Chapter 20: Trials Beyond Death

Chapter 20: Trials Beyond Death

With little hesitation, I pushed onward, drawn to the hollow promise of glory like a moth to a flame. The translucent timer before me ticked its final moments away:

[Third Trial available in: 00:00:13…]

I tightened my grip, anticipation buzzing in my veins. The moment the timer hit zero, the world twisted, a dizzying swirl of light and shadow. When it settled, I found myself standing in an opulent room, the air heavy with the scent of burning oil and aged wood.

The walls were adorned with ornate tapestries, their golden threads shimmering in the flickering torchlight. Intricate carvings of angelic figures danced along the stone pillars, each detail radiating a sense of divine sanctity. The temperature in the room was cool, almost unwelcoming, and the flickering torches cast shifting shadows that played tricks on my eyes.

I barely had time to absorb the scene before noticing the hooded figures surrounding me. Cloaked in pristine white robes trimmed with radiant gold, they formed a silent circle. Their obscured faces exuded an air of reverence and judgment. From their ranks, a young woman stepped forward.

Her bright smile was disarmingly warm, her green eyes shimmering with an unfamiliar kindness. The floral perfume that clung to her seemed incongruous in this sacred hall, yet it added an oddly human touch to the surreal scene.

"Hi!" she greeted, her voice cheerful and light as she leaned uncomfortably close. "You must be confused, but don't worry, you've been summoned as the hero!"

She gestured grandly as she spoke, her words flowing with impassioned fervor. Though her speech was lengthy, its essence was simple:

Save us from the Demon King.

Before I could respond, a translucent screen materialized before me, its sudden appearance cutting through her fervor like a blade.

[Third to ? Trial] 

[Description: Achieve fame and feats. Each feat will be counted as one trial. Field of Swords is temporarily disabled.] 

[Progression: Kill the Demon King: 0/1. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???.] 

[Time limit: 364 days 23:58:29…]

The question marks unsettled me. What did they mean? How many trials awaited me? My thoughts swirled with unease, only to be interrupted by the girl's insistent voice.

"Hero? Hero!" she called, her words snapping me back to reality. "The king awaits you."

Two armored guards flanked me as I followed her down a grand corridor. The red carpet beneath our feet muffled our steps, leading to a pair of towering golden doors. As they swung open, the grandeur of the throne room stole my breath.

Tall stained-glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of light, the patterns shifting with the flickering sun. Along the walls, guards stood at attention, their gazes sharp and unwavering. At the far end of the room sat a throne, its surface glimmering with embedded jewels.

Seated upon it was a corpulent man, his white hair stark against his gilded crown. His robes strained against his bulk, and his hands rested heavily on the golden armrests. His eyes bore into me, assessing.

"Welcome, hero," he said, his voice soft yet commanding as it echoed through the chamber. "You've been summoned by the goddess herself to save this world from the Demon King's wrath."

I stared at him, my mind racing. How strong was I compared to this world? Was I a savior, or a pawn? My hand instinctively moved to my side, seeking my sword and shield, but they weren't there. My attire was unfamiliar, stripped of the armor and weapons I had grown accustomed to in the Field of Swords.

Summoning the screen, I visualized my blade. In an instant, it materialized before me, falling from the screen. I caught it midair, its weight reassuring in my hand. Without a word, I charged forward.

Gasps and shouts erupted, reverberating through the hall as I stormed down the crimson carpet. The king's face twisted in terror, his double chin quivering as he raised a pudgy hand in protest. My blade sliced through the air, its edge meeting his neck with unerring precision. The resistance was brief but visceral, and his head tumbled to the ground, leaving a trail of crimson in its wake.

Ding!

A new screen appeared, its words crisp and unforgiving:

[Achievement Complete!] 

[Kingslayer] 

[Details: Killed a king other than the Demon King.]

"Kill him!" a voice roared, snapping me from the brief euphoria.

I turned to see a man in ornate armor, his eyes blazing with fury. His presence exuded power, a dangerous aura that dwarfed the guards around him.

The soldiers closed in, their polished armor glinting as they drew their weapons. My gaze darted around the hall, searching for an escape. The entrance was too far, but a massive stained-glass window loomed behind the throne. It was my only chance.

I surged toward it, cutting down a few guards who dared block my path. Their pristine white robes darkened with blood, the golden trim stained beyond repair. Summoning my shield, I braced it against my shoulder and crashed through the window.

The fall was longer than I anticipated. The wind roared in my ears as I plummeted toward the ground, my body bracing for impact. When I hit, the earth greeted me with bone-shattering force.

Pain exploded through me, my legs snapping like dry twigs. Agony consumed me, but I lived. Crawling desperately, I dragged myself away, my breath ragged.

A shadow fell over me, blotting out the sun. I looked up to see the commander, his face twisted in grim determination. His armored boot descended, and my world went black.

When I opened my eyes, I was back in the same hall. The girl's cheerful voice greeted me once more, her speech repeating like a broken record.

But this time, the screen had changed:

[Third to ? Trial] 

[Description: Achieve fame and feats. Each feat will be counted as one trial. Field of Swords is temporarily disabled. Death is activated.] 

[Progression: Kill the Demon King: 0/1. Kingslayer: 1/1. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???. ???.] 

[Time limit: 364 days 23:45:58…]

Death?

A cold shiver ran down my spine. The safety net I had relied on was gone.

As the king's voice welcomed me once more, I clenched my fists. There would be no reckless moves this time. Survival was paramount.

I would tread carefully. I couldn't afford to die again.