Chapter 193

“The Trial of the Hero has begun!”

Noa froze upon receiving the unexpected notification. But after a moment, she collected herself and quickly checked the details of the alert.

[Notification]

▶ Trial of the Hero – Challenge Start

▶ Challenger: [Fertisha Eve Al Rubens]

It was clear upon a second glance.

Her eyes flickered like a candle. The panic was evident on Noa’s face as she stared wide-eyed.

‘Why on earth?!’

And why wouldn’t she be? Fertisha was the last of the seven heroes scheduled to undertake the Trial.

Currently, only Ulan and Delia had passed the Trial. This meant Fertisha wouldn’t have her turn for, at the very least, another decade.

In other words, this was happening way too soon.

‘Let’s think calmly,’ she thought.

Now that the Trial had begun, there was no way to turn back. So, Noa recalled the information about Fertisha’s Trial.

‘First, the activation condition for the Trial.’

For Fertisha’s Trial to activate, one specific condition had to be met.

She must come into contact with the Abyss.

Because her Trial was held deep within the Abyss. And lo and behold, there was a location highly connected to the Abyss right here.

‘…Source of Magic.’

The very passage linking this world to the Abyss.

Now that I think about it, the last time I guided Fertisha around the academy, she suddenly tried to enter the Source of Magic out of nowhere.

Of course, that plan was thwarted by Rimer.

‘Well, in any case, the activation condition is fulfilled.’

If she stepped into the Source of Magic without anyone’s guidance, the conditions for activating the Trial would’ve certainly been satisfied from that moment onward.

After letting out a heavy sigh, Noa continued her train of thought.

‘Each hero’s trial has its own concept.’

Ulan’s was about defeating monsters, his bravery (勇猛).

Delia inherited the Knowledge of the Stars and pursued a deeper understanding of Magic (魔道).

‘And for Fertisha…’

Hatching (孵化).

The goal was to pass the Trial of a special ‘spirit’ trapped within the Abyss since the beginning and break through its shell to emerge into a broader world.

It was a trial that would serve as a turning point for Fertisha, who had been trapped in the imperial castle for so long, recognizing the essence of the outside world and awakening as a hero.

‘Well, that part is fine.’

The goal of the trial was clear-cut, and compared to other heroes’ Trials, it isn’t particularly difficult.

‘But the problem is…’

There’s an element present in all hero Trials.

That is, a ‘Death Branch Point’. Naturally, Fertisha’s Trial also has a Death Branch Point.

‘Facing the Trial alone.’

If Fertisha attempted the Trial on her own, her chances of failure would be 100%.

Afterward, she would be swallowed by the darkness of the Abyss, and the number of heroes would drop from seven to six.

‘On the other hand…’

If she faced the Trial with someone else, the likelihood of success skyrocketed.

In other words, to avoid Fertisha’s Death Branch Point, at least one other hero must join her in the Trial.

‘Wait a minute, then could it be…!’

As I pondered this, a sudden thought struck her.

Wide-eyed, Noa snapped out of her thoughts and turned to the silver-haired girl.

“Delia!”

“Huh?”

“Can you use the Eye of the Stars to find out where Fertisha is?”

Upon hearing Fertisha’s name, Delia immediately furrowed her pretty brows, showing clear discontent.

“…Why her?”

“It’s related to Ulan.”

“I’ll check right now!”

Delia’s demeanor changed completely upon hearing Ulan’s name.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she used the Eye of the Stars and began searching the academy thoroughly.

Some time passed…

Delia, who had focused on the search for a while, gradually grew darker in complexion. After a moment, she muttered, seemingly confused.

“This is strange. I can’t find her either.”

Fertisha had disappeared just like Ulan.

Upon hearing this news, Noa’s eyes sparkled like stars.

‘Then they are probably together…’

The fact that neither Ulan nor Fertisha left a trace in the Eye of the Stars was evidence enough.

With that conclusion, a wave of relief washed over her.

Of course. If it was none other than Ulan by her side, he would smash through any Death Branch Point, let alone just avoid it.

‘Though I’m curious about how they ended up together in the Trial, I can ask about that later.’

So, the problem was resolved.

At least, that’s how Noa saw it.

But that was just her opinion. There was a ‘real problem’ that she hadn’t considered.

“…Noa.”

In a voice as cold as ice.

Ivella and Delia, throwing glances at her that made her knees weak, immediately spoke up.

“Could it be that we’re asking about…?”

“Are Ulan and her together right now?”

“Wha-what?!”

