Chapter 9: Ordeal's

"Hmmm... Kay," I awkwardly looked around me as I tried to understand where I am.

I gazed around the chamber. The atmosphere was dense, a mix of intrigue and anticipation hung in the air. I couldn't discern the location or nature of this place, but one thing was clear – it was far from ordinary.

And yes I am not in my room anymore.

Moss had been left to grow wild, weaving intricate patterns along the stone walls, and the cobbled floor beneath my feet was teeming with insects, creating an eerie sight.

"And where's the little guy," I mused, looking at the back of my hand.

I saw the snake; it felt as if it breathed but was still. As for those inscriptions.

They were not there.

"Hey, you there?" I asked.

[Yeah.]

A small inscription appeared on my palm.

...this is interesting.

"Who are you?" I questioned.

[I am the Rune.]

The inscription said, but it looks like this isn't Middos, as I thought. This is something he gave me to be able to communicate with him.

[No, it's true that the owner carved me into you, the host, but he is not connected to me anymore... I am just here to help you.]

And it looks like it's able to answer me without me saying it aloud.

"Hmm, let's start from the start then," I don't think that I have leisure, but I can't proceed without understanding a few things first.

"What is this God Rune?" I questioned as the first thing that I heard in my mind was - The God Rune Is Activated.

[It's just like the Seraphic rune, which originates from the bond between a Seraph and a mortal from plains, allowing the mortal to use arcane powers according to their desires and capabilities.]

"Wait!" I stopped it as I already know the thing about the Seraphic bond but, "Can't you tell all this to me in my mind? Like you don't have to write on my hand."

Whenever the text was carved on my skin, it had a slight burning sensation to it.

[No, I cannot - as I am nothing but an incomplete rune... you must complete all the Ordeals to be able to use all the powers of the rune.]

"How many?" I asked. I felt the wind on my bare chest... looks like I was picked up as it is to here - so this isn't a place in my mind.

[The count of the snakes on your back is the number of Ordeals you'd have to face to completely access all the powers of the God rune.]

Meaning that there are seven Ordeals... seven, huh.

[Yes.]

"And what about this snake? What is this?" I turned my hand and saw the slithering snake; it's moving without a binder.

[The God Rune is alive, so it being able to move is common, but since you don't have complete access, this part of the whole rune will only be able to move in a crescent plain.]

"Hmm, I think I understand that when you said that the mortal from plain, it meant me from my world... what's the meaning of crescent plain?" I don't like asking too many questions, but it's been a while since I talked to someone like this; it's refreshing.

[Crescent plain, to put it simply, is the world where Seraphs live. It is actually referred to as "Serakhshá" too... and yes, it's refreshing to talk to you.]

There was a long silence before I coughed to change the awkwardness caused by that last addition.

My curiosity was piqued as I delved deeper into the conversation with the Rune. It seemed like a unique entity, and I was eager to learn more.

"So, the God Rune is similar to the Seraphic rune but with additional Ordeals to access its full potential. Does that mean the God Rune has different powers or abilities compared to the Seraphic bond?" I inquired, trying to understand the distinctions.

[Yes, the God Rune possesses unique abilities that are distinct from those of the Seraphic bond. While both are forms of divine connections, the source of their power and the nature of their abilities differ. The Seraphic bond derives power from the Seraph, while the God Rune draws its power from a different divine source.]

The Rune's response made me wonder about the nature of this divine source and the potential abilities it could grant me. But for now, I focused on gathering more information.

"Tell me about the Ordeals. What are they, and what challenges should I expect to face during them?" I asked, seeking clarity on the path that lay ahead.

[The Ordeals are trials that you must undergo to unlock the full power of the God Rune, but Midoss's Trials are not determined.]

"Eh?" I thought it's like the same pattern.

[It's because the god is not ready to give up.]

This was the line that appears.

"And what does that mean?"

[I don't know... it was just a feeling.]

Wow, this thing has feelings too, huh.

"Wait, you are the snake, right? The one that moved?" I questioned.

[I am not a part of the God Rune, I am the external layer.]

So I was wrong in thinking that each snake could talk like this, and then, I'd have seven different people to talk-

[Poor soul.]

...this external layer is pitying me!!!!

"Haa... still, for now, let's look around and see what kind of power this snake gives me," I asked, grateful that I might have some power.

[It's moving, but it ain't in your control; you'd have to complete the trial to be able to get it.]

And it was shot down immediately.

Sighing, I looked around the dark chamber.

The dim light of the chamber cast eerie shadows on the moss-covered walls. As I ventured deeper into the surroundings, the sensation of being watched sent a shiver down my spine.

Intricate patterns of the moss seemed to pulse with a life of their own, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden purpose to this place, waiting to be uncovered.

My bare feet pressed against the cobbled floor, feeling the presence of countless tiny insects scurrying beneath. They added to the surreal atmosphere, making every step an exploration into the unknown.

As I moved further, the chamber began to expand, revealing archways leading to other areas, each cloaked in shadow. The air grew even denser, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

And...

In the middle of the two-wayed path, a small slate of stone was planted on the ground with something written in it, which I obviously couldn't read, despite being the top scorer of the academy.

But the burning sensation notified me of it.

[One must look for the mirror while being wary of the reflection.]

And this is what it is written, I guess.

"Intresting...." I cracked my neck sideways and straightened myself.