Suddenly, a cross blade went by my ear on the side. Because of the abrupt change in circumstances, my thoughts were cut short.
'Wait, what just happened?'
In mid-air, I was terrified and unable to grasp what had happened. My heart began to skip a beat.
Then, as I turned to glance around, I saw something that nearly stopped my heart.
Cross blades are raining down on me from all directions.
"Holy Fuck." I cursed.
****
All of the blades passed within a few centimeters of my body. It felt like I was at the death doorstep.
My heart is beating faster than usual. My breathing is becoming labored. My nervousness can be seen on my face. I was stationed still in the midair.
'If I move an inch, my body is going to be shredded into pieces.'
I remained motionless. Right now, I'm scared to death. Who wouldn't? After witnessing the death screening that was taking place in front of them.
Then I heard a very enthusiastic and boisterous voice.
"Interesting. Aren't you a lucky man?"
He kept going.
"How long has it been since somebody has visited this location? Oh oh, I can't remember. Haha."
"Welcome to the Trail of death. Haha..."
'What?' I frowned.
"All right, then, let's switch places."
After that, I heard a clap sound.
Then the rope I was clinging to was abruptly severed.
"Huh?"
'Fuck!' I shut my eyes. Is this the conclusion of my journey?
"Ouch."
I landed on a rocky surface.
When I opened my eyes and looked around, I saw a large pathway in front of me.
'Tsk, what a pain.'
'How come everything that gets in my way is so big?' 'Isn't it true that I'm the lucky one? then why?'
I got to my feet right away.
The voice began to speak once more.
"Hello, young man. Congratulations on successfully completing the Trail. Haha..."
'Tsk, what a devilish grin? 'What is wrong with these folks? Can't they laugh properly?'
"You were quite impressive on clearing that."
'You have no idea how many times I came close to death.' I muttered something to myself.
"Would you like to ask a question, young man?" He inquired.
I summoned my confidence and inquired,
"Can you tell me who you are?"
"Oh, my goodness, Isn't it impolite of me not to introduce myself? Perhaps this old brain is deranged."
"My name is Joseph Segu, by the way. I used to be a grandmaster, but that was a century ago, and here is where I am now. It's great to meet you, Young Man, and I apologize for being so rude." He said.
"No, no, it's a pleasure to meet you,"
'Oh, so he's the Grandmaster, ha. I never expected to run into him here. I thought he was dead, but he's still alive?'
"You might be wondering why I'm still alive even after a century has passed. We'll chat about it afterward, assuming you're still alive. Haha..."
'Tsk, so vicious.'
"All right, let's go on to the next trail,"
'What? Isn't this the end? Fuck.' I cursed my own stupidity.
"You can inherit the legacy I left behind if you surmount these trials. So, are you all set?"
I got myself ready. I was standing in the middle of the path. I can plainly see what is in front of me now, unlike previously.
"Welcome to the second trial,"
"All you need to do in order to pass this trial is to reach the end of this passage."
'Oh, that's it,'
"Caution: To clear this route, you must have all of your senses intact. Keep your wits about you and don't let your guard down. If you did, all you have to look forward to is death. I'm giving you a head start because you're the one who came to this trail after a long time."
He went on to say,
"And one more thing there is no turning back on these trails. Abandoning means death. So all the best. Let's meet if you are alive that is. Haha..."
'That eerie laugh again, Tsk'
"Let's get this second trial started."
'I'm completely messed up,'
****
"There isn't time to ponder."
I began to move forward solely on the basis of my good fortune. Right now, there's nothing I can do.
Then my foot tripped and I fell forward.
Suddenly, gigantic cross blades sliced through the place where I had been standing a split second before.
I almost peed my pants.
'What was that?'
It's not the perfect moment to daydream right now.
I leaped to my feet.
Then, from the spot where I had previously fallen, a massive blade arose. It just raised a few centimeters from my nose from where I was standing.
My breathing has become heavy, and my entire body has begun to tremble with fear. My face was dripping with cold sweat, and my pulse was racing like a bullet train.
My entire mind is blanking out. No, I need to concentrate. I'm not supposed to die here.
Then, as soon as the blade was down, I began running for it.
From behind me, I heard noises. When I turn around, I see a gas rapidly filling the area I just went through. When I peered attentively, I noticed that the gas began to melt everything in its path.
My mouth began to erupt with "fuck" curses.
I went at a breakneck speed, not looking behind. The noises gradually faded after a while. There was no more gas when I turned around. I took a brief break. At this point, I was out of breath. Behind me, everything had melted.
'How did I get myself into this mess?' Tsk'
My nose started to feel itchy at the moment and I sneezed. With that, I bent down.
Then a hot blazing fireball passed at the exact position my head was before.
'Holy Shit'
Words are not coming from my mouth.
Then I quickly rolled forward in order to get away from it.
Then sharply spiked doors from both sides slammed shut just behind me.
My expression was completely blank, and I was at a loss for what to do. It felt as if even a single blunder would put my life in jeopardy. My death flags seemed to be offering me a handshake right now.
It's my luck that is saving me from the doorstep of my death.
I should concentrate because if my dread takes over, I won't be able to cope with my luck and will perish.
I'm watching a lot of scary things occurring right in front of my eyes. My mind is currently in a state of disarray as a result of this. All I need to do is put my faith in Lady Luck. To be honest, it's the one who keeps me alive right now; otherwise, how can I describe what's going on?
'Please, Goddess of Luck, save me.'
I closed my eyes and began to run, placing all my faith in my luck, relaxing my heart, and strengthening my resolve.