Audu stared at the peak of the mountain that stood like an indomitable giant before him. Just like the last time he was here, it almost entirely blocked out the sun, and released a thick, pressuring feeling that pressed down on his mind.
Shrugging off the slightly uncomfortable feeling, he made his was through the only entrance into the mountain. Darkness washed over him, making it hard to see. Summoning a ball of light in his hand, he continued to move forward, slowly and steadily. The journey here had left him tired, and the state of his body didn't do much to make him feel better.
Unlike his last visit here, no monsters jumped out of the darkness to attack him. Instead, he could feel their gazes raking over his body in an almost hungry manner. Although they wanted to, none of them dared to attack him. Whether it was because of him own personal strength, or because of instructions from the one that commanded them, he had no idea, but he was willing to place his bet on the latter option.
Even though he didn't move in a quick pace, he still managed to reach the lit up clearing from before faster than he would have if he fought the Dark Species. The domineering gate was sealed shut, almost looking even more intimidating than the last time he saw it.
Vrooooom~
A deep rumble echoed through the cavern as the ground beneath Audu's feet shook faintly. The giant doors began to open slowly, but unlike before, no monsters poured out. Instead, a single armored figure stood, bathed in pure darkness. Eyes lit aflame like purple suns stared down at Audu as he stood in the lit up part of the cavern. Audu looked up calmly, their gazes meeting midway.
[I see you have returned.] The Armored Phantom spoke as it walked down the stairs with a majestic gait. It came to a stop before Audu, the darkness a stark contrast against the arcs of blue-white lightning that danced over Audu's frame.
"Of course I came back. It's not like I have a choice." Audu rolled his eyes.
[Hahaha! Indeed, you don't have a choice.] The Armored Phantom laughed, it's long fingers already reaching for its helmet. It slid the dark headpiece over its head, revealing what was hidden underneath.
Unlike the first time, Audu wasn't as shocked. A fair face entered his vision, accentuated by a sharp jaw, sharp eyes, and slim cheeks. A face that looked exactly like his.
[You aren't as shocked as you were the first time, Audu. Have you already prepared your mind for what is to come?] The Phantom asked with a smile, [Your final trial is on the verge of completion. Your ascension is just around the corner; you should at least smile.]
"I have nothing to smile about. You took away a century of my life." Audu replied with a calm face. His face didn't even twitch when their gazes clashed again. After being presented with his Final Trial a century ago, the System had analyzed it, presenting him with an acceptable explanation.
The Final Trial of each individual was different. If Audu came here with another person, they would most likely be separated the moment they stepped on the Floor, so they could each face their different Trials. The Final Trial was the manifestation of the greatest challenge one could ever face. It was also the final gulf that separated mortals from deities.
That was the reason why Audu had been so eager to confront his Final Trial. It was also the reason why he didn't retreat when he saw the strength of the Armored Phantom. He was too eager and impatient. If he had retreated and taken more time to become stronger, then he would have been just as powerful as the Armored Phantom. After all, the Final Trial required you to defeat yourself at your possible strongest.
The Armored Phantom shared the same height with Audu, the same physical build, looks, and everything else. The only difference was their auras and hair colors. While Audu's aura was an electric blue, the Armored Phantom possessed a pitch black aura. Audu's hair was a bright blue color, and his eyes were a similar shade of blue, while the Armored Phantom had black hair and black eyes.
[So, have you completed your Final Trial?] It asked. Audu nodded, letting his aura flare. The darkness around them seemed to shake and quake as he did this.
[Good, good. That System was no good for you. Especially if you were to ascend to godhood.] The Phantom nodded as it examined Audu's soul frequency. The subtle touch that was left by the system was no longer present.
Audu's Final Trial before godhood was to rid himself of the crutch he had relied on to overcome all the hurdles that had stopped other people on their journey to godhood. The only caveat was that he couldn't just pass it on to anyone. It had to be someone that the System had specifically selected to be passed on to. This requirement was the only reason why Audu's Final Trial had taken a century to complete.
Searching for a soul that was suitable enough to wield the System was incredibly time consuming. As far as Audu was concerned, it was only by sheer luck that he had found Abel when he was a child.
[Well, now that that is done, we can move on to the next phase.] A serene silence enveloped the entire vicinity as a sacred aura emanated from the Armored Phantom. Audu remained quiet when he saw this.
The Armored Phantom, as a Final Trial, had the authority to contact the other deities that had ascended, in order to determine a person's Final Trial. Usually, depending on what they wanted from a person, the Final Trial was split up into various parts. The first part of Audu's Trial was to pass on his System. The second part was currently what the Armored Phantom was trying to find out.
A few minutes later, the sacred aura retreated back into its figure and its eyes focused on Audu's form.
[The next phase of your Trial is...]