Chapter 34: Final Trial
Upon entering, they found themselves in a simple room.
The room embodied simplicity, minimalism, and harmony with nature.
It was a traditional Japanese room with soft yet firm mats, sliding doors, and simple paintings hanging on the wall.
In the center of the room stood a middle-aged man, quietly sipping his drink.
He had normal black hair, grey eyes, and a lean physique, dressed in a traditional Japanese yukata.
His presence was unassuming, yet there was an air of quiet strength about him.
"Welcome, My name is Issac Shibuya. I am the trial guardian of the final trial - Trial of Wills." He gently announced.
He looked like a frail human with his slim body and gentle voice. We nodded and took a seat on the nearby mats.
Loki's eyes flickered as he glanced at Issac's status information.
[Name: Issac Shibuya]
[Age: -]
[Title: Timeless Guardian, Forgotten Soul, Demon of the Forgotten Era]
[Tier- Epic]
[Rank: high-Diamond]
[Affinities: soul ]
[Abilities]
[ Host's strength is too low…]
[Cannot access the abilities…]
[Copy condition: Complete his trial.]
Loki had mixed emotions glancing at the status.
He was scared but also relieved. Scared cause of Issac's strength and Relieved that he didn't have to battle him. He quietly listened to Issac's explanation.
"The trial is simple, I will awaken the deepest fears and insecurities from the depth of your soul. You must overcome these fears and break free from my technique." Issac explained glancing at their faces.
Both Loki and Athena were in deep thought, this trial lives its reputation as the final trial since overcoming your inner demons is tough.
Even epic-tier individuals face difficulties trying to conquer their inner demons.
They both solemnly exchanged glances and nodded to Issac.
Issac slowly lifted his hands, pointing his fingers towards them.
[Illusory Soul Demon]
"Uhh…" A sudden shockwave passed through Loki's and Athena's bodies, and instantly they both dropped down unconscious.
"Hope you overcome the trial," Issac commented, sipping his tea.
In an unknown space
Loki slowly opened his eyes and glanced around.
He was inside a room that felt very familiar. It was his own room in the Grimheart estate.
"But, Why am I like this?" He questioned, puzzled by his current state.
He was a spectator, watching his life unfold like a movie.
He glanced to his right and saw himself sleeping peacefully.
No, it was Loki Grimheart, not the real him. He began to review all the memories of Loki.
Loki was a kind child, He loved his family and enjoyed their company. His mother dotted him so he was quite spoiled and as the young heir of the Grimheart family, he had all the privileges he ever needed.
But these privileges didn't let him get over his head as his parents reminded him continuously to become a helpful and upright man.
He especially enjoyed the company of his mother.
She was like the beacon of light that illuminated the darkness surrounding him. His father was quite strict and encouraged him to train, which he didn't enjoy. So, he always ran away from training.
His life was fulfilling and happy until he met Lucas.
During an event at the royal palace. Loki was roaming around, enjoying the beautiful scenery, when he met a kid around the same age as him.
The kid had golden-blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and a lean muscular physique.
He was Lucas Ethersky, the young heir of the royal Ethersky family.
Loki introduced himself, and after a brief conversation, Lucas excused himself.
Later, the royal family announced a grand celebration, inviting all the noble families.
The Grimheart family also attended the party and as the heir, I had to join them. The party was grand and luxurious, with varieties of foods and drinks.
I encountered a bunch of noble kids and had some quick conversations with them. I tell you, they were just a bunch of arrogant pricks.
Anyway, I got bored and decided to take a walk.
As I was roaming around the palace, I encountered Lucas again.
This time, however, he challenged me to a duel. I was a bit taken aback by the sudden challenge but I decided to accept it.
Even though I didn't take my training seriously, I was naturally talented and was quite confident in my skills, the other thing was that we both were unawakened so it was just a physical duel.
We entered the training area and picked our respective weapons. This was going to be quiet fun as I never had a serious duel with anyone.
Although I was confident in my skills, I wouldn't want to underestimate him so I took this duel seriously.
Despite his natural talent, Loki's lack of serious training became apparent. He chose a sword while Lucas chose a spear.
They exchanged blows, but Loki was quickly outmatched.
Lucas's skill level was far superior, and he defeated Loki with ease.
The match ended and Lucas exited the training area with disappointment in his face. It was understandable since my parents were the most talented of their generations but as their child, I became a disgrace.
Humiliated and devastated, I locked myself away upon returning home.
Later, upon getting consoled by my mother, I stepped out and decided to take a walk to calm my depressed mind.
While I was roaming the garden, an individual clad in a black outfit dashed towards me and struck me with a grey orb.
I couldn't react properly as his speed was beyond my capabilities. An intense and excruciating pain enveloped me from the depths of my soul.
The pain was so intense that before I could even scream, my soul broke down and vanished from existence instantly.
I dropped down and landed head-first at a nearby stone.
Afterward, Rezan's soul entered Loki's body and observed his current situation with confusion.
Up until this point, Rezan was viewing these memories intently.
But the next moment his pupil shrunk down to the size of a needle as he was shocked.