The Array Lord's Inheritance (9)

After a long period of time which he didn't keep track of, Shui was ready to present his answer.

"From what I was shown, seven different landform types were transformed into a single desert through the use of a grand array. However, the array was only a means to an end. For someone powerful enough to make such a complex array, the process of desertification could have been completed much faster, and it wouldn't have needed to go through the normal steps. Therefore, I think that the main objective was to show this possibility. I believe the Array Lord wanted to show that even lush forests and lakes could become deserts under the right conditions, and considering the gradual development of the desert, the core law demonstrated should be that of 'growth'."

Although Shui was confident in his answer, his chest felt tight as he waited for a response. He thought he would have a chance to meet the man with the hidden face again, but this time he only heard a whisper that he had passed and felt himself be transported into a new space. As the darkness parted to reveal this new space, Shui was struck heavily by nostalgia. The design and grandeur of this place couldn't compare to the one in his mind, but it had a similar atmosphere.

Books, scrolls and tablets flew through the air like migratory birds, while bookshelves floated about with a set rhythm. Additionally, there was a bright sun in the sky that didn't feel hot, and abundant natural energy that could make anyone feel comfortable. It was obviously inferior, but Shui could feel his chest become filled with warm feelings because this place was very similar to the Primordial Library.

While Shui was still in awe, an explanation entered his mind. The space he was in was the Array Lord's grand library, which stored every document he owned besides his core inheritance, as well documents from fellow Array Lords. As the reward for reaching this far and in preparation of the final test, Shui was allowed to read everything here. There were several rules that he had to be mindful of, lest he be evicted from the inheritance test or worse, but they were basically the same as any other library rules. Although everything in the library was likely already in the archives of Shui's brain or on the way, he was ecstatic about this opportunity because reading was still an enjoyable hobby for him.

Soon after Shui began to explore the library, he noticed that someone else was already reading by a table laden with thick books. The sight of her back alone guaranteed her identity, so Shui calmly approached her.

"Emily."

Shui called out to her a few more times, but she seemed to be too focused to hear him so he tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped in fright and raised her guard immediately, but her wariness became embarrassment once she saw who was behind her.

"Shui."

"Sorry for disturbing you. Have you seen Maha?"

Emily shook her head with a sad expression. Despite their uncertain relationship, Emily wanted Maha to reach the last test with them, but she wasn't sure if Maha could pass the sixth test and the first part of the seventh test. Shui was of the same opinion, so he didn't try to comfort her and instead changed the subject.

"What are you reading?"

"Since I've realized that the Array Lord's focus is on the natural law of growth, I've been reading up on it for the final test."

"Oh, that's pretty diligent of you."

"Yeah, I won't be able to win against you if I don't do at least this much."

"You want to beat me?"

Emily nodded with a firm gaze. In most other cases, she didn't think she could compare to Shui, but she thought that she had a chance if they were competing using their talents in the field of arrays. A smile appeared on Shui's face in response to her declaration.

While brushing the top of her head with his hand, Shui accepted her challenge.

"Very well. I won't hold back you know."

"Good."

Meanwhile, an announcement rang in the brains of the other potential successors being tested.

'All participants have a week in standard continental time to pass Test 7: Compatibility I.'

The door to the palace closed itself after the batch of array masters from major-level forces entered, so by now all of the participants still inside the space had passed the first test. However, this announcement was the trigger that would lead to a jump in fatalities. Casualties had already appeared, but that wouldn't be discovered until the tests were finished and the door of the palace opened again.

Frightened by the appearance of a time limit when they didn't know how long the other tests would take, people taking the second test made simple mistakes that caused them to fail and be kicked out of the palace.

This was also the case for those taking the third test, and the fourth test was where such carelessness had dire consequences. Those who could reach the fourth test were smart enough to know that haste in the trap-riddled maze could kill them, but after making it that far they were even more reluctant to fail. However, the moment their fear of failing overcame their caution, a mistake was inevitable. Even those who could keep their emotions in check would be in peril if doing so cost them their concentration.

In just a day, half of those who were undergoing the fourth test died. Similarly, the danger of the fifth test shot up. This test was shorter than the fourth test so there were less chances for failure, but it required more thinking so a mistake in the planning stage was likely to be fatal.

Although the potential successors were dying at a horrifying pace, the will in charge of the inheritance remained indifferent. The first two to pass Test 7: Compatibility I, had done so in less than a week, so the time it had given should be possible for the rest of them if they had a similar level of ability.

As for those who failed to meet that requirement, they were insignificant. The conditions for the final test had already been met, so even if no one else made it to the grand library, there would be no problem.