Novel Full Chapter 1680: Knowing One’s Limits
Chapter 1680: Knowing One’s Limits
’…’
After the voice was done with its question, the two remained silent for a while, glancing at each other as they asked themselves whether they should take the risk or not.
Of course, they already understood from the voice that they would stand to gain more out of this endeavor if they were to risk their lives once more.
After all, surviving the first test had allowed to stay at a spot in the ocean that allowed them to comprehend far more than they would originally have.
However, with no clue as to what they would obtain at the end of their hardships, was obtaining a greater chunk of the reward truly worth taking that much risk?
With that, the two eventually decided that the best way to affirm their thoughts was to obtain more information on the matter from the only source they had.
“…Hello? Can you hear us?” Being forced by Ataraxia to be the one to try and communicate with the voice, Valyr inwardly let out a sigh as he released his energy into their surroundings, using it as a medium for communication.
’I can,’ replied the voice, allowing the two to let out breaths they’d been subconsciously holding all this time. ’What questions do you have?’
“May I ask what kind of risk we’ll be taking specifically?” asked the young man in return, his expression containing a hint of doubt. “Also, would it be possible to find out what we’d obtain if we were to take said risk?”
’Regarding the latter, I’m afraid I am not allowed to inform you anything about it,’ the voice said, faintly letting out a sigh. ’Due to the constraints that I’ve been given, the most I can give you is that taking the risk would undoubtedly be more than worthwhile.’
’As for the risk that the two of you shall be taking…’
The voice paused for a bit, the silence that came after it making both Valyr and Ataraxia feel a bit cold.
’Well, to simplify, the risk shall be none other than going through the second test you’ve just experienced once more,’ said the voice to Valyr after finding the right words to say.
“To be more specific, the two of you shall have to go through the second test two more times to become eligible for the improved rewards.”
’Two more times…?’
Receiving those words from the voice, both Valyr and Ataraxia could not help but shudder at the thought, recalling how much of a slog the second test was.
Of course, they did not dismiss the thought outright, getting the feeling that there might be more to the additional test than what they currently knew.
’Who knows? We might be given some time to catch our breath in between the two tests,’ said Valyr through their connection, faintly shrugging his shoulders.
’If that’s the case, then I don’t mind taking the risk,’ replied Ataraxia after giving it a bit of thought, thinking that their chances of succeeding were modestly high as long as they were given some time to rest.
Nodding in response to his other self’s words, Valyr soon returned his attention towards the voice, only to then voice out the other queries he and Ataraxia had regarding the additional test.
“Would we be given time to rest in between the two additional tests?” he asked, inwardly hoping that the answer he received was in line with what the two of them thought.
Unfortunately, the answer they received from the voice instead was the exact opposite of what they hoped.
’There would be no time given,’ answered the voice, the rumble of its tone lingering within the duo’s minds. ’In order to be eligible, you must show far greater tenacity and skill than what you’ve shown during the second test.’
’With that being said, the two additional tests you’d have to go through would also undergo through a few changes,’ the voice continued, oblivious to the worsening expressions on both Valyr and Ataraxia’s faces.
’Aside from having to withstand a greater bombardment of attacks from both the mental and physical aspect, the tests themselves would last longer… around an hour each if my memory serves me correct.’
’…’
For a while after that, the two remained deafeningly silent, the gears in their mind slowly turning as they stared at each other for a brief moment.
Then, as if they’ve come to an agreement, they shifted their gazes towards where they could sense the voice.
“If that’s the case, then we shall decline the offer.” Inwardly taking in a deep breath, Valyr responded to the former’s words, a slight frown adorning his face. “Accepting such a risk would just send us directly to our untimely graves.”
’…Seriously?’ Not expecting the two of them to decline the offer, the voice took a while to respond. ’The two of you won’t go through the risk? Even if it means you’re giving up on what’s possibly a precious reward?’
“We don’t even know what kind of reward we’d obtain,” replied Ataraxia, deciding to respond to the voice’s words by sending out a bit of his own energy into the surroundings.
“We’d rather take what we’ve earned already through our efforts so far instead of risking our lives even further.”
’…And that remains true even the possibility of death in taking such a risk is removed?’ responded the voice after a bit of silence, which unsurprisingly caused the two to look at each other after that.
Feeling their thoughts slightly waver after hearing that they wouldn’t die even if they were to take the risk, the two reminded themselves of what they’ve just gone through, asking themselves if they’d want to go through such torture one more time.
With that, both Valyr and Ataraxia fully made up their minds as they nodded in response to the voice’s question.
’…I see.’ Though the voice felt that it was a shame that the two did not want to take the additional test it had set up, it eventually understood why they decided to decline, viewing the entire situation from their perspective.
’If that’s the case, then there’s no reason for me to have you stay there any further.’
Whoosh!
At the very moment those words echoed within their minds, the two noticed that the iridescent blades surrounding them began to disperse, allowing them to ease up a bit more as the danger they felt all this time began to gradually disappear.
’For having passed the two tests I’ve arranged for those worthy, I am honored to announce that the two of you have successfully completed the Trial of Crystallized Truths,’ said the voice after that, finally giving the two a slightly better idea of what they just went through.
’Now, then. Make your way to the deepest depths of the ocean.’
’The answers you seek, as well as the fruits of your labor await there.’