Free Web NovelChapter 55: Chapter 55:The Trial of Ashura
"Ryutaro, Oni-chan, it’s been so long since you’ve been gone," said Lilith. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Driven by curiosity about Ryutaro, Lilith decided to enter the cave.
As Lilith approached the cave’s entrance, she was shocked to find that the barrier covering the cave’s door had disappeared.
"Huh, the barrier is gone?" Lilith said.
Realizing the barrier was no longer there, Lilith entered the cave.
Meanwhile, on Rin’s side:
"Huff... Huff... Damn, he’s still holding on," Rin panted.
"Hahaha, is this all the power former members of Children of Ruin have?" Bloodflare laughed.
Outside the domain, Miyuki was trying to enter in order to help Rin.
"Damn it, why hasn’t this domain opened yet?" Miyuki grumbled.
"It’s useless; our strength isn’t enough to break through this domain," Grace said.
"So what are we supposed to do? Are we just going to sit here and wait?" Aurelia asked.
"Of course not. What if we combine our powers?" Grace suggested.
"Combine our powers? Are you serious? Didn’t you just say our powers aren’t enough to break through the domain?" Alice questioned.
As the debate continued, Sylvara suddenly appeared in front of them.
"You might not be able to, but what if the three of us joined in?" Sylvara asked.
"Huh? Don’t joke around. I don’t want to cooperate with Ashen Fang," Aurelia retorted.
"But with just your four powers, can you really break the domain?" Zarek asked.
"That’s true, but I still don’t want to cooperate with a group that killed my family," Aurelia said.
Suddenly, Orphesius approached them all.
"Will your ego help Rin?" Orphesius asked.
"He’s right. You’d better forget about their past deeds for now, at least until this fight is over," Grace said.
"And I know how much you suffered when they killed you, but now Rin is fighting alone against Bloodflare," Alice added.
Hearing their words, Aurelia finally agreed.
"Fine, for now I won’t make a big deal out of what you’ve done, but if you have any hidden agendas, I won’t hesitate to fight all of you," Aurelia said.
"Don’t worry, we’re aware of that," Orphesius reassured.
They all combined their powers to break through Bloodflare’s domain.
Meanwhile, on Ryutaro’s side:
"So, what’s the test to become your successor? You’re not just going to make me your successor for nothing, right?" Ryutaro asked.
"Oh, you’re smart. Don’t worry, you only need to pass three trials," Ashura replied.
"Huh? Three trials? I don’t have time for that. Bloodflare is probably still fighting my women outside," Ryutaro said.
"Don’t worry. Inside this dimension, one year equals one second in the real world, so you can take the trials at your leisure," Ashura explained.
"Thank goodness for that. I can take the trials calmly then. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s start," Ryutaro said.
"Good enthusiasm. Follow me," Ashura said.
The three of them made their way to a room inside the palace.
A short while later, they arrived at the room Ashura had mentioned. It was very dark and filled with a sinister aura.
"What is this? Why is this room so terrifying?" Ryutaro asked.
"This is your first trial: the mental trial. In here, you’ll need to push your mental strength to the absolute limit," Ashura said.
"Are you crazy? A regular human can’t train their mind to that extent!" Ryutaro’s father exclaimed.
"Don’t you trust your own son, the first hero?" Ashura asked.
"Of course, I trust him, but he’s been in this world for less than a year," Ryutaro’s father said.
"Honestly, you’re right, but there’s one more secret about your son that you don’t know," Ashura added.
Hearing Ashura’s words, both of them were confused.
"What do you mean by ’secret’?" Ryutaro asked.
"And what secret don’t I know?" Ryutaro’s father asked.
"Because you want to know, I’ll tell you. Actually, your son, besides being the heir to my power, can also inherit the powers of the other four ancient gods. I am one of those gods, and this is the first time it’s happened," Ashura explained.
"Huh? I can inherit the powers of the four ancient gods? Who else besides me can do that?" Ryutaro asked.
"The other four ancient gods besides me are Odin, Tsukoyomi, Anubis, and, of course, me," Ashura said.
"Why do the names of these gods sound the same as the gods in my world?" Ryutaro wondered.
"Never mind that for now. Think about it later. Now go in," Ashura said.
Ashura kicked Ryutaro into the trial room, irritated by his endless questions.
"Hey, what if something happens to my son?" Ryutaro’s father asked.
"Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. Now, let’s head to another room. I have something important to discuss with you," Ashura said.
"Important? What is it?" Ryutaro’s father asked.
"Just don’t ask so many questions and follow me," Ashura replied.
"Alright, then," Ryutaro’s father said.
They left the room where Ryutaro had just entered.
Meanwhile, inside the trial room:
"Damn, this ancient god is a pain, always kicking me around," Ryutaro grumbled.
