Chapter 31.1: Personal System Trials - The Trials of Strength (Part 1)
Year 0008, Month XI-XIII: The Imperium
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DAY 29-35: Personal System Trials Advancement
With the start of the second month of winter, the temperature had dropped precipitously. What had been merely cold in the first weeks now became genuinely harsh, the kind of biting wind that found every gap in clothing and turned exposed skin red within minutes. Construction work slowed to a crawl as workers struggled against conditions that made outdoor labor dangerous rather than merely uncomfortable. The five longhouses under construction had reached approximately fifty percent completion roofs were in place, structural frames solidified, but interior finishing work remained incomplete. The buildings would provide shelter from the worst of winter's fury, but not yet the comfort of true homes.
The refugees, still housed in the Open House Complex in Zone 2, made do with what they had. The massive communal structure, heated by two great hearths that burned constantly, provided adequate warmth for survival but little privacy or personal space. They endured with patience born of necessity, knowing that spring would bring the completion of permanent housing. For now, survival took precedence over comfort.
August took advantage of the enforced indoor time to conduct a thorough self-assessment. He sat in his room within the overcrowded Finn Household, surrounded by papers covered in notes and calculations, and confronted an uncomfortable truth: his current strength, while impressive by any reasonable standard, was no longer sufficient.
The looming conflict with Shadowfen represented a threat of entirely different magnitude than anything he had faced before. The Grimfang invasion, which had seemed catastrophic at the time, now appeared almost trivial by comparison. Shadowfen commanded armies of beast lords, coordinated monster legions, and centuries of accumulated martial expertise. The Lonelywoods Forest's defenders, while brave and skilled, were fundamentally outmatched in raw power.
If Maya Village was to survive what was coming if August was to protect the community he had built and the people he loved he needed to become stronger. Significantly stronger.
The path forward was clear, if daunting. His Personal System had been stuck at Level 1 and same with his player Level 25 (MAX) that has been stuck for 4 years now, having reached the maximum capacity of Level 1. The advancement to Level 2 had been available since that achievement, but August had postponed it, citing the pressures of the migration, construction projects, beast wars, refugee integration, and daily administrative responsibilities. In truth, he had been avoiding it. The trials required for advancement were designed to be genuinely challenging, testing not just combat ability but wisdom and character. Failure carried consequences both practical penalties and the psychological weight of inadequacy.
But avoidance was no longer tenable. His stagnation affected not just himself but everyone connected to his Personal System, particularly Team One. Erik, Angeline, Betty, and the others had all felt their own progression slow as August failed to advance. The party-based benefits of his unique system meant his growth enabled theirs. By hesitating, he was holding them back as well.
August pulled up the trial requirements, studying the information panel with careful attention:
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PLAYER PERSONAL SYSTEM TRIALS COMPLETION
The PROSPECT must successfully undergo and complete THREE DISTINCT TRIALS administered by the PLAYER's PERSONAL SYSTEM itself. These comprehensive trials evaluate not only raw combat prowess but also wisdom accumulation, moral character development, and the crucial ability to make difficult decisions under extreme pressure. Each trial sequence is uniquely tailored to the individual PROSPECT, drawing extensively from their personal journey, moral choices made, and character development demonstrated throughout their advancement path.
THE COMPREHENSIVE THREE PLAYER PERSONAL SYSTEM TRIALS FRAMEWORK
Each PLAYER PERSONAL SYSTEM TRIAL represents a meticulously crafted examination specifically tailored to the individual PROSPECT, incorporating elements from their personal history, moral decision patterns, and character development trajectory throughout their entire journey. These trials cannot be repeated, shared, or transferred, making each PROSPECT's advancement path genuinely unique and personally meaningful.
(1) TRIAL OF STRENGTH: COMBAT MASTERY AND TACTICAL SUPREMACY
The inaugural trial comprehensively evaluates the PROSPECT's combat capabilities, tactical intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds through skill, determination, and innovative approaches.
