Once more Viers and the rest of the trial takers found themselves in the Quantum Main Hub where they were all floating as if in zero gravity. The sky was a blend of bright colors like many painting dyes jumbled together, slightly ever-flowing.
The two Aletro, one wearing white and the other wearing black garments, loomed over them like titans made of smoke.
From the 382 people at the start of the trial, 26 was all that was left.
Not all of the lost were dead, some chose to back out from the deadly trial. It could be argued those were the wise ones. At the very least, 100 young talents had perished chasing opportunities, power, and glory.
“Here are the placings for Stage 4.”
White Aletro whisked his hand and a list of names hung in the air.
Anne - 993,870 spark shards. Rank 1
Tanael - 575,400 spark shards. Rank 2
Oscar Regisea - 521,360 spark shards. Rank 3
Airmaster - 308,230 spark shards. Rank 4
Noble Tiger - 301,750 spark shards. Rank 5
Daystar - 293,490 spark shards. Rank 6
Ivory Flame - 261,600 spark shards. Rank 7
Backlasher - 227,290 spark shards. Rank 8
Dark Zero - 219,360 spark shards. Rank 9
Fithel - 211,220 spark shards. Rank 10
Viers managed to land in second place. His and Oscar’s shards were higher than the rest because they managed to defeat high shards holders who were in the top 10, Troy and Divine Punishment.
Oscar killed his opponent so he got all of Divine Punishment’s shards but Viers only got 50% of Troy’s.
Because Troy wasn't dead, Aletro said.
Viers naturally protested. Troy survived because of Anne. He was already on his way to the grave, others were not allowed to intervene. The rules Aletro made for the fight of the fruits was a one-on-one battle.
Aletro -the white one- told Viers that when he decided to throw Troy from the World Tree he was already ending the match so if someone saved Troy after that, it wasn't a violation of the rules.
Viers felt cheated. Troy’s shards should all be his but he buried any indignation deep inside.
Just as I feared, villains throwing heroes off balconies, cliffs, or waterfalls will only end in the heroes’ survival. Should have just squashed his head then and there.
When Viers strayed from his usual modus operandi, things went wrong. He took this experience to heart and intended to learn all he could from it.
Viers still got 50% of Troy’s shards. Which was about 150,000 shards for him and Troy was kicked out of the top 10 as a result.
Since Stage 4, white spark holders didn't need to kill for shards. As far as he knew, Anne was yet to kill a single person since the trial started while Viers had his hands drenched red in blood.
Emotion momentarily took hold of Viers’ thoughts. At the moment, Viers forgot that the black spark holders also had their own advantages.
How convenient.
Of course, Viers was thinking about Anne.
She didn't need to sully herself with the ugly business of taking life from others, hm? And how the fuck does she has almost twice than my shard count anyway? Oscar killed Divine Punishment so his shard count soared but Anne? From the eyewitness that I soul-searched, her luck is borderline ridiculous, finding great treasures one after another. She still has that many shards even after sharing some opportunities with her followers. It is as if the world is giving her special treatment. It is as if she’s–
The memories from their first meeting crossed Viers’ mind. It was as if a streak of lightning appeared in Viers’ mind, connecting the dots and unraveled Anne’s mysterious nature.
So that’s how it is… Viers’ face was grim. I finally realized her true form.
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Viers put Anne’s matter on the backseat for now and refocused on the ranking list. More than half of the 26 were white spark holders. Despite being more numerous at the start, the black spark holders had cannibalized each other and culled their own number.
A certain soul user contributed no small part in this debacle.
“The next Stage will be the last. You all have done well to reach this far but don’t let down your guard. The last step is the most precarious,” the white one said.
“You’ll experience the tribulation of every dynasty and era: war,” the other Aletro added. “The lucky ones might live their lives without experiencing the horrors of it but the threat is ever-present, always nesting inside the hearts of men and women of high standing. Either you make war or war comes to you.”
“The bane of stability, mother of myriad tragedies.”
“The engine of progress, evolution’s sweet whispers.”
Both Aletro spoke in turns.
“Stage 5 will give you a taste of that,” white-clothed Aletro gave them a stern look.
“Those who chose the white spark will become heroes of a kingdom while the black sparks will rule as tyrants in their kingdom,” evil-pro Aletro had the signs of suspense in his expression.
17 heroes and 9 tyrants… A nice number, Viers thought. However-
“Are we to fight each other? The advantage is clearly tipped to one side,” Oscar voiced Viers’ thought.
“This is also the result of your own actions. Either you blame yourself or make it work despite the circumstances,” white Aletro was clearly unsympathetic.
