This familiar voice calling Kael as a friend belonged to Morgoth. Kael, angrily:
"How many days has it been?" he snapped. "And now you find the face to speak to me like nothing happened? Pathetic… you really are shameless."
"Oh come on, Kael, it was just a little problem. These things happen between friends, don't they? I can't believe the attitude you've taken. You've really, truly hurt me… and I'm offended."
"Pff, what's the use of you being offended? We don't even know who you really are! Hahaha!"
"You're right, you're right... Anyway. How's it going? Looks like you're in trouble. But I see you're pretty fast, huh? Hahahah!"
"Pfff... What would you know? Anyway, if you have enough time to talk to me, help me, Morgoth."
"Hmm... Fine, fine. As always, you need me, huh? I can help you find him—but remember, you'll have to help me too."
Kael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, with a mocking tone:
"Alright, alright. Now, the important thing—think about where the priestess could be," he said.
Morgoth began to speak:
"I can still feel her aura. It's stretching toward the east, but my advice is to walk away without taking this risk."
Kael replied with a questioning look:
"Well… You don't really know what the trial is, do you?"
Morgoth began to explain:
"There are many nations on the continent, but only seven major ones are recognized. These are called GA-7, a short term for the union of the seven great nations. After the Holy War, the deity of Midgar Kingdom, Panteon, descended to the world to create the trial system to strengthen the kingdom.
In this trial, you receive rewards based on your success. But the characters are fake. Whether the priestess lives or dies doesn't really matter. You can even pass just by hiding. Of course, you'll have to bear the consequences."
"Consequences?"
"Yes. The punishment is being deprived of the rewards for failing the task. But if you perform well enough, you might even gain a Monarch-Class ability."
"Alright... And what exactly is that?"
Morgoth burst into loud laughter.
"You don't know that either, you fool?! Alright, I'll explain. Monarch-Class abilities are a type of rune granted by the gods—just below the ancient runes, they are the highest tier."
"Okay, I get it... But what's the significance? Is it really important?"
"You're not messing with me, are you?"
When Kael stayed silent, Morgoth paused for a moment.
"There are ten recognized types of runes in the world. That means ten different paths of power. In every trial, one of the participants is rewarded and receives a very powerful rune. With that, they can reach nearly the 3rd tier of strength. That's why these trials are seen as the best path for the Unawakened to awaken. But you can only participate once. That's a big downside. Understand now?"
"Ha... Yeah, I think I get it. Anyway, let's head east. There's a priestess we need to rescue…"
Moonlight pierced through the leaves of massive oak trees and struck the ground. At the center of the light stood a tall, white-haired youth. His red eyes burned with the thirst to kill. His body was drenched in blood, and beneath him lay a corpse.
He sighed, then slowly spoke:
"As I expected… the time has come. Isn't that right, Caester?"
The blue-haired man sitting at the top of the tree raised his head and tossed the head of the man who had just been lying on the ground.
"Seems so. Only thirty people remain."
"Well then… Shall we start hunting, Johan?"