An Act to Stay

Calm down, Dexter. The spell might just need more time to activate… For now, I have no choice but to pretend to be Daylan. It's the only option I've got.

Dexter rested his hand on the door handle and took a deep breath.

"I need to understand this world, at least for now—and do whatever I can to get Daylan out of this ridiculous loan… but what was that trial thing he mentioned?"

His mind was at ease, but his body wasn't. His hand trembled as it rested on the handle, he twisted it open.

Before him were Daylan's mother and Zira, clinging to each other on the floor. The moment they noticed him, they rushed forward, checking to see if he was alright.

"Are you alright? Did he touch you?"

Dexter swallowed nervously and gave a firm nod, bowing slightly. He apologized for his earlier behavior, but the sight of their tear-streaked faces made his heart sink.

The love this family had for Daylan was unlike anything Dexter had ever known—not even during the time his parents were alive.

"I promise, I will pass the Fate Trial and pay the debt!" He blurted.

What am I saying?

The mother smiled. "I know you will, Daylan. I know you will."

Dexter's mind drifted, troubled by the thought—why had he given them hope when he didn't even understand what the trial was about?

He stood motionless, masking his confused expression with a faint smile. In that instant, some burst into the house.

It was a girl with long red hair tied into a ponytail, dressed in a black shirt, a gray waistcoat, and a black cravat. She held a massive sword—its red-orange blade glowed like it was filled with fire. The guard was large and jagged, with a fiery red gem embedded at its center.

She gazed at Dexter, raged. Without a moment's hesitation, she strode forward and slapped Dexter across the face. 

Dexter clutched his face in agony, his fist and teeth clenched tightly. He was furious—why was everyone treating him like a punching bag?

"Killing yourself? Seriously?… I went through the trouble of registering you for the Fate Trial, and you were just going to quit?"

Dexter's expression darkened, his eyes wide as he stared at the girl. In an instant, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside with him.

They stepped onto a beautifully paved street, bustling with people and carriages moving to and from a bridge spanning a river. The bridge itself was crowned by a massive Gothic cathedral, its towering spires reaching high into the sky.

It was beautiful—exactly the kind of scene Dexter would write about in his novels. He was lost in thought, admiring the beauty, until the girl snapped him out of it.

"Yeah, right." He took a deep breath, scanning around. To their left was an alley, he motioned for them to go there rather.

"Now, talk!" She said firmly.

Dexter cleared his throat. "It's obvious that you and I know each other, but for some reason, I've lost my memories… I think it's a side effect of my attempted suicide."

"Day… I'm not in the mood for your jokes. I have a quest to complete."

"Trust me, it seems absurd—even to me. But I seriously can't remember anything, not even your name."

They both locked eyes, staring intensely at each other.

The girl let out a sigh. "Okay, let's make it quick. Do you remember anything at all?"

"Yes, I guess. I know I wanted to kill myself because I had no hope of passing the Fate Trial since I've already failed the Luck and Worth Trials… I think that's all."

"Come on, Day, just that?"

Dexter gave an awkward nod.

She reached for her forehead in disappointment. "Well… I am Medora, your childhood friend…your only friend."

Dexter smiled. In his past life, he had no friends—not a single one—so Medora's insistence that he had no friends except for her was amusing. It didn't work on him.

"Okay, Medora."

"No. You call me, Dora."

"Sorry, Dora. What did you mean by I made you register for the Fate Trial? What exactly are the trials?"

Medora raised her sword, and in an instant, it vanished. She folded her arms across her chest, shaking her head.

"There are three trials that each person can face: the Luck Trial—the first, the Worth Trial—the second, and finally, the Fate Trial.

Once a trial is completed, the person is granted an ability by the Gods—the God of Luck, the God of Worth, and the God of Fate.

The Luck Trial is the easiest, and once completed, an ability is granted based on luck—such as healing powers or enhanced strength. Next is the Worth Trial, where the person is given an artifact—like my sword—based on their worth. The strength of the artifact and its abilities depend on the person's worth. Finally, the Fate Trial, the hardest of them all. Once completed, the ability granted is superior to all others, always coming in at the advance level, unlike the others which start at the novice level."

Dexter stood still, his mouth slightly parted.

"What happens with the trial? And what makes the fate trial different?"

"Everyone's trial is different. In my Luck Trial, all I had to do was to help a fairy, but you…you were tasked with fighting a giant ogre.

But most people who attempted the Fate Trial failed, and many never returned. Only a few have actually succeeded in passing their Fate Trials."

Based on what Medora said, Dexter was able to get a slight idea of the system. But most of his questions remained unanswered.

"What happened in your Fate Trial?"

She laughed. "There's no way I will take that trial. Completing two trials is a rarity already… only the Vital Five managed to complete all three trials. I'm an intermediate rank, I can only dream of mastery."

Dexter wore a confused expression. "The trials aren't compulsory? Why am I taking all the trials then?"

Medora took a deep breath. "Because without an ability you can't get a job!!… your Fate Trial is in three days, get your memories before then."

She turned and began walking away. "I have monsters to slay. See you in a bit."

Dexter stood motionless, watching her walk away, his mind racing with thoughts about what Medora had said. Having written enough fantasy novels, he had a deeper understanding of everything she mentioned.

He strolled forward, his gaze shifting to the building behind the bridge. It was obvious—if abilities were granted by gods and a grand church stood at the center of the city, then the world was ruled by the church.

Dexter strolled down the street, studying his surroundings as the sun-scorched above him. Adventurers wandered by, bottles of booze in hand, drunken laughter filling the air. Merchants hawked their wares, while fancy carriages passed by, their passengers clad in elegant suits.

The smiles on their faces were outstanding, unlike anything Dexter had seen before. Is the whole city this happy? He wondered.

He began seeing people in a distinct attire: an elegant white suit accented with a blue stripe along the left side. They cast disgusted glances at Dexter as he walked by.

I think those are knights… the pride in their eyes. He shook his head.

"Daylan… Daylan…" Dexter turned to see a boy his age dressed in knight attire, approaching him with a smirk. Just a glance at him was enough for Dexter to know that this boy had been bullying Daylan.

"I heard you've registered for the Fate Trial. Seriously? Don't you have any shame?"

Dexter stood still, watching him ramble on. He leaned forward with a smirk. "Let me give you some advice… you'll never pass, not in a million years. Just become my servant as I asked earlier."

"Enyo!" Someone called out from behind.

"I will be waiting for you, loser." Enyo turned, walking to the guy who called him.

Dexter gave him a lazy look.

This annoying behavior is true after all.

He let out a sigh, turning to an alley on his left. 

I must avoid this guy, otherwise I would punch him in the face.

He strolled through the alleys, hands tucked in his pockets, observing the rough texture of the stone buildings around him.

Before long, he stumbled upon the man Daylan owed. He stood before a woman on her knees, pleading, while his guards loomed behind her.

"Please, Mr Enzo… I'm begging you, just give me a little time." Her voice was cracking, tears streaming down her face. 

"Kill her."

The guards didn't wait a second at his command, and the woman's head hit the ground with a sickening thud.

Dexter instinctively hid behind a building, his heart pounding as he struggled to catch his breath.

What? So he meant it when he said he'd be leaving with either his money or my head?

His legs struggled to stay steady as his body broke into a cold sweat.

I must leave!

Without a moment's hesitation, he started with cautious steps. Slowly at first, then quicker—until, before he realized it, he was sprinting away.

So this is the monster Daylan wanted to leave in his family's hands?!