Should you successfully clear all three trials, you'll qualify to inherit my legacy. The legacy holds more than you can imagine, so even though the trials might be a bit challenging, give it your best shot to pass them all and lay your hands on it.
As the figure continued speaking, almost everyone listening felt a strange sensation coursing through their bodies, urging them to strive wholeheartedly for the legacy. They all coveted a share of it. Little did they know, dangers lurked behind those doors, ready to pounce and consume.
"There are three doors, each guarded by a different beast. The first level of this legacy trial has an Alpha Beast as its guardian, the second level has a Great Beast, and the last has a Saint Beast. But don't be fooled; before reaching the guardian, you'll have to navigate through a horde of beasts. Each team will face a different battlefield. Even though it might seem impossible, don't overlook the rewards you'll reap in the end," the figure said with a smile.
Aware that many would likely meet their demise, yet desiring them to feel the urgency of taking the risk, he presented the legacy in a manner that eliminated hesitation, compelling them to press forward. Under normal circumstances, facing a saint was a daunting prospect due to the additional energy they possessed, amplifying every ability and skill. However, the figure wanted them to sense the urgency and take the risk.
He continued, "I understand you can't go in alone, so teams are allowed unless you are confident enough to pass all levels yourself. The gate will open 24 hours from now, giving you time to form your teams and prepare."
"But remember, once you enter the gate, there's no turning back. You'll all be teleported outside once one of you manages to clear all levels. Good luck, and may the best team win," the figure said before fading into nothingness.
Upon hearing his final words, many began forming teams. Rasoul promptly contacted the three Assassins; knowing that clearing the hordes wouldn't be easy, he called them to provide extra manpower. Initially planning to make them wait behind and loot resources when others entered the trial, he needed their help to secure victory so he had to abandon the plans he had for them.
Rasoul then reached out to the Heirs from The Porter Kingdom, instructing them to ally with the heirs from the Rainy Kingdom. Aware of the time constraints, he planned to wait until the legacy affair concluded before initiating further plans.
Several groups attempted to recruit Rasoul and his team, but they declined, determined to keep their secrets hidden. Rasoul, having vanquished a saint at the peak Master stage, comprehended the dangers of facing a saint-stage beast. These creatures, equal to a human in the same realm, were considerably stronger. Rasoul knew he had to elevate his skills to survive this ordeal. Revealing his hands would expose trump cards he wished to keep hidden from his enemies, even if they would soon become his subordinates.
"Rasoul, do you think we can face the Saint Beast? I know you've already defeated a saint, but a Saint Beast is relatively stronger than a human," Lara asked, her tone tinged with concern. She acknowledged Rasoul's strength and arsenal of tricks, but a Saint Beast posed a formidable challenge, being stronger and deadlier.
"Don't worry about the Saint Beast. I've already prepared some things to handle it. What we should be concerned about are the hordes that stand between us and the guardian. The figure has an ulterior motive. He knew only one person could obtain the legacy, yet he convinced them to form a larger group. What do you think he wanted to happen?" Rasoul replied, analyzing the information provided by the figure. He sensed something amiss about the entire legacy ordeal.
"He wants them to fight among themselves even if they pass the last trial. It's not just about killing monsters; he wants people to kill each other in the process," Lara answered.
"That's correct. I believe this whole legacy thing is just a setup for someone's entertainment. He doesn't genuinely care about the legacy; he just wanted amusement," Rasoul added. But his analysis would soon be proven right and wrong.
"He only provided information about the realms of the guardians, not the hordes. If I'm not mistaken, the hordes might pose more of a threat than the guardians. This could turn into a massacre on both ends," Rasoul added.
Sabrat asked, "So, are we going to take the trial, or should we wait for the gate to open so we can leave?"
"We'll take the trial because I believe the legacy is real, and if we miss out on this chance, we'll never get another chance again. It's just that the method we have to follow is a well-crafted setup for the amusement of that deity," Rasoul answered as he took out two vials.
"This is the poison I acquired from the system. I initially intended for us to use it during the hunt of the guardians in the forest, but we didn't need it then. I'll create a unique bomb that we'll only use if anything goes awry during the trial.
