Scott silently stared at the man; his arms folded across his chest. Zara and Slim joined him, positioning themselves on either side of the masked man.
“It seems like they're communicating through their party skill,” Zara remarked mentally, her attention fixed on the men who exchanged subtle glances.
“I don’t trust these guys. Buddy, what’s your plan?” Slim inquired.
Before Scott could respond, Randy's voice echoed through the air. “I don’t know if ten minutes will be enough, but I’ll give it a shot,” he said, glancing at the bread laid out on the wine jar. The roughneck fiddled with his thick goatee as he took a step forward, pointing his thumb at the misty mountain path behind.
“Do you hear that sound?” he asked.
The hound extermination trio nodded; a subtle growl had been persistently echoing since they crossed the barrier.
“There’s a colossal beast in there, like a mammoth. Those growls you hear, that's the monster, and it's stirring again. You won’t pass the trial without defeating that creature and its offspring. To reach the exit, you’ll need to traverse the glassy path, all the way to the other end of the mountain.” Randy paused, his expression turning stern. “Those creatures have a peculiar way of devouring one’s soul.” He gestured toward one of his companions. “Jimbo witnessed his cousin being torn in two. That lad was built differently, yet those critters shredded him like some elaborate casserole. Those creatures don’t mess around. I won’t tell you what to do, but you better weigh your options if you're serious about taking the trial.”
Zara and Slim's expressions twisted into grim masks; their attention fixated on the misty path. The growls, steadily intensifying, revealed hazy silhouettes lurking within the fog.
Scott, seizing everyone's attention, applauded Randy's brevity. “Short and straightforward. I like that, Randy,” he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding champions.
“Happy to hear it,” Randy grinned, advancing a step toward the trio, his eyes fixed on the wine and bread. “Why not stick around for a bit? Do you really need to rush? Or perhaps make a deal with us,” he proposed.
“What kind of deal are we talking about?” Scott inquired; his voice tinged with curiosity.
“We're awaiting the arrival of the rest of our group crossing the desert. We plan to eliminate those murderous critters upon their arrival. It also boosts our chances of clearing the second trial,” Randy explained, taking another step forward.
“Oh? I see. That's a clever idea,” Scott muttered, nodding in approval.
Randy's smile and that of his companions brightened. “I know, right? We just need to discuss a few rules, but I'm confident you guys will... hey, what are you doing?” Randy paused mid-step; his gaze fixed on a flame that had suddenly appeared in Scott's hand.
Scott locked eyes with Randy, and the blonde man instinctively retreated a few steps. Then, he observed as the flame descended onto the second piece of bread, transforming it into charred toast in an instant. Zara and Slim simultaneously kicked the wine jar from opposite sides, shattering the ceramic casing and releasing the fragrant wine onto the parched earth.
“Motherfucker!” Randy cursed, his face contorting with rage as he witnessed the wine saturate the surrounding sand. He lifted his head, a murderous gleam overshadowing his eyes. “How dare you betray us, boy! You think you'll be safe because...” Randy paused, interrupted by Scott's low chortle resonating in his ears. “You find this amusing, do you, boy?”
“Don't mind me; feel free to continue with whatever you were saying. I won't interrupt,” Scott remarked, his attention fixed on the system's notification. The trio reached a consensus to partake in the trial, and a new system message promptly materialized before them.
You will be granted permission into the Judgement Mountain when it opens! You have received a new Quest! Main Quest: Survive the Second Trial!
“I hope you meet a gruesome death, you swindling little fuck,” Randy cursed, flipping the trio off. Despite his burning desire to launch an attack, the realization that they might possess more power than his group held him back. The gods' established rules, too, served as a restraining force—only those weary of their existence would dare break them.
“You better watch your backs, you fuckers. We’ll come for you when our people arrive,” Randy declared.
Scott burst into laughter once more, shaking his head as he advanced toward Randy with swift steps. “You know what, Randy? Please, go ahead and do that.” Scott's eyes shifted from one champion to another, his pace quickening until he stood directly in front of Randy, mere inches between them. “I'd love to witness how a group of people who seem on the brink of starvation plan to chase after us,” Scott whispered.
“You think we're scared of…” Randy began, but Scott's hand rested on his shoulders, cutting him off. “Cut the crap, Randy. Do you think we're idiots? If you're going to concoct a bullshit story, at least make it believable. Given the first examiner's personality, there's no way they'd allow someone not intending to partake in the trial to be privy to its details.”
