"Well, as stated earlier, I'm but a fragment of my former self meant to help this kid reach his full potential. So, if it wouldn't be too much of a hassle, could I take part in your trial and set the foundation for this kid to unlock his Seven Celestial Stars and create a star body in the process, Varick?" said Pharaoh, as Varick paused and thought of the implications this action would have on his reputation before he began to laugh hysterically.
"You know what, Kemet... fuck it, let's set this world ablaze and watch as chaos reigns supreme and disorder becomes the new norm," smiled Varick as he threw all caution to the wind and teleported himself, Xavi, and Pharaoh into the pocket dimension of his trial.
While also breaking the barrier that once confined them and stopped anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Huh? Where did they go? Weren't they here just a while ago?" asked the monk in bewilderment as he glanced at the princess and the bare-chested guy, who were just as confused, if not more.
However, before the trio could try to understand what occurred, the receptionist at the front stopped what she was doing and stood up.
"Would participant number 894 and her two companions, please make their way to the front of the line to earn their trial tokens?" The receptionist shouted as the trio looked at each other in astonishment, then rushed to the front of the line to receive their tokens.
An opportunity few get the chance to achieve, as there are only a few tokens made every decade that allow a participant to enter any Star Trial of their choosing without being subjected to a time limit and a few other disadvantages.
But anyway, with that, let's see what sort of storm Pharaoh will set off as he tries to achieve the impossible without breaking any rules...
***
Swoosh. Pop.
"Now that we've arrived," Varick asked, "Would you mind telling me why you chose my trials over my siblings' when theirs are far easier to complete, Kemet?"
"Out of all the trials created, your trial, Varick, is the least restrictive and has the highest concentration of Solaris. Additionally, compared to the other trials, yours has the highest probability of someone earning a star body during the formation of their Celestial Star," stated Pharaoh while trying to sense if there was anyone else taking this trial besides him.
"Relax, kid, no one else has the balls to endure the weight of 49 stars while trying to refine Solaris and unlock their Seven Celestial Stars simultaneously," commented Varick as he sensed a faint wave of energy bypass him and extend further into the pocket dimension.
"However, while true, Kemet, do be aware that all this hinges upon your ability to pass all seven trials, which get progressively harder to endure as time passes. As one advances from Morra (a star with a reading is not nova mark) to Zhyr (a star with a reading of a million nova marks)," emphasized Mister X, considering that while we commend Pharaoh for his courage, time has shown that courage without strength to back it up is just stupid.
For what is the point of boasting if, in the end, you will just be making a spectacle of yourself? Plus, throughout the years, many have tried and haven't succeeded, so what makes his attempt any different?
"I'm aware, however, I'd rather die trying than quit before I even took the first step, Xavi. Plus, who is to say it cannot be done?" said Pharaoh confidently as Mister X's words did nothing but make him more assured of his and Rin's choice.
"Well, then, since you're so confident, Kemet, would you wager your soul in exchange for a Heart of Solaris and a Divine Soul Shard, should you fail my trial?" asked Varick with a grin as his eyes shone with an eerie glow.
"Tempting, but is there a time limit to this wager, or is this indefinite, and I can accept the terms whenever I'm feeling suicidal?" wondered Pharaoh as he gazed at Varick with unconcealed caution and suspicion.
"Good question, how about we set the time limit to an incense stick? Oh, and the timer will start the moment you begin to draw in Solaris," stated Varick before pausing and flashing a menacing smile. "Also, before I forget, for you to win the Heart of Solaris and the Divine Soul Shard, you would have to hold out for about 40 minutes and then suffer under the full weight of 49 stars for the remaining time."
"Damn, you really don't hold back your punches, do you, Varick?" muttered Pharaoh.
"Unfortunately, that's never been something I've been good at; however, this should be nothing for Mr. Confident," commented Varick as Mister X watched everything unfold silently with a frown.
"Sigh, just look at the trouble I've brought upon myself," murmured Pharaoh to himself. 'Welp, I guess all I can do now is prove this old fossil wrong and secure two much-needed materials for Rin and myself.'
He thought as he sat down and got himself mentally prepared for the task before him.
***
Sometime later...
"So, are you ready, Kemet, the last warrior of the Sun Tribe?" asked Varick Star after giving Pharaoh some time to prep himself.
"I feel better than I've ever felt in centuries, so let's get this show on the road and prove to myself that I still got it in me," replied Pharaoh.
"Well, then, good luck, and I wish you the best, Kemet, as you'll need all the help you can get."