– I... accept, – the older thug mumbled, and for the first time, a note of uncertainty slipped into his voice.
Light swirled around him, transforming into a pulsating cloud that, with a hissing sound, plunged into his body. As soon as the radiance dissolved within him, the thug felt a wave of fear rise from the depths of his being – thick, viscous, enveloping his mind like a dense fog.
Fear was everywhere. It penetrated every cell, making him fear everything around him. Every shadow seemed to hide danger, every sound – a harbinger of doom. The older thug felt the gazes of everyone in the tavern searing through him, as if all could see his weaknesses and cowardice. His heart beat so fast that it seemed ready to burst from his chest.
Every whisper sounded like an accusation, every ray of light felt like a scorching torture tearing at his flesh. He dove under the nearest table, trying to hide in the shadows, away from the bright candlelight.
– Shut up! I'll kill you all! – he shouted, glaring furiously at those who dared to whisper. But his voice trembled, laced with panic. He didn't even believe his own words.
The older thug tried to look to his younger brother for support, but seeing Bayos, he felt another surge of terror. His eyes widened, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints. He was too afraid to even glance his way. Fear gripped him, seeming insurmountable, as though invisible chains bound his body.
Anfar, watching the thug's torment, recalled his Teacher's words:
– Anfar, death is not truly terrifying. Only the fear within your heart is truly terrifying.
The younger thug looked at his brother in astonishment, unable to believe his eyes.
– Brother, you're strong! Do you really have a coward's heart? How can you be afraid? – he shouted, trying to stir pride in the older one, to bring him back to reality.
– Shut up! – the older thug yelled, his voice breaking into a desperate scream. He shook like a leaf in the wind, hiding under the table like a frightened child.
At that moment, his fear took shape and burst out, transforming into a sinister Spirit that surveyed everyone with a piercing gaze. Its body was woven from shadows, and its eyes shone with a cold, penetrating light.
– Oh, human, you so shamelessly boasted of your strength, – the Spirit of Fear said, addressing the younger thug. Its voice was like the rustling of dark wings at night. – But you know nothing of true fear, for you've never faced me!
– Who... who are you? – the younger thug whispered, involuntarily stepping back, his face twisted in terror, his legs trembling.
– My name is Fear, – the Spirit replied, and its words echoed in the hearts of everyone present.
As soon as it appeared, everyone in the tavern felt their hearts clench in their chests. The air grew thick, heavy, as if filled with invisible pressure. Even Bayos, Anfar, and Nostra felt cold fingers of fear sliding down their spines. It seemed the shadows in the corners began to shift, and whispers turned into ominous murmurs.
– Pitiful human, – the Spirit of Fear mocked, addressing the younger thug. – You dared to look down on me? Now, I will torment you with endless terror!
With a sinister laugh, the Spirit of Fear plunged into the younger thug's body, and he immediately fell to his knees, overcome with panic. His hands shook, his eyes darted frantically, and a paralyzing wave of terror flooded his mind.
– No! I don't want to be afraid! – the younger thug cried out, but his voice drowned in his own despair.
– Ha-ha-ha! – the Spirit's eerie laughter echoed.
– The only thing worth fearing... is me! I am true Fear!
Meanwhile, the older thug felt the fear leaving his body, but instead of relief, he was gripped by confusion. He fell to his knees, sobbing, and with heavy breaths, he rose to his feet. Regaining his composure, he turned to Bayos and spoke with a quivering voice:
– Using others to overcome your fear may not solve the problem entirely, but for this situation, it's enough. I passed the trial.
– How despicable! – Nostra exclaimed, hardly believing his ears. His eyes gleamed with indignation.
– Sacrificing others for yourself isn't strength; it's weakness!
The older thug sneered and looked straight at Bayos, his eyes cold and lifeless.
– Are you going to back out of the wager we made earlier? Or shall we settle this by force?
Bayos clenched his fists, feeling righteous anger boiling within, but outwardly he remained calm.
– Fine, – he replied, looking firmly into his opponent's eyes.
– Let's continue.
He picked up the die and, without taking his gaze off the older thug, tossed it. The die spun, leaving a shining trail, and the light began to form the next trial.
Trial of Misfortune.
The light faded, and a cascade of misfortunes fell upon Bayos, enveloping him like a thick, suffocating fog. The wind of misfortunes struck his face like icy needles, burning his skin and freezing his blood.
The misfortunes were like fire, searing his bones and causing unbearable pain. They felt like hammer blows, relentlessly crushing his body until his bones began to crack under their weight. Each wave of adversity was stronger than the last, and it seemed endless.
The misfortunes were like a furious storm, knocking him off his feet and making each breath a struggle. Like flashing lightning, they tore his soul apart, causing every cell in his body to suffer. A hum sounded in his head, and his vision blurred.
The Spirit of Fear, watching the scene, appeared above the younger thug and mocked:
– How amusing! This is too terrifying. A human can't endure this. Surely he'll break under such pressure!
– Bayos, hold on! – Anfar shouted, clenching his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes burned with determination. – We believe in you!
– It's just a drizzle, no more than a breeze! – Nostra tried to encourage himself, but doubt seeped into his voice. He feared that his friend might not make it.
Bayos was trapped within the trials, each moment feeling like a step toward collapse. Pain and despair loomed over him like black clouds. There was no escape from the looming hardships.
Zangi, seeing the situation spiraling out of control, slipped unnoticed through an open window, disappearing into the night.
– Traitor! – Anfar spotted his escape and was furious, his eyes flashing with anger. – How could he abandon us at such a moment?!
