Chapter 33: Restless Resolve

Elias sat in silence at the inn's table, his fingers lightly tapping against the wooden surface. The meal before him had gone cold, barely touched. His body ached from the battles in the Cursed Citadel, and despite regaining his strength after defeating Nythra, a deep exhaustion clung to him. It wasn't just his body-it was his mind, his soul.

The city's noise buzzed around him, but it felt distant, like an echo from another life. He had changed. He could feel it in the way his muscles tensed even in a place of safety, in the way his thoughts wandered back to the Trial, to the battles, to the power he had gained. He had become stronger. Yet, as he sat there, he wondered-was he still himself?

His fingers clenched into a fist. He couldn't afford to hesitate now. He had a goal, a purpose. He wouldn't let doubt slow him down.

After paying for his meal, he stood up and left the inn, stepping into the cool night air. The streets of the city were still alive, filled with merchants closing their stalls, adventurers exchanging stories, and travelers seeking rest. But Elias walked with purpose, his mind set on his next move.

The first thing he needed to do was check the rewards he had earned from the Trial. He had defeated two Boss Gods already, and that meant he had access to the Trial's reward system at the Adventurer's Guild.

He pushed open the large doors of the guild, stepping inside. The familiar scent of parchment, steel, and burning torches filled the air. The guild was quieter at this hour, but there were still adventurers scattered around, some resting, others discussing future expeditions.

Elias approached the counter, where an older guild official sat flipping through records. The man barely looked up.

"I'm here to claim my rewards," Elias said, his voice calm but firm.

The guild official glanced up, adjusting his spectacles as he eyed Elias. "Name?"

"Elias."

The man flipped through a few pages, then nodded. "Ah, you cleared the first two layers. Impressive. Few make it past the first." He reached under the counter and pulled out two objects wrapped in cloth, placing them in front of Elias. "Your official rewards."

Elias unwrapped them, revealing two glowing stones-Trial Essence Crystals, infused with divine power. Each crystal represented his victory over a Boss God.

"You can exchange these for powerful abilities or artifacts, the guild official explained. "Or, if you prefer, you can store them for later use."

Elias picked up one of the crystals, feeling the raw power pulsing within. This was proof of his victories. Proof that he was climbing the tower.

But before he could decide what to do, a voice cut through the air behind him..

"Well, well, if it isn't the weakling who caused a scene last time."

Elias turned, eyes narrowing as he saw the same high-ranking adventurer he had encountered before the arrogant warrior who had looked down on him when he first arrived. This time, though, the man's smirk wasn't filled with

condescension-it was cautious, almost wary.

"I see you're still alive," the man continued, crossing his arms. "Didn't think you'd last this long."

Elias exhaled slowly, keeping his composure. "And yet, here I am."

The adventurer scoffed. "Tch. Guess you're not completely useless. But don't get cocky. The deeper you go, the worse it gets. You may have survived the first two layers, but that doesn't mean you'll last in the third."

Elias wasn't in the mood for meaningless taunts. He had nothing to prove to this man. "I'll take my chances," he said simply, pocketing the crystals and turning away.

The adventurer clicked his tongue but didn't push further. It seemed even he recognized that Elias was no longer the same weakling from before.

Elias left the guild, stepping back into the night. He glanced at the crystals in his hand. He could feel the power within them, the divine energy waiting to be harnessed. He would need to make a decision soon on how to use them.

As he walked through the streets, his mind drifted to Althea. He had spotted her earlier, but their conversation had been brief. She was still a mystery, her words filled with duty and conviction.

For some reason, he found himself searching for her, following the streets to where he had last seen her disappear.

He didn't know why, but something about her presence had steadied him, even if only for a moment.

And right now, with everything weighing on his shoulders, he needed that steadiness.

End of Chapter 33