Novel Bin Chapter 223: Chapter223:Trial Opening
Though among the attendees, Hubbard could be regarded as one of the weaker individuals, he nonetheless held the position of a powerful leader, with strength far surpassing that of Enzo.
Now, Hubbard had been effortlessly slain.
This incident was destined to etch an indelible memory in the minds of those present.
With such an occurrence at the banquet, it was clear that the gathering could not continue.Thus, Daphne hastily declared its conclusion and instructed Jennings to escort Enzo and Eve away.
She too needed to reassess the relationship between the Elven kin and Enzo.
Not merely as ordinary trading partners, but as allies of a more intimate nature, possibly even further…
In the blink of an eye, a fortnight passed.
The participants of the banquet kept the events under wraps, leaving others oblivious to the remarkable happenings within Elven Homeland.
However, as time progressed, an increasing number of individuals wielding supernatural Trial Crystals began to enter Elven Homeland, prompting many involved in the trials to sense that something was amiss.
The number of trial participants was exceedingly large.
Before anyone could discern the underlying reasons, the gates to the trials had already swung open.
As a result, the crowd was compelled to embark on the path of trials.
In the royal city of Elven Homeland, Jennings approached Enzo and Eve, presenting Enzo with a supernatural Trial Crystal and several vials of evidently extraordinary supernatural Potions. She remarked, "Mr. Enzo, this supernatural Trial Crystal is a gift from Queen to Miss Eve.
As for these Potions, they can temporarily enhance your strength and may prove useful at critical moments."
Enzo accepted the offering and handed the Trial Crystal to Eve.
He curiously inquired, "Jennings, are you not participating in the supernatural trial?"
Jennings shook his head and replied, "Elves have alternative means of engaging in the supernatural trial. Perhaps we shall encounter one another within the trial space."
Enzo nodded in acknowledgment, refraining from further questioning.
Upon acquiring the supernatural Trial Crystal, Eve could not help but muse, "I wonder how the Ice Moon Queen feels right now?"
At her remark, Enzo chuckled softly.
The price the Ice Moon Queen paid to obtain that supernatural Trial Crystal was undeniably steep, yet with the recent upheaval in the trials, numerous supernatural Trial Crystals had scattered about, making it relatively easy for others to acquire one through trade.
"Let us proceed to the path of trials."
Enzo said with a smile, addressing Eve.
The two swiftly departed from the royal city, heading towards the trial path beyond the city walls.
Many others shared their urgency. Upon reaching the trial path, they eagerly rushed toward its terminus, directly entering through the trial gate.
Enzo and Eve followed suit.
After a fleeting shift in perception, they found themselves in a vast and magnificent plaza.
The plaza was teeming with individuals—not only humans, elves, and orcs, but also some exceedingly rare and enigmatic races, such as the demon race and dragon kin. This supernatural trial seemed to have reverberated throughout the entire world.
At the forefront of the plaza lay three distinct passageways, corresponding to Steles Forest, Death Lair, and Shadow Castle.
Some individuals, already informed about the trial space, unhesitatingly entered one of the three passageways.
In contrast, many others were venturing into the trial space for the first time, possessing no prior knowledge, and thus resorted to observing the plaza or inquiring with others to gather pertinent information.
At that moment, Enzo discerned a familiar voice.
Amidst the crowd, a robust bear-like man proclaimed loudly, "For the most comprehensive and reliable information regarding the trial space, look no further! My insights are the key to success in your trials!"
Clutched in his hands were several small booklets.
Several small booklets contained details about the trial space.
The bear-like man\'s pricing was modest, prompting many to purchase, often offering supernatural materials, potions, or giant crystals in exchange.
Enzo approached with Eve.
Though he had gleaned considerable information about the trial space from Queen Daphne after the banquet, rendering the booklets unnecessary for him.
What astonished Enzo was that the booklets were crafted from the pristine white paper produced by the Crimson Star Tribe, rather than the papyrus from the Dark Night Forest.
This revelation piqued Enzo\'s curiosity.
Thus, he inquired, "From where did you acquire this white paper?"
Upon hearing the question, the bear-like man immediately turned, and upon recognizing Enzo, his demeanor shifted to one of deference as he bent slightly and replied, "Mr. Enzo, this is a newly surfaced treasure from the Dark Night Forest.
I invested a considerable sum to procure it from the Adventurer\'s Association at Crimson Lake."
These words left Enzo perplexed.
