56 Entrance to Fate (1/2)

My stomach felt like it had dropped out of my body and then slammed back into it. I wanted to hurl, but my throat felt clogged like something was in it. Sitting on the ground, I hang my head between my knees and try to stop the lurching feeling in my stomach.

After a few minutes, the feeling subsides, I leaned back and tried sucking air into my oxygen-starved lungs. Soon enough, I started to feel better.

At that moment, when I'd passed through the doorway, it had felt as if every part of my body was being shredded and ripped into a thousand small pieces and then reassembled here. Which I can only assume was the other side of the door.

The process had only taken a few seconds, but it felt like it had been an eternity. Looking around, I don't see Cecily, Ekon, or Silvyr anywhere. I suppose that meant that'd we'd each gone our own separate ways for the test.

Around me was an open field like area, there was nothing behind me and to the right and left of me. However, in front of me was the entrance of a forest, but I couldn't see past the entrance of it. Sitting completely still I listen for the sound of animals. But there was none.

It was as if I'd been frozen in time, there was no sound but the sound of my breathing.

Standing, I feel the world shift slightly, I put my hands on my knees and let the feeling pass and soon enough it does. I wanted to move forward towards the entrance of the forest, but when I looked closer.

I found that all the light from the surrounding area seemed to be swallowed by the forest in front of me. It was as if it was eating the very light itself from the whole area around it.

Blinking my eyes a few times, I find that it wasn't a trick of the eye.

Just when I was starting to feel unsettled a message pops up in front of my face.

「Welcome to the Fate Temple. You've chosen to tread a path, where your fate lies in the hands of another. Forsaking an easy path to a class of your choice, instead, you wish to gamble your choice away for a chance to obtain your fated class.

To test your resolve, we've prepared something to test your skills and determination. What awaits you is a multistage arena to test your skills and compatibility with every possible class.

There are no simple areas within the test. Each of the testing areas's that you'll encounter is designed to push you to the limit, and when you think you can't progress anymore, you'll be forced to go beyond your own limits.

What you seek is beyond your limit, it lies in another place; a place beyond your own will.

Surpass your will and you'll be granted a class that's suited towards your own personality and determination.

」

The text box that appeared in front of me was in handwritten letters. I read over the box of text a few times to make sure that I'd gotten every word in the box of text. I was looking for hidden clues or meanings, but I didn't find any.

However, every time I looked over the words a chilling sensation crawls up my spine. These words… are supposed to be words of encouragement, but instead, they felt like an ominous note of warning that this would be grueling.

My skin crawled and I shake my head.

That when I noticed at the bottom of the screen in front of my eyes was a button that read [next]. I press the button and the words transform and a new set of information is displayed to me.

「 You're currently located within the safe zone. There are multiple safe zone areas that have been designated throughout the area's, they'll allow you some reprieve from the monster or dangers that you face within your test.

The testing ground that you're currently in has a total of two safe zones, the one that you're in and one other that you'll find. 」

Again, at the bottom of the page, I saw a button labeled [next]. I click it again.

「This is one of the three testing areas's that you'll enter in your time here. As you progress through each zone it'll become increasingly more difficult and challenging.

These areas are designed to ascertain a certain aspect of your skillset. Try your best to complete each area, it's also possible to die within the testing grounds.

If at any point you feel that your life is going to be threatened or compromised, please indicate to the temple by saying ”I forfeit my choice.” If you find yourself unable to speak, please crush the orb attached to the bracelet on your wrist!

We wish you the best of luck! 」

After that, the text box vanishes as if it'd never been there in the first place. Now, what bracelet was it talking about?