Beyond the Surface

After about half an hour, I began to feel more and more anxious. Besides, I don't know what's happening behind my back. Except I'm pretty sure the 2 creatures are still roaming around.

In the background, I could hear them devouring the food, but shortly after the noise stopped. It seemed like they finished the food in a matter of what felt like seconds.

And, because of this, my heart was pounding even harder than before.

It was only a matter of time before I met the same fate as the food. However, I'm surprised they haven't figured out where I was hiding, since it's pretty obvious.

And immediately after, I realized the case: they couldn't see. Though it was just an assumption, it's most certainly true, otherwise, they would've known where I was hiding.

Considering that they went for the food right after my sneeze, the reason was probably because they were looking for food. Though, I wonder how they got here, given that they're blind. But it isn't time to think about 'why?', for now, survival is the priority.

Sadly, there wasn't much I could do to increase my chances of survival. If it's true that the creatures are blind, hiding in the shadows might be the ideal solution.

However, it was just a matter of time before the creatures would find me. Maybe hiding underneath a table wasn't that smart after all. Even if you're blind, you still have ears, and with that being said, the monsters most likely have good ears. So if I made a sound, my hidden spot would be revealed within an instant.

After a while, my body began feeling overwhelmed, the positioning of my body wasn't great at all. I could maybe keep this up for another hour at best.

- - -

Boom—!

Suddenly, there was a loud noise, and it seemed like the entrance was closed. This made me feel relieved, but my body wasn't in a great state, so I stayed under the table. And it's better to stay cautious because it might be a trick.

However, that's most likely not the case, if they had a well-functioning brain, they would've figured out where I was hiding.

And with that in mind, I tried to get out of my hiding spot. However, shortly after, I realized I made a big mistake.

While I was trying to to stand up, I accidentally kicked a chair which made a loud noise. The sound even surprised me, even though I was the one who did it. Then out of awkwardness I placed a hand behind my head and said:

"Oh, uh…"

Almost immediately, the two armed creatures barged in, and they quickly went after the source of the noise. However, I, on the other hand, was still frozen from the shock, but shortly after I got back to my senses.

One of the beings, however, suddenly disappeared out of my sight, as if they just simply teleported away.

Quickly, while wearing an expression of terror, I slightly turned around and said:

"Oh…"

Surrounding me huh? interesting…Teleportation behind me indeed isn't a bad decision.

Additionally, the creature with the stick was blocking the exit, while the other creature with the sword was walking towards me. Their dark figures were scaring the hell out of me.

The creature with the sword kept coming closer, meanwhile, my mind began to think.

Think! Think of how to survive this, think of an idea, anything that can help!

The only advantage I got was the fact that they're most likely blind. However… even that is just an assumption, and even if it's true, there wasn't much I could do with it. Fighting them wouldn't be wise, and suddenly running away neither.

Just what am I supposed to do…?

The creature was getting closer and closer, In the meantime I was still trying to figure a solution out.

However that quickly changed, I knew that making a sound would be absurd, but there wasn't another choice.

I don't have a proper plan, however, I do know their weaknesses; they can't see. So hearing was most likely their best factor, but that doesn't mean they can't get tricked by it.

Still, it's nowhere close to simple to be able to trick those monsters without getting caught. Despite it sounding impossible, there was a way to succeed. And of course, it's not easy, and I'm not certain if it's going to work.

Almost immediately after thinking of the 'plan', it was time to execute it. Time is precious, so I didn't waste any seconds.

Without much in mind, I dashed off, knowing that the creatures were going to be aware of my presence. The creature caught up in less than a second and immediately began moving towards me.

However, I had a plan, a ridiculous plan, a plan with uncertainty. First, I needed to make a sound, a loud noise that would echo through the entire hall.

Shortly after I reached the food table, I destroyed all the plates. Of course, one by one, to create more confusion. One by one there will be shattering noise, and all of them will be at different places, which will create even more chaos. And with that, I hope it's enough distraction for me to escape.

Phew!

I didn't turn my back while throwing the plates, deep inside, I felt guilty, but it wasn't time to feel sorry.

Did it work?

After using most plates, I slightly turned around to check how the 2 beings reacted.

For some reason, the 2 dark figures remained motionless, still standing in the same place, not moving at all.

They aren't even reacting at all, I thought I had a nice plan… They should, at least be a little surprised. After all, they're supposed to be blind.

There was also a probability that they were aware of my plan, an amazing plan, actually.

But after a few seconds, the creatures gazed at me, and it was my first time seeing their faces properly. However, it wasn't what I was expecting, the creatures were expressionless. There wasn't a sign of emotion, to be more precise, the faces looked more like a mask than an actual face.

Right after the sword creature glanced at me, I was pressured to the point that I almost fell unconscious.

They're completely on a different level.

Then after a few seconds, both of the creatures just suddenly disappeared into thin air.

Then without a second thought, I began to sprint towards the exit.

Perfect. There won't be a second chance for me to escape.

But for some reason, I couldn't move.

Something's wrong, something's wrong. Why… why was it that I couldn't move? However, that thought quickly changed after I looked down. Then out of terror, I blurted:

"Huh…?"

I finally realized it. My legs were gone, my lower body was completely gone. My body is split in half.

Since a few moments ago my body also felt lighter, looks like this is the reason.

I guess this is it.

After a short while, my vision started to fade, so I closed my eyes.

***

[Do you think he survived the dream trial?]

[That's not even possible, you're supposed to die in it.]

[I thought he was a special kid, you picked him up right?]

[He is. And… why are you even talking about surviving, it's not even about that…]

[Oh shoot, I completely forgot about that it's a battle of mind. Well, he probably died and went crazy, probably some traumas as well.]

[We'll see about that.]

[Gramps, you're too old for this, go enjoy your days, like get a cup of tea and relax. Besides, what's even his name, anyway, just trust me that he isn't what you think—]

[…G-gramps, his eyes, they're open. He finally woke up.]