Nostra placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him:
– Don't pursue him. Fleeing from misfortune is a sign of weakness and fear. Betraying yourself and your courage is to doom yourself to eternal flight. Let him go his own way.
Anfar sighed and nodded, keeping his eyes on Bayos.
The Spirit of Hope, flickering within Bayos' heart, radiated a soft golden light, supporting him from within.
– Human, as long as hope lives in your heart, it will endure in any situation, – the Spirit whispered, its voice like a melody filling the soul with warmth.
The older thug, hearing the Spirit of Hope's words, laughed hoarsely.
– Noble savior, you are truly pathetic. Don't you understand? Hope in times of sorrow only prolongs suffering. As long as you hold onto it, the pain and misery will last longer. Let go of hope – and you'll feel relief.
Bayos remained silent. He endured the attacks of the trials with tremendous effort. Despite his body bending under the onslaught of pain, he did not fall. His eyes were closed, but his face showed calm and focus.
The older thug continued to try to demoralize him:
– Look at your bones! They're cracking from the misfortunes. Doesn't that scare you?
Bayos remained silent. His once-strong bones were now covered in cracks, seeming as if they could shatter at any moment. But deep inside, he felt something new.
At that moment, everyone around held their breath. Only the Spirit of Hope glowed brighter than before.
– Don't give up! – the Spirit's voice was filled with strength.
– Adversity isn't terrifying; the most terrifying thing is to lose hope!
The light of hope penetrated through the cracks in Bayos' bones, filling him with strength. Each crack became like a gateway, allowing energy to enter. The more cracks, the more light poured in.
– How is this possible? – the older thug was stunned, his confidence beginning to waver.
The more misfortunes that were absorbed by Bayos' bones, the stronger and sturdier they became. The hardships, meant to break him, instead fortified him. His bones began to glow with a golden radiance, the cracks mending, turning into solid seams.
As the trials continued, his body filled with power. The calamities grew fiercer, but his inner strength rose with them.
Bayos straightened his back, lifted his head, and squared his shoulders. His skeleton shone like a golden pillar standing amidst countless adversities. On his head, like a crown, a light glowed.
All the misfortunes and trials that a person encounters ultimately become the crowns of their achievements.
Though the hardships weren't over, Bayos was finally able to speak. His voice was steady and calm:
– I understand that Fate has its plans, and misfortunes are part of those plans. But I will endure. Any hardships that seem unbearable can, in fact, be borne, as long as one doesn't lose hope.
The older thug was stunned, unable to believe what he was witnessing. His face twisted with a mix of rage and fear. He struggled to keep his composure, but his voice shook as he spoke:
– Savior, remember, as long as you cling to hope, the trials will keep coming.
As Bayos completed the trial, one of the seals on his heart shattered, filling him with new strength and energy. He felt a flame of confidence and nobility ignite within his chest.
Now, he knew that he alone could overpower both the older and younger thug combined. The older thug realized that his chances were rapidly dwindling. Realizing this, he trembled. It became clear to him that retreat was too late – there was no escape.
– Roll the die, – Anfar reminded him, looking at his opponent with cold determination. His gaze was like two daggers piercing the soul.
– I cannot change what has already happened. What's done is done! The only path now is the road to the underworld! – shouted the older thug, filled with despair and malice.
He threw the die, and it revealed the trial he feared most:
Trial of Piercing Truth.
– Re-roll! – he whispered weakly, panic ringing in his voice.
He grabbed the die with a trembling hand and threw it again, but the result remained the same. The light spun, and the same trial appeared before him.
– No matter how hard you try, sometimes fate is unavoidable, – the Spirit of Fear said, shaking its head with a mocking tone.
When the light of the trial penetrated the older thug's mind, his consciousness filled with visions. He saw everything he had ever tried to hide, even from himself: cowardice, envy, betrayals, moments of weakness.
The truth pierced him like thousands of needles, tearing all unexpressed emotions and deeply buried fears to the surface. Each revelation brought unbearable pain to his heart, as if it were being torn apart. His body felt heavy, as though he were drowning in a whirlpool of his own fears and regrets. Everything he had suppressed, everything he had tried to forget, now stood before him in full force, exposing his true nature.
Bayos watched him with sadness in his eyes.
– Let's go; the trials are over, – he said, his voice soft yet firm.
No one understood what he meant. The older thug froze in place, his eyes vacant, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. His face was a mask of despair.
They left the tavern, leaving him behind, engulfed in his own torment.
As Bayos and his companions stepped outside, fresh air embraced their faces. Their steps were slow but confident. Anfar looked at Bayos with newfound respect, while Nostra was lost in thought, as if he had just realized they had gone through something far greater than mere trials.
Bayos felt the changes within himself. His bones still throbbed from the recently endured suffering, but now they seemed stronger, filled with a golden light. His heart burned with an inner glow, which no fear or misfortune could extinguish.
He knew that now he was stronger than ever before.
After Bayos and his companions left the tavern, the Spirit of Fear stood before the older thug, who was frozen in shock. Fear looked at him closely and then burst into chilling laughter:
– His fragile heart couldn't withstand the Piercing Truth. No matter how one tries, the truth is far more bitter than any lie. It reveals what people hide deepest – their weakness and fear.
The older thug tried to take a step, but his body wouldn't obey, and his gaze was empty, like that of a man who had lost his soul. Fear continued to revel in the scene:
– Your strength was just a mask behind which you hid. Now you know what it's like to face the truth. But not everyone can bear its weight.
These words seemed to echo through the room, leaving a sense of cold despair lingering in the air.