Chapter 141: Trial from Hades 133 Part 1

In the dim and expansive hall, Hades stood on the podium of the second floor. A cold, faint white light cast a reflective sheen on his helmet.

He looked down, observing the bustling crowd on the first floor.

Behind Hades, in the shadows, the Primarch held his arms, waiting silently as the incense from the censer slowly descended, awaiting Hades' proclamation.

Originally, Mortarion only required a single layer of selection. However, Hades opted for an additional layer.

Mortarion, holding the report submitted by Hades, pondered.

"It's acceptable."

Finally, Mortarion set down the report, speaking slowly.

Following Hades' proposal, a temporary structure used for selection rose from the ground.

It was a rudimentary building, vast in its footprint, sprawled across the wastelands of Barbarus.

Inside, each room could accommodate 50 individuals, equipped with basic sanitation. However, those inside couldn't access water.

A specialized water system was in place, dispensing a set amount of water every hour.

Each room also had a lighting system, but only provided minimal illumination.

Beyond that, the rooms were barren, devoid of furniture or any other amenities.

And such rooms filled this temporary structure.

Hades, expressionless, watched these recruits. In the first trial, they had already proven their resilience.

But it wasn't enough.

He sought those who could stand firm in extreme conditions.

It was about time.

Hades lifted his scythe and slammed it down.

"Boom—"

The deep sound echoed, sending ripples throughout the hall. The previously restless crowd instantly fell silent.

The young men, a mix of fear, anticipation, and curiosity, stared up at Hades.

The servo-skull extended from above Hades' left shoulder, coldly observing everyone.

"I am the overseer of the second trial, Death Guard Hades."

Hades began, introducing himself simply,

"Firstly, I sincerely congratulate you for passing the first trial. You've proven your resilience."

"Of course, I believe you've realized that the criteria for passing the first trial weren't as previously announced."

"And the criteria for the second trial will not be explicitly stated."

Hades paused, observing the varied expressions of the young men in the hall. Some were taken aback, while others seemed unsurprised.

"But I can offer some hints."

Hades paused briefly again, ensuring every young man's attention was firmly on him before continuing,

"You are humans."

This was Hades' first statement.

"If you pass the trial, you will become Death Guards, fighting collectively for humanity."

"You must be resilient."

"Both internally and externally."

The crowd strained to listen, trying to glean useful information from Hades' words.

They were like a school of hungry fish, mouths agape, waiting for Hades to continue feeding them information.

But Hades stopped,

"Now, prepare to begin your second trial."

Antaeus silently followed the crowd.

On his wrist was a bracelet flashing "0077." Reportedly, this bracelet could monitor their vital data.

They were numbered, grouped, and then led by the towering Death Guards into the rooms.

Inside the room, the dimness was palpable, causing Antaeus to widen his eyes in adjustment.

It was a vast space, with a cement floor and a rudimentary toilet situated in one corner.

In the center of the room lay a pile of something. With the help of the dim light, Antaeus recognized it as a heap of food.

Several small blades were neatly arranged on the floor, encircling the food in a ring. Their sharp tips gleamed menacingly, all pointing towards the food.

Antaeus swallowed involuntarily.

"Drip, drip."

The faint sound of water echoed in the room.

Upon closer inspection, Antaeus noticed a thin pipe protruding from one wall, from which water dripped drop by drop.

The Death Guard who had ushered them into the room signaled for them to line up against the walls, instructing them to wait for the indicator light to signal the start of their actions.

One flash from the indicator light would mark the beginning of the trial, and a second flash would signify its end.

Antaeus's gaze was fixed on the pile of food and the surrounding knives. A disconcerting thought began to form in his mind. Others seemed to have the same realization, as during the process of lining up against the wall, the boys began to jostle each other, trying to position themselves closer to the food.

This caused some commotion, but the Death Guard overseeing them didn't intervene.

Swallowing his apprehension, Antaeus, influenced by the crowd, also tried to move closer to the food. Perhaps because the others knew he was one of the two who had climbed to the mountain's peak, no one tried to push him away. He managed to secure a fairly central position.

Seeing that the boys were in place, the Death Guard promptly exited.

"Clank—"

The iron door closed, isolating them from the outside world.

Antaeus's focus sharpened, and what he saw next intensified his unease and despair—

On that iron door was a rectangular hatch.

The size and height of the hatch were just right for a person to be slid out while lying down.

But those who would be slid out would most likely not be alive.

"Hey!"

A hushed voice emerged beside him, and Antaeus quickly turned to see Ieos's face.

"The four of us ended up in the same group."

Ieos winked at him.

"And the other two?"

Antaeus looked around but didn't spot the other two in the center of the crowd.

"I had Lerna take Bastide to secure a water source," Ieos whispered, ensuring their conversation remained private.

"We should team up. I think I have an idea of what's going on."

Antaeus glanced at the food pile, "Should we go for the knives?"

Ieos nodded, "I might be able to guess what the overseer wants us to do. But I need to inspect that food pile to confirm my suspicions. Either way, grabbing a knife can't be wrong."

Ieos patted Antaeus's shoulder, "Help me keep them in check."

"Me?"

Antaeus stared incredulously at Ieos, but Ieos's piercing blue eyes were fixed intently on him, "Everyone knows you reached the mountain's peak. Use that reputation."

"While people are still somewhat in awe or whatever of you, use it to your advantage."

Ieos spoke quickly and in hushed tones. Antaeus wanted to say more, but he felt the indicator light was about to flash.

In the end, he could only give Ieos a complicated look, preparing himself for the impending sprint.