Common Trial Elements and Challenges:
- Simultaneous combat encounters against multiple high-tier enemies with complementary abilities
- Dynamic environmental hazards requiring constant tactical adaptation and creative problem-solving
- Severe resource limitations testing efficiency, conservation, and strategic planning capabilities
- Demanding time constraints preventing conservative, cautious strategies and forcing decisive action
- Complex moral dilemmas that directly impact combat effectiveness and available strategic options
Comprehensive Success Criteria:
- Demonstrate complete mastery and practical application of all acquired combat skills and techniques
- Exhibit tactical flexibility, adaptive thinking, and creative problem-solving under extreme pressure
- Maintain personal moral principles and ethical standards despite overwhelming adversity
- Efficiently manage limited resources throughout extended, challenging conflict scenarios
- Display natural leadership qualities and inspire confidence when commanding others
(2) TRIAL OF WISDOM: INTELLECTUAL MASTERY AND STRATEGIC THINKING
The second trial meticulously evaluates the PROSPECT's intellectual development, decision-making sophistication, comprehensive understanding of complex cause-and-effect relationships, and awareness of the broader implications their actions hold for the world around them.
Common Trial Elements and Challenges:
- Intricate political negotiations with far-reaching consequences affecting multiple kingdoms
- Complex resource allocation decisions impacting numerous communities and competing interests
- Historical puzzles requiring deep, comprehensive world knowledge and cultural understanding
- Challenging ethical dilemmas presenting no clearly "correct" solutions or perfect outcomes
- Strategic planning exercises based on incomplete, contradictory, or deliberately misleading information
Comprehensive Success Criteria:
- Demonstrate profound understanding of complex cause-and-effect relationships across multiple domains
- Show consistent ability to consider and evaluate long-term consequences of all potential actions
- Balance competing interests fairly and effectively while maintaining personal integrity
- Display sophisticated cultural sensitivity, diplomatic skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities
- Make difficult, necessary decisions while maintaining personal moral standards and ethical principles
(3) TRIAL OF CHARACTER: MORAL INTEGRITY AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
The culminating trial thoroughly examines the PROSPECT's moral development, personal integrity, spiritual growth, and unwavering commitment to their chosen philosophical and ethical path, regardless of external pressures or temptations.
Common Trial Elements and Challenges:
- Tempting opportunities to gain significant power, wealth, or influence at others' direct expense
- Scenarios requiring substantial personal sacrifice for the greater good of communities or nations
- Comprehensive tests of loyalty to friends, allies, moral principles, and fundamental beliefs
- Carefully crafted moral temptations specifically designed to exploit the PROSPECT's known weaknesses
- Complex scenarios requiring forgiveness, mercy, and compassion toward former enemies or betrayers
Comprehensive Success Criteria:
- Maintain established personal moral standards despite extreme temptation and external pressure
- Demonstrate genuine growth and meaningful learning from past mistakes and character flaws
- Show unwavering commitment to chosen values, principles, and ethical frameworks
- Display emotional maturity, self-awareness, and sophisticated understanding of personal motivations
- Successfully balance legitimate personal needs with responsibilities to others and society
COMPREHENSIVE TRIAL CONSEQUENCES AND OUTCOMES
SUCCESS REWARDS AND BENEFITS:
- Immediate, automatic advancement to the next PLAYER PERSONAL SYSTEM LEVEL with full access to enhanced capabilities
- Substantial bonus attribute points distributed based on individual trial performance and excellence
- Access to unique, previously unavailable skills, abilities, and advanced technique combinations
- Special titles, recognition, and prestigious status within the broader CENTUURY community
- Unlock of previously restricted areas, content, and storyline progressions
FAILURE CONSEQUENCES AND REMEDIATION:
- Mandatory waiting period (typically ranging from 6-12 months of game time) before retrial opportunity
- Required completion of specific growth objectives designed to address identified weaknesses
- Potential forfeit of accumulated overflow experience points as consequence for inadequate preparation
- Temporary statistical debuffs reflecting the psychological and spiritual impact of failure
- Necessity to re-demonstrate readiness through specific achievements and character development milestones
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August leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The trials were comprehensive and unforgiving. Failure would set him back months, potentially leaving the village vulnerable during the most critical period. But success offered rewards that could genuinely shift the balance of power not just for himself, but for everyone connected to his system.
