At first everyone thought he was going to drown after not coming up back for about 15 minutes. But as time got longer and longer no one cared any longer and started to chat among their own small groups. Many of the woman had already bunched together after seeing the amount of lust from the men. Although they could hold their own in fight if they were ganged on they would undoubtedly lose. Which was why they started to group together to protect themselves. There were a few who stayed by themselves or gathered with a few of their male and female friends.
During this silence no one was doing anything, as no one wanted to be the first to experience the horror of the 100 meter mark. If it was to follow the previous 100 meter marks, then that would mean at least 40 people would die. That was under the assumption that this was the same as the previous times. They had already forgotten the warning that this was a test that was meant to specifically trim their numbers down. But after walking through the cold water, being bombarded by the ice Essence ripples, it was hard to think about that any longer.
While this was happening Rauf was taking the opportunity to have a nap on the water. It was dangerous to sleep on the water if he didn’t have the breathing technique but luckily all of the gods disciples were given the opportunity to learn the same breathing technique. This was why it wasn’t known with a name, because all of the disciples would learn it equally. It was usually used as a basis to becoming stronger as it allowed for the Essence to fuse with their body easier. As such Rauf didn’t have to worry about drowning any longer. He also made sure to float the away from the ice pillar so he didn’t accidentally start the next pillar.
More time passed, and the stalemate continued. No one was willing to be the sacrifice for others, especially when this would potentially be the last 100 meter mark. Some argued with each other and it was to the point where people were about to start fighting one another, but at that moment something happened that no one expected. As well as the fact that no one was paying attention to this person as he was already sleeping and floating around. As Rauf was sleeping and floating he forgot one very important detail, and that was there was a current under water. It wasn’t strong and people would only notice if they paid attention to it. However their muscles were code and their sense of touch was no longer the same, this was also the case for Rauf even with his breathing technique that helped Essence flow throughout his body.
Nonetheless if it was a bigger man or even an adult teenager this current wouldn’t have done anything to Rauf. But Rauf was currently in the body of a young child. He was just small enough for the current to catch hold of him and bring him, to the worst possible place for him. Naturally he was sleeping and had no idea, in fact it was like a rocking chair and helped him fall into an even deeper sleep. On the other hand Owen wasn’t paying attention as he felt it would be a lot longer until the situation is resolved. However that was wrong, and this moment Rauf passed the 400 meter mark.
As Rauf passed the mark, the ice pillar started to move. Everyone stopped arguing and looked around to see who was the idiot to pass the 400 meter mark. When they saw that Rauf had floated past the 100 meter mark they all sneered, while only a few wore looks of complication. When the ice pillar started to move Owen also felt the change and looked to see what happened. Although he could only see an impure coloured Pathwalker, from the fact that he was floating around the water’s surface Owen knew it was Rauf. Without hesitation Owen yelled at him.
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“Rauf!”
“Hm.. Huh? When… oh sweet mother of… Owen wanna trade spots?”
Rauf woke up with a startle, and soon realized his situation. But even while in this predicament he was able to crack a joke. Owen could only answer bluntly while wearing a serious face.
“As if that would help you at this moment. If you live let’s have a nice feast together.”
“And if I don’t?”
Rauf looked as if he didn’t want to know the answer but he still asked anyways.
“Well don’t expect me to join you on the other side.”
As expected Rauf didn’t want to hear those words. He was hoping that his new friend would say some words of true friendship like ‘Let’s go together friend’. However he knew that even he wouldn’t say those words in this situation. As the pillar rose even higher than the previous times everyone was able to realize why Owen had stopped. They were finally able to see the giant iceberg portion underneath the water. The pillar had risen already a few hundred meters in the air and if Rauf wasn’t the only one to cross the water that would be scared beyond belief. Although they would have to hold themselves against the wave itself, there would be no Essence past 100 meters of the pillar. This was something they all knew after many trials of running past 10 meter and 100 meter marks.
The ice pillar reached its peak and slammed downwards causing a giant wave at least 10 meters high to spread out. Rauf had an ugly expression but there was only one thing to do at this moment and that was to block it. Would he be able too? This is a question that everyone including Owen and Rauf answered no. But that didn’t stop Rauf from trying, as he wanted to live more than anyone. After all he couldn’t be free if he was dead!
Owen only watched as the giant wave was about to crash down upon Rauf. There were no words of encouragement. There were no sappy feelings of regret. There was the simple truth of being a witness to Rauf’s end if that was the result. If Rauf lived, he would definitely be surprised, if he died, Owen would be left with a bitter taste in his mouth. But because of these reasons, Owen had to watch every single moment.
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If you voted for the poll, I just want to let you know YOU'RE ALL WRONG MUAHHAHAHAHAHAH. So stay tuned to see what weapon Owen gets to use in the future.