Ryutaro stood up, holding his sore body from Ashura’s kick.
"So, this is what the room looks like. Alright, time to go deeper and get out of this dimension quickly. I’m worried about my women, especially Charlotte," Ryutaro said.
Ryutaro started to venture deeper into the trial room, and after some time, a voice suddenly echoed.
"Welcome to the mental trial, heir to Ashura’s power," the voice said.
"Who are you?" Ryutaro asked.
"Think of me as your guide for this trial. Let’s begin," the voice replied.
"Wait a second. Before we begin, explain what this trial is about," Ryutaro demanded.
"Didn’t Ashura tell you? Fine, I’ll explain. This is the mental trial, not a test of muscle or sword speed, but of heart and soul. Here, we will judge the strength of your spirit," the voice said.
"Ashura is not only the god of war... he is a symbol of blazing fury, unquenchable vengeance, and silent sacrifice. Anyone who wishes to inherit his power must conquer their own rage."
"In just a moment, your heart will be pulled into your own inner dimension... there, you will face your deepest fears, greatest regrets, and the dark shadow of yourself."
"If you lose control, you will shatter from within. If you deny who you are, you will disappear forever."
"However, if you can face the darkness and stand as yourself... then Ashura’s power will recognize you."
The trial begins now... face yourself, or perish," the mysterious voice concluded.
As the last words echoed, the floor beneath Ryutaro shook. The dim red light grew, enveloping the entire room. In an instant, the world vanished.
"Whoa, what is this?" Ryutaro exclaimed.
Ryutaro suddenly found himself in an endless, dark void, lit only by a blood-red light shining down like a god’s watchful eye.
"Where am I? Why does it feel like I’m in a completely different place?" Ryutaro asked.
Suddenly, shadowy figures appeared around Ryutaro—whispering, mocking, and laughing. These voices were dark versions of people Ryutaro had known, like Grace and the others. They all said things that made Ryutaro uncomfortable.
"You failed to save her," said Grace’s shadow.
"This is all your fault," said Aurelia’s shadow.
"You’re weak. You don’t deserve to be Ashura’s heir," said Alice’s shadow.
"You’re too weak to stop Bloodflare from controlling the woman you love," said Miyuki’s shadow.
"Oni-chan, why did you lie to me? You said you wouldn’t leave," said Lilith’s shadow.
Suddenly, Charlotte’s shadow appeared before him.
"Why... why didn’t you save me? Why did you let me be controlled by that cursed sword?" the shadow of Charlotte asked.
"Damn it, is this the mental trial? I have to hold on," Ryutaro gritted his teeth.
Ryutaro tried to ignore the voices, but suddenly, from the darkness, another version of himself emerged—eyes glowing red, a sinister grin, and a murderous aura. This was the "Anger Shadow," the manifestation of Ryutaro’s deep-seated hatred, rage, and trauma.
"Who are you? You’re not Alex. Why do you look just like me?" Ryutaro demanded.
"Alex? I’m not him. He’s just the controller of your vampire powers. I am you, the real you... without limits. I don’t need mercy, I don’t fear anything. I burn everything for power. You’re afraid of becoming like me, but this is who you really are," the Anger Shadow taunted.
"No, that’s not me. I promised to protect everyone—Grace, Aurelia, Alice, Charlotte, and Miyuki," Ryutaro denied.
"Stop lying. You wanted to use them all, didn’t you? Admit it, Ashura’s power isn’t for someone as weak as you," the Anger Shadow sneered.
"Shut up! I’d rather die than become like you," Ryutaro shouted.
"Will your death atone for your sins?" the Anger Shadow asked.
Ryutaro froze, shocked by the words.
Suddenly, as Ryutaro paused, the mental realm transformed into a blood-soaked battlefield, filled with screams, smoke, and the wreckage of destruction—horrible memories of when he failed to protect those he loved. In the center of it, the Anger Shadow attacked with brutal force.
"What is this? Where am I now?" Ryutaro gasped.
"This is another version of you. You neglected their safety for your own desires. And that’s why they all protected you. But what did you do? You just stood there, watching your women’s corpses lying on the ground," the Anger Shadow said.
Ryutaro immediately felt despair as he saw visions of himself as the only survivor while his wives and family were brutally killed.
Will Ryutaro be able to overcome the trial? And what is the important matter Ashura wants to discuss with Ryutaro’s parents? Can Ryutaro’s other women break through the Bloodflare Domain to save Rin, who is trapped inside? Find out in Chapter 56!
*If I made any minor mistakes that might be distracting, I sincerely apologize. I have done my best for this novel, and if you enjoy it, please consider giving it a like and sharing your feedback, suggestions, or criticism so I can learn and improve. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next Chapter!*