"I guess I could work on the strength portion first," August murmured to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. "Then tackle the others in sequence."
The question was methodology. The requirements were clear enough in abstract terms, but translating them into practical action presented challenges. "How do I even initiate this?" he wondered aloud. "There's no instruction manual. Most of this I've discovered through trial and error."
He closed his eyes and addressed his Personal System directly, speaking in his mind rather than aloud. *Hey, how do I start the first trial?*
The response came immediately, delivered in that familiar cold, feminine voice that he had come to recognize as Manager Dorothy one of the three distinct personalities that seemed to comprise his Personal System's administrative framework.
[P.S. MANAGER DOROTHY: MASTER, YOU CAN TECHNICALLY JUST FIGHT STRONG MONSTERS OR PEOPLE IF YOU PREFER. DEFEAT CONDITIONS MAY VARY FOR DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. YOU CAN KILL OR DUEL ANYTHING IS DOABLE. BUT SINCE THIS IS YOUR FIRST TRIAL AND REPRESENTS A MAJOR SYSTEM ADVANCEMENT, WE SHALL MAKE IT A SPECIAL QUEST FOR YOU.]
August felt a surge of gratitude mixed with apprehension. The System was adapting to provide structured guidance rather than leaving him to interpret abstract requirements. That was... unexpectedly helpful.
Golden text began materializing in his vision, visible only to him, as the System generated quest parameters:
...SYSTEM GENERATING TRIAL...
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[System: Emergency Special Quest - Personal System Advancement for August Finn]
Trial of Strength: Completion Conditions
Defeat 10 Master-rank OR one Grandmaster-rank Human, Humanoid, or Demihuman through combat to the death or through formal duels.
Alternative Completion Condition:
Kill 10 Boss-rank beasts OR one Forest Guardian-rank beast.
Optional Enhancement: Join the ongoing war against the forces of Shadowfen Forest. Combat participation in this conflict will generate opportunities to fulfill completion conditions.
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Trial of Wisdom: Completion Conditions
Answer a difficult question from three individuals you know personally, where your answer may significantly affect their lives, the village as a whole, or your allies and friends. Questions must be genuine dilemmas with meaningful consequences.
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Trial of Character: Completion Conditions
A scenario requiring moral judgment will present itself naturally. You must decide a fate requiring application of your moral compass. The scenario will activate when appropriate circumstances arise.
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Rewards Upon Full Trial Completion:
- Advancement of Personal System to Level 2
- Increase of maximum player level capacity to 50 (+25 levels beyond current cap)
- Receipt of ONE Personal Divine Tier Skill
- +2,000 STAT and SUB-STAT POINTS per trial completion (6,000 total)
- Access to a recorded fragment of your past self
---
August read through the quest details three times, absorbing every nuance. The rewards were genuinely extraordinary. A Divine Tier skill represented the pinnacle of personal abilities powers that transcended normal classification systems. The stat point bonuses were staggering, equivalent to months or even years of conventional training compressed into immediate gains. And the mysterious "recorded fragment of your past self"intrigued him deeply.
His Personal System had referenced a "past self" during his initial awakening years ago, suggesting that August's current existence was somehow connected to a previous life or identity. He had largely dismissed this as metaphorical language or system flavor text. But if the System was offering a genuine fragment of memory or knowledge from that previous existence, it might provide crucial insights into his nature and capabilities.
The combat requirements were clear enough. Ten Boss-rank beasts or one Forest Guardian. Given the current military situation along the Shadowfen border, opportunities for such combat would be plentiful. Disturbingly plentiful.
"Thanks," August said aloud, acknowledging the System's assistance. "This is genuinely helpful. I appreciate the structured approach."
A thought occurred to him. "I'm assuming I don't have to fight these Boss-rank beasts alone? The quest doesn't specify solo combat. Could I bring assistance maybe fight alongside Master Aetherwing or Team One members?"
There was a brief pause, as if the System was considering how to respond. Then:
[P.S. MANAGER DOROTHY: YES.]
