Gen and Guna then arrived at the base of the outer mountain, and saw a kind of wooden arch in front of a stone path that seemed to go up the mountain. Guna then said, "That must be the way to the top of the mountain," and Gen said, "Yes. There is nothing else around. That can only be it. Let's go ahead. I bet the view at the top of the mountain is beautiful.", "That's right.", "How about we race up there?", "Are you sure? I'm a good runner. I'll leave you behind easily, hahaha.", "Hahaha, that's what we'll see.", The two then went to the wooden arch, and when they got there, Gen said, "Are you ready?", and Guna said, "Yes. Whenever you want.", "Okay, let's start on three then.", "Okay.", "One, two, three!", The two then started to run, but after only taking one step, they heard a person say, "Wait!", and then they stopped and looked in the direction of the voice. The person who had spoken this was a young man, and when she saw that they had stopped, she said, "Whew, I'm glad you stopped.", She then approached the two and said, "You are the two who just passed the external disciple test right?", and Gen said, "Yes. That's us.", "That's what I thought. Well, first of all, welcome to our sect.", "Thank you.", "You guys intend to climb the mountain, right?", "Yeah, is there a problem with that?", "No, there's no problem, but since you're going to try to climb the mountain, I'm going to have to explain the rules to you.", "Rules? Do you have rules for climbing the mountain?", "Yes, after all this mountain is used by the outer disciples. They all train, and live here.", "I see, but the way you referred to the outer disciples, it doesn't seem to me that you are part of them.", "Yes, you are right. I am part of the inner disciples.", "Got it, but why are you on this mountain then?", "It's my job in the sect.", "Your job?", "Yes. I am in charge of explaining the rules of the mountain challenges to the competitors.", "Challenges? What do you mean?", "You don't know about the challenges?", "No.", "Hm, it seems that you came to take the test without knowing anything about it, don't you?", "Yes, I really don't know about the test. Is it very complicated?", "Hm, not at all. You just have to pass through the gates halfway to the top.", "Gates?", "Yes. Let me explain the test.", "Okay.", "When you climb this mountain, you will pass five tests. These tests determine your status as an outer disciple. Each one represents a rank of adventurer, starting at bronze, and ending at diamond. The tests are very simple, consisting of two steps. The first is to reach a gate while climbing the brick staircase. The second is to destroy the gate in front of you.", Guna then said, "It does look pretty simple to me", and Gen said, "That's right. What's the trick?", The girl then said, "Well, I'd be lying if I said that's all," and Gen said, "I thought so, it was very easy.", "Well, I didn't lie about the content of the test, but it's not easy to get to the gate I told you about, much less break it.", Guna then said, "Why?", and the girl said, "Well, let's go in parts. About the path, the problem with it is the gravity.", "Gravity?", "Yes. Inside it the gravity is increased, and with each test you pass the more it increases.", Guna then said, "Hm, I see. That can really complicate things.", and Gen said, "That's right. By how much does gravity increase? Twice? Three times? Or more?", The young woman then said, "Twice?! Three times?! Are you crazy?!", and Gen said, "That's right. It can't be that easy. It must be at least five times, right?", "What?! No. That's too high. The gravity increases by five percent every time you pass a test.", "Five percent?!", "Yes.", Gen then thought, '... It's true. I forgot again that this test is designed for people who don't have an essence. Of course they won't withstand a gravity increased by two or more times.', and then said, 'Hahaha, it's true. I don't know what I was thinking, but what about the gate? You said it's not so simple to destroy. Why is that?", "Well, that's simple. Each gate represents an adventurer's rank from bronze to diamond, as I just said, and there's a reason for that. Can you imagine what the reason is?"
True Essence
Fantasy · Motsu_Kion
detail