Chapter 44: Success or Failure

44 Chapter 44: Success or Failure

The question came from within the tree, as if the tree itself was alive. Yet no life could be felt from within.

At the same time, Raven also heard some movements around him, as the occasional rustling of winds intensified, as if there was something around that couldn't be seen.

He could also feel as if multiple eyes were watching him. He observed his surroundings. Sometimes, it felt real. While other times, it felt like it was his misconception.

The only thing for sure was that this wasn't a safe place.

While he was lost in thoughts, the ancient voice once again came, repeating the same question. This time, the tone was somewhat impatient.

"What shall a wise person seek?! Truth, Destiny or Desire?!"

Raven grew even more confused, having no clear understanding. Was this tree a living creature of this Dungeon? Was it a monster? Was this a trap? Why was it asking a question like that if it was a trap?

The biggest question in his mind was the significance of this question. The question doesn't appear without purpose. It was a choice that he was told to make.

He stood there, contemplating the question posed by the desolate voice emanating from the ancient tree.

The words echoed in his mind, each option holding its own allure and uncertainty. He knew that his choice could shape his path forward, and the consequences could be profound.

While he was still confused, his eyes glanced at the corner of his view, where a notification had appeared.

His eyes revealed a look of surprise. "So that's what it is."

[Goddess of Nature has woken up]

[The Goddess of Nature is looking at you with curiosity]

[The Goddess of Nature feels a familiar scent on you]

The notifications were similar to what he received when he came before a Bloodline Test of the Demon General of Puppetry.

The only difference was that there was no anticipation with the Goddess of Nature. It was as if she wasn't in a hurry like the Demon General of Puppetry was.

By now, Raven was convinced that this was the wrong path. However, that also made him slightly concerned. If this path only had this test, then why did no one ever return alive?

That made him feel that this test was more dangerous than it appeared. Moreover, since this test still existed, that meant no one had ever passed it.

No one returned alive and no one passed that test. It was clear what the consequences of failing this test were.

Truth, Destiny, or Desire? The three options tugged at his thoughts, urging him to consider their implications.

Truth beckoned to his inquisitive nature, promising knowledge and understanding. It enticed him with the prospect of unraveling the mysteries that lay hidden within the depths of the maze. A wise man was also often associated with truth.

Pursuing truth meant seeking answers to questions that had plagued him since the beginning of his journey—a chance to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic realm and perhaps find a way to shorten his journey.

On the other hand, Destiny called out to his sense of purpose and fate. Choosing this option meant embracing the unknown and trusting in the course that had led him to this moment.

It hinted at a predetermined path, one that could unveil his true purpose and guide him towards his ultimate destiny. To follow destiny was to surrender control and let the currents of fate carry him forward.

Desire stirred his innermost longings and aspirations. It appealed to his personal ambitions, urging him to pursue what his heart truly yearned for.

The allure of desire whispered promises of power, control, or even the fulfillment of unachievable dreams. To choose desire was to prioritize his own desires above all else and embrace the potential rewards it might bring.

Each option held its own risks and rewards, and Raven knew he couldn't take this decision lightly. The consequences of his choice would ripple throughout his journey, shaping his experiences and determining the path he would tread. So far, no one has survived this test after all.

"What would a wise man select?"

He didn't consider himself to be a wise person. In his life, he had made many mistakes. He had lost many people. He had gone through lots of suffering.

In his mind, he wasn't even close to wise. A true wise person would never have made so many mistakes in their lives. In his mind, a wise person was literal perfection.

The question came down to, which of the three choices could be considered wisest by a person who never made mistakes?

As he stood before the ancient tree, the weight of the question pressed upon him. Raven closed his eyes, taking a moment to center himself amidst the tranquil garden. He allowed his intuition to guide him, seeking clarity amidst the ethereal atmosphere.

When he opened his eyes, a resolute determination settled within him. He had made his choice.

"He will seek truth," Raven spoke with conviction, his voice resonating through the chamber. "A wise man will want to know everything. He won't give up his control over his life to destiny! He won't give in to his desires. He will select the truth!"

Silence engulfed the garden, and for a moment, Raven wondered if his answer had been the correct one. But then, the ancient tree stirred.

The whistling of the leaves intensified.

A new notification appeared before Raven, thanks to his passive Skill that could peer through the unknown.

[The Goddess of Nature is disappointed. She had stopped paying attention to you] n--O.-v-)e()l-/b/-I).n

The single notification stunned Raven. This wasn't the response he was looking for! It meant he had failed the test. Which meant there was danger!

He still couldn't see anything in his surroundings, but he could feel some slithering noise. It was as if something was sliding on the ground, circling around him... Something scary... something that couldn't be seen, and only sensed... Something big.