August groaned inwardly at the terseness. "Why are you always so cold toward me? We've been working together for years now. A little warmth wouldn't kill you."
The System, unsurprisingly, did not respond to this complaint. August sighed and decided to take the single-word confirmation at face value. If assistance was permitted, he could optimize his approach significantly. Fighting alongside Aetherwing would dramatically increase his survival odds against Forest Guardian-level threats. And bringing Team One members would provide both tactical advantages and training opportunities for his companions.
---
Preparation and Departure
The next several days passed in a blur of preparation. August convened the Elder Council to explain his plans, carefully outlining both the necessity and the risks. Village Chief Red Peerce listened with his characteristic calm, asking pointed questions about contingencies and backup plans. Axel Martin immediately began calculating defensive reorganization to compensate for August's absence. Theresa Peerce, though clearly worried, focused on practical concerns about supply logistics and medical preparation.
"How long do you anticipate being gone?" Red asked, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying concern.
"Uncertain," August admitted. "The combat trials could be completed relatively quickly if opportunities present themselves along the Shadowfen border. But the Wisdom and Character trials are less predictable. They activate based on circumstances rather than pure will. I'd estimate two to four weeks minimum, potentially longer."
"That's a significant period given current tensions," Axel observed. "If Shadowfen launches a major offensive while you're absent..."
"Then the village follows the established defense protocols," August interrupted gently but firmly. "We've prepared for this scenario. The fort in the mountain can shelter everyone. The walls are reinforced. Team Two and Team Three are trained and capable. Master Ben remains here as our ultimate defensive asset." He paused. "I'm not irreplaceable. The village can function without me."
"It functions better with you," Theresa said quietly. "But I understand the necessity. If you don't advance, you'll be even less able to help when the real crisis comes."
The council eventually approved his departure with the usual array of cautions and contingency planning. Master Ben insisted on contributing one additional element to the expedition.
"If you're traveling to the Shadowfen border, you should take Benethar Solvorn with you," the ancient wizard said, his tone brooking no argument. "He is still young barely weeks old in terms of true consciousness. But he needs experience in the wider world beyond this valley. Combat experience, travel experience, exposure to genuine danger. You cannot learn such things in a workshop."
August opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. Master Ben was right, as usual. Benethar possessed formidable capabilities the Prime Forged Soul had been constructed from Beast Lord mana cores, giving him power that rivaled Master Ranked Category IV or even Category V entities. But raw power without experience was dangerous, both to its wielder and to those nearby. Better to provide that experience in a controlled manner, with August as guide and mentor.
"Very well," August agreed. "It would be a pleasure to have you accompany us, Benethar."
The construct, who had been standing silently near the workshop entrance, inclined his head respectfully. His four arms moved in a gesture that might have been a bow or simply acknowledgment. "The pleasure is all mine, young master August."
August winced at the formal address. "First of all, Benethar, I'm not your master. I'm simply another being, and you are yourself a unique individual with your own agency and purpose. Please just call me August. No honorifics."
Benethar's glowing eyes dimmed slightly, which August had learned indicated thoughtful consideration. "Very well, August. If that is how you wish to be addressed, I shall comply."
The final preparations moved quickly. August gathered his equipment, checking and rechecking his weapons, armor, and supplies. The Guardian armor set, reforged with Crystalline Flame techniques, fit perfectly and had proven its worth in countless battles. His weapons bow, sword, daggers, spear were all maintained to peak condition. Healing potions, food supplies, camping equipment, and emergency contingencies filled his Magical Item Pouch.
Aetherwing had agreed to the journey despite the recent hatching of his second clutch. His mate, Sylpharael whom August had nicknamed "Sylph" with her amused permission had explicitly approved her partner's temporary absence. "The chicks are well-protected," she had assured August in her mental voice. "Kirpy and his siblings rotate guard duty. Their mates assist with feeding and care. And I am more than capable of defending our nest if necessary."
The departure was scheduled for early morning of Day 35. August rose before dawn, moving quietly through the Finn Household to avoid waking those still sleeping. He found Angeline waiting for him in the common room, a cloak wrapped around her shoulders against the pre-dawn cold.
