The being in front of Kuber commanded both a sense of majesty and terror, leaving Kuber hesitant to assume their gender based on appearance alone. In this day and age, one couldn't simply judge someone's gender solely on looks. After all, it was 2023, a time of diverse identities and expressions.
Floating gracefully in the air, the entity's piercing gaze seemed to penetrate the very depths of their souls, sending shivers down their spines. It analyzed the gathered individuals with an intensity that left them feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Alvin, realizing the gravity of the situation, leaned closer to Kuber and whispered urgently, "Young master, how should we approach this situation?"
Kuber met Alvin's gaze with a calm yet emotionless expression. "Let us simply observe for now, Alvin. We cannot ascertain the intentions of this entity just yet."
The enigmatic being, seemingly disappointed, muttered to themselves, "Hmm... these souls won't suffice. There are only four advanced-level souls here." Their contemplative expression hinted at a deeper purpose, leaving the gathered individuals puzzled and apprehensive about what would come next.
"Who are you, and where are we?" A brave girl within the crowd spoke up, her anger was evident in her voice. Her boyfriend attempted to quiet her, fearing the consequences of drawing attention. However, she stood her ground, refusing to be silenced. "Can't you hear me? I demand to be let out!" She screamed, her words filled with frustration and defiance.
The mysterious entity froze, fixating its gaze on the girl as if salivating at the thought of her being its prey. It covered its mouth with its hand, struggling to contain its amusement. "Oh, this one should do nicely. I hope you fail the trial, young lady, and become my delectable feast," it hissed with a sinister tone, bursting into laughter that sent chills down everyone's spines.
Fear gripped the brave girl, causing her to tremble as she silently sat on the ground, unwilling to make any unnecessary movements. The horrifying visage of the entity left everyone paralyzed with terror, dissuading anyone from causing a commotion or attracting further attention.
"Now then, allow me to introduce myself. I am Calypso-1359, a creation of the tower, tasked with conducting the trial within this realm," the being declared, its voice filled with a mixture of pride and delight.
With a snap of its fingers, Calypso-1359 summoned a holographic screen that resembled the previous one, capturing the attention of everyone present.
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[Trial of the Grimwood Forest]
[Description] - Within the depths of the Grimwood Forest, unspeakable horrors lurk, beyond human comprehension. Yet, do not despair, for if you can endure for 24 hours, you shall gain entry to the Dimensional Tower.
[Reward] - Access to the Dimensional Tower, 100 stone credits, and basic-level equipment.
[Punishment for failure] - Soul execution.
—————
Kuber's perplexity deepened, his mind swirling with questions about the unfolding events. As he tried to make sense of it all, his attention was drawn to a group of teenagers loudly shouting phrases like "system open" and "status window," their panic and desperation evident in their voices. It seemed as though fear had driven some to the brink of madness.
Annoyed by the chaos, Calypso-1359 clapped its hands with a resounding force, causing a deafening sound that temporarily robbed people of their hearing. The display of power served as a stark reminder of the entity's terrifying capabilities, leaving everyone stunned and silenced.
However, amidst the unsettling situation, what truly bewildered Kuber was the unusual name, Calypso-1359. He couldn't help but wonder if the designation was merely a code or surname for Calypso's species, or if Calypso was perhaps a clone with a designated identifier. The mystery behind the name lingered in Kuber's mind, adding another layer of confusion to the unfolding events.
Calypso, aware of the attention directed towards it, cleared its throat to address the crowd. "Ahem! Ladies and gentlemen, your mission, as stated, is to survive for 24 hours within this dense forest. Those who succeed will live, while those who fail will have their souls incinerated," it declared coldly, sending a chilling wave of fear through everyone present.
Beneath the watchful gaze of Calypso, the black wolf remained patient, waiting obediently. As Calypso prepared to initiate the trial, it commanded the attention of the crowd. "Now then, let the game begin," it proclaimed loudly before vanishing in an instant.
As Calypso disappeared, the barrier that had encased the area dissipated as well. Sensing the barrier's disappearance, the black wolf slowly approached the crowd, each step deliberate and measured. The immense crowd began to retreat in fear, creating a noticeable gap between themselves and the approaching creature.
Kuber couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the wolf's unusual behavior, as it seemed to take its time rather than charging recklessly. The peculiar actions of the wolf only added to the air of mystery surrounding the trial and the forest itself.
Noticing a sense of danger lurking in the shadows, Kuber quickly reached for his iPhone and activated the camera. Switching to night mode, he surveyed his surroundings, only to discover a multitude of blurry four-legged figures encircling them from three directions.
The creatures remained concealed within the darkness between the oak trees, patiently awaiting their prey.
"Gather around, Alvin, Freddy, and Emily," Kuber called out, capturing their attention. "Do not look back. Run toward the black wolf ahead of us," he commanded in a firm and determined tone.
Alvin and Emily, trusting Kuber's judgment, immediately complied without questioning his motive. However, Freddy hesitated, voicing his concerns. "Mr. Walton, what are you suggesting? There's a massive black wolf in front of us. Going in that direction would be certain death."
Kuber's anger surged within him, fueled by Freddy's doubts. He glared at Freddy, his expression fierce. "If you choose not to follow us, then that's your decision," he snapped, unwilling to entertain further hesitation.
Freddy, realizing the seriousness of the situation, nervously chuckled and hastily responded, "Haha... Mr. Walton, I was just kidding. I'll definitely follow you. Don't worry."
