202. The Dark Side of Master’s Trials

“Help!”

“Please, help.”

Clay opened his eyes indifferent to the voices that reached his ears and like a merciless cold blooded psychopath, he ignored those soft cries of help.

A normal man would have his heroism ignited and track the origin of those voices and save those people who are seemingly in distress but the truth is, those voices were created by a monster lurking in the woods patiently waiting for their victims to fall prey. These monsters are called Twanar Tree Demons and they are intelligent predatory hunters relying on their unique ability to create the vocal chords from their roots to lure and confuse their preys then slowly poison them until they are no longer able to move.

He lost count as to how many times he had heard those soft cries of help and the thing unique about them is that those voices sound like a child but during the day and in the evening, it will sound like an innocent woman who had been kidnapped.

“Anybody there?”

“Please, I need help.”

Clay ignored the voices as he looked at the dried ashes of long cold bonfire and after a few seconds, he extended threads of his mana to pick up dried branches nearby then collected them in front of him before starting another fire.

He could easily pinpoint these monsters’ location and many times he had been itching to blast them from a distance or maybe have his mana tentacles slither and pierce their cores but having learned his lesson, he must avoid killing anything and if he does, he must do it without the slightest disturbance.

Recalling that time when they were teleported into this unknown planet, he and Elstre spotted a huge monster that looks like a giant butterfly which they then killed but when Elstre tried to absorb that the monster’s Beast Essence, the next thing they knew, they were surrounded by hundreds of unknown monsters.

Clay had no problem killing all of them but when he activated his Godly Eyes, he saw how these monsters were interconnected via thin threads of mana converging like an endless web. Clay was not surprised given that they are within a Trial Ground and afraid he may trigger mechanisms that will further cause them to be surrounded, he decided they flee.

After running for almost an entire day, they safely reached a Retreat Zone.

Retreat Zone are basically portals leading back to Hikh planet and if possible, Clay would like to force Elstre step into the Retreat Zone and be teleported back to the school but part of the trial requires Elstre stay within this planet for a minimum of five days before the Galactic Teleportation Platforms reveals itself and become functional.

Since they have four long days to wait, Clay agreed that Elstre integrate with the Beast Essence they initially captured but never did he expect that Elstre would actually take her time fully absorbing the Spirit Essence.

Remembering that time he had integrated with a 200,000 year old Beast Essence, all it took was an hour of total concentration but weirdly enough, Elstre needed a month to absorb an Essence less than a thousand year. Clay guessed it is probably due to Soul Strength difference. In fact, he would not be surprised if discovers that Elemental Law comprehension is based on someone’s soul size.

Clay activated his Godly Eyes and observed Elstre’s mana circulation. Judging from the remaining amounts of pulsating energy coursing through Elstre’s meridians, he estimates Elstre needs less than a day to refine everything. And calculating the amount of time that passed since they got to this unknown planet, tomorrow is the last day of the trial.

If Elstre doesn’t open her eyes by morning, then he will be forced to awaken her from her trance.

Clay stretched his arms then took out a small rusted metallic plate from his spatial ring. That time when they were fleeing from a flock of monsters, his divine sense caught the presence of an object giving off a familiar wave of energy. Since half of it had been corroded, Clay could not properly identify the item but it is obvious the Inscriptions and design belongs to Erindal. Similar to a military tag, it had an engraving and written is Agatha V.

Clay is not sure if this is the same Agatha from twenty some years ago when he joined Erindal but if it is her, he is certain she is no longer alive and was probably turned into a monster.

As Clay reminisced the past, he suddenly felt movements behind him.

“I’m not an expert but I can tell if someone needs more time properly integrating with a Spirit Essence.”

“I’m worried we may not have time reaching the Master’s Portal.”

The person who spoke is none other than Elstre.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Clay calmly responded but in truth, he is tempted to show his powers and intimidate Elstre. That time when a 9TH Circle Mage approached him and talked him into abandoning Elstre, he only understood what that old man was implying when they got to this planet and the reason he had accompanied Elstre to this day is because another mage threaten to track his roots if Elstre fails to return.

Clay had long severed his connections with the family that took care of him but the idea that someone will kill them leaves a bad taste in his mouth he was more than willing to make sure Elstre properly returns back home.

“I don’t plan on going back. As someone blessed with four Mana Hearts, I believe I’m entitled to see and experience a greater world of cultivation and …”

“And risk dying?” Clay interrupted.

There was a moment of silence followed by faint sparks of energy coming out from Elstre.

Clay was not startled then continued, “There is a limit for as far as I can accompany you before the Restrictive Arrays activate. Certainly you’ve gotten stronger but you still lack experience.”

Elstre squinted her eyes as she carefully assessed Clay strength. For the past five years, she could not fathom Clay’s level of cultivation but now that she had finally integrated with her own Spirit Essence, she could at least tell they are both of 5TH Circle.

From her estimate, the Galactic Portal is located at a hundred kilometer distance and she needed Clay’s protection for the first half otherwise she may unnecessarily exhaust her mana pool without stepping into the final grounds of the Test. Since time is running out, she will have to swallow her pride and convince Clay.