"I knew you'd try to leave without saying goodbye properly," she said, her tone gently accusing.
"I wasn't trying to avoid it," August protested, though the lie was transparent. "I just... I know goodbyes are hard for you."
"They're hard for everyone," Angeline corrected. She crossed the room and pulled him into an embrace, her head resting against his chest. "Gus, I need you to understand something. I know how powerful you are. I've seen you fight, seen you lead, seen you accomplish things that should be impossible. But that doesn't mean I don't worry."
August wrapped his arms around her, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. "I know. I worry too. But this is necessary, Gel. If I grow stronger, everyone connected to my system grows stronger. You, Erik, Betty, the others you're all limited by my ceiling. Breaking through that ceiling helps all of us."
"I understand the logic," Angeline said, her voice slightly muffled against his chest. "That doesn't make it easier." She pulled back enough to look up at him, her eyes serious. "Promise me something. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't try to prove anything. Just complete the trials and come home safely."
"I promise," August said, and meant it. "I'm bringing Master Aetherwing and Benethar. We'll be careful and methodical. This isn't about glory it's about necessity."
Angeline studied his face for a long moment, then nodded. "Okay. I believe you." She stood on her toes and kissed him, a lingering gesture that carried weight beyond simple affection. When she pulled away, her expression had shifted to something more determined. "Now go. The others are waiting to see you off."
The village square was more crowded than August had anticipated. Word of his departure had spread, and dozens of villagers and refugees had gathered despite the early hour and bitter cold. Team One stood in a cluster near the center Erik, Betty, Bren, Adam, Isabel, and Milo, along with support members Hiraya and Adarna. Jonathan Ross stood with them, his military bearing evident even in casual dress.
Red Peerce and Theresa approached as August entered the square. Red offered a firm handshake, his grip conveying confidence and support. "Come back stronger," the Village Chief said simply. "We'll hold things together while you're gone."
Theresa pulled August into a brief hug, her maternal instincts overriding usual formality. "Be safe," she whispered. "And remember Angeline needs you to come back whole, not just victorious."
Master Ben arrived with Benethar, the ancient wizard's expression characteristically unreadable. "Remember what I've taught you," Ben said, his voice carrying an edge of concern beneath the gruff exterior. "Power without wisdom is destruction. Strength without purpose is violence. You seek to become stronger, yes but never forget why."
"I won't master, I won't," August promised.
Aetherwing descended from the mountains in a controlled spiral, his massive form blocking out the pre-dawn stars as he landed in the cleared area beyond the square. The Guardian Beast's arrival always carried an element of majesty the sheer physical presence combined with the aura of accumulated power that marked true Beast Lords.
*Are you ready, my ward?* Aetherwing's mental voice carried notes of both anticipation and concern. *The path ahead will test you in ways you have not yet experienced.*
*I'm ready,* August responded, projecting more confidence than he entirely felt. *Or as ready as I'll ever be. Thank you for agreeing to accompany me.*
*You are my ward,* Aetherwing said simply, as if that explained everything. *Where you go, I follow at least until the bond is fulfilled or broken.*
August turned to address the assembled crowd one final time. "I won't make a long speech. You all know why I'm doing this. The village needs strength to face what's coming. I need to advance to provide that strength. While I'm gone, follow the established command structure. Chief Red has full authority for daily operations. The Elder Council handles major decisions. Team Two and Team Three maintain security. Master Ben is your ultimate defensive asset if a genuine crisis occurs."
He paused, making eye contact with as many people as possible. "Violence is not the answer to every problem. Talk first. Seek mediation. Use the systems we've built. But if someone threatens the village or harms the innocent, defend yourselves without hesitation. You have my permission and my expectation that you will protect what we've built together."
Erik stepped forward, speaking for Team One. "We'll keep things running. Just make sure you come back in one piece so we can all benefit from your advancement."
"I will," August promised. He mounted Aetherwing's back, settling into the familiar position behind the Guardian Beast's massive shoulders. Benethar climbed up behind him with surprising grace for someone who had only existed for a few weeks. The construct's four arms provided excellent stability despite the awkwardness of the seating arrangement.