Randy's lips twitched at the corner as he narrowed his gaze. He began to speak, but Scott interjected. “I don't want to hear any excuses you might have. I'm sure you're eager to know how I discovered your exclusive information is nonsense. Unfortunately, I won't be sharing those details. If you're going to scam people, use your brain a little.” Scott chuckled, giving the man's shoulder a friendly pat, then left without uttering another word.
Randy remained frozen, bloodshot eyes fixed on the departing figure. “I hope you die miserably, you scamming piece of trash! People like you should do everyone a favor and just kill yourself."
He motioned towards his companions. “Let's go, boys.”
The group returned to their original position; their eyes still locked onto Zara's group. Meanwhile, the members of the hound extermination crew engaged in a silent discussion of their own.
“I won't deny it, I had a gut feeling those guys were up to no good, but the scale of the scam caught me off guard,” Slim admitted, casting a wary glance at the people around them. “Even if the other examiners aren't cut from the same cloth as that deceitful imp, it's highly improbable they'd permit an outsider to witness the trial. Considering the dire hunger plaguing everyone here, it begs the question of why they're steering clear of the trial.”
Zara's usually composed features hardened as she spoke, “Assuming there's a shred of truth in what they said, how do we navigate this trial?” she said before turning to Scott. “I've been thinking, but I can't fathom why they'd willingly endure starvation rather than attempting the trial.”
“I can answer that easily,” Scott declared, a smile playing on his lips, unseen by the others. “It's normal to think that way, but you have to consider the fact that we cleared the first trial in even less than a day. Look at those guys; they barely survived. Why they didn't accept the offers, I can't say. But their story about a creature or something is obviously fake.”
Zara interjected, her curiosity evident. “How do you know that?”
“The growls,” Scott replied, pointing toward the mist. Then he continued, “At first, I heard growls like everyone else, but then a song replaced it.”
This time, Slim interjected, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “A song?”
“Yes,” Scott affirmed, “I have a mental resistance skill, and I can say with complete certainty that whatever is in there uses mental-related abilities.” He explained in one breath.
Zara and Slim lapsed into contemplative silence, weighing their options. Scott's voice resurfaced, resonating in their ears. “I'm not some sadistic bastard withholding rations from them. But think about it, do you honestly believe that jerk will distribute the provisions evenly among the others? Picture this—you hand them food directly, and I bet they'll surrender everything to that guy. I've witnessed bullies in action; I know the extent of their ruthlessness. Nevertheless, if you're inclined to share food with them, I won't stop you. My personal choice shouldn't dictate yours.”
Slim and Zara lifted their heads, their eyes fixed on the dejected champions huddled in the corner. Occasionally, the champions' gazes shifted towards Randy's group.
Slim let out a sigh, shaking his head. “You haven't said anything wrong, buddy. Everyone in the tower is accountable for their own lives. If they lacked the capabilities to survive, they shouldn't have embarked on this journey.”
“Life is inherently unfair. Not everyone deserves the hardships that befall them, but we can't play saviors for everyone. Our foremost objective should be survival and the pursuit of our goals,” Zara whispered.
The participation window for the second trial has closed! The second trial will begin in 40 minutes! Details of the second trial! Warning! You are not permitted to share the details of the trial with non-participants! Instant soul imprisonment will befall those who flout the rules!
The Judgment Path! Description: A trial created by the gods to judge champions who possess the determination to continue climbing the tower of champions. Participants are expected to assemble groups of at least three members, with no specified limit. Each member within a group is bestowed with a beacon, a guiding light illuminating the path of judgment. Champions must accumulate a total of six beacons before the correct path of judgment unveils itself. In the event of a party member's demise, the required number of beacons adjusts proportionally to the new party size. Warning! Champions who lose all their beacons will be chased by judges of light. Every party is allotted a grace period of ten days to amass the necessary number of beacons. Failure to do so results in the loss of guiding lights, triggering a relentless pursuit by the Judges of Light. This pursuit will continue until the champions are either consumed or new champions express interest in the judgment path. Warning! Placing the beacons in the inventory will lead to the destruction of all items contained within, rendering the beacon itself devoid of light. Champions must exercise caution to safeguard both their beacons throughout the trial.
Scott, Zara, and Slim exchanged glances.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“You were absolutely right, buddy,” Slim admitted.
“I was wrong. I apologize for doubting you,” Zara said, her cheeks reddening as she avoided Scott's gaze.
“It's alright, guys. We're still getting to know each other; it's normal not to have complete trust just yet. It's possible we'll still have opposing opinions even if we reach the point of complete trust. What matters is that we have each other's backs.”
Zara raised her hand, gently patting the head of the half-human. “Consider yourself promoted to Zara's official Minion 01 now.”
Congratulations! Your party leader has granted you promotion!