“Hmph, the other me doesn't understand us, little chicks. Whether you are at a disadvantage or not compared to them remains to be seen,” the other Aletro waived Oscar’s concern. “Either way, you can fight against the other camp but this isn't a conflict between two sides, but three.”
A map appeared before them. The land was separated into three colored parts: white, black, and red. The three were sharing equal borders with one another.
“The third party is the Aberrants,” Good Aletro pointed at the red. “Think of them as otherworldly invaders to our world. They cannot be reasoned with and they exist solely to destroy. They are endless and will gradually spread to the whole land. Defend your kingdoms from their onslaught.”
“The objective of this trial is still to gain the most spark shards. Defeating the Aberrants will grant you shards. There are no natural treasures to be found in Stage 5 so you must fight if you want more shards. Ah, and any Aberrants killed by the troops of your kingdom will count as your kill, rewarding you with shards. The theatre of war is massive. Use your troops to your advantage. Don't underestimate the aberrants, killing you is their reason for existing.”
“In the heart of each kingdom there is one, big, immovable crystal. If it is destroyed, your kingdom will fall, knocked out from the board and never to rise again. If you as an individual are still fine, you will still remain in Stage 5 but you’ll no longer be able to generate soldiers to contribute to the war effort. When all 26 crystals are destroyed, Stage 5 will end. Theoretically, you are able to stay for a maximum of ten years but I doubt you’ll last more than three.”
So a Romance of the Three Kingdoms for Stage 5? Viers was digesting the information thus far. The longer we keep the Aberrants’ advance on hold, the more shards for us.
“In the first month, the Aberrants will be dormant and won't launch any offensive. Use this time to organize the matters of your kingdoms for the upcoming war. As some of you have thought, whatever color your shard is, both sides working together is in your best interest. Do what you will with this information.”
The trial takers’ heads were heavy with considerations. They looked at each other with complicated looks.
“When Stage 5 ends, those who're still alive, including those who have lost their kingdoms can purchase many things from me with their spark shards. Not only material things such as weapons or potions. Raising your affinity, curing sickness, lifting curses, permanent blessings, bloodline infusion, ancient secrets, forbidden knowledge, and so on. All can be obtained if you have the shards for it.”
Purchase… As if he’s some sort of super ability merchant. Great Awakener Sage Aletro, huh?
“We did say kingdoms but each will have its own distinct differences. To spice things up, all of your… factions will be modified by us. We will give you the most fitting faction based on our observations of you since your coming into the Book World.”
“There’s a special gimmick that you should know. After this, in a private area, you can make sacrifices. As long as it is something that belongs to you, you can offer it to us. The greater your sacrifice, the more important it is to you, the stronger your troops will become. But it is also proportional to your spark quality. For example, you. Yes you, with the lowest spark shards of 50,000.”
Evil Aletro’s frankness made the guy want to hide in a hole.
“Even if you sacrifice all your belongings down to the last underwear, your kingdom’s soldiery might still not be worth a candle to Anne’s despite her only giving a small sacrifice.”
“That means the lower in the ladder you are, the more you will have to sacrifice if you mean to catch up to those above you. Such is the reality of the world.” Good Aletro lamented. “Or, you can also choose not to sacrifice at all. Your starting faction will be decent and by no means weak. You can improve them as Stage 5 goes on. It is optional but to those who chose to do so, sacrifice wisely. Keep in mind what you need for facing the adversaries ahead and the cost of what you choose to let go, because the loss is permanent.”
“Our explanation is concluded. We will begin momentarily. But, as with the previous stages, the chance to retire will be given. Those who feel like they have gained enough, or that the risks are too high, or simply have had enough of all of this, can choose to back down. We will not force you. The shards you have are already yours, the crystallization of your efforts. Like the others that bow out before, you are still able to buy things from me.”
If this was any other stage then some might have quit but this was the last stage.
“No doubt some of you blame me for wrestling you out of your ordinary lives without permission. My only wish is to see as many powerhouses rise, not to make a killing game. Unfortunately, it is also the truth that only those that come out through these kinds of hardships and trials multiple times can become a true powerhouse. You all know the risk. Make your own choice to proceed or not.”
The final 26 trial takers all stayed.
“Very well. We’ve accepted your resolution. After you all have made your sacrifices, Stage 5 will begin. May fortune be with you.”
There was a flash of light and Viers found himself in an empty white room with only him and black-clothed Aletro.
“So Tanael,” the evil half of the mysterious owner of this magical book asked. “What are you willing to sacrifice?”