Aetherwing spread his wings an impressive span that blocked out a significant portion of the sky. "Hold on," he advised unnecessarily.
With a single powerful downstroke, they launched into the air. Aetherwing carefully controlled the wind currents, ensuring the displaced air didn't uproot buildings or scatter the assembled villagers. They rose swiftly, the valley falling away beneath them as the first rays of dawn painted the mountains gold and rose.
August looked back once, seeing the village laid out below like a detailed map. The longhouses, the walls, the fields now buried under snow, the tiny figures of friends and loved ones waving farewell. It looked simultaneously fragile and enduring a testament to human persistence in the face of overwhelming odds.
Then they were above the cloud layer, and Maya Village disappeared from view.
---
Angeline's Perspective
Angeline watched until August vanished completely into the distance, her hand still raised in farewell though he could no longer see her. The cold wind stung her eyes, providing a convenient excuse for the moisture gathering there.
"He'll be fine," Erik said, moving to stand beside her. His tone was confident, but Angeline heard the underlying uncertainty. Erik worried too, even if he hid it better.
"I know," Angeline said, lowering her hand. "Logically, I know he's incredibly powerful. Master Aetherwing is with him. Benethar adds even more security. The chances of genuine danger are minimal."
"But logic doesn't stop the worry," Betty observed, joining them on Angeline's other side.
"No," Angeline agreed. "It doesn't."
The crowd began dispersing as the sun rose higher, people returning to their daily routines despite the significant absence. But Team One lingered, forming a small cluster in the now-empty square.
"He's grown so much," Angeline said quietly, speaking more to herself than the others. "Sometimes I feel like he's moving further and further away. Not emotionally he still cares, still makes time. But his responsibilities keep expanding. The weight he carries keeps increasing. And I can't help but wonder..." She trailed off, unwilling to complete the thought.
"Wonder what?" Bren prompted gently.
"Whether there will come a point where his responsibilities are so great that there's no room left for personal relationships," Angeline finished. "When being the Supreme Commander, the village (current) founder, the leader of impossible ventures becomes all-consuming."
"That won't happen," Adam said with uncharacteristic certainty. "August isn't that kind of person. He builds communities, not hierarchies. He values relationships, not just utility. That's what makes him different from typical leaders."
"Adam's right," Isabel agreed. "August's strength comes from his connections to people, not from isolation. He knows that. We all know that."
Theresa Peerce approached the group, having overheard the last part of their conversation. The village's mother figure settled beside Angeline, her presence immediately comforting. "Don't worry excessively about August," Theresa said, her voice carrying the calm authority of experience. "He does extraordinary things, yes things beyond most of us, even without our direct support. But it's precisely because he has us that he's able to accomplish what he does. Our support, our belief, our readiness to help when needed that's his true strength."
She placed a hand on Angeline's shoulder. "August ventures into danger, faces trials that would break lesser people, and takes on impossible burdens. But he does it knowing that everyone he holds dear is safe and cared for. That knowledge gives him the freedom to take necessary risks. So our job, while he's gone, is to be strong. To keep the village running smoothly. To handle our responsibilities without constant supervision. That's how we support him by proving we can stand without him holding us up."
Angeline felt something loosen in her chest, a tight knot of anxiety unwinding slightly. "Thank you, Aunty Theresa."
Theresa smiled, the expression warm and genuine. "You're welcome, dear. Now, I believe we all have duties to attend to. The village doesn't stop simply because August is traveling. Let's show him what we're capable of when he returns."
Team One dispersed gradually, each member heading toward their respective responsibilities. Erik to coordinate with Team Three on training exercises. Betty to assist Master Ben with magical instruction for the refugee students showing aptitude. Bren to check on Kirpy and the other bonded beasts. Adam and Isabel to help with ongoing construction projects.
Angeline remained in the square a moment longer, looking toward the northern horizon where August had disappeared. She breathed deeply, centering herself, then turned back toward the village.
There was work to be done. And when August returned when, not if she would be able to tell him honestly that they had managed things well in his absence.
That was its own form of strength.