Chereads / Geal and the White Crystal / Chapter 16 - Where True Strength Lies

Chapter 16 - Where True Strength Lies

We return once more to Dubh's secret base. He is seething with rage. A bottle of wine flies from his hand, shattering on the floor and spilling its contents. His anger is palpable as he exhales sharply, teeth clenched.

"Damn it! She still hasn't stolen that Crystal…!" Dubh thinks, grinding his teeth. "What the hell are you doing, Bredgy? By now, you could have taken it!"

The CEO punches the wall repeatedly, cursing aloud.

"This makes no sense. My plans are flawless. This shouldn't be a problem. Who the hell is that girl? Why can't I capture her?" he shouts into the emptiness of his office.

After his tantrum, Dubh finally calms down, releasing a long sigh as he leans his arms against the wall. He begins to think, knowing that ranting and raving won't get him anywhere—it's not like him to lose his composure.

"No. Think. There must be a solution. My plans never fail; they always bring me victory. Trust in yourself. You've come this far thanks to your ability to plan," he reflects.

He rests his forehead against the wall, a drop of sweat falling from his nose to the floor.

"No! Maybe that's not the answer. Maybe I need to look at this from a different perspective…"

Then, he straightens up and turns to face his monitors.

"Alright. No more plans!" he says, unbuttoning his suit. "Enough of sending incompetent lackeys who can't get the job done…"

On the screen, Geal and Bredgy are visible, enduring the Trial of Strength, still struggling to hold their ground.

Dubh shrugs off his jacket, revealing his bare back. He's more muscular than he appeared and sports a mechanical implant running along his spine. At the height of his shoulder blades, a glowing blue light is visible, with cables embedded beneath his skin.

"The time has come. I'll have to harden my methods," he declares, his glasses glinting with the reflected light from his screens.

*

Back at the Temple of Artwork City, the Trial of Strength continues. Geal and Bredgy are completely exhausted, sweating and breathing heavily. They haven't been able to accomplish anything since the exam began. 

"Aspirants, three and a half hours have passed since the trial started. Does anyone have the answer yet?" Korkus asks, his tone slightly smug. 

"It's useless. These shackles are glued to the floor. If I keep trying to break them, I'll injure my wrists. What does he mean by 'what is strength'?" Bredgy wonders, trying to focus. 

Meanwhile, Geal is still struggling, believing she might somehow manage to break the shackles. 

"Think, Geal, think! What's the answer?" 

The other aspirants continue trying to free themselves, but none have made any progress. 

"These shackles won't budge…" 

"I can't come up with any answer!" 

"They're too heavy; it's impossible…" 

One of the participants, a massive and muscular man, takes the floor. 

"Stop whining, weaklings!" the man shouts. "This trial isn't for wimps like you. I'm the real deal!" 

The brute begins to break the shackles, using some kind of magical power to enhance his muscles. To everyone's astonishment, he manages to snap the restraints at his wrists and ankles and stands tall. 

"Ha! There it is! I passed the trial!" he says confidently. 

As he dusts himself off and brushes away the remains of the shackles, the muscular aspirant walks toward Korkus with an air of arrogance, stepping over a few aspirants along the way. 

"What are you waiting for, old man?" he says, jabbing a finger at Korkus's chest. "I passed your ridiculous trial. Hand me my badge now." 

"You failed," Korkus says firmly. 

Korkus stands his ground, unfazed. The participant is stunned. Everyone is shocked to hear this. 

"What? The trial is about breaking the shackles, right? The answer is the strength of my muscles! Give me my badge, or I'll kick your old ass," the man threatens. 

"That is not the correct answer. I'm sorry, but you failed," Korkus repeats. 

The brute growls, clenching his fist and preparing to land a heavy punch on the Master. 

"Bastard! I told you to give me the badge!" 

With a flick of his staff, Korkus sends the muscular aspirant flying out of the temple using a spell. The man is forced to experience the true power of a Master of the Trial firsthand. 

Calmly, Korkus refocuses on the remaining aspirants, who are still dumbfounded after watching him effortlessly eject the hulking man. 

"Remember, aspirants, this is the most difficult of all the Chosen One's Trials. This test selects those who truly have what it takes to challenge the titleholder. If you don't have it, I won't hesitate to fail you," Korkus declares. 

"So the answer isn't muscles?" one aspirant mutters. 

"How are we supposed to answer that question without speaking? This trial makes no sense!" another complains. 

"The old man's crazy!" 

As the group begins questioning their master's sanity, Geal has a revelation. 

"Bredgy!" shouts our heroine. 

Hearing her, Bredgy looks at her friend. Geal is now calm, her gaze serious and focused. 

"I got it! You just have to endure!" Geal says. 

"What are you talking about?" Bredgy responds. 

"I have the answer! Trust me. Relax your body, conserve your energy until the end. If I'm right, I know how to win," she affirms. 

With no better idea, Bredgy nods and decides to follow her lead. 

"Alright, let's make things more interesting!" Korkus says, rubbing his hands together. 

The aspirants turn their attention to Korkus, bracing themselves for anything. He snaps his fingers, and immediately, several black blocks fall onto the backs of each aspirant, hitting them hard. Some cry out in pain but hold their ground. Our heroines receive their share as well. A new challenge has arrived. 

"What is this? It hurts so much!" Geal thinks. 

"Damn it! Now what?" Bredgy echoes the sentiment. 

"The real challenge begins now!" Korkus announces, looking thrilled.