Kuber's heart pounded in his chest as he waited with bated breath, the tension thick in the air. Amidst the chaos, the girl who had spoken with the hybrid earlier grabbed her boyfriend's hand and made a break for the woods on the right side. In an instant, a massive black wolf emerged from the shadows, lunging toward her. With a swift swipe of its claw, the girl's head was severed, and her life abruptly ended.
Panic rippled through the crowd, driving people to flee in all directions. However, their efforts were futile as they were swiftly cornered and mercilessly slaughtered by the horde of wolves that surrounded them.
Seizing an opportunity, Kuber shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with urgency, "Run!" In response to his command, his companions rallied and sprinted alongside him toward the black wolf that stood before them. The black wolf, sensing their approach, took a step back before launching itself forward, propelling towards Kuber and his group.
In a moment of quick thinking, Kuber swiftly retrieved his black coat and hurled it toward the oncoming black wolf. The creature became entangled in the fabric, causing it to stumble and collapse to the ground. Seizing this opportunity, Kuber and his companions sprinted past the immobilized wolf, venturing deeper into the dark forest.
Running tirelessly, Kuber could barely see what lay ahead, relying solely on his instincts to guide him. The echoing screams of those unfortunate enough to fall victim to the wolves filled the air, causing a chilling sensation to run down his spine. Desperate to block out the haunting sounds, Kuber tightly covered his ears with his hands, determined to push forward.
The forest loomed before them, its darkness hiding unknown creatures and lurking dangers. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, Kuber, and his group sought refuge beneath the shelter of an oak tree, gasping for breath.
"You were incredible, young master," Alvin praised, his voice strained from their exertion. "Who would have thought to use your coat in such a clever manner?"
Kuber chuckled modestly, appreciating Alvin's words of admiration. "It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea, Alvin. These monsters showed a hint of intelligence, surrounding us while diverting our attention. We must remain vigilant if we want to survive in this place."
Noticing the worried expression on Emily's face, Kuber approached her with genuine concern. "What's the matter, Officer Emily?" he inquired, his voice filled with empathy.
Caught off guard by Kuber's sudden question, Emily's thoughts scattered momentarily. "Oh, it's nothing, Mr. Walton. You don't have to worry about me. I truly appreciate your help," she replied, attempting to brush off her concerns.
However, Kuber remained unconvinced by Emily's hasty dismissal. He persisted, understanding that there was more to her worries. "You don't have to hide anything, Officer Emily. Feel free to share your concerns with me. Perhaps I can offer a solution or alleviate your worries in some way."
Emily hesitated, unsure about opening up, but ultimately decided to confide in Kuber. "It's just... I'm worried about my colleagues. When you instructed us to run toward the front, I had discussed it with them. However, they refused to follow your advice and chose to go their own way. That's why I can't help but worry about them."
Kuber let out a sigh, comprehending the weight of Emily's concern. Gently placing a hand on her shoulder, he offered reassurance. "You must remember, Officer Emily, that you are not responsible for the safety of everyone. Each of your colleagues is accountable for their own well-being. It's natural to care, but you shouldn't carry the burden of their choices. Who knows, they might find their own path to survival. Focus on staying strong and keeping yourself safe. That's what matters right now."
Emily's face lit up with a newfound sense of reassurance upon hearing Kuber's comforting words. Taking a deep breath, she nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Walton. I shouldn't worry about them. They are capable of taking care of themselves."
Her curiosity piqued, Emily turned her gaze towards Alvin, her eyes filled with confusion. "Speaking of which, Mr. Walton, why does your butler, Alvin, appear so young?" she asked, genuinely intrigued.
Kuber glanced at Alvin, sharing the same bewilderment as Emily. "I honestly have no idea, Officer Emily. It's not just Alvin; there were others who seemed to have become younger, too. They were shouting about it like madmen," he remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Emily couldn't help but chuckle, her hand covering her mouth. "You don't have to put it that way, Mr. Walton. Perhaps, in this unknown place, something truly extraordinary happened, and they genuinely became younger. Who knows what kind of place we've stumbled upon?"
"You're right, Officer Emily," Kuber replied, his expression growing more serious. "Considering the hybrid being and the black wolves we've encountered, this place is undeniably strange and dangerous."
Kuber's expression darkened as he reflected on the harrowing scenes that had unfolded before his eyes. His mind raced with the weight of the danger they faced in this strange and treacherous place.
In the midst of the chaos, young Alvin had been assisting Freddy, who had collapsed from exhaustion after their relentless run. However, as Alvin turned his attention towards some unusual sounds emanating from behind, Alvin's instincts kicked in. Leaving Freddy on the ground, Alvin carefully assessed the situation, only to witness a group of people being pursued by a pack of black wolves.
Alvin's eyes widened in alarm as he called out to Kuber urgently, "Young master, a group of people is leading a pack of wolves straight toward us! What should we do?"
Startled by Alvin's sudden call, Kuber swiftly joined his side, scanning the area for the approaching danger. "Where are they?" he inquired, his voice filled with a mix of concern and urgency.
Alvin silently pointed towards the encroaching threat, causing Kuber's heart to skip a beat. Without hesitation, he bellowed, "We have no time to waste! Run in the opposite direction and do not look back!"
Startled by Kuber's urgent cry, Freddy quickly rose from the ground, fueled by a surge of adrenaline. Without a moment's hesitation, he joined Kuber and the others in following his lead, despite their exhaustion weighing heavily upon them.
With determination in their hearts, they pushed their weary bodies to their limits, running as fast as their legs could carry them. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, but the fear of the encroaching danger propelled them forward.