You’re being watched by several lesser gods and Gods! Several lesser gods are contemplating sponsoring you! The lesser god of illusions is angered by the sudden interest in you! The lesser god of illusions is encouraging other lesser gods to make you an offer! The lesser god of illusions is laughing sinisterly!
The barrage of system messages reverberated in Scott's ears, yet the eldritch knight directed his attention to the unfamiliar surroundings. A briny aftertaste clung to the back of his tongue, accompanied by the swishing echoes of cascading waves that filled his ears. Beige beach sand encircled the half-human, its bank bordered by a pristine sea with sparkling waters devoid of any impurities. As Scott raised his head, sunrays filtered through the clear blue skies above. He turned in every direction, searching for Slim or the berserkers, and a confidence in his reality assured him it wasn't a mere illusion.
“What is this place?” Scott's brows furrowed as his thoughts meandered. Hastur's gaze had failed to detect anything unusual on the beach or its surroundings. “I can't communicate with Slim or Zara, and there's no sign that anyone has been here.” Scott scrutinized the surrounding sand, failing to discern any footprints or boot marks on the fine grains.
“Could this be a hidden stage or something?” He crouched, scooping up a handful of sand. The warm grains sifted through his fingers, and the eldritch knight observed as the briny winds whimsically scattered them.
The lesser god of misfortune offers to… You have rejected the offer! The lesser god of misfortune offers… You have rejected the offer! The lesser god of illusions is choking while laughing! The lesser god of misfortune is displeased! The lesser god of illusions encourages the lesser god of misfortune to be persistent! The lesser god of misfortune… You have rejected the offer! The lesser god of misfortune is now chasing the lesser god of illusions! The lesser god of illusions is crying while laughing and running!
Scott lowered his gaze, glancing at the tendril who swaggered up his arm as it made its way back to the mask. It seems the lesser god of illusions is doing their best to piss off those close to him.
Scott chuckled, not bothering himself with the shenanigans of the lesser gods. He stood up, focusing on the serene sea in front of him. They either intentionally separated us, or this is some kind of continuation of the maze. There’s also the probability I’m the only one experiencing something like this, Scott frowned at the thought.
He turned, staring at the massive jungle behind him. Like the surrounding waters and sand, he noticed nothing special about them.
Although it looks relatively calm from this place, I can tell this is the maze. The only problem now is where the others were sent to. Scott turned toward the sea again. If I remember correctly, that furball said a means to reach Togan will reveal itself; I wonder what it meant. Could there be something like submarines in the tower?
Scott took a step forward as his thoughts wandered. Although he couldn’t sense any danger within his immediate surroundings, he believed it was best to explore the beach, rather than doing nothing.
“System, can you establish a connection with the lesser god of illusions?” Scott asked mentally, the gentle wind tousling his hair.
Request denied! Active communication between non-sponsored champions and lesser gods or Gods is prohibited during an active trial!
Scott paused in his tracks, frowning. Since when was there a rule like that? Damn it. I was hoping I could find out something about this place from him.
He released a heavy sigh before resuming his solitary journey. The eldritch knight pressed on for thirty minutes, yet the scenery that met his gaze remained unchanged—a pristine and enchanting beach bordered by an ominous forest, its trees looming like silent sentinels, and crystalline waters that seemed almost transparent. The half-human persisted for another half-hour before coming to a halt.
I guess this is as far as I’ll go. This place is too massive for me to be walking aimlessly. I’ll have to wait it out for the next couple of days. Hopefully, Slim and Zara are okay.
Scott approached a nearby tree with gentle steps, settling comfortably under its shade. Retrieving dry rations from his inventory, he shifted his mask partially to the side.
“You’re enjoying yourself, huh,” a familiar figure on the ground giggled.
Scott turned to the side, staring at the figure. “This should be the part where you explain where the hell I am, or are you going to stay there and watch me eat?”
Deevok laughed, expertly jumping to its feet. “I wonder what I’m going to do,” it giggled, twirling as it closed the distance.
Scott, however, continued stuffing his mouth as the playful examiner inched closer. The wooly creature stood a few feet away from Scott, tapping its feet repeatedly as if dancing.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“No,” Scott answered without pause.
Deevok burst out laughing, snorting as it danced even harder. “So, how did you know about the exits?”
“Why bother asking for my opinion if you're going to ask anyway?” Scott sighed, popping a few mushrooms into his mouth before turning toward the instructor, his demeanor as nonchalant as ever. “What's in it for me if I spill the beans?” Scott glanced at the examiner, deftly adjusting his mask.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Deevok ceased its dance, taking a step closer to the masked champion. “How about a little wager? If you win, you can request anything, no matter how outrageous it may be.”
“Let's not make promises you can't keep,” Scott interjected, intrigued by the creature's proposition.
Deevok chuckled softly, twirling and closing the distance even further. “Who said I can't keep my promises? The lesser gods and the Almighty are all watching; they can be our witnesses.” The examiner paused in front of Scott, resuming his dance.
Scott narrowed his gaze as a flowery fragrance wafted through the air. While one might have expected the examiner to exude an earthy stench, its fur not only smelled delightful but also appeared inviting to the touch.
“So, what kind of competition are we talking about, and what's the payoff?” Scott inquired, maintaining his position.
“All I want is to know how you cracked the puzzle,” Deevok giggled before adding, “As for the competition, let's make it a good old-fashioned battle.”
Scott rolled his eyes, ready to dismiss the proposal. However, before he could, the examiner cut him off with a continuation. “Don't worry about the risk of injury, whether physical or mental. Death is also off the table. You have my word as an examiner,” Deevok said, intensifying its dance.
