MTLNOVEL Chapter 188
188. Trial Commencement
Mira-san and I moved to the room where I’ve been living.
“So, I understand why you want me to use Zain’s Mystic Eye, but why here?”
As always, Mira-san raised her index finger and began explaining.
“You’ve leveled up enough to handle the Mystic Eye. In other words, you’ve qualified.”
This was the same as what I’d heard before. I’d gained the ability to clear the Ash Dungeon on my own merits.
“Your actions after integrating Zain’s Mystic Eye will differ depending on whether you’re qualified. Without qualifications, it will go out of control, but with them—it will slumber quietly.”
Mira-san pointed to the bed. I see. That’s why we’re in this room—because I’ll be sleeping.
“While you’re asleep, you’ll dream. That’s the trial. If you manage to escape the dream world, you’ve passed. Then you’ll be able to handle the Mystic Eye.”
“…And if I can’t pass the trial?”
“The trial ends in one hour. After that, the Mystic Eye will forcibly eject, and you’ll wake up. So, there’s nothing to worry about.”
So, there’s no risk involved…
“By the way, what’s the content of the trial?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t mean anything! Don’t try to take the easy way out!”
Fair enough. That means the trial is a one-shot deal.
“But isn’t there at least a hint? Any good mentor would provide at least some test prep, right?”
“If I could, I would. But advice won’t make a difference.”
Mira-san’s words were unusually vague. She probably had no better way to explain it.
“Now, stop dithering and start the trial! I’ll check on you in an hour, so get moving!”
“Whoa! Don’t rush me! I’m already nervous!”
After all, this is like the culmination of my one month as Mira-san’s apprentice.
Of course, I’m nervous. Especially since I have no idea what the trial involves!
“Don’t worry. This trial isn’t something you pass in one go.”
Does that mean it usually takes an average of three to four tries?
That’s a bit of a relief.
I picked up the case containing Zain’s Mystic Eye and lay down.
“Alright, here goes…!”
“Stay strong. You’ll be fine.”
Taking Mira-san’s words to heart, I opened the case, took out the Mystic Eye, and gripped it tightly!
＊
Arx fell asleep. No, it would be more accurate to say the trial had begun.
Leaving the room, I returned to the living room and plopped onto the sofa.
“Mira-san, how’s Arx doing?”
Having finished the housework, Raize seemed concerned about Arx.
This girl really loves him, doesn’t she? It’s none of my business to meddle in young love, but she could be a bit more honest with herself.
“He’s started the trial. Let me know when an hour’s passed.”
“Understood. But the trial only takes an hour? That seems pretty easy.”
“The trial itself lasts an hour, but the process will take at least three years.”
“Three years?!”
Raize exclaimed in surprise.
Not that I blame her. The Mystic Eye’s trial tests one’s mental fortitude.
I cleared it in one shot, but for an ordinary person, three years—or even ten—wouldn’t be unusual.
In the worst case, it could break someone’s mind, leaving them a husk.
“Such a terrifying trial… Will Arx be alright?”
“Who knows? I’m not him. We’ll find out in an hour.”
“But that’s…”
“I believe in him. That’s why I impose harsh trials. I think he can overcome them.”
Hearing this, Raize finally seemed to accept it.
That said, I really don’t know how this Mystic Eye trial will go. I said three years, but if he finishes in three, he’s a genius.
“…!”
Suddenly, my sensors picked something up.
“What is it, Mira-san?!”
“Someone’s entered the forest. They’re calling Arx’ name. Let me connect them to this room.”
With a hand chop, I tore open the air, creating a rift to the forest and linking it to the living room.
Through the rift came—a blonde girl. She was carrying a girl with light blue hair on her back.
“Hey there, Raize!”
“Whoa, is this some kind of warp?”
“Laura?! And Fran too!”
Raize shouted in surprise.
“You know them?”
“Yes! But why are they here?!”
The blonde girl, Laura, set down the girl named Fran and began speaking with a grave expression.
“It’s bad. A black monster is rampaging in the royal capital!”