Noa’s face transformed into a deer caught in headlights.

It quickly dawned on her.

In her preoccupation with the Trial of the Hero, she had completely forgotten about the two. So, she quickly wiped the panic from her face and asked.

“W-why do you ask?”

“First answer the question.”

An overwhelming pressure bore down on her shoulders.

She wanted to dodge the answer, but that was impossible. Though Ivella was concerning, Delia had the Heart’s Eye to tell apart lies from truths.

“…Maybe?”

Her answer carried a hint of affirmation.

At that moment, the eyes of the two girls flared with a volatile intensity, as if someone had just poured oil on a fire. Noa felt herself gulp down the lump in her throat.

‘Uh oh!’

She prayed earnestly.

That Ulan and Fertisha would pass the Trial as quickly as possible before the flames of jealousy and obsession consumed the two girls.

Meanwhile…

Noa wasn’t the only one contemplating the Trial of the Hero. Ulan, laying on the water, was also having similar thoughts.

‘What kind of Trial was it again?’

Except for the fact it was held beyond the Abyss, nothing else came to mind. But the more he thought, a long-forgotten memory resurfaced.

‘Oh, now that I think about it…’

The moment Fertisha’s Trial activated.

The close-by Laurea was also swept up in the Trial. It was only after a full two days that she returned.

‘That must be when it started.’

Laurea and Fertisha grew particularly close after that.

Ulan inquired what happened in there, but neither could solve the mystery. They both claimed not to remember much of it.

Anyhow, that was about all he recalled regarding Fertisha’s Trial. Just as he was wrapping up his thoughts and regaining focus…

A sudden splash grabbed his attention as he watched Fertisha climbing ashore.

“Ah, that feels refreshing.”

Stretching, she wrung out her soaked skirt lightly. As droplets fell from her, a warm breeze wafted from somewhere.

Moments later, Fertisha’s body transformed into a dry state as if she had never been wet. It was probably thanks to the spirits’ help.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

“Huh? Where to?”

“Naturally, over there.”

Fertisha pointed toward Zone 5.

Agreeing with her, Ulan also climbed onto dry land.

Seeing this action, Fertisha narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Are you planning to stop me?”

“No, I’m coming along.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because I’m worried about you.”

“…!”

Her eyes widened in surprise like a startled rabbit.

Meanwhile, Ulan met her gaze earnestly. He realized why Fertisha was trying to head to Zone 5.

‘This means the Trial of the Hero has been pushed forward.’

This time frame was completely different from her past life.

But he wasn’t startled. Just like when the Abyss Worshippers invaded Delia’s Trial, something unusual must have occurred again.

‘So, I can’t let her go alone.’

Fertisha’s combat abilities were pretty much non-existent.

No matter how much she fought with the spirits’ help, her odds of survival would drop dramatically if she were to encounter a Minion of the Abyss.

That’s why Ulan decided to follow her, just in case. At the same time, a smile spread across Fertisha’s face upon hearing Ulan’s response.

“Great! I’m pleased to have your permission.”

“Hmm? Permission?”

“Well, someday, when I become your knight…”

“Knight?”

“Ahem! Never mind that.”

Fertisha quickly changed the subject.

With a shy smile, she said, “I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

It was an odd glimpse of her, but he didn’t mind. She had often acted this way in her past life as well.

“Shall we go then?”

“Sure.”

After nodding, the two headed towards Zone 5.

As they walked for a while…

They passed through the misty Zone 2 when an unexpected problem blocked their path.

[This is a restricted zone.]

[You are advised to turn back.]

A massive Magic Golem.

It was the guardian of the Source. Facing it, Ulan finally realized.

“…I had forgotten about this.”

The Source of Magic, the Golems that protect each zone.

He’d forgotten, thinking they had been destroyed during the Abyssal Rift incident, but it seemed they had been restored over the summer break.

“Wow! It’s huge! What is it?”

“It’s a Golem.”

“Ah, this is a Golem! I’ve never seen one before!”

Fertisha’s eyes sparkled with the wonder of a child discovering a fascinating new toy.

Meanwhile, as the warnings continued and the two showed no signs of turning back, the Golem’s eyes shifted from blue to red.

[Last warning. Turn back.]

[Combat stance will be initiated shortly.]

It was ready to attack at any moment.

There was no choice but to break in. Just as Ulan decided to draw his axe, something unexpected happened.

[Warning, insufficient magic…]

[Entering standby mode.]