Yet he quickly considered a possibility. Perhaps Norma had returned to Crimson Lake and made contact with the Crimson Star Tribe.
Enzo did not dwell on the matter for long.
Upon receiving the news he believed to be true, he prepared to depart with Eve.
At that moment, a man from the bear tribe called out to him, his demeanor somewhat awkward as he hesitantly said, "Mr Enzo, could you do me a favor?"
Enzo turned to him, a slight frown creasing his brow.
The bear tribe man hurriedly explained, "There exists a remarkably unique treasure at a fork in the Death Lair. However, this treasure is guarded by an extraordinarily powerful sentry, one I cannot hope to defeat on my own.
I seek your assistance, and upon success, I promise to offer you a reward that will surely satisfy you."
As he spoke, the bear tribe man produced a piece of a ferocious beast\'s leg bone, treated with care.
The bone was adorned with intricate patterns and emanated a mysterious supernatural aura.
He continued, "This shows my sincerity: a temporary spell to enhance physical strength."
Enzo took the bone, sensing it with his mind, and immediately grasped a spell known as Giant Bear Roar, capable of temporarily increasing size and strength, though a brief period of weakness would follow its cessation.
This spell was rather standard in nature.
Yet, for Enzo, it would be invaluable to those ordinary supernatural beings.
He nodded in agreement, saying, "I can do that."
The bear tribe man was elated, exclaiming, "Excellent! It\'s settled then. My name is Tade. We shall meet again in the square in ten days."
This trial was marked not only by an increase in the number of participants but also by an extension of its duration.
Previously, in the supernatural trials, the contestants could remain in the trial space for a maximum of two months. However, this duration has now been extended to a full year—an undeniable fact known to all who enter the trial realm.
Consequently, curiosity about the changes within the trial space has intensified among the participants.
Having made an agreement with Tade, Enzo and Eve ventured forth, stepping directly into the first passage on the left side of the square, which leads to Steles Forest.
Many had already entered before them.
Thus their arrival did not draw much attention.
...
As the scenery shifted once more before their eyes, warm sunlight filtered through the towering trees, casting dappled patterns upon the ground, while the invigorating air uplifted their spirits. Enzo, Eve, and the other entrants surveyed their surroundings, unable to suppress their murmurs.
"Is this Steles Forest? It seems rather ordinary…"
Glimpsing the passage returning to the square just a short distance behind them provided a modicum of reassurance.
However, after only a few paces, they halted abruptly upon spotting a stone stele before them.
There were several individuals standing motionless.
At that moment, one among them suddenly erupted with joy, leaping into the air while exclaiming, "I understand! I understand! So that\'s how it is!"
His exuberance was palpable.
Flames erupted around him, enveloping his entire being without inflicting harm.
Moreover, his aura surged dramatically within moments.
It was evident that he had grasped a potent spell from the stone stele, igniting a fervent desire among the others, who eagerly approached the stone to glean its secrets.
Enzo also looked over.
Enzo cast a glance back, shaking his head in disdain, seemingly unimpressed by the spell recorded above.
Eve, noticing his unusual demeanor, inquired, "What troubles you?"
In a hushed tone, Enzo replied, "This spell is not worth pursuing. While it may augment one\'s abilities, it permanently depletes one\'s talent and soul—a futile exchange."
Upon hearing this, Eve averted her gaze.
In truth, even without Enzo\'s warning, she had no intention of delving deeper.
The stele bore a peculiar illustration—merely a single flame, so simplistic it resembled a child\'s scribble, leaving Eve devoid of any insight.
Their peculiar behavior caught the attention of others nearby.
As Enzo prepared to depart from the stele, the individual who had previously grasped the flame spell stepped forward, blocking the path of Enzo and Eve with a smile. "My young friend, why the haste to leave?"
Enzo retorted, "Do you require something?"
The man lowered his voice, asking, "You possess Life Water, do you not? To casually discard such a precious resource suggests you have ample supply. Conveniently, I find myself in need of some. Would you be willing to lend me a portion?"
His words were a blatant threat.
Enzo\'s eyes narrowed, glinting with menace as he asked, "What if I refuse to lend?"
"Refuse?" The man laughed boisterously, revealing his intentions without reserve. "You might wish to inquire about me. Heard gets what he wants, and no one dares to deny me! Should you choose to resist, it would merely add another corpse to the trial space."
"Now, I offer you one final chance for survival—"
"Hand over all the Life Water you possess!"