The Nine Lords Of Order - Chapter 45

“The test on 7000 meter mark is quite different, it’s pretty much like a one question test which might be incredibly hard or very easy. But if he makes it past 7000 then it will be easy for him to make it to 8000! If he makes past it, then his life in Loftycloud will be a lot easier Either way I hope he can make it. Although the current prime disciple is very outstanding, he ended up joining the conservative faction. Those old fools always act like hypocrites when they can benefit! Humph! However if this boy makes it then we will have a way to compete for the prime disciple spot!” Making a few more calculations in her mind, the 13th elder watched as Mars continued to struggle.

Usually this test is also taken by palace members when the were trying to become core disciples or even elders. Pass the 5000 mark to become a core member and 7000 mark to become an elder. Of course, enough strength was also required. Core members usually had to have a rank 6 strength while elders a rank 7 strength. However if someone were pass these tests before achieving the required strength for promotion, although that person wouldn’t achieve promotion, that person would still be able to gain access to the same amount of resources as a promoted member and an additional reward.

This said, since Mars had reached this point, then once he enters the palace, although he would not be counted as a core member, he would still receive as many resources as most ordinary core members! If he made it past 7000 then he would receiving the same amount resources as ordinary elders!

However what was more important was the additional reward for passing the trial before achieving the required strength. Many people sought these rewards but rarely anyone obtained them. Every time a person advances in rank, that said person will go through several fundamental changes which would make the next test trial easier. But if a person passed the trial while being under ranked, then that person would be proving their incredible talent and perseverance.

“Who the hell can pass this test?” Gasping for breath Mars slowly took another step. He was just a couple of meters away from the 7000 meter mark however he could feel he was close to his limit already.

“Because of all the fog around I can’t even see the end of this stupid bridge!” Taking another step while complaining Mars was just a single step from the 7000 meter.

“Well, I wonder what will the new test be” Taking a deep breath Mars took another step forward but before he could finish this step and his foot could land… a familiar voice came from behind.

“Mars are you going to leave me here?”

‘This voice’ With an startled expression Mars looked behind him. His surroundings quickly changed. The purple sky disappeared and instead a carpet of gray storm clouds covered the sky. The rumble of thunder and the pitter patter of raindrops filled the area. He was no longer standing on a bridge but on rocky area. However even though these changes occurred Mars did not notice a thing.

“Eanred” Confused Mars called.

Eanred looked just as he did before dying. There was bloody hole in the middle of his chest and his blind eyes were staring straight at Mars.

At this moment Mars was already panting and he had even forgotten that he was taking a test. Thousands of thoughts crossed his mind and he was thrown in a daze.

He still felt endless regret about what happened to his friend. He had died because of him. Because he was arrogant and foolish he didn’t listen. His friend died infront of him. He knew Eanred had great aspirations and goals he wanted to achieve, but because of him those were cut short…

Before this event his life had always been smooth sailing. Even when he was a little thief on the streets he was far stronger and faster than regular people so he would always have the upper hand in most situations.

When he was taken into the kingdom’s palace although training was hard, he had several subordinates and people around him who would obey all his commands no matter how ridiculous they were. He quickly became the famous chosen of Lugasta and received respect from everyone.

Even when he first arrived to Ascencion city he was able to deal with every enemy that crossed his path. Although it was troublesome, Mars was never worried about failing on anything he did.

But then he stubbornly returned to the Lightning Valley. That time he felt how insignificant he was before the mighty divine creatures which roamed the valley. He had felt utter terror when he saw the claw descending from the clouds. When the stampede full of rank 5 beast appeared he felt fear. Not only fear of losing his own life but fear of losing his lover and his friend. In the end Eanred had died.

In that moment he felt fear. He felt anguish. He felt regret. He had even felt his heart shake with confusion and his ever confident smile had disappeared. That moment was the biggest regret in his life.

The people above the clouds realized that Mars had frozen in place just before taking the step that would take him beyond the 7000 mark.

Sighing the red haired youth said, “He has not moved for awhile I don’t think he can make it anymore.”

“That test is rather unique. It makes you face your biggest regret. If you could still move forward despite the burden in your heart then you pass. If you turn back you fail. It’s a test of character. Regrets are like chains, if you are not careful you might ended up shackled and your future accomplishments will be limited.” The youth with the deep voice said as he shook his head.

“Usually when people fail this test for the first time, they are never able to pass it ever again. Very few people have actually accomplished passing after they failed the first time.” Someone said with a worried expression. Some people could easily pass this test, however as long as there was a big regret in your heart then the difficulty of this test would increase tremendously.

With tremblings hands Mars just watched as Eanred who stood before him. He felt the right decision was to grit his teeth and turn around. Eanred was already dead and there was nothing he could do about. But he couldn’t bring himself to do that!

In his anxiety he took a step towards Eanred. As soon as his step landed the surroundings quickly changed. The rumble of thunder and pitter patter of raindrops disappeared along with the black clouds.

He was now standing at the platform where he started the test.

“A pity” The 13th elder could only shake her head in disappointment. After failing this test Mars value had already dropped several times. She knew how hard it was to pass this test after failing the first time. Once a person reaches rank 7 the state of mind and the heart becomes incredibly important. If a person fails this test then that person will find it difficult to increase their power level past rank 7 ever again.

Currently she even considered Ena as someone who was even more important than Mars. Even though her talent might not compare to his, her potential might not be lower. At least that’s what she thought.

Clenching his fists Mars just stood there in silence. He felt as if he had failed. He should be unparalleled! He should be overwhelming! How could he fail? He found it unacceptable. He knew why he failed, but he still felt disappointed.

‘Chains My regrets are chains in my heart.’ Mumbling some words Mars raised his head revealing a dignified and serious appearance.

Soon several figures descended from the clouds above.

“Well done boy! Although you couldn’t pass the 7000 meter mark you were still impressive!” A bald middle aged man said while clapping his hands.

“You are actually the third person to cross the 6000 mark since we started using this bridge as a trial!” A bearded man also said.

“That was several thousand years ago boy, so you should sheer up a little.” A kind looking woman said with a smile on her face.

Looking around Mars was startled by the number of people who had just descended. Back when he was being taken into this place only a plain looking youth was here. Now he could count several tens of people.

With a calm smile Mars said, “I thank seniors for your kind words.”

“Alright, what are the bunch of you doing. As I said before I brought these two talents here so don’t even try to drag him to your side with shallow compliments!” Suddenly a calm soft voice filled the area. When hearing this voice people would think this was an angel speaking, however her choice of words was rather aggressive which created a weird and unique contrast.

Another chapter coming soon.