"I Hope I Survive"
As space warped, Keel suddenly found himself in what could only be described as paradise.
The mountains of bones he had seen moments ago were gone, replaced by breathtaking scenery. He stood in the middle of a clearing within a massive forest. Towering trees stretched endlessly in all directions, their emerald canopy filtering soft rays of sunlight. The smell of spring and fresh sap crept into his nose, calming yet disorienting.
Keel wondered if he had been teleported to the wrong place. Just as he started to relax, the air grew dense, and the unmistakable presence returned.
"Did you bring what I asked, weakling?" a voice rumbled, reverberating through the trees. "The scent of evil on you has grown stronger."
Keel's mind flashed back to his mistakes—the unnecessary deaths he had caused. Guilt bubbled beneath his carefully crafted exterior, but he maintained his stoic facade.
"Since we last met, I have brought the corpses of bandits," Keel replied, his voice steady and firm. Years of playing the role of guild master had taught him the art of hiding his emotions.
A notification blinked into his vision:
[Quest Completed]
As relief started to creep in, Keel realized there was no reward attached to the quest. His brow furrowed. Would this powerful being go back on its word?
"I am quite satisfied with your offering," the presence said, though its tone held a trace of doubt. "But the aura of evil that surrounds you makes me unsure… Tell me, human, what could have transpired in the past few days to make it grow so thick?"
Its voice carried a mix of curiosity and suspicion, as if it didn't know whether to regard Keel with disdain or intrigue.
"It's a long story…" Keel began somberly, recounting his tale while carefully omitting any mention of his rebirth. He framed the betrayal he endured as if it had already happened in the present.
The presence interrupted occasionally, its probing questions striking a nerve.
"Why did you?"
Keel answered truthfully, each word forcing him to confront the regrets he kept buried.
"What is your goal, human?" it asked finally, its voice sharper. "Revenge? Safety? Domination? Or simply to rule?"
The question hung in the air, a weight pressing down on him. Keel's mind raced. He had so many goals: to protect those he cared for, to build a haven for his people, to rise above his failures and leave a legacy. Yet, above all, one desire burned brightest.
Hesitant but resolute, Keel uttered, "I want to be respected."
The presence hummed, its voice low and thoughtful, resonating through the forest. "You seek respect," it echoed. "It would have been a noble desire… if not for the unmistakable stench of vengeance clinging to your soul. Respect is earned, human, not given. What are you willing to sacrifice?"
The word sacrifice struck him like a thunderclap. Keel's mind churned. What have I not sacrificed? He thought of his previous life, the betrayals, the guilt of his second chance, and the lives lost due to his mistakes. Wasn't it enough?
"I've sacrificed enough," Keel said firmly, his voice slicing through the tranquil silence. "But I will do whatever it takes to protect, serve, and safeguard the people I care about."
The presence chuckled, a sound so sinister it sent shivers down Keel's spine.
"What a contradiction," it said, amusement dripping from its words. "Yet, you speak with conviction. Very well. I shall test you, Keel. Let us see if respect is truly all you seek."
A new notification appeared:
[Hidden Quest: Make the ??? acknowledge you]
Objective: Prove your resolve.
Failure Condition: Succumb to your darker desires.
Reward: Power and recognition.
The ground beneath Keel trembled violently. Vines erupted around him, weaving into a cage of thorns. The serene forest began to decay, the air thickening with the stench of death, smoke, and blood.
Figures emerged from the haze—pale, spectral forms screaming in anguish. Their cries pierced Keel like blades, each one cutting into his heart.
First came the soldiers.
"You killed us," one of them rasped, its voice a chilling echo of what it once was. "Were your actions justified, even if they led to our deaths?"
Keel clenched his fists, memories of their deaths flashing before him. He knew he had made mistakes, but now was not the time to wallow in self-pity. To do so would dishonor them further.
Taking a deep breath, Keel steadied himself. "I'm sorry," he said. "I've never claimed to be perfect. I know I'm full of flaws, but I promise this: I will learn from my mistakes. I will use the power I gain to lead, not destroy."
His voice grew stronger as he continued. "The Keel who led you to your deaths is still here. But I am trying to be better. I will achieve my goals through action, not fear."
The spectral figures stopped screaming. One by one, they dissolved into the fog, their anguished expressions softening before they vanished.
But the test was far from over.
A darker figure emerged from the haze, its outline faint at first. Each step it took was deliberate, its form becoming more defined with every move. Shadows clung to it stubbornly, refusing to reveal its full shape.
Keel's heart raced. His once-calm resolve began to waver as a familiar hatred clawed its way to the surface. His fists clenched involuntarily, and he instinctively reached for his sword, only to remember it wasn't there.
The figure stepped closer, and recognition hit Keel like a blow. His voice, trembling with suppressed rage, muttered a single name.
"Lysander."