Black String of Fate

Xavier carefully looked over the blue screen with curiosity. At first, he couldn't figure out what the data on the screen referred to, but as soon as he saw the clear time, he connected the dots and inferred that it was his report on the maze.

'Maze of Insanity, huh? Such a fitting name. But... It really took me more than a decade to clear a maze. By now, I'm sure that I must be declared dead by the guild, and my existence forgotten by all. It doesn't take much for a slum kid to disappear in the eyes of the world.'

While the report was pretty straightforward and concise, there was one thing that eluded Xavier.

'What is this grade I've been given? I don't know anything that comes to mind when I think about 'EX'... Is it a really bad grade due to me taking such a long time to clear it?'

Xavier did not need to ponder over it for a long time as another screen popped up to answer his queries.

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Grade System:

EX (Perfect Completion)

S/S+/S-

A/A+/A-

B/B+/B-

C/C+/C-

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D/D+/D-

E/E+/E-

F/F+/F- (Completion Failure)

N/A (Not Applicable)

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Xavier was shocked when he saw the grade system being suddenly displayed right in front of his face. He was happy when he found out he had the highest grade available, but more than that, it terrified him to no end when such information was revealed at this exact moment.

'...My mind is being read. It's no coincidence that the info appeared just when I desired it. Just how powerful is this individual, to have no privacy of my thoughts inside his realm? What's more, I have zero control over this. Right now, I'm just an existence he probably has complete control over...'

As Xavier thought this, another blue screen popped up, this one larger than the others. It contained information Xavier needed to know right now the most.

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Trial of @#$%^&

Welcome, challenger. The screen you are looking at is the interface of the Trial of @#$%^&, or better known as the Trial System. This will guide you on your path to clear these trials, which extensively test various aspects of the challenger.

If you're unaware of the purpose of these trials and have unknowingly begun the test, a problem faced by many previous challengers, please pay attention to the next part. The Trial of @#$%^& is a series of trials created by a certain god who shall not be named, and his purpose is to find entertainment among the seedlings of potential who clear all the trials.

The number and amount of trials vary for each challenger, and the criteria to judge and assign a grade after every completion is pre-installed in the Trial System.

At the end of all the trials, the Trial System, based on the performance shown, will assign a reward it determines to be the most useful to the participant. The higher the collective grades on all trials, the better and more useful the reward will be. The challenger can choose to accept or refuse the reward, however unlikely that case is.

The challenger will be automatically transported back to their home world in case of failure of one or completion of all trials. The challenger would not be able to re-attempt the trials in any case. Death and worse is a possibility in the trials, and your corpse would be teleported to your home world.

Approach any other gate to begin the next trial. We wish you the best of luck.

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'...So that's how it is.'

This message answered many questions that Xavier possessed, and it also allowed him to come to a decision.

'The reward is something offered by a 'god'. Even if he's not a true god, a reward from someone capable of creating all of this is enticing enough to even risk my life for it. I have always been an opportunist, and I sure as hell ain't gonna let such a big fish slip away.

Let's try to get the best award I can possibly get. I have 3 trials assigned, and out of that, one has been cleared with the highest 'EX' grade. Suddenly, those ten years now don't feel completely wasted...'

Xavier took a deep breath and walked towards the second gateway. It was just beside the original one, and as soon as Xavier stood in front of it, the name of the trial popped up on a blue screen.

**********

Trial: Levels of Death

Information: [Redacted]

**********

'Oh wow, what an extremely helpful guide! It really told me a lot about this trial.' Xavier thought to himself in sarcastic frustration. He felt like it was stupid of him to even hope for any leeway in these demonic trials. Nevertheless, he took a deep breath, steeled his nerves, and stepped into the red gate, anticipating the horrific trials that awaited him.

Xavier felt his vision go white and lose consciousness, and just as he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of a colosseum. The whole place was rumbling with the noise from the spectators, who, upon careful observation, were just faceless humanoid figures.

It did not take long for Xavier to understand the situation, as he had once participated in something similar in his previous life.

'I'm a gladiator now, aren't I? Man, this brings back some memories. I remember participating in some underground arena matches and earning a quick buck. It was satisfying to see the champions raised by the nobles kneeling before me, my sword dyed red from their blood...'

Xavier was broken out of his nostalgia when he saw a blue screen pop up, and this time, containing a bit more information than before.

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Trial: Levels of Death

Information: Clear the Levels by defeating the enemy. Each level will be harder than its predecessor.

*****************

'Oh wow, it's a simple one. I just need to beat up whoever comes out to face me. It won't be easy considering my weakened body, but still simple nonetheless. I will take these types of trials any day over a damn maze.

...Well, the maze was also a simple concept, but... you know... different strengths and all...'

Xavier shook his head and lightly tapped his cheeks to get back on track. He couldn't lose focus, especially when he didn't know what opponents he would face. It became extremely clear to him during his journey to the ruins that he was not invincible like before, even the creatures equal to ants in his prime were now a life-threatening danger.

'But, I should at least have a weapon, otherwise it'll be too hard. I lost my sword during one of my fights with the beasts on my way to the ruins... I'm completely helpless barehanded.'

Just then, a sword materialized in his hands, its weight, shape, and sharpness, all to his preference. Xavier just laughed at the absurd abilities of this trial and swung it around to get a feel for it.

'Hm, good enough.'

*CREAK*

Suddenly, Xavier heard the sound of a gate opening, and as he looked over, he realized that this was not going to be as easy as he thought.