Episode 16: The Trial Ceremony

An event where boys and girls who have turned 10 years old go to forests, caves, and other places designated near their residential area—places commonly called dungeons—to test their skills and courage.

That is what the Trial Ceremony is.

In this world, 10 years old is an age where, while not yet an adult, it’s inappropriate to treat them as a child, and they receive treatment as if they’re half-adult.

Accordingly, from this age many children need to learn martial arts and magic and do things for their future.

This event is meant to test where one currently stands as they progress toward adulthood.

It’s not that I had forgotten about this event.

In fact, I’d say I remembered it well.

After all, the story of the game “Celestia Kingdom” begins during this ceremony when the protagonist awakens to a special power.

There’s no way I, who had played through it multiple times, would forget that.

But the fact that I’m confused now is also true.

I must become stronger—what if I die at any moment—these thoughts had been occupying my mind, and I had temporarily forgotten about this event.

(That’s right… wasn’t it… Why am I so absent-minded)

I blame myself for having such a narrow perspective.

…After all, I had overlooked the event where I’m most likely to die.

Since it’s not the kind of event that sends children to their deaths, a certain level of safety is apparently guaranteed, but that’s only to a certain extent.

There’s no telling what kind of irregularities might occur.

Now, I felt as if the countdown to death had suddenly accelerated.

“───Wait, excuse me!”

“Whoa, what?”

“Arcs!?”

Unable to sit still, I forcibly cut off the conversation and ran from that place.

Eleanore and the others must have been quite confused, and in fact I could feel such emotions in their voices, but I couldn’t explain.

I ran without caring.

…Where should I go? To avoid dying?

Gaining strength… there’s not much time left.

No, I just have to do what I can.

I scratched my head roughly.

For now, I headed to the mansion’s library.

***

Why does time pass by so quickly?

A month had passed since then, and the Trial Ceremony—something like an execution date for me—was waiting for me the next day.

I did everything I could. I think.

I drilled into my head all the terrain, geographical features, and ecosystem of the place where the trial would take place.

I covered all the magic books in the library, and trained with the sword more intensely than ever before.

Normally, people don’t work this hard for the Trial Ceremony, don’t think to do so, and don’t need to.

But in my case, I have no idea from what angle death might come for me.

Even doing this much might not be enough.

And if so, I’ll die tomorrow.

Thinking that, getting a good night’s sleep was utterly impossible.

“Haah…”

I sluggishly got up and left the bed.

Outside was still dark.

It seemed to be raining, making the darkness even deeper.

The sound of water droplets hitting the roof and ground disturbed me, making me even less inclined to sleep.

Even though I absolutely need to sleep to be in the best condition possible tomorrow.

I collapsed onto the bed while looking up at the ceiling in exhaustion.

Will I die tomorrow? Me?

Well, maybe not tomorrow specifically.

If only I knew the cause and timing of death, my approach and state of mind would change…

This impossible game is too much.

“Arcs. How did you die…? What kind of death… was it that made Eleanore fall into darkness…”

My delirious words were sucked into the void without reaching anyone.

No one answers my question.

***

The weather is bad.

The sun is absent from the sky, replaced by thick gray clouds occupying it.

Last night’s rain seems to have stopped, but there’s no telling when it might start again.

…An ill omen.

***

“If we reach the depths of this forest… that’s all we need to do, right?”

Eleanore said that in a voice that seemed slightly frightened.

“Yes, that’s right”

“I see. I… see…”

She groaned as if troubled. Hmm.

Well, it can’t be helped…

It’s the day of the Trial Ceremony.

We were facing the forest a little distance from Egenhardt where the Anciness mansion is located—the place where the trial would take place.

Perhaps because it had rained the day before, the area was damp and humid, and the atmosphere was somehow gloomy.

Of course, since darkness with no visible end continued into the depths, unless one was quite courageous, they would be reluctant to proceed.

“Please don’t worry. I’ll protect you, Eleanore-sama”

I answered with a smile.

But her expression was still clouded.

It’s not that she doesn’t trust me… probably.

She opened her mouth hesitantly.

“Arcs… aren’t you scared?”

Scared?

Of course I am.

I must be terrified. I don’t know where the hammer of death will strike from, and I feel like I might be crushed by thoughts that in 5 minutes I might be reduced to a mere lump of flesh.

It’s not like running away from death would help, but I want to flee from this place right now.

But I can’t let these emotions show even a hint.

It would needlessly frighten her. That’s not very desirable.

“…No, I can’t say I’m not scared. However, I’m more afraid of harm coming to you, Eleanore-sama”

So I returned her words with a resolute attitude.

Eleanore showed a gesture that seemed slightly embarrassed, but apparently still unable to shake off her fear, she silently drew closer to me.

“Th-then… if something happens. Please help me…?”

She looked up at me anxiously.

The firepower was a bit strong, so I inadvertently looked away…

“If something happens”

If such a situation occurs, will I die?

And then she will…

…No good.

If my thoughts are negative, the situation itself might turn negative.

Having come this far, I can only believe in myself.

I shook my head vigorously, then nodded confidently.

“Leave it to me!”

I wonder if I properly suppressed the trembling in my voice.