“I’ve made careful preparations in the event we needed to retreat. And I’ve made several arrangements as well so you can be properly rewarded when you return. I implore this senior to lend me a hand. I really don’t wish to return.”

Clay could hear the sincerity on Elstre’s voice however, he remained unaffected. The only reason he is not incapacitating Elstre and forcing her to return is because he is afraid Elstre will in turn develop a vendetta and track his origins instead of the unknown mage who threatened him initially. Without any inflection on his voice, he said, “Did it ever occur to you how monsters within this place are able to keep their numbers despite constant visitations from all Magi Schools? Why don’t ...”

“Enough!” This time, it was Elstre who interrupted Clay. “I don’t need to hear your story and I don’t want to waste my time arguing with you. If you stand in my way, know that I will fight back.” Elstre made a resolve. She did not want to fight Clay so she can only step back and part ways with him.

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“I gain nothing by standing your way.”

“I shall hope so.” Elstre whispered to herself however, just before she could turn around, Clay spoke again.

“I won’t stand in your way and in fact, I can help you like I’m supposed to do.”Clay got to his feet and turned towards Elstre. “But know that my utmost priority is still your safety. If you can prove yourself, …”

“Get to your point.”

Clay lightly smiled then started walking. He can tell that Elstre had grown wary of him but he is confident he can still convince this naïve woman to go back. If his plan does not work, then he can only hope Elstre will not take his actions too personal.

The night is cold and with the help of two moons hanging over the horizon, a stony path is made visible. He wanted to swiftly fly but to avoid attracting any magic beasts, they must pass on foot and as soundless like the wind.

After around ten minutes, Clay reached the edge of cliff overlooking a lush valley stretched like an ocean. The landscape’s beauty is further magnified by the moonlight and like an uncharted rainforest, breathtaking gigantic trees scattered for as far as the eyes can see but unlike the captivating landscape the scenery has to offer, it actually is home to thousands of deadly predators.

Clay closed his eyes as he let the refreshing breeze touch face and when Elstre who had been following him was a few feet away behind, he opened his eyes and pointed towards an object suspended above a tree 800 meters away.

“That is called a Corrupted Metamorphed Magi or to be precise, a mage that’s about to turn into a male Asrivak Spider Breeder. Amazing and terrifying at the same time how such a living person could be turn into such hideous monster.”

Elstre did not immediately look into the direction where Clay was pointing as she scrutinized the area with her divine sense. For whatever reason she was brought to this place, she cannot afford to be caught off guard in case Clay is harboring ill intentions.

However, when she focused on the object Clay was pointing at, her mind went blank.

“There is no need to be cautious.” Clay dropped his arm then continued. “That monster is about 80 percent transformed and if you look closely, he resembles a Moon Elf like you. That earring... I think I’ve seen that before. Mmhhhh…. Was your brother always fond of earrings? I wasn’t really close to him and pardon my memory but what I do know is that he showed up like a crawling caterpillar fifteen days ago and look at him now. He evolved and became a neural link to all rare monsters in the area controlling them like puppets. In fact, I think he’s the reason no monsters had attacked us the past fifteen days. He probably has lingering feelings after seeing you and… maybe” Clay stopped talking the moment he felt Elstre fall to her knees.

“No…. .” Tears formed around Elstre’s eyes and her body involuntary fell to her knees. She was paralyzed by the sight of his most beloved brother infected and is about to completely transform into a monster. Never in her wildest dreams her brother would actually follow her to this god-forsaken place.

Meanwhile, Clay was expecting a more apathetic response and even without looking at Elstre’s face, he could tell she had already fallen to despair. As much as he would like to console Elstre, he can only take advantage of this moment and have her retreat.

*Exhale!

Clay let a long sigh then pointed towards the same object again. From afar, it looks a like harmless insignificant spider resting on a web built on a dried tree but when observed closely, even someone who has studied the world of arachnids would faint by its grotesque and horrifying presence. It is like looking at hairy chimera with a human grown on top of a spider’s head.

Clay could not fathom the minds of the architects behind this Master’s Trial.

For a participant to be turned into a hideous monster, it just shows that this place was designed to punish participants deemed unworthy regardless of their identities.

“What you can do is give him a proper burial.” By the end of his sentence, complex runic circles formed at the tip of Clay index finger as a modified Tier IX spell manifested and fired it towards the monster.

ZEPHYR PIERCING ARROW

Swish!!!

Unlike flashy spells, Clay fired a soundless spell aimed directly at the Beast’s core and like a bullet fire from a sniper’s rifle, it travelled with an unimaginable speed and precision that even the giant spider failed to react until a huge hole appeared on its body.

Rawrrrr!!!!!

Screeching agony echoed throughout the valley and seeing the monster had fallen to the ground, Clay extended his mana tentacles and stored the monster’s inside a spatial ring.

“We need to move.”

Clay surrounded Elstre with his mana to lift her up and when the spatial ring was in his hand, he levitated then flew towards the Retreat Zone.