Scott found himself torn between laughter and tears upon reading the system's message. Slim chuckled, casually dropping a hand onto Scott's shoulder. “Well, look at Minion 01 showing off. Congrats on the promotion.”
Zara flashed Scott a thumbs up. “You're putting in the hard work, number one. I have big expectations for your future.”
Slim and Zara burst into laughter, leaving Scott to shake his head while idly drumming his fingers on his mask. Unperturbed by Randy's group, they engaged in lighthearted banter amongst themselves, allowing time to slip away unnoticed.
The Judgment Path will soon be opened! Participants in the Judgment Path should prepare themselves!
Zara glanced over the new messages, then turned to the group. “So, what's our strategy, minions?”
“The same as before,” Scott replied, stretching his neck from side to side.
“Survive, and beat the living daylights out of anything that tries to kill us?” Slim chimed in with a smirk, his hands casually resting on Scott and Zara's shoulders.
“Exactly,” Scott and Zara said simultaneously. They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter, Slim quickly joining in. Meanwhile, the howls grew even louder, and a colossal, horned monster cast a dark shadow over the mountain path. The nearby champions who had lingered close to the trial's entrance hastily retreated, their gazes shifting between the trio laughing unaffectedly.
“Those three are complete nutjobs. Look at them, laughing in front of that monster,” Jimmy whispered.
Randy spat on the ground; his narrowed eyes fixed on Scott. “Those freaks are loaded, but all that good stuff is going to get wasted once they leave.”
“Forget about these guys; another opportunity will come with the next batch of losers. This time let's tweak our story a bit to cover all angles. Instead of claiming exclusive information, we should craft it in a way that makes them eager to initiate the exchange, avoiding any appearance of desperation,” one man suggested.
Randy shot a glance at the speaker. “Shut your smart ass up, Eugene. That was my idea; I just hadn't vocalized it yet. That's the plan, alright?”
The other men wore dry smiles, silently concurring with the speaker, and observed as Zara’s group proceeded toward the mountain path.
“I hope some monster tears you to pieces!” Randy's voice echoed through the air.
Scott halted abruptly, pivoting to face Randy. “Thanks for the pep talk, Randy. We'll be waiting for you. Don’t take too long, okay?” Scott chuckled, striding through the misty wall alongside Zara and Slim. The mist enveloped the trio, and they vanished.
“Freak!” Randy cursed as the trio disappeared. He then shifted his attention to the remaining champions. “What are you waiting for? Use your abilities to revive the bread and wine.”
Meanwhile, within the judgment path, the members of the hound extermination crew were engrossed in the cascade of new system notifications.
The second trial has started! You have received a new quest x2! Quest Side Quest: Gather six beacons! Side Quest: Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path!
Reward
Mana Points booster pill x5 (+5 Mana Points Boost) Random rare item! Map of ???
You have received a unique quest! The lesser god of darkness, ???, has made a special offer! Terms Eliminate as many judges of light as possible. Reward Favorability of the lesser god of darkness. Duration As long as the champion remains in the judgment path. Penalties Champions will suffer no consequences whether they fail to eliminate a judge or outrightly refuse the offer. Do you wish to accept the lesser god of darkness, ???, offer? Yes!
No!
Light beacons have been distributed!
Three beams of light descended from the misty skies, alighting in the palms of the trio before they could react. The light nestled into Scott and Zara’s hands, while penetrating Slim’s bones without causing any pain. A pulsating glow intermittently escaped from their hands, accompanied by a low, buzzing echo.
Scott averted his gaze from the system’s notification and the pulsating light, focusing on their new surroundings. Though he hadn't expected Hastur's gaze to pierce through the fog in an area managed by the gods, his vision was clearer than ever. The mountain path appeared broader than the entrance they had traversed, to the point where the gemstone-covered walls were obscured from view. In contrast to the preceding desert, the air was cool and refreshing, yet there was not a trace of life prowling the barren land. However, compared to the vast desert, the mountain path boasted giant rocks and boulders scattered across its expanse.
“I can barely see anything. We need to be careful,” Zara communicated mentally. The enveloping fog hindered her vision, and the only way she could discern her Slim and Scott’s positions was through the pulsating beacons.
“I have a clear view. Stick close to me,” Scott whispered.
“Really?” Zara asked; instinctively reaching for the arm of the masked man. “I knew you wouldn't let me down. Promoting you was the right choice.” She chuckled softly as Scott attempted to free his arm from her grasp. Frowning, she turned toward Slim. The necromancer had been silent since their arrival. She grabbed his hand with her free hand, her voice resonating in the mind of the skeleton. “Slim, are you alright?”
