Silence stretched between Scott and Deevok as they exchanged glances, a tense atmosphere enveloping the duo. The battle among the gods was daunting, but an even more formidable confrontation with unknown entities sent shivers down the spine of the eldritch knight.
Breaking the silence, Scott's voice was low and weighty as he asked, “Who are these entities you speak of?”
Deevok responded with a silent shake of his head. “I can't answer that,” he said, awkwardly averting his gaze.
Although disappointed, Scott didn't dwell on the topic. “What's the relationship between Hastur and the Mad God?” he inquired.
Once again, Deevok shook his head, his smile growing even more awkward. “I can't answer that, either.”
Frustration warped Scott's voice. “What can you tell me, then?”
“I can offer some assistance in your ascent.” A golden orb materialized in Deevok's hand, and he continued, “With this, you'll be able to find and communicate with the followers of the Mad God. You'll surely need their help at some point.”
Deevok tossed the golden item toward Scott, who caught it absentmindedly. The dazzling metal was cold to the touch, sending a tingling sensation through the fingers of the eldritch knight. Hastur's gaze can't discern anything strange, but for some reason, I have a bad feeling about this thing, Scott mused, frowning as he deliberated what to do with the orb. Unbeknownst to him, several tendrils sneaked out from the mask, subtly latching onto the golden sphere.
“Huh? When did this get here?” Scott noticed and attempted to sever the wandering critters. However, several more emerged from the swirling darkness, wrapping themselves around the fist-sized orb. Without warning, they dragged the orb into the mask, and a faint but noticeable golden tinge appeared within the swirling darkness.
“Unfortunately, I can't divulge more due to certain restrictions I'm not at liberty to discuss,” Deevok apologized, bowing.
Scott's attention briefly shifted to the examiner, but his thoughts were elsewhere. There were too many unknowns, and the deliberate obstruction of information only intensified his frustration.
Amid the lingering silence, Deevok raised his head once more. “I didn't mention this earlier due to more pressing matters, but your companions are safe. They've been sent to the sanctuaries of their sponsors, and you'll likely reunite with them in Togan—provided they survive the journey.”
Scott snapped out of his contemplative state, locking eyes with the examiner. “What do you mean 'if they survive the journey'? What's going to happen next?”
“Firstly, your starting point and theirs differ significantly. You've arrived here naturally because you lack sponsorship from any god." Deevok gestured toward the crystal-clear waters. "At the appointed time, the waters will part, revealing a path to Togan.”
Scott's expression soured. “Are you suggesting we'll have to traverse the ocean floor?”
Deevok nodded without hesitation. “You'll have a day to reach the ocean's floor before the divide closes. Once there, you need not worry about being swept away or feeling any pressure. All that's left is to find Togan,” Deevok explained.
Scott's expression turned even more hideous behind his mask. The ocean stretched as far as the eyes could see, and there was no telling where exactly Togan was located.
“If you return to your initial starting point, it will take you a week to get to Togan if you walk normally. By 'normally' in this instance, I mean a continuous day-and-night trek, walking in a straight line from the starting position,” Deevok clarified.
“Are there any creatures I should be wary of?” Scott asked, resigned to his fate.
Deevok shook his head. “No,” he said, pointing at the serene waters again. “It will be only you in there. Others will set off from different locations, and they too will be alone. Lest I forget, it will be dark and perfectly silent. It's not uncommon for several champions to be driven to madness during and after the trial.”
“What about those starting from the sanctuaries? Are they going through this too?” Scott asked.
“Yes, but theirs is a little different. Unlike the unsponsored, those in the same sanctuaries will travel in groups. They are less likely to succumb to insanity that way, and they also tend to reach Togan much faster than the unsponsored,” Deevok patiently explained.
Ember wasn't kidding when she said the trial would only get harder from now on, Scott thought.
Silence loomed over the duo again until Scott snapped out of his pensive state, meeting the eyes of the examiner. “How much do you know about time-travel?”
This time, Deevok's features turned ugly, and he instantly clicked his fingers. At that same moment, lightning tore through the perfect skies, disappearing as soon as it appeared.
Deevok anxiously scanned the tranquil skies for a minute before turning towards Scott. “The knowledge you seek is considered taboo.” The examiner leaned in, his voice a low whisper. “However, it's within reach. You'll uncover more as you ascend the tower.”
Scott nodded, inhaling deeply. “What can you disclose about Togan and the rest of the trial?”
“Due to certain constraints, I can't divulge much. Yet, your experience in the forest is just a tiny fraction of what Togan holds for you.” Deevok snapped his fingers once more, stepping back. Then, he continued, “Surviving Togan requires genuine determination and unyielding ruthlessness. Without these, one wouldn't endure for long, let alone conquer its challenges. That being said, I have high expectations that you'll progress to the next floor.”
“Then why...?” Scott's words were abruptly cut off by a deafening explosion, causing the forest to quake. The eldritch knight and examiner instinctively looked up at the skies. A colossal fist collided against an illusionary barrier, the sole defense preventing the planetary invader from obliterating the island.
“What in the world is that thing?” Scott recoiled, taking another step back. His wide eyes trembled as he focused on the cosmic smog veiling the entity behind the monstrous fist.
Amidst the chaos, Deevok’s voice resonated in the ears of the half-human. “Don't look at it,” he anxiously advised. “Here, take this.”