This time, he did not hesitate to force Elstre land inside the Teleportation Array.

“It’s not your fault.” Clay avoided looking toward Elstre’s lifeless eyes and guided his mana as he inserted the spatial ring into Elstre’s pocket.

“I’ve hunted a few Spirit Essences that may be of help to you. Don’t blame yourself and live on.”

Clay stepped back and at the same time, Elstre was shrouded with light before finally disappearing.

Clay took a deep breath as hundreds of thoughts are running inside his mind. He sympathized that Luristrei died but it was never his decision nor was he given a chance to help him. They had a deal and never did they really bond nor connected.

Did Luristrei come on his accord to help Elstre? Was it someone else’s scheme? Are mages participating in the Trial aware of the fate that awaits them within these lands?

Clay had been curious why the 9TH Circle Mages managing Lunares School did not move stop Elstre and only now that he understands everything.

Regardless of how Luristrei died, one thing is certain. Sacrifices are needed to allow the birth of superior Magic Beasts all to maintain the Master’s Trial rite of passage.

Is it morally reprehensible?

Should he intervene and put an end to these Trials?

Clay controlled his emotions and focused on a more pressing matter.

Exhale!

With the death of Luristrei, he can already feel groups of powerful beasts approaching the area.

The plan was to wait until morning so he could have better sight of his surroundings but it looks like he has to employ a more direct approach.

If there is one unique thing about this Master’s Trial, everything is being managed by Artificial Intelligent Puppets which means he does not have to worry about anyone observing him.

Clay smiled and for the first time, he let his aura emanate using all Mana Nodes of his Spirit Essence.

Whooshh!!!

Although Unawakened, it sent out an outward terrifying wave of energy alarming and sending away all nearby beasts within the area.

Clay did not bother assessing his power and instead formed wings from his back then levitated.

“Let’s do this.” Clay muttered to himself as he flew north.

From the research he gathered about this trial, it only happens every five years during a planetary alignment. First, the initial assessment is conducted towards the Terraformed six moons of Hikh planet and each Magi School has its own respective dedicated satellite for their tests. Later, those who passed will be sent to a nearby planet where he is at right now to complete the final test.

Similar to how Erindal filters promising candidates, one must pass through an area filled with horrifying beasts then lastly, step into the Galactic Portal the meet the so-called Masters.

But as an outsider who does not have a token crafted by any Magi schools, there is one dedicated portal he can utilize to escape this galaxy and it is located far north.

As Clay passed through the clouds, he would occasionally feel Spatial Tears about to burst forth and unlike anything he had seen, those fluctuations are signs of massive outbreaks hundreds of times bigger than what he had witnessed in the past.

With each minute that passed, the air temperature started dropping and after three hours, Clay started to bump with snowflakes.

“There it is.”Thanks to his cheat, Clay spotted an island near a volcano so he started descending.

As he got closer to the area where the runic pattern of the portal is drawn, Clay saw two faceless humanoid puppets emerged to greet him.

“Greetings, esteemed guest. If you are not here for a galactic escape, please withdraw immediately.”

“I’ve come exactly for that.” As Clay landed on the platform, he got reminded of his life during his first reincarnation. He was a transformed beast that time and he had to rely on his aura to power the Formation but from what was reflected on his Godly Eyes, he estimates that the energy reserve accumulated in the area is enough to operate a hundred times. Only that it is not using Mana but Spiritual Qi.

“Please step inside and stand at the center of the platform. It will take one minute to power the Array.”

“Would you know where I’m being taken to or maybe tell me what’s on the other side?” Clay inquired as he walked towards the center.

“There is only one destination and it is E-04 Region, VGY-37 Outpost of Inugutra Galaxy. You will be enslaved if your level is above 5TH Circle and if you are not, you can be considered a replacement for official candidates representing this solar system provided no one shows up. Do you have any more questions, guest?”

“No, I do not.”

“Please refrain from moving.”

Clay erected a barrier and reinforced his whole body with his mana. Judging from the surging fluctuations of energy that is about to burst forth, he can tell his body will be ripped to pieces if he is not careful.

“Good luck, human.”

ZZZZZZkkkkk!!!!!

Clay disappeared from the platform and with his eyes open, it felt he had been swallowed into and endless abyss.

Argggghhh!!

Despite his fortified body, Clay felt like he had been simultaneously stabbed by thousands of needles throughout his body. He had come a long way dealing with otherworldly pain and his mind can usually tolerate any surprises however this time, he felt something seeped through his being as if someone is trying to extract his soul.

Argggghhh!!

Just when he was about to lose consciousness, the crushing pressure disappeared as his body materialized to his destination.

“Ruwaahhh” Clay threw up with his back lying on a metallic floor. He wanted to move but his body he twitched uncontrollably.

Argggghhh!!

Clay felt everything around him is spinning and couple that with excruciating pain pulsating on every muscle throughout his body, he finds it extremely difficult to circulate his mana.

Ruwaahhh

Clay’s vomited again and as he tried to gain control of his body, he felt an ominous presence that sent shivers towards his spine.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”