428 Aptitude Exams 1.2 (1/2)

Raven's roar of unbridled rage and despair stirred the very depths of his soul. The moment his roar ended, clarity returned to Raven's eyes.

His gaze brightened as sweat continuously drenched his entire body. His breathing was hitched and labored and his face was pale. His heart was hurting so much that he's unknowingly clenching his chest. There was a shock and terrified look on his face as he stared at the woman's body in front of him.

Raven recovered his senses. He couldn't help but look around and finally realize what exactly was going on around him.

Just like the expelled guy hinted at the rest earlier, this is a nightmare. And a terrible one at that.

'What a frightening illusion! I was so sure that I was prepared for it, yet I still ended up being dragged by it.' Raven inwardly exclaimed.

If it was others, then it would've been understandable if they fell for this, but for somebody like Raven to be dragged so easily into this illusion as well? That just speaks volume on how frightening this illusion really was.

It had to be known that Raven's soul was extremely formidable. In terms of soul power alone, he could almost match the output of a Lord Knight. His will had also been tempered to an absurd degree during his previous life, hell he didn't even feel any fear when he was facing a Heavenly Tribulation before yet he was still dragged into this terrifying illusion.

'So that's why they didn't even bother changing the exams. It took a soul shaking event for me to wake up from this, and this happened to me, then its very unlikely that others would wake up from this.'

'Test of Courage…Test of Courage…I see. So this is what you guys mean…' Raven sighed once more and continued digging out the rubble.

”Mom, hang on a bit okay. I'll get you out of there. Don't you dare die on me.” Raven urged as he continued lifting the rubble that's covering his mother's body.

Even though this event was that of the past, it still remain fresh from his memory. Even though this event didn't happen in this lifetime, it still didn't make Raven feel any better about it. Even the words he said just now was the exact same thing he told his mother back then.

Although he already calmed down, his heart was still pounding on his chest. Bit by bit, Eva's body was freed from being buried by the rubble. Raven was pathetically weak in this illusion, perfectly demonstrating the weakness he felt back then.

Everything was so similar. Even the panting and the loving smile of his mother whilst on the state of near death was perfectly replicated by this illusion.

That person was right. This is indeed a nightmare.

”A-avi. Mom doesn't have much time alright. Listen to me…”

”You have plenty of time Mom. I'll save you, rest for now. There shoulder be a healer nearby, I'll take you to her.” Raven choked on his tears.

Eva softly shook her head and said: ”You've grown up now my baby. You're now a man. I don't know whether your dad can make it out of this but I already accepted my fate.”

”Oh you silly boy. Don't you cry. I told you this didn't I? Life and Death are both sides of the same coin. This is the natural cycle of life. Mom is merely returning to the embrace of the creator. Just like how it should be.”

Raven didn't speak, he just continued holding her hand while shedding tears.

”If there's anything I'm worried about, then it would be you. Mom is no genius but I know that our Kingdom is in a perilous state.” Eva coughed violently, her grip over Raven's hand tightened. ”No matter what, you must remain safe. Me and your dad taught you many things before. Use those to survive. Stay away from the kingdom for now. Even though it'll be dangerous out there in the wilderness, I am more confident about you surviving there rather than here.”

”Never go into the depths of the Red Zone! Unless you have sufficient strength in future. Also, never think about avenging my death. Find a safe place to hide and pay attention to your safety. If you can rescue some people with you then do so but not under the premise of risking your safety! Remember! Your own safety is you priority. Understand?”

Raven forcefully nodded, his tears never stopped falling. He could feel Eva's life force slipping away from her body. She…doesn't have much time left.

”Once you find a safe place and ensured your safety, then maybe you could also find a wife. So long as she's good to you then hold on to her! Don't let her go. If you could start a family and live a life in peace and safety, then I would be able to smile on the other side as well.”

Eva's breathing became even more laborious. Her life signals and weakening in an alarming degree, Raven was already clenching his jaws as he watched this, yet he was powerless to change anything. This feeling, was the same exact feeling he had back then.

”Avi, Mom's feeling a little sleepy. Won't you sing me a lullaby?” Eva smiled, her face was filled with warmth, love and doting towards Raven. A feeling that only mother's can express to their children.

Raven forcefully nodded his head. With trembling lips, he started singing…

”Hush, now. I see the light in your eyes.

Oh, it's almost blinding me.