END Initiated...

Most of the kids were confused by the sudden task. But still, everyone followed. Kiel could even hear gulping sounds all around, the impact of the guide's previous words.

All the kids dropped their blood on the card. The moment their blood touched the cards, it suddenly started glowing in all colours. Kiel could also see a silver glow encompassing his hands for a bit. The full black t-shirt he was wearing proving to be a stark contrast to the silver glow.

[Beep…Intercepting External magic conjecture rune attempting to force-bind with Host… Shutting down auto-bind features. Veering to manual bind…Do you want to bind? Yes/NO]

"Huh? Azrael even has this feature. Now, this could come in handy later now. Yes, I Accept. I don't want to miss out now." Kiel was amazed to see the system displaying such uniqueness just from getting its update.

<I am sure that you all are curious about many things. So without any further ado… I will show you the two gifts you get! >

<Turn over your card now if you have had your fills of the light. You can see that there are two options in the middle of it along with the map icon-

General Information

Storage

Touch the option 1>

As the guide explained, everyone simply touched the option! including Kiel. 

[Beep… Syncing information sequence with Host's mind… ]

In the empty air just now, a blue screen suddenly appeared in front of everyone with an avalanche of texts crashing down. Kiel already had a similar experience before. So it didn't freak him out. However, the same could not be said for the other kids.

But to Kiel, it was just like his system and just as vivid as the system screen albeit a little less informative.

<<

«General Information:

Welcome! Welcome, all of you to the Blood Trials. This is the place where you all begin your great stories but the ink will be your own blood. The cradle of future heroes by the heroes for the heroes.  

If anyone of you doesn't have any idea of what you are coming about, fret not. Cause the Blood Trials can only be experienced. And Good luck. You will require it.»

Kiel was informed that there was some history involved with the creation of this place. But he was never told the story. So although he was intrigued by some words of the intro, he could only suppress his curiosity for now.

<Particulars>

Date: 12 of the 3rd Katib month, the year 1094

Grade: Silver

S.e.x: M

Age:8

Height: 125cm

Weight: 18 kg

Current health remark: Excellent, No ailments. A little skinny boy.

Class: N/A

Level: 0

Affiliation: N/A

<Personality>

Moody ( Mood changes in a moment's notice. Unstable mind.)

Resistant to change(Views change as irresponsibility to oneself. Extremely resistant to external changes)

<Physical Conditions>

Strength: Intermediate 

Agility: Intermediate

Endurance: Low

Mana: Null

Null<Very low<Low<Intermediate Low<Intermediate High<High<Very high< Peak

<Abilities>

Innate ability(2):

-??? (Grade Unknown)

-???(Grade Unknown)

Other abilities():

-Gravikinesis (Grade Advanced)

-Elemental sight(Grade Low)

-Life induction(Grade Unique)

Class related abilities(0)

Low<Intermediate<Advanced<Unique<Legend

Blood Points: 0>>

[Beep… The personality module is modified by me to meet the Host's requirement. It has also been updated to system Interface. Feedback from Host would be pleasing]

'That figures. Well, thank you for the update.'

"What the hell?"

"Huh? "

"This is crazy… "

Before Kiel could fully appreciate the system for its efforts, the kids started making noise all over again. But there were a few kids who were obviously silent. They seemed to be already aware of the fact, unlike the other kids. The ivy capped kid was also one of those minorities. Obviously, Kiel was a little surprised too. But that was all. He had seen many such ai's in his life. But still, this one was a lot different than those of earth. 

'These two should be the Samsara Gate and the System.' Kiel had already had an idea about his two innate abilities. After all, he did get the two gifts from the so-called God. So he could figure out why they were unknown.

<Ok now I think you all had enough time to play around. Now onwards to the next option. Let's see there are 28 black marks. You all receive 1  cubic metre storage space. You all can check it.>

<Onwards then. Alright since the time for beginning the trial is near I will move to the next ones. Miss Yebon Yialga, Mister  Neel Howell, Miss Shade Heath,  Miss Aida Reyes you all have the bronze badge right?>

The four whose names were called nodded their heads, their eyes filled with confidence. Just as they nodded, their badges glowed for a second and then dimmed out.

<The bronze marks will receive 2 cubic metres of space and a level 1 mystery rune talisman.  I advise you all to check them out.>

The slightly mechanical voice then continued.

<HOh Hoh! Look what do we have here! Two silver marks. Interesting. I have not seen any silver marks in the last five years. Mister Astrid Gardiner and Mister Kiel Dmitriev. I look forward to your performances.>

'The ivy capped kid is called Astrid huh?' Both of them just smiled at the voice and nodded while seated. But none spoke out.

<You two receive 3 cubic metres of space and a level 1 special rune>

<Alright next… huh? Oh ! Looks like we have a very important guest this time. Mister Leone Wilbert, you are the Gold Mark?>

"Y-yes!"

<, To be honest, it is my first time guiding a Gold Mark, after all…. there have been only a few prior events like today. I am a fairly new module. So I've only the registered data about it until now.>

Kiel wondered if this Gold Mark was really such a shocking matter. The voice didn't even sound like an excuse, just some babblings of a stunned man.

<Alright, let's carry on. You get a 5metre cubic space and a huh? >

The voice paused this time for a considerable amount of time, seemingly too shocked to be unable to complete his sentence.

What was it that awestruck the guide? Kiel couldn't help but become quite curious now. Even the other people craned their neck slightly to sneak a better peek at the gold card in Leonne's hand.

It wasn't until the voice resounded again that surprise became totally apparent on everyone's face.

<     - 5metre cube space storage

     - Blood Points: 1000

- level 2