34 Chapter 34: Althansaral (2/2)
”My name is Althan'aral, the lord of disharmony and displacement, ” he paused, ”a mere shadow of my former self… Sentenced to serve here for the rest of my miserable life.”
Wilhelm didn't immediately reply as Althan'aral slowly turned his body toward him. He looked similar to humans, disregarding the ash-like skin and violet eyes. Long, pointy ears decorated the side of the elf-like creature's head, alongside intricate tattoos that covered its face and shirtless body. It was clearly not human, but it was the closest thing to a man that Wilhelm had seen in months.
”You… are you an enemy, or an ally?” Wilhelm inquired with a suspicious voice. He was not one to deny information or help, but he was also not easily fooled. Judging by the man's words, not only was he imprisoned, but he referred to himself as some lord.
The elf sighed, ”If I were still alive, I would have certainly assisted you on the path that you are currently walking on,” he replied, ”alas, my soul has been chained to dozens of regulations and rules. I cannot control my body nor my magic.”
Hearing this, Wilhelm took a step back and prepared for battle. There was not a single trace of sympathy inside of his red eyes.
”Fret not human; this low-level dungeon would never face you against someone like me,” the elf quickly explained, ”I am a guide so-to-speak, one that will give you a few trials.”
After his words ended, Wilhelm could feel his mind shake. The walls inside of the chamber disappeared one by one, followed by the delicately placed tile. That was just the beginning. Soon, the entire roof vanished into thin air as well, following the rest of the halls.
”Enthralling…” Wilhelm muttered.
It was replaced by a cloudless blue sky, full of vitality and life. A cool breeze swept across the lands and fluttered the blades of grass, carrying a few packs of birds within the wind. Pine blanketed the grounds and wafted up a pleasing aroma, teasing Wilhelm's nose. If you included the sound of chittering squirrels and singing birds, it was possibly one of the most relaxing places he had ever borne witness to.
”Now human, it is time for you to start my first trial,” The elf interrupted Wilhelm's train of thought, ”depending on how well you do during my three trials, varying set of rewards will be granted to you.”
Wilhelm glanced at the elf and edged him to continue — he was quite aware of the massive difference in power between them.
”There are many different grades you can achieve during each trial; some will bestow you much better trophies than others,” he paused, ”of course, if you happen to achieve the highest grade, S, successfully, then you will be given a gift by me, personally.”
Then, with a clap of the elf's hands, the scenery once again began to change. ”I wish you luck, human. The first trial is relatively simple; survive!”
Wilhelm wasn't even given a chance to question the elf before he disappeared, leaving Wilhelm alone in what appeared to be a forest. Many questions irked the man, but he cooled down his thought as he focused on the task at hand.
”This damned world is full of pompous idiots…” he whispered, dejectedly, ”all of them speak in some sort of code and fluff up their words. None of them explain a single thing correctly; they just make up more and more mysteries,” he continued with an exasperated sigh.
Suddenly, while Wilhelm was busy cursing the damnable elf, a dozen green eyes appeared within the darkness; hungry beasts.
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Wilhelm did not miss such a sight. He positioned his back against a robust tree and raised his daggers. A bitter smile formed on his lips, ”Ah, well, here we go again…”