Black String of Fate

Chapter 21: Another Challenger

"...What? Another challenger? How? I don't see anyone. Wait, how are they even able to clear these god-forsaken trials? No, in the first place, how did they even access the trials?

Who are they, how can-"

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< Chill out, dude. Stop barraging me with these questions. I'll tell you as much as I'm able to. Relax. >

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Xavier took a deep breath to calm his mind which was in turmoil. The idea that there was somebody else taking trials of this difficulty seemed downright ridiculous. He, an Archon in his previous life, was struggling so much, yet there was someone else who could do the same.

'Right, I need to calm down. The trials work in mysterious ways, and I hardly know anything about them, so there is a definite possibility that there is someone else out there.'

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< To be honest, this challenger is quite an unusual case. There are multiple ways to access the trials, but the challengers usually just stumble into them as if dictated by fate. Your case is an example of exactly that. But this one... This one was different. They accessed the trial as if they knew of its existence beforehand.

>

< The trials presented to them were different than yours, as it is with every challenger, but their performance was just as exemplary. You both are two of a kind, since nobody had ever done these trials as brilliantly as you guys. >

< I cannot tell you anything related to the identity of the challenger, since it would be me stepping out of bounds. All I can tell you is that in the next trial, their presence will be crucial to you, and your presence will be crucial to them. >

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"...That is a lot to digest. I wonder just who that new challenger is... It could even be a regressor just like me. This is interesting, very interesting."

Xavier smiled with anticipation when thinking about this mysterious character. He wished to meet them as soon as possible.

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< Oho. I thought you would be distraught with the idea of there being another regressor. Most regressors are.>

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"Why would I be? A little twist like this would make life much more interesting. And did you forget who I am?"

Xavier pointed at himself with overflowing confidence and an arrogant smile.

"I'm the Demon King! If anything, the one who should be distraught is them. If they wish to become my enemy, they shall face my wrath, like the million others who did in my prime."

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< Haha, you truly are unique. Well, it's not like a simpleton like you have a thorough plan for the future in the first place. Whatever discrepancies that the regressor creates wouldn't affect you that much at all. >

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Xavier's towering arrogance took a few hits with that statement. The reason why he could be like this was because he didn't need future knowledge much in the first place.

"...You know, you know too much, mysterious god-like being."

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< Well, someone like me is in a position to know too much :) >

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Xavier gave a helpless sigh and went towards the final gate. Even though the mysterious dude who just popped up suddenly revealed stuff personal to him, he didn't feel that alarmed.

'I wonder why. I just have a gut feeling that this guy is fine. He doesn't trigger any dangerous flags for me, despite the keen eye I've got for people. He is powerful beyond imagination, no doubt about that, but he feels... just like some regular guy. He isn't some mastermind with hidden agendas, like those with his power tend to be.'

"So... have you been talking to that person too?" Xavier casually asked this question even though he had already guessed the answer.

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< Hmm, yeah. I'm talking to both of you, I don't play favorites. >

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"I knew it, there's no way you weren't bothering them too... Then, they are also aware of my existence, huh? I just hope that I'm not gathering unnecessary hostility, that can be annoying to deal with."

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< I don't know about that, and even if I did, I won't tell you... >

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"Because it'll ruin the fun, right?"

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< ...Caught red-handed ?(???)? >

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Xavier laughed and stood in front of the gate. It had been so long since he had interacted with somebody, so he appreciated the company he had in what very well might be his last moments. The trial ahead was guaranteed to be difficult, and it could be anything. He knew there was the risk of death involved.

Once again, the blue screen popped up, showing the details of the trial.

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Trial: Fateless

Information: [Redacted]

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"Fateless, huh... Nothing much to go on about, is there... You here?"

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< Oh, yeah... I was just... nothing... >

< Anyway, Fateless, huh... I knew there would be a trial involving both of you, but for it to evolve into Fateless... You guys would probably be the first ones to ever experience this trial. It is a bit... special. To be honest, I never expected the System to ever qualify anyone for the Fateless trial, but here we are...

>

< I can't tell you anything about this trial, but it will be unlike any you've experienced. All I can say is, follow your heart. >

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"Follow my heart, huh... Well, let's just get on with it." Xavier said as he jumped into the blue portal, entering a trial that very well might be a turning point in his life.

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"So, there's another trial taker?"

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< Yeah, the next trial will involve both of you. You both are very interesting, so I can't wait to see how this plays out. >

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"Did he... also know about these trials beforehand?"

'If that's true, then there's another regressor in the world with me...'

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< Oh no, he knew nothing about these trials. He entered the way people are supposed to, by coincidence, unlike you. >

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"Well, that means he isn't a regressor, but how is he here then? From what I remember, nobody discovered these trials, because I would've known about them. The only reason I can think of is that someone must've been influenced by the actions I've taken since regressing... It could be literally anybody since I have done some very impactful things by now...

This could get very troublesome, especially if they mean harm to me or get in the way of my plans... I can't just ignore this, unknown variables are never welcome... Hey, are you listening? Can you tell me anything about them?"

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< Yeah, I'm here, but no, I can't and won't tell you anything. It goes against my personal policy. You are free to treat him any way you like, just like he is.>

< Anyway, go check what is the final Trial you have received, it's an interesting one. >

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"Alright, fine. These trials don't tell me anything except the name before entering anyway...

.

.

.

Fateless? What an enigmatic name. I can't even guess what sort of trial it would be."

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< Mhm. You can never even begin to imagine this trial. Hell, this is the first time someone would even attempt this rare trial. It's a historic moment ?( ^o^)? >

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"Yeah, whatever. I can't be excited about something that will most likely kill me, you know?"

Saying that, the mysterious challenger walked into the blue gate, also unaware that this trial might very well be a turning point in their life.