"Sabrat, your role is to go for the kill, and Lara, create an opening," Rasoul instructed. He then turned to Sabrat, "You'll be in charge of taking out the guardians. I'll also load some high-level potions into your rings, so feel free to go all out," Rasoul continued as he began to craft the bomb. He wanted to see how far his engineering brain could take him.
"We'll use the same formation I used in my fight with the Saint. We'll communicate only through telepathy," Rasoul added as he continued to engineer the bomb.
Among the gathered people, seven teams were formed. The Sundance Heirs and the Fairies recruited other sect prodigies and rogue cultivators living in the Sundance Kingdom, aiming to keep everything in-house without sharing with other kingdoms.
Rainy and Porter's kingdoms also allied, hiring cultivators from their territories. The other kingdoms followed suit, and soon all the teams were established. Rainy and Porter's kingdom's combined teams became the largest because they pooled cultivators from both territories. Each team had its motives before deciding to ally with others. There was no trust between them, knowing that when the time came, they would have to fight it out to see who would inherit the legacy.
====
Back in the the Porter Kingdom, the economic nucleus of the empire, boasted a bustling capital where trade thrived. Towering and ornate buildings dominated the skyline, housing the headquarters of countless merchants. The central marketplace buzzed with activity, offering a kaleidoscope of goods across the empire. As day turned to night, the city's illuminated structures created a magical atmosphere, and the lively nightlife reflected the prosperity that permeated this thriving kingdom.
A meeting was underway in a building not far from the royal palace. The atmosphere inside the room was intense, indicating the significance of the impending discussion. After a while, six people took their seats around a table, and the meeting commenced.
"I believe we all understand the reason for our gathering," spoke a man in his forties. He continued, "The power dynamics in the empire are on the verge of change, and the Sundance Kingdom will soon fall. I trust you will make the wisest decision today to avoid a similar fate.
"As you know, the Sundance Kingdom's king hasn't chosen a successor yet. There's talk going around that Princess Vina might get the nod, with some even saying the first prince is backing her.
This could work in our favor. When the king passes, many might rally behind the princess for the throne. If she becomes queen, our takeover of the Sundance Kingdom could be smoother with less opposition.
My Porter Kingdom is all set to take over the kingdom. The real question is, will you support us or oppose us?" The man wrapped up his statement with a question.
The other five people in the room started chatting among themselves. The decision they were facing wasn't a walk in the park; there could be consequences if things went south.
"How sure are you about the success of your plan? Our investigation shows strong public backing for the princess. Are you confident the military won't be on her side? I get that your Porter Kingdom is strong, but are you certain there won't be any hiccups?" Another person chimed in.
"We wouldn't have brought you all here if we weren't sure our plan would work. The Sundance Kingdom is going down, and I hope when it happens, you'll be standing with us," the Porter Kingdom representative assured.
Their goal was to take over the Sundance Kingdom right after the king's death. Aware of the Sundance Kingdom's strength, their strategy was to create chaos and division before launching their attack. The Porter Kingdom aimed to get support from other kingdoms, forming a united front in case things went south, and they found themselves in a one-vs-six battle.
*****
After twenty-four hours had passed, inside the tomb, the teams formed in the preceding hours remained alert, patiently anticipating the opening of the door. The atmosphere suggested their preparedness to go to great lengths to secure the legacy.
A few minutes later, the door began to open. Rasoul, Lara, Sabrat, and the three Assassins positioned themselves at the far end, recognizing that the timing of their entry wouldn't significantly affect the outcome. As the gate continued to open, a pitch-black portal emerged behind the door, exuding an eerie presence. Despite the foreboding sight, driven by the thirst for power, the first team, the Sundance team, promptly entered. Rainy and Porter's teams followed suit, and the rest trailed behind, leaving Rasoul's team as the last to enter.
"Alright, guys, here we go again. Let's make it quick and fast," Rasoul declared, and they all stepped into the portal. Upon exiting, they found themselves on what seemed to be a battlefield. Rasoul intended to assess the surroundings, but before he could make a move, the system chimed.
[Chain Quest Available]
[First Quest: Eliminate all 1000 Dark Beasts and the Guardian]
[Rewards:]
>>200,000 Fire Points
>>1000 Attribute points
>>Hidden Reward
'Here we go again,' Rasoul thought inwardly as he unsheathed his swords.