The Unknown God

Chapter 29 - 28 Ancient Trials

[You have entered an Instance Dungeon: Ancient Shrine]

The serene environment was replaced by one of darkness and suffering. The sun had disappeared. The sky was blood red. Sinister sounds surrounded Simply. A bridge rose from the fiery lake, for its water had transformed into lava. Lining the bridge, stood giant statues of hooded figures. The bridge led to the island where a tall monument towered over the environment. All these constructions had been sculpted from black obsidian rocks.

Every single one of the statues emitted a powerful aura. A massive weight crushed Simply to his knees. Gritting his teeth, he slowly managed to stand. Slowly he made his way forward. The moment he stepped foot on the bridge, he collapsed once more. The pressure had doubled. Ignoring his screaming body, he forced himself back up through sheer will. The increased gravity, made his limbs and head become heavier. His pressure pushed his blood down making it hard for his blood to reach his head. His field of vision became narrower and the outside became a blur. This was the beginning of tunnel vision if he allows that field to completely collapse, he would temporarily lose vision before finally blacking out. Blacking out ingame would automatically push the user into a 'recuperation' state until the user's vitals stabilised. If the person was in a critical state, the system would contact the local health authorities.

'Relax. Breathe. Focus. Feel. Flow. Breathe. Consciously.'

The endless and terrifying pressure continued to trample over him with overwhelming force, suppressing him to an inhuman degree. Focused solely on his breathing, he slowly regained control over his failing body. His vision gradually recovered.

Having dealt with the pressure he sluggishly continued his path. For every statue, he passed the pressure increased. He continued onwards, his mind completely focused on his breathing technique. Once he stepped on the island, the pressure vanished. An ancient voice thunderously spoke.

"You are the first to have crossed the Bridge of Strenght. Even though you are weak, your control over your body is impressive for one so young. Tell me, young one, why have you come here?"

The voice came from everywhere. Simply felt someone, something peering into his very being. Unable to locate the source, he complied.

"I'm Simply of House Umbra, Knight of Zakir. I have come in search of a place. A place to be the foundation of my future empire. The seat of my powers. Upon finding this place, I was brought here. Through mysterious circ.u.mstances."

"You are a bold one. Though you seek the same as others, you state it without a trace of hesitation. You truly believe in your goal and when faced before an unknown being, you are honest. At least you have character... You came here because, the place you chose, happens to be my domain. This place is linked to my personal realm. What you see, is its true appearance. I am the last remaining part of my soul. I am the guardian of this domain, both in your realm and mine. If you wish to rule over this domain, you must pass two more trials: The Trial of Mind and The Trial of Soul."

"I accept!"

"So be it."

Intense hatred and pain washed over Simply without warning. Caught unprepared, his mind fell into an abyss of despair. He felt extreme anxiety and fear. His c.h.e.s.t stiffened making it difficult to breathe. Visions of negative actions, behaviours and sensations, from the suffering of all sentient beings flooded into his mind. Clutching his head, in pain as his mind became overrun.

~Remember, the power and the misery... of the Void...~

'Arrh. Must. Remember. Empty. Alone. I remember!' his eyes flew open as his mind became empty. All thoughts and sensations ceased to exist. His sense of perception increased. He felt liberated, his mind clear and uncl.u.s.tered from unimportant 'noise'. He slowly stood up. His clothes were drenched in sweat and bodily fluids. He wiped dry his face with his hand. His panting slowly regained a normal pace.

"Impressive. The final Trial begins now."

Suddenly, an Ice-Blue fireball appeared before him. The small fireball flew towards Simply's forehead. He immediately felt a scorching heat slowly penetrate his head. He barely managed to endure the agony he currently felt. The ball had other plans though. The temperature exponentially rose. If this continued, Simply would pass out from the pain alone. As the temperature hit an unbearable level, it dropped. It continued to drop, reaching liquid nitrogen temperatures. Simply screamed throughout the start of the process. He could feel his very essence being scorched. His blood vessels bulged. His face, red in torment, was constantly tensed.

Just when he was unable to endure the freezing cold any longer, the scorching heat returned. The temperature constantly alternated between hot and cold.

However, things were far from over. Once the fireball had entered his head, it started spreading throughout Simply's entire body.

~You exist between two folds. The world we know, of blood and steel. And the world that watches and dreams, the Void. Harvest it. Shroud yourself in the shadows you create, my young apprentice.~

Simply's screams ended abruptly. He opened his eyes. They were no longer greyish-blue, but golden. His pupils were now verticle. His aura had also undergone a massive change. He gave out a pressure similar to the statues.

[Congratulation for unlocking your bloodline: Golden Dragon Ancestry.]

"Well, well, well. It seems like this domain has a new Master!"

[Congratulation. You are now the Master of the Forgotten Domain of Celebrim]

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Level 22 (37%)

Name Simply Umbra

Class Imperial Knight

Race Human

Health 452 (420) (+7.5%) { (vitality-10)/10 x 2.5 = X% }

Mana 234 (220) (+6.25%) { (Intelligence-10)/10 x 2.5 = X% }

Stamina 462 (420) (+10%)

Intelligence 35