone steps stretched along steep cliffs, connecting a series of courtyards, temples, and training fields. The sound of wooden swords clashing echoed in the distance as dozens of disciples practiced under the watchful eyes of their instructors.
Ben followed closely behind Mei, his eyes scanning everything with curiosity and caution. His clothes had been changed—simple gray robes like the other outer sect disciples—but the Omnitrix still clung tightly to his wrist, slightly dimmer than before.
"So let me get this straight," Ben muttered. "You want me to join this 'outer sect,' pass some kind of trial, and then I'll be allowed to stay?"
Mei nodded without turning. "Yes. Every year, the Iron Shadow Sect recruits new disciples into the outer sect. You're a... special case, but if you fail the trial, they'll likely remove you by force. Permanently."
Ben grimaced. "Yeah. Sounds about right for my luck."
They reached a wide courtyard filled with other disciples—boys and girls of all ages, all standing in formation. At the center stood a tall man with silver hair, a long robe, and sharp, judging eyes. He carried no weapon, but the air around him felt heavier than gravity.
"That's Elder Xun," Mei whispered. "He oversees the trials. Keep your answers respectful, and try not to pick a fight."
"No promises," Ben mumbled.
Elder Xun raised a hand, and silence fell over the group.
"Today, you all stand at the threshold of the Iron Shadow Sect. Your bodies are weak. Your minds undisciplined. But those with determination may walk the path of cultivation."
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the disciples until it landed on Ben.
"You," he said. "The outsider. Step forward."
Ben obeyed, stepping into the center of the courtyard.
"You claim to hold a divine artifact. But you have no spiritual foundation. No cultivation. If not for Disciple Mei's word, you would have been thrown off the mountain."
Ben crossed his arms. "Nice to feel welcome."
"You will prove your worth here. The trial is simple. Defeat an outer sect disciple in combat. Show us that you deserve to stand among cultivators."
A boy stepped forward—tall, muscular, with a cruel smirk on his face. He cracked his knuckles.
"I'll handle him, Elder."
"Very well," Xun said. "Begin."
The boy moved fast. Faster than any human Ben had fought back on Earth. His palm glowed with qi as he struck, aiming for Ben's chest.
Ben twisted, narrowly dodging the hit. He rolled back and looked down at the Omnitrix.
Still charging.
"Come on... just a little more."
The disciple pressed in with a flurry of strikes. Ben blocked and deflected as best he could, relying on instinct. But the boy's strikes were getting faster, stronger.
A punch connected with Ben's ribs, knocking the air out of him.
He stumbled.
The crowd began to whisper.
"He's weak."
"Just a pretender."
"No qi at all..."
Ben grit his teeth. The Omnitrix beeped softly.
Finally.
He slammed his hand down.
"Let's go, hero!"
A swirl of green and gold light exploded from the watch. This time, the form was unfamiliar — an alien with flaming fists, a body wreathed in smoke, and glowing qi tattoos across its arms.
The crowd gasped.
Ben moved.
He blurred forward and struck the disciple's palm with a fiery uppercut, sending him flying backward into the courtyard wall.
Silence.
Smoke drifted from Ben's shoulders as his feet touched the ground. The transformation shimmered for a moment, then faded.
The crowd erupted.
"What was that form?"
"That wasn't qi... but it wasn't normal either."
"A fusion?"
Elder Xun stepped forward, eyes narrowed.
"You lack discipline. Technique. But there is undeniable power in you. Very well."
He turned to the crowd.
"Ben of no sect will be permitted to train in the outer sect of Iron Shadow. From this day forward, he is a disciple."
Mei grinned from the side.
Ben straightened, rubbing his ribs.
"Guess I passed the test."
But inside, he knew this was only the beginning.
If he wanted to survive this world—if he wanted to unlock the Omnitrix's full potential here—he'd need to do more than just fight.
He'd need to **cultivate**.