Lenticular Quest

[The King of War smirks in joy]

That notification entered my eyes before my senses fell into darkness and then materialized in a whole other place.

[The King of War's Arena]

My heart raced as I stood at the threshold of the colossal colosseum, one painfully similar to the one in Italy. My eyes fixed on the massive figure seated on a throne at the center.

The Lenticular I had chosen, also known as the King of War, Ares, exuded an aura of power that sent shivers down my spine.

This time, he looked different.

He wasn't the lean-built guy with dark long hair. No, he seemed bulked up with wonderful crimson hair that seemed like the blood of war itself.

The seats containing a holographic crowd roared, their anticipation tangible. I could feel their eyes upon me.

The whispers of my past and the expectations that burdened my every step weighed upon me.

But this was different. Ares wasn't just a foe; he was a legend upon legends, and I was an underdog trying to prove my worth for his support.

Summoning every ounce of courage within me, I stepped forward and addressed Ares directly, "I, Nord the Serpentine Slayer, accept your challenge, oh Lenticular, as we meet again." I bowed formally, "Though I may be considered a mere mortal in your presence, I am here to prove that determination can overcome even the most formidable of adversaries."

Ares smirked, amused by my boldness.

[Very well, Nord!]

He boomed, his voice resonating through the arena like thunder. "Let the challenge commence!"

As the gates at the opposite end of the colosseum creaked open, my senses sharpened.

An array of traps, obstacles, and illusions spread before me. The ground rumbled beneath my feet as gears shifted, altering the terrain.

My mind raced to analyze the situation, devising strategies on the fly. It was not just a test of strength; it was a test of wit.

The first obstacle, a pit filled with spikes, approached fast. With a burst of speed by the enhancing mana, I leaped over the treacherous pit, my heart pounding in my chest as if I was back to playing Emberhorn.

Next up, a barrage of arrows followed, each one aimed to strike true. I ducked, weaved, and rolled, narrowly avoiding the onslaught. 

"Huff," I let out a breath as I shifted the cogs in my mind.

Every mistake can be fatal. I thought as I grimaced, using MP to cloak my body.

I need to get used to my mana manipulation quickly again, the long-month break really took a toll on me.

As I made my way through the labyrinth of challenges, I sensed Ares's gaze upon me.

His intent wasn't to crush me with overwhelming force, but to push me to my limits, to make me question my every move.

And in that, I found a strange comfort, knowing that I had the opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow even without the grace of the hacked system. Well, right now, I did indeed have the hacked system. Albeit, I didn't abuse it, nor change my stats.

"Ah, shit." I cursed as the ground trembled again, a towering Automaton appearing before me, its eyes glowing red with malice.

My heart thumped against my ribcage as the automaton swung its colossal arms, threatening to reduce me to rubble. But I didn't dare back down.

I side-stepped to my right, avoiding its strike as I studied its movements for any patterns or weaknesses. The seconds stretched into eternity as I searched for an opening.

Krack, krack!

Boom!

Finally, a chance presented itself, and I darted beneath its guard, delivering a precise blow to its core.

"Fuck yeah!" I celebrated in a whisper.

The automaton staggered, its glowing eyes flickering. Trying to make the most of this chance, I struck again and again until it collapsed in a heap of metal, letting a rather unsightly state of mind take over me.

The crowd's cheers resonated through the colosseum, their energy fueling the inner fire that had taken over me.

The challenges weren't over, even if I beat this automaton.

The pressure was immense and doubt clawed at my confidence as I cleared another threat, a robot akin to a monster, pushed me to the point of buying five healing potions to use and recover the damage it caused to me.

I had to make the best of my current stats, I need to seem natural, even if Ares took sight of my own powers from a first-hand experience.

With each victory of mine, Ares' expression shifted from amusement to intrigue.

He had likely anticipated an easy victory over someone like me, considering he had fought me hand-to-hand.

The King of War observed my every move, searching for a weakness to exploit and make me submit myself to his mercy.

But Non! I shan't allow such thing to happen. Not this Nord.

"Huff, huff..." I couldn't help but smirk as I wiped numerous beads of sweat off of my forehead, feeling the growth of my mental capacity to make correct choices in critical moments.

"I should walk this way now, correct?" I questioned, gazing at Ares's location who was sitting back leisurely on his throne.

[Correct.]

He nodded as lights stretched out over the area I was about to go over.

As I approached the final challenge, I faced a mirrored labyrinth, an illusion meant to confound my senses.

The reflections were perfect and it became impossible to discern reality from illusion.

"Hah…" I panted as panic threatened to consume me, but my Mythical Race attribute had an immediate effect to calm me down.

[Mythical Race Attribute: (Rationality) Is in effect.]

"Phew," I let out a sigh as I took my time to scan the vicinity again.

In the realm of darkness, I could feel the path of mana... and something I couldn't quite make out yet. It was faint but discernible.

Ignoring the taunts of my own mind, I followed that path, trusting my gut feeling.

Step by step, I moved forward until the light finally pierced the darkness, and I emerged from the labyrinth of darkened mirrors that portrayed monster versions of mine about to attack me.

The worst thing that could happen was me dying from a heart stroke, but thanks to my Mythical Race's effect, it didn't happen.

Breathing heavily, I looked up at the Lenticular I had chosen. His expression was a mix of surprise and contentment.

[You have surpassed my expectations, Nord.]

He declared, his voice resonating through the colosseum.

[You have proven yourself worthy to receive my support.]

The crowd erupted into cheers, and I felt a sense of fulfillment that words couldn't capture. 

What I could definitely word and feel, was the exhausting tiredness I felt.

"Aye, I apologize but please, fuck off now and send me home to sleep."