Slim erupted into laughter, but chills crawled down Zara's spine as she took a step back. Scott narrowed his gaze, observing the laughing necromancer. The mist surrounding the skeleton churned with fury, mirroring the crimson mist in the eyes of the necromancer.
“Slim, are you okay?” Scott inquired.
The skeleton turned toward his companions, a sadistic smile spreading across its bony visage. “I feel fantastic. There's a palpable surge of death energy here. If the desert was hell for me, this place is paradise,” he declared, as a dense ghoulish fog flickered within his empty eye sockets.
“Tone it down, man. You're freaking Zara out,” Scott mentally communicated.
Slim cocked his head backward, his features returning to normal as an embarrassed smile flashed across his face. “I got carried away, my bad. It's been a while since I've been in such a nice place,” Slim apologized with a sheepish grin.
“I'm demoting you to Minion 03,” Zara declared, wearing a playful pout.
“My leader, please don’t,” Slim said. He dashed toward the cat girl, massaging her shoulders as he pleaded his case.
Scott, on the other hand, focused on the beacon once more. It feels like I’m carrying a small weightless pebble. It’s a shame I can’t see anything with Hastur’s gaze, though.
He extended his hand toward the pulsating glow, enveloping it with his other hand, yet it did nothing to restrict the flickering lights. This could become a problem, Scott pondered.
Scott turned toward Slim and Zara, the duo nodding in agreement as they negotiated new terms in their minion and leader relationship. Returning his focus to the beacon, his expression soured. What the…?
Sinister black tendrils coiled around the once-illuminated device, forcefully snuffing out its light. These tendrils emanated from the intricate tattoos etched into his skin, remnants of the last time he had wielded the war-hammer of the mad god.
The pulsating glow on Scott’s hand vanished, prompting Zara and Slim to pivot their attention toward him. Despite his proximity, the mist enveloping his body obscured their view.
“Buddy, did you send your beacon to your inventory?” Slim queried, a hint of disbelief in his voice, unwilling to accept that Scott would undertake such an imprudent action. Zara blinked in disbelief as well, apprehensive about the potential repercussions of losing a beacon so soon.
A hand descended from behind, landing firmly on the shoulders of the duo. The feline emitted a startled scream while the skeleton let out a surprised yelp, and then a familiar voice followed, “Now you guys know how it feels.”
“Buddy? When did you get over here?” Slim muttered, his gaze fixed on the spot where Scott had stood moments ago. Scott's figure distorted like a puff of smoke, seamlessly merging with the surrounding fog.
Scott chuckled softly. “That’s why I said you guys should follow me. Let me see your hands. We need to take care of that glow.”
Scott raised his hand, revealing the blackened sphere obstructing the light.
“How did you even do this?” Zara asked in a daze as she extended her hand. Even without words, she understood the danger posed by the beacon, announcing their location with every pulsation.
Slim also stretched out his hand, and Scott pressed his thumbs against the bulge. The tendrils emerged from the tattoos once again, wrapping themselves around the light as if it were their adversary. In seconds, the blackened covering enveloped the shimmering light. Zara and Slim stood there, gazing at the now-vanished glow. Simultaneously, the surroundings became clearer than ever.
Beings blessed with madness have received the Imprint of Madness from you! Beings bearing the imprint of madness will retain their sanity around you! You will be able to devour madness from beings bearing your imprint! Imprint of madness has combined with your sigil! Those bearing your imprint of madness and sigil will be able to use ability, Madness Explosion! Madness Explosion has been updated!
Imprint of Madness! Imprint of Madness: All physical and abnormal stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated. Mana Points decrease by 50 when Imprint of Madness is activated. Mana Points decrease by 55 when Imprint of Madness is combined with another ability. Mana Points decrease by 60 and 70 when Imprint of Madness is combined with two or three abilities. Limit: 2/3. Warning: All physical and mental stats will drop by 7 if Madness stat drops below 50 after Imprint of Madness is activated.
A system notification materialized before Slim and Zara, revealing their newfound ability.
“Buddy, who exactly are…” Slim's words were abruptly interrupted by approaching footsteps, and five pulsating glows emerged from the path ahead.
“Hold that thought. It looks like we have some guests,” Scott remarked.
Zara brought her fists together, her clear eyes focused on the approaching figures. Five exquisite ladies, adorned in silk gowns, unveiled themselves. A melodious symphony echoed as the ladies sang with fervor, halting only a few feet away from the trio.
“Hello. Please surrender your beacons if you wish to maintain your sanity,” the leader of the group stated, extending her delicate hand toward the three.