[The Fate Trial Domain Level 150]
“Can you tell me the difference between a Monster Dungeon and a Trial Domain, Freya?”
“To simplify, a Trial Domain is like a rare version of a Monster Dungeon. The key distinction is that once a Trial Domain is completed, it vanishes forever. Hence, finding one is incredibly valuable,” Freya clarified, furrowing her brow slightly in thought. “What’s your current level, Broken?”
“I’m at level 50.”
“Then you can consider attempting this Trial Domain if you’re interested,” she said with optimism in her voice.
Broken reviewed the dungeon information once more, noting clearly that it was a solo dungeon.
“A Trial Domain at level 150, and you’re suggesting I take it on?” he questioned, turning his gaze back to her.
“Yes, precisely. I’m not capable of doing it myself because my level isn’t sufficient, but you can challenge it. With your cheat skill, you should be able to take on the dungeon. Besides, the risks for you at your current level wouldn’t be too severe, right?” she replied confidently.
“What are the risks involved?” he asked.
“You could lose experience points or even a few levels. Given how low your level is right now, losing two or three levels wouldn’t pose a significant threat, would it?” she asserted with conviction.
“If a Trial Domain is as rare as you say, then the rewards must be substantial too. However, I reckon the challenge won’t be easy either.”
“Yes, many top guilds sell domains like these because of their limited availability and unique rewards. My prediction is that the game really seems to favor you…” she said with a playful giggle.
“I’ll give it a try,” he decided, pausing briefly while looking at Freya. “Is it alright if I leave you here alone? You could log out if you feel like it.”
“Don’t worry,” she reassured him. “I’ll stay here and wait for your return. If I get bored, I might step out for a while to rest.”
“Entering the trial domain does take quite a while, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does. And if your playtime reaches its limit, you can always log out of the game. It’s a good way to give your mind a break and perhaps think over any challenges you’re facing.” “Alright,” Broken said.
Broken advanced towards the shimmering energy field, its transparent barrier electrifying the air around it. As he drew nearer, a spark of lightning danced across its surface, illuminating a message that hovered in the void.
[The Fate Trial Domain Lv. 150]
[Are you prepared to step inside and test the bounds of your destiny? Failure may cost you a level decrease, yet those who place their faith in fate stand on the brink of the ultimate reward.]
Resolute, Broken pressed the ‘Enter’ button. The fabric of time seemed to twist and warp, extending infinitely as the environment around him dissolved. He was left adrift in a tumultuous vortex of raw magical energy.
For a player at level 50 to dare enter a rare level 150 dungeon was sheer madness, a venture only feasible due to the unique skills bestowed upon him by the Goddess Akidia.
Eventually, he found himself in a stark, stone cave hall. Luminescent crystals sprouted from the walls, casting an eerie lavender light that filled the chamber. Ahead were three imposing metal doors.
The first door glowed with a brilliant sapphire hue, its floating text proclaiming, “The Challenge of Trust.”
The second was a fiery scarlet inscribed with the words “The Challenge of Love.”
The third door, an amethyst gateway, emanated a purplish glow and bore the inscription, “The Challenge of Courage.”
“Trust, Love, and Courage?” Broken muttered, drawing closer to the trio of doors.
[Choose one door and complete its challenge. Failure will seal that door forever, and you will be ejected from the domain. You may return when this domain re-emerges randomly in the future, but only the unsealed doors will be accessible.]
[Within this domain, only one challenge can be completed. Success locks the remaining doors.]
The rules of the three doors settled into his mind. “At least I have three attempts, though I’m certain the trials will vastly differ,” he spoke to himself. “The decision now lies in choosing the right door.”
“First, Trust,” Broken murmured, lost in thought. “I have no idea what to expect-whether it’s battling monsters or navigating through an alternate reality scenario. Still, this option seems intriguing, somehow beckoning to me.”
“Second, Love,” he pondered quietly. “What kind of love do they mean? Surely, it’s not about personal relationships from the real world. At least, I understand love in general terms-I have my family whom I deeply care for.”
“And the third, Courage,” he mused. “Courage… Yes, I do consider myself brave, but bravery alone won’t help if the challenge is beyond my abilities. If it involves facing monsters far too powerful for my level, mere courage won’t be sufficient.”
He fell silent, sifting through his thoughts, weighing the potential outcomes of each choice. “Out of the three, Courage appears to be the most straightforward. Even if I fail, it means I still have two more chances,” he concluded.
With a steady breath, he approached the third door, the amethyst one glowing with mystical energy. Placing his hand against its surface, he felt a surge of power emanate from the door.
A message materialized in front of him:
[You have chosen The Challenge of Courage.]
Steeling himself, Broken pushed the door open and stepped through, immediately engulfed in a blinding light. The radiance was overwhelming, forcing him to shut his eyes and blink away tears until he could adjust to the brightness.
As his vision cleared, he found himself standing on a small island composed of luminous stones and pebbles, interspersed with patches of withered white and reddish grass. All around him, fluffy clouds drifted, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Scattered in the distance were several floating islands, interconnected by elegant, arched wooden bridges that swayed gently. The sight of the precarious bridges made Broken gulp,
the thought of crossing them stirring a flutter of anxiety.
“Before worrying about those bridges, I should focus on the challenge at hand on this island,” he reminded himself, gazing around keenly.
Another prompt appeared before him:
[Name: Broken]
[Courage Points: 1,000]
In the upper left corner of his view, Broken noticed a letter gently floating.
“It seems like this is the score I can earn in this domain,” he murmured.
[There will be 10 challenges. Your Courage Points will be doubled every time you complete a
challenge.]
[Gather Courage Points; if your points reach o, then you will have to quit this challenge and be considered a loser.]
The island he stood upon was roughly the size of a soccer pitch. As he meandered towards its center, he discovered two massive rocks, each with floating words visible from the moment
he drew near.
The first rock bore the ominous message:
[Confront your fears or face the consequences. The guardian of the Island ensures that anyone
daring to enter pays the price.]
On the second rock, there was a different inscription:
[Pay 1,000 Courage Points to complete the first task and unlock a mystery chest.]
[Please destroy the rock you choose.]
He paused, considering the implications of the messages. The first rock spoke of facing fears
and consequences, while the second offered a straightforward transaction of his Courage Points for a reward. His mind raced with the possibilities-what kind of guardian awaited,
and what mystery lay inside that chest?
Broken exhaled deeply, contemplating his next move. “Paying 1,000 Courage Points for the first task… If I succeed, I could double my points. But if I fail, I’ll walk away with nothing.”