The Villain's Story

Chapter 852: Requirements(2).

The leader of the trio stood up, and they all offered a deep bow to Alan. It wasn't until Alan sat down across from them that they stopped. The Leader of the Trio sat down and introduced himself.

"It is the greatest honor to meet the prince. The Great One has gifted me with the name of Lirkis Of Asvaldi, Prince."

His voice was deeper than expected, and the language of the Dark Elves was strange as well; it sounded like gibberish, for lack of a better word. Either he was speaking too fast, or that was just how the language worked. Even if Alan could perfectly understand every word due to his gift, no matter what, it was still somewhat annoying to listen to.

"Please just call me Alan, drop the prince."

Lirkis appeared distraught, but eventually managed to calm himself and shook his head. It appeared he couldn't do that, sadly.

"My deepest apologies, but I simply cannot do such a thing. I beg for your understanding."

Alan didn't like the term 'Prince', even if he was technically royalty now, he disliked being called one. He didn't have a concrete reason as to why, but if he had to say, perhaps it was because of how important and stuffy the title sounded. It didn't fit him, as clumsy a person as he was.

"How about talking informally?"

"... That is also something I am unable to do."

Alan let out a sigh. He would have preferred to have an easygoing conversation, but Lirkis seemed to hold a lot of respect for him. Leaving it all behind, Alan asked.

"So, you are here to inform me of the trial, right?"

Lirkis nodded.

"Yes, my prince. The preparations have all been completed, and now we simply await your decision."

"Can I know some details first? Like how is the trial supposed to go, and everything?"

"Indeed!"

He appeared to be too happy to inform him of that, but Alan didn't mind.

"There is nothing much, all you must do is board your vessel and sail into the Black Sea, whilst on the voyage, one doesn't feel the need to eat or drink. All you must do is undergo the trial of the Black Sea."

"And what if I fail?"

"Then you can simply try again as much as you want, a privilege given only to you, my prince. Normally, when one fails the trial, the Sea transports them back to the shore, where we pick them up and restore their mind and body; however, the remarkable gift of a dragon allows you to undergo the trial as many times as you want.

However, I must ask, do all of your cohort intend to undergo the trial as well?"

Alan stopped for a moment and took a good look at everyone else. They couldn't understand the conversation, but they were still alert. Alan asked them.

"I'm guessing all of you want to take the trial?"

They nodded, and Alan conveyed their feelings to Lirkis, who had an unexpected response.

"It cannot be done."

"Huh? Why?"

"... For lack of a better word, they are unsuitable, my prince. I bear no disrespect, but among your cohort, only three are suited for the trial, and even then, barely."

Alan raised his brows, curious to know who these three were, although he did have a rough guess.

"Who are they?"

Lirkis coughed, before addressing the elephant in the room, he turned his head to look at Kazikato sleeping in the corner, and inquired.

"... The second prince is one of them... though I must ask, why is he... Did you punish him?"

"... No, he just likes to sleep on the floor, and at random corners. Don't ask me why."

"... I see."

His response was concerned, but Alan dismissed it. Kazikato could, and would, sleep anywhere. Alan once found him sleeping below a mountain of monster corpses in a dungeon, and between a tight crevice in a cave as well.

He didn't know why, though it may have something to do with how Alan first found him; he was chained down just like Ariel. Regardless, he didn't want to explain it.

Lirkis coughed once more and revealed the identity of the other two members who were able to take the trial.

"The two remaining members are Alexander Wright and Sabrina Wellington, among the entire cohort; only these two can withstand the effects of the Black Sea. However, they can take the trial only once; otherwise, their mind and body will break down."

"Miller, his name is Alexander Miller. He's quite picky about it."

"My apologies... that wasn't the information I had received."

Lirkis offered a deep bow, and Alan contemplated for a while, massaging his chin with his hand. He wondered how he would break the news, even though all of them were excited and confident; he didn't think they would have much of a negative reaction if it was revealed they couldn't do the trial.

Sabrina, Alice, Olivia, and Emma didn't take the trial of the Realm of Shadows as well, so they may say something... except for Sabrina. Though he didn't think much of it. If he just told them it would break their bodies and minds, they would all back down.

They weren't like him and Alexander, willing to do anything to get stronger; they also weren't as crazy as Alan, who didn't give a damn about what happened to his body, since they didn't have his overpowered regeneration.

Maxwell and Edward should have had their fill with the realm of Shadows; he didn't think they would say anything.

Alan sighed and nodded, informing them of the news. As expected, they didn't give much of a reaction... and even if they had any complaints, they weren't immature enough to show them in front of Lirkis and his team.

"Alright, that can work. Let's go right now."

"... I beg your pardon?"

"The trial, let's go right now."

It had been a long time since Alan felt so well-rested; he wasn't willing to wait any longer than intended. It was the best time to take the trial, so he was willing to do it immediately.

He had been hungry for answers for too long.