The Golems collapsed as a fierce wind swept through, and as the wind died down, Fertisha smiled up at the sky.

“Thanks, you saved me.”

Talking to the spirits.

Ulan realized what had happened.

“I see. They absorbed the magic?”

“Huh! How did you know?”

“I’m used to it.”

It was a common sight he had seen in his past life, where spirits were used to strip the opponent’s magic. In response, Fertisha squinted her eyes and asked.

“…Are you really sure you can’t see the spirits?”

“I can’t see them.”

“Hmm, that seems suspicious…”

She persistently pressed on.

But Ulan had no intention of indulging her.

“Let’s go.”

“Hey, wait for me!”

Fertisha hurriedly chased after him.

After some time, they passed through the fogged area and entered the dark land.

The Source of Magic, Zone 3.

No light was visible, but identifying the direction was not a problem. As he took long strides with animalistic instincts,

“Um, Ulan?”

“What?”

“I was just curious if you were there.”

Suddenly, Fertisha spoke up.

What an unpredictable one. Ulan chuckled and continued walking. But just a few steps later, her voice came up again.

“Ulan, are you really there?”

“If you’re anxious, just hold my hand.”

“No, that’s a bit…”

Her hesitant response was peculiar.

Annoyed by her indecisiveness, Ulan grabbed her hand without waiting for permission. Fertisha gasped and quickly pulled away.

“This is… troublesome!”

“Why?”

“…Are you serious? You really don’t know?”

“I’m genuinely asking.”

“O-older brother, I mean uncle, if you grab hands carelessly, a baby will be made…”

What on earth is she talking about?

Ulan grimaced.

“You’ve got it wrong.”

“Huh? For real?”

“That’s not how babies are made.”

He understood why she was ignorant.

Having been cooped up in the imperial castle since birth, it made sense she wouldn’t know any better. But he never expected her to be so naive about such matters.

Meanwhile, Fertisha was left in shock.

Ulan’s firm and decisively confident response shattered her understanding of the world.

But that didn’t last long.

With a curious expression, she asked, “Then how does it happen?”

“You just do it, and then it happens.”

“Do it? Do what?”

“Well, obviously…”

Just as he was about to explain in more explicit terms…

A sudden fierce wind blew in, drowning out Ulan’s voice.

Even when he tried to answer again, the same situation occurred.

“Huh? Guys, what’s going on?”

Seeing Fertisha nervously looking around, it seemed it was the spirits’ doing.

They probably didn’t want any detailed explanations, so Ulan silently nodded. As if to say he would go along with their wishes.

Then the wind faded away swiftly.

It seemed that had been the right answer. Ulan then concluded his answer.

“You’ll find out when you’re older.”

“What? We’re not that far apart in age.”

Fertisha pouted her lips.

Yet even then, she didn’t grab his hand again.

“…Is it really okay?”

“It’s okay.”

“Can you promise?”

“Sure, I swear on the name of a hero.”

His heartfelt voice rang with sincerity.

Had she caught onto that? Only then did Fertisha cautiously reach out her hand with a relieved look on her face.

After holding hands with Ulan, she beamed.

“Hehe, this is much better.”

With their hands held, they quickened their pace. After a while, they passed through Zone 3 and soon arrived at the entrance of Zone 4.

This was where he had defeated Diplyn in the past.

Ulan’s lips twitched.

“From here on out, we need to be cautious.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because if we use even a little magic, a Rampage will immediately occur.”

Thus, they couldn’t even unfold their domains.

Of course, using spirits wasn’t magic, but another form of power, so it was possible. Nevertheless, he made sure to warn her to avoid any carelessness.

However, there was no response.

What was going on? Ulan tilted his head in confusion and called her name again.

“Fertisha?”

But still, no response.

As he was about to pull her hand, he suddenly realized his hand was no longer holding hers.

“…!”

He became confused, scanning the surroundings.

“When did I let go…?”

When did that happen, and why hadn’t he noticed this?

All sorts of questions swirled through his mind.

Yet, there was no time to ponder this. Right now, finding Fertisha was the priority.

And in that moment…

A brilliant white light burst forth.

“Ugh!”

The blinding flash was almost enough to blind him.

Ulan instinctively closed his eyes. A moment later, as the explosion of light began to subside, he opened his eyes again, and the next instant, his ruby-red eyes widened in shock.

“Where is this…?”

In an instant, the landscape had shifted.

Not Zone 4, but a vibrant and lush green forest. Ulan stood there, astounded, simply blinking at the sudden change that left him speechless.

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