’Aron, let’s see what you’re going to survive this time.’ I thought as I took out ’Mask of Deception’ from my inventory.
As soon as I wore the ’Mask of Deception’ over my face, it blurred out my facial features, giving just an outline of what I actually look like.
I took out a hoodie from my inventory and wore it over my academic shirt.
Taking a few more turns, I arrived at a corner of an isolated building, and without much difficulty, I started climbing it.
My fingers traced the rough surface of the brick wall as I started the ascent.
The first few stories were easy because of the handholds and ledges that were quite easy to grip.
But as I climbed higher, the metal groaned beneath my weight, protesting the intrusion.
With a deep breath, I jumped up, arriving at the top of the building.
The city below became clear as I looked around—the stillness of the scene with everyone doing their own job.
As minutes turned into contemplative moments, I found a quiet corner on the rooftop.
I lowered himself to a seated position, my legs dangling over the edge.
The concrete was cool beneath me.
’How long do I need to stay in the academy?’
Leaning back on his hands, I allowed my thoughts to wander.
If things go the way I want them to, then maybe next year I won’t need to go to the academy, as my work there will come to an end at that time.
’I will just spend my time with family and lovers.’
After ending all of this, I just want to rest. I have been working my ass off so I could have a peaceful life, and I am going to live it to the fullest.
"Hey, Edda." I called her out because I had something to ask.
[Yes?]
"Will I ever have a peaceful life?"
It’s been three years since I arrived in this world, and I still don’t know what the purpose of that being who brought me here was.
What does he want from me?
What do I have to do for him?
I don’t know anything about that, not a single thing.
[....]
She didn’t reply, keeping her mouth shut whenever I asked her about him.
"At least tell me, when are you going to inform me of what I have to do for him?" I asked, trying to get any answer that I could.
[Soon]
Soon huh?
"Let’s hope you are not lying this time." I mumbled as I stood up with my gaze on the building in front of me.
Quite a lot of the guards were guarding the tomb-like structure with utmost sincerity.
There are two types of guards in the place; the first is the stronger one, with around origin level 5-6 while the weaker ones are around 3-4.
[What are you going to do, Eden?]
"Can’t you read my mind? Why ask such questions?"I mumbled as I stretched my body.
[Can’t you just answer?]
[You could have fought barehanded; they aren’t your match anyway.]
"And put my life at risk? What if the stronger guess comes back? You also want me to fight them barehanded?" I rebuked as I started to move inside the tome.
With no one to interfere, I entered the building.
As soon as I entered, my footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor, the air thick with stillness as I entered the tomb-like building that housed the grave of the kingdom’s first king.
entered, my footsteps echoing through the narrow corridor, the air thick with stillness as I entered the tomb-like building that housed the grave of the kingdom’s first
The walls are adorned with faded tapestries depicting tales of a bygone era.
The air grew colder as I advanced, a spectral chill that clung to my skin.
The corridor widened, revealing an expansive chamber adorned with intricate carvings and solemn statues.
I placed a hand on the cold surface of the statute, my fingertips brushing against the engraved symbols.
"Huuu..."
With a deep breath, I took out a big war hammer from my inventory.
"Hope I won’t die for doing this." I mumbled as bowed my head a little in front of the first statute.
*BOOOOM*
The resolute echo of stone striking stone reverberated through the chamber as I brought down the hammer upon the first statute.
"Not this one." I mumbled as chunks of stone scattered across the chamber floor.
*BOOOOM*
The hammer descended once more, striking down another statute.
"Not this one as well." I mumbled as I walked towards the next statute.
"Fuck.. where is it?"
As the last remnants of the statues lay in ruin, I stood amid the debris.
[You forgot the pedestal.]
"Hmm?"
Amidst the rubble, one pedestal stood empty, as if anticipating the final act of this iconoclastic performance.
I narrowed my eyes with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.
The hammer was still gripped tightly in his hands.
With measured steps, I approached the vacant pedestal.
*BOOOOM*
The hammer descended once more, striking the empty pedestal with a resounding thud.
Yet, instead of the expected echo of destruction, a radiant light erupted from the point of impact.
I shielded his eyes as the chamber bathed in an incandescent glow.
"I finally found you." I mumbled, grinning, as the light subsided.
hand trembled slightly as I held the egg-like object in his palm.
It was a peculiar artifact, smooth to the touch, with a pearlescent sheen that caught the ambient light.
As my fingers wrapped around its delicate form, a soft hum resonated through my being, a vibration that seemed to bridge the gap between the tangible and the ethereal.
"What are you doing here?"