Scott turned towards the anxious examiner, who hastily tossed a small bottle in his direction. Deevok’s body contorted without warning, shrinking as his limbs and head shortened once more, until he returned to his wooly appearance.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The examiner made a beeline for Scott, arriving before the champion could react. Then, he created multiple holes in Scott's garments while forcing him to the ground. The examiner bounced excitedly while clicking his fingers. At that same moment, the massive fist disappeared along with the tremors, and a flurry of system messages appeared.
Several lesser gods are jubilating! The lesser god of illusions is crying bitterly! The lesser god of illusions is in severe emotional pains! The lesser god of misfortune is laughing at and sympathizing with the lesser god of illusions! Several lesser gods are laughing at the lesser god of illusions! Several lesser gods are pleased with your loss! Several lesser gods are pleased you made them a small fortune! A few lesser gods are displeased with your loss! You have been banned from two sanctuaries! Several lesser gods are pleased the administrator intervened!
Deevok's laughter echoed through the air. “Esteemed gods, my sincerest apologies for our extended offline status. However, fear not, for I have emerged triumphant from the battle and uncovered the knowledge I sought. I extend a heartfelt invitation to join me in observing the remaining champions as they endeavor to navigate their way out of the forest. You're also welcome to keep an eye on him.” Deevok pointed casually at Scott. “Though, I must warn you, it promises to be rather uneventful,” he added, twirling gracefully mid-jump.
Several lesser gods have stopped watching you! The lesser god of illusions offers… You have rejected the offer! The lesser god of illusion says you have no conscience! The lesser god of misfortune reminds the lesser god of illusions they placed a bet on their own volition! The lesser god of illusions is accusing the lesser god of misfortune for bringing misfortune! The lesser god of illusions has stopped watching you! The lesser god of misfortune has stopped watching you!
Deevok twirled once more. “Getting to Togan won't be easy, you know.”
The creature chuckled before disappearing into the earth. Meanwhile, Scott lay still, his vacant eyes fixed on the azure expanse above. Seconds merged into minutes, and minutes into hours, yet Scott maintained the same posture, his lifeless gaze focused on the canvas of the sky. The soft rustling of the bushes provided the only background noise.
“It's time to go back,” Scott decided, sitting up and brushing off the loose sand from his clothes and hair. Observing the state of his torn garments, he could only sigh before rising. Without a word, the eldritch knight embarked on his solitary journey back to the starting point.
Night descended upon the enchanting island; the moon's dazzling reflection adorned the pristine waters below. The warmth of the day was replaced by gentle yet chilly winds, and the rhythmic waves from the sea reverberated in the silence of the night.
Seated once again under the moonlight, Scott focused his entrancing eyes on the pill Ember had gifted him. The eldritch knight played with the magnificent creation for a moment before tilting his mask to the side. Without hesitation, he tossed the pill into his mouth, swallowing it in a single gulp. The powdery sphere dissolved as it slid down his throat, unleashing a fiery burst of energy with a spicy aftertaste.
Scott hastily shed his clothes, his skin reddening and emitting heat hazes in mere seconds. A burning sensation gripped his insides. Damn it! It feels like my guts are getting roasted. Is this supposed to happen?
Desperate for relief, he rolled on the cold beach sand, hoping to quell his rapidly rising body temperature. Instead, the heat intensified with each passing moment. Beads of sweat dripped down his naked, reddened form, compelling the eldritch knight to roll toward the water. A hiss echoed as Scott reached the shore, and steam enveloped the area.
What the hell was that? It was like I was being cooked alive.
Gasping for breath, he watched as his skin gradually returned to its normal appearance. However, relief transformed into confusion, then shock. What in the world…? He ran his fingers over his body, discovering that unlike before when he appeared sickly and malnourished, his skin now boasted a healthy hue and brimmed with energy. His physique had undergone a considerable change, and his muscles quivered with newfound strength, as if they were sentient and reveling in their enhanced vitality.
Congratulations! You have leveled up X7!
Scott’s mouth opened as the system’s messages rang out nonstop. This is beyond ridiculous. How did a pill meant for only boosting one’s physical well-being let me level up seven fucking times?
You have absorbed 60% of the dragon pill! The Mask of the Eldritch Knight has observed 10% of the dragon pill! 20% of the dragon pill has been modified due to your connection with the abyssal void! You have gained a new energy source! Energy Source: Inferno! 10% of the dragon pill remains dormant in your body!
You have gained four new Middle-tier abilities!
Ability Dragon Scales! Dragon Aura! Fusion! Regeneration!
Abilities, Corrupted Mend and Regeneration are being merged! Congratulations! You have gained a new High-tier ability! Ability: Eldritch Regeneration!
Scott's mouth fell open behind his mask, his eyes widening at the cascade of system notifications. How in the world did a mere physical well-being booster unleash such a flurry of effects? He fixated on his chiseled body, bathed in the moonlight's glow. It dawned on him that Ember had grossly underestimated—or deliberately concealed—the pill's capabilities, perhaps for her own amusement.
Contemplating the possible hidden motives behind Ember's gift, Scott muttered, “I don't know if there's some ulterior motive, but I'm relieved I didn't trade it away. If I'd known its true potential, I would've consumed it much sooner.” With this realization, he approached his scattered clothes, hastily concealing his nakedness while retrieving a jar of gruff wine from his inventory.
“Now's as good a time as any for a drink. Too bad Slim and Zara aren't here,” he remarked, opening the jar, and releasing its fruity aroma into the night air. Left alone with his thoughts and newfound strength, the eldritch knight savored each sip beneath the mesmerizing glow of the moon.