The Artifact’s Trial

Travis swiftly unleashed a flurry of attacks towards his foe. Only to see his opponent dodge the blows with ease.

It was a shock, even though it looked like the silver haired player used a Berserker Skill he should still have the upper hand in stats. So why was his attacks failing to hit?

Yet instead of frustration, excitement welled up inside him. After challenging so many of his worlds previous experts. It seemed like his position at the top would remain unchallenged.

Yet this one unknown player was fighting him on almost equal grounds! It was the first time since he began playing A World's Legacy again that he had an actual challenge!

It was a shame that he still had his trump card. Using [Abyss Release] his stats received a huge increase. With his increased speed he easily cut into the face of his opponent.

The silver haired player didn't flinch as Travis' sword cleanly sliced their face. Instead their hand seemed to absorb their sword. Leaving a dark blue blade in its place.

Travis saw the sword and his interest was peaked. He had never seen such a blade, it carried an unique aura. Even his own sword seemed to quiver at the sight of it.

Travis swung again, intending to find the core through trial and error. What he saw instead was the player's aura change color from yellow to red and swinging their sword to meet.

Travis was confused at why the player would attempt to trade strength blows, considering he had sent them flying the first time. Yet it was free damage so he would gladly accept, at least that's what he thought.

Instead his sword was stopped, while the other player's sword recoiled from the strike. This sent shock through Travis once more, his stats were at an overwhelming number, yet this player stopped his attack?

The player recovered quickly and pointed the tip towards him.

~ ~ ~

"Repulse!"

A large explosion blasted the cloaked player away. The damage was incredible, Akiol could only sigh in his heart. It was a shame he couldn't use the sword just yet.

The cloaked player crashed into a tree, further reducing some of their health. Pulling themselves free they looked between Akiol and the small temple.

Akiol braced himself, it hadn't killed the player. Which was a shock, so he prepped himself for further combat.

To add to Akiol's surprise the cloaked player fled. Leaving Akiol baffled and confused. How dare they cause him so much trouble, only to flee!

Akiol shook his head, he had gained a surprising benefit from the battle. With this new sense his swordsmanship would be on a whole other level.

Akiol absorbed Stars. Of course he didn't forget to thank the sword, it was because of it that he managed to win.

'No problem! Though you won't be able to do that for a while.'

Akiol nodded, "I know."

With that he turned to the small temple, it was time to see what rewards he would receive.

~ ~ ~

Desk Guy watched in awe, the battle was excellent. The dread he felt during the first clash, the hope he clutched when the slime fought back. The awe he witnessed when the slime seemed to dodge easily. The disappointment when Two Tries used their Berserk Skill. Finally to when the slime used that sword.

Wait a minute, that sword. . .

Desk Guy immediately pulled up the information page of the sword. It was then he felt more shock unlike any before.

He quickly called Scott over via their message program. Scott came over with a slightly annoyed face, "What is it you called me for that you couldn't just send over?"

Without any words Scott followed a finger to a particular set of information.

"What!?"

Everyone in the office immediately raised their heads to look at the commotion. Only after getting convinced by Scott did they return to work.

Scott hissed, "How did he get this?"

Desk Guy raised his hands in defense, "I have no idea, the only time I saw him use it was just now."

Scott's face showed signs of stress. Rubbing his temples he asked, "How would someone normally come across the sword?"

"It was supposed to be found by one of the Crimson Immortals and rewarded for completing a high ranked hidden quest. The only thing I can assume is that he got pass the barrier because of his race."

"So it's all because of that bug again!" Scott frowned with anger.

"Have you heard of the Two Tries issue?"

Scott nodded, "Of course, it was notified to me as soon as it was found. Why are you trying to change the subject?"

Desk Guy quickly ended the recording and pulled up the video, "Due to the strange requirements the player can't use the sword normally. The time he did use it though was here."

Scott watched the video. After it ended he sighed, "Someone actually beat the guy."

Desk Guy nodded excitedly, "I know how you feel about this, so how about we do something to make it a bit better."

"Like what?"

"Since he defeated the unknown individual named Two Tries with a sword he wasn't supposed to obtain just yet. Why not give him a quest? One that is similar to the original hidden quest?"

Scott thought about it before shaking his head, "No, we will not give out a quest like that. However. . . since he managed to beat the bug like existence of Two Tries I will allow him to keep the sword. After all it was because of a glitch on our side that he even obtained the thing. Perhaps he could be the one who can stand against Two Tries when we cannot."

Desk Guy excitedly rubbed his hands, this smelt like a long existing rivalry situation. He could hardly wait for the future.

Scott saw the excitement radiating of Desk Guy and shook his head. He was always like this, very in touch with his inner child.

~ ~ ~

Travis ran, his heart pounding from adrenaline. Whatever that sword was, it did far more damage than he could ever imagine.

While he wasn't sure if the silver haired player could use the skill again, he wasn't sure if he wanted to keep fighting.

It wasn't fear, instead he wanted the player to grow stronger. He wanted to improve himself by fighting that player, so they would need to become even stronger.

Travis left the Artifact as an unknown gift. He would challenge the player in the future, when they both had reached a new realm of strength.

He would use them as a stepping stone to improve himself.

~ ~ ~

Akiol opened the doors of the small temple. Inside was oddly empty, the floors made of a white marble that reflected light strongly. Down towards the end lie a pedestal with a single hovering object.

This object was a light blue orb with two six-tipped star rings slowly spinning around it. One bigger than the other.

Akiol approached the strange object, yet as soon as he took a step his surroundings changed.

An infinitely expanding white area took place of the temple. The only thing in the area besides Akiol was a clear diamond.

Akiol walked up to the diamond and touched it.

<Prove your worth?>

The notification only said those three words along with confirmation. Akiol didn't hesitate to press accept.

The diamond began to glow, it became so bright that Akiol had to close his eyes to shield them.

When he opened them he saw himself in a completely new area. It looked like some training grounds, with wood and straw dummy's placed around the area. Moreover, it seemed to be in a castle. Large stone walls could be seen from Akiol's position.

As he looked around he heard some steps behind him. As he turned to look he saw a knight without a helmet stand there.

"So you're the one I am supposed to spar? You don't look like much." The knight harrumphed.

Akiol asked, "Spar?"

"Of course! I don't know what they mean by a so called 'genius'. Nothing can beat hard work!"

Akiol noticed all of his equipment couldn't be found. Shrugging he questioned, "Whatever am I to spar with?"

The knight harrumphed again, "Choose whatever weapon you please, I shall beat you in any of them."

Akiol didn't hesitate to reply with, "Sword, I choose the sword."

"Haha! You must be dumber than you look. To challenge a royal knight to their best weapon. Very well!"

Somehow, two swords appeared in the Knight's hands. Tossing one to Akiol he ordered, "Ready up! I won't be taking it easy on you."

Akiol caught the sword and moved it around. The weight was alright, although he wasn't used to using the sword it should suffice.

<Trial Initiated! Defeat the Royal Knight Farvon.>

<Note: This trial can only be attempted once!>

The knight removed some of his bulky armor, making him more flexible for battle.

"The swords are dulled, though they could still break a bone. First one to make the other submit or stop at a deadly blow wins." The knight said, losing all of their previous cockiness.

Akiol nodded and readied himself.

"Alright then, begin!"