Chapter 65 Trial of the (Aztec) 2 Land of Demons
Chapter 65 Trial of the (Aztec) 2 Land of Demons
Axel's boots sank softly into the forest floor with each step, the sound alternating between a faint crunch and a muffled thud. The air was dense, filled with an unnatural stillness that made the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. His gaze stayed fixed on the system display floating before him, the only semblance of familiarity in this bizarre land.
Ever since he had defeated Megicula, the demon that ruled this region, Axel had been abruptly transported back to this eerie forest. A brief moment of disorientation was followed by a new notification—his reward for the victory. A map appeared in his system interface, illuminating three distinct locations.
The place where he had fought Megicula had turned green, while two others remained marked in red.
Axel scrutinized the map further. There was a brief description beneath each marking, which left him more puzzled than enlightened. The green marking labeled "protected" was simple enough, but the red markings read "threatened" and "threatening."
"What are those supposed to mean?" Axel muttered under his breath, his fingers subconsciously tracing the hilt of his sword. The instant the question crossed his mind, a new notification blinked to life.
[To complete this Trial, you must conquer the territories on the map.]
Axel narrowed his eyes. This was no ordinary trial. Clearing these zones wasn't just about leveling up; it was about survival and something much more personal. Each victory would bring him closer to finding a cure for his mother, who lay back home, slipping deeper into a sickness no one understood.
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he scanned his stats, the glow of satisfaction lighting up his eyes.
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Your journey continues at m v|l-e'm,p| y- r
**//Stats//**
**Name:** Axel Teras
**Exp:** 389/450
**Level:** 37
**Job Class:** None
**Attributes:**
*Strength:* 65
*Agility:* 56
*Senses:* 36
*Mana:* 2360
*Health:* 80/80
*Stat Points Available:* 12
---
He had gained significant experience during his last battle, a promising indicator of the power he could harness as he continued. However, Axel hesitated to allocate his stat points. He had a theory about this trial—one that could either save him or doom him—and he needed those points as a trump card.
His thoughts drifted to what Trisha had warned him about before he left for this trial. She had been cryptic, but her words carried weight. Whatever forces were moving in the background, they weren't to be trifled with. Axel knew he needed more than raw strength to face them—he needed strategy, cunning, and time.
"I wonder what's happening back home, especially with Noel," Axel murmured. His mind flickered briefly to his friend, to Kyota, and how that once-safe haven no longer seemed as secure as it had. The world was shifting, and Axel felt it, even out here in the wilderness.
**Crack.**
A sharp snap of a twig instantly yanked Axel out of his thoughts. His muscles tensed as instinct took over. He ducked behind a wide tree, summoning his sword to his grasp with a flick of his wrist. The cool metal felt comforting against his palm, a reminder of the power he had honed through countless battles.
Axel peered out cautiously, eyes scanning the forest for any sign of movement. His heart thudded against his chest, the pulse steady but alert. That's when he saw them—two humanoid creatures, their dark-skinned forms blending almost seamlessly into the forest's shadowy undergrowth.
They were tall, with long, flowing hair and a resentful air hanging about them. Their ragged clothes were stained with dirt and blood, and in their hands, they held crude but deadly-looking spears. Dozens of tiny eyes embedded in their skulls flicked around the forest with keen awareness.
"They've sensed me," Axel mused, watching them with a calculating eye. He analyzed their physique, noting their muscular tails, jagged teeth, and the hardened expressions etched on their faces. These creatures were demons, but of a weaker variety—or so it seemed.
Axel made his decision. They were a threat, but one he could handle. He leaped from his hiding spot, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. His sword whistled through the air as he swung it toward the nearest demon.
"Master, wait!"
Mane, the Kaiju King, materialized out of thin air between Axel and his target, his voice urgent. Axel halted his strike just inches from the demon's throat, the blade trembling in his hand as he held back.
'What the hell is this?' Axel thought, his mind racing. He hadn't summoned Mane, and only Cell was supposed to emerge from his soul without his permission. Mane, however, was standing right there, blocking his path.
"I thought only Cell could come out on his own," Axel muttered, frustration lacing his words. "And why are you stopping me? This is my exp you're interrupting."
Mane lowered his head in a deep bow, a gesture that only irked Axel further. "My liege," Mane began, his voice dripping with deference, "these creatures are demons from an unclaimed clan. I suggest we take them under your rule rather than kill them."
Axel glanced past Mane, noticing for the first time that the two demons had dropped to their knees, their foreheads pressed to the ground in a submissive bow.
'So that's it,' Axel thought, his irritation giving way to curiosity. He had been ready to fight, but this was a different kind of opportunity. His system's map had marked this land as "threatened," but perhaps there was another way to conquer it without bloodshed.
"Get up, demons," Axel commanded, his voice cold and authoritative. The two hesitated for a moment but obeyed, rising to their feet with visible unease. They kept their eyes cast downward, avoiding his gaze.
"You fear my slave more than me," Axel said, his words laced with contempt. He could sense their fear, but it wasn't him they feared—it was Mane. A slight annoyance tugged at him. He wanted to be feared, to command their respect.
"We apologize, my Lord," the female demon spoke, her voice trembling. "We did not know of your power."
The male demon nodded fervently. "Please, forgive our incompetence, Master."
Axel felt a twinge of disgust at their groveling. It reminded him too much of the sycophants back home—the nobles and high-ranking officials who bowed and scraped to those in power. He despised them, but he wasn't blind to the value of having subordinates.
"Enough," Axel snapped. "Take me to your Chief or King. I have important matters to discuss."
The demons let out a sigh of relief and turned, leading the way deeper into the forest. Axel followed behind them, his mind churning. He was beginning to understand what his system had meant by "threatened." This land could be taken without a fight—without spilling blood. But the question still lingered in his mind.
This land was threatened. By what exactly?
As they moved through the forest, a chill settled over Axel, one he couldn't quite shake. Something was off, something dark and dangerous lurking just beyond the edge of his awareness. The real threat hadn't yet revealed itself. But it was coming.
***Author's note***
One extra chapter is coming