Several lesser gods are excited by the possibility of watching a fight between a champion and an examiner! Several lesser gods are taking bets on the potential winner of the battle! The lesser god of illusions has staked a huge fortune on you winning the battle! The lesser god of misfortune is cursing the lesser god of illusions! The current odds estimate you will lose the competition miserably! The lesser god of illusions is cheering for you! The lesser god of misfortune is reluctantly cheering for you! The lesser god of illusions asks the lesser god of misfortune to cheer more enthusiastically, or they will withdraw their bribe! The lesser god of misfortune is excitedly cheering for you!
Scott glanced at the system’s messages. Do they think I’m an idiot or something? Why would I take part in something so overwhelmingly against me?
Scott rose from his seat, unmoved by the raucous cheers of the mischievous lesser god of illusions. His attention squarely on Deevok, the eldritch knight declared, “I have no intentions of—” But his voice abruptly trailed off, silenced by several tendrils that spontaneously covered his mouth, the mask unable to hinder their intrusion. These tendrils twisted and morphed independently, seamlessly mimicking the movements of a human mouth. From behind this living disguise, a voice strikingly similar to Scott’s resonated, stating, “I’ll participate.”
“Good,” Deevok giggled, lifting its head toward the heavens. “Esteemed lesser gods, unfortunately, I must conclude the transmission here. In adherence to the rules, it would be unfair to expose the abilities of unsponsored candidates to potential rivals and adversaries.”
Several lesser gods are bitterly expressing their disappointment! Several lesser gods are cursing the examiner! The lesser god of misfortune refuses to return the bribe! The lesser god of illusions is crying and hoping for a miracle!
Scott stared at the cascade of system notifications, each disappearing in succession. The tendrils had retracted into the mask, leaving the eldritch knight in perplexed silence. The struggle against the tendrils acting independently was one challenge, but now the examiner, Deevok, emitted a series of unsettling creaks and cracks, his body contorting in response.
A bewildered Scott stepped back; his narrowed eyes fixed on the examiner. Sinister giggles had morphed into something more ominous. Human arms extended from the soft fur, and the once diminutive figure transformed into an average-height humanoid. A concentrated black mass covered its right eye, while a slit amber variant obscured the other. Eerie spots squirmed on its gangly limbs, resembling something alive. Amidst these changes, Scott's attention fixated on the creature's face.
In disbelief, Scott muttered, “What the hell is happening?” He retreated another step, locking eyes with the now-smiling examiner. Despite the unique eyes, Deevok bore an uncanny resemblance to the boatman from the burning river.
“No way. How is this possible?” Scott muttered, incredulous. He studied the examiner's face intently, preparing for an imminent confrontation.
“I mean you no harm, possessor of the war-hammer of the Mad God,” Deevok's raspy voice echoed, taking a step forward and steadying himself against a nearby tree.
Scott's anxiety heightened; nevertheless, the examiner unraveled the mystery shrouding the tendrils that constricted his mouth. Resembling the boatman, it seemed likely that he harbored belief in the Mad God or, at worst, served as a subordinate. The eldritch knight released a deep breath, observing as Deevok acclimated to his altered form.
“What's happening?” Scott inquired, easing his stance. “What connection do you have with the boatman overseeing the burning river?”
“I am but a humble servant of the great one. I dare not claim kinship with the exalted ones,” Deevok released the tree and approached Scott with measured steps. “I have waited patiently for you, the one bestowed with the seal of the exalted one.”
Before the half-human could delve further, the examiner prostrated himself on the ground, bowing repeatedly in worship. Simultaneously, the darkness veiling the mask churned vigorously, tendrils shooting out and ensnaring the reverent examiner.
Deevok emitted a soft moan as the tendrils burrowed through his flesh, his skin contorting to the whims of the intrusive invaders. Moments later, the tendrils retracted to the mask, and the examiner lifted his head, eyes ablaze with fervor.
“I understand your confusion, but rest assured, a glorious destiny awaits you,” Deevok spoke as he stood, though his head remained bowed.
“How much do you know of the great old ones?” the examiner suddenly asked.
Scott tensed up for a moment. “Tell me what you know.” The knowledge had eluded him for some reason; now that Deevok had mentioned it, he intended to satisfy his curiosity.
Deevok prostrated on the ground again, confusing Scott. “The unspeakable one, I vow I shall say nothing you do not permit.” Deevok raised his head, meeting Scott’s gaze.
However, the eldritch knight frowned. Although they were the only ones present, Scott felt like Deevok was addressing someone else.
Scott opened his mouth, but he couldn’t speak. Instead, a voice echoed from the mask. “Speak,” it said, and the restrictions disappeared.
Deevok bowed once more before standing. “What I’m about to reveal must never be spoken, especially to those who rule the current era.” Scott instinctively nodded.
“The tower has always been a war zone for champions seeking ultimate glory—a seat at the table as one of the most powerful gods in the universe,” Deevok declared slowly. “Amidst the chaos of the trials, a hidden yet even more brutal contest exists between the lesser gods and the gods.” Deevok paused again, and his voice turned more sinister. “Despite the intensity of the battles between the gods, they ultimately end without any fatalities. However, a third contest exists, one you’re destined to participate in.”
“What contest is that?” Scott interjected.
“The contest between the rulers of the old era and those of the current era,” Deevok declared. “Unlike the undying battles between the gods, entities beyond your wildest imagination have, and will, lose the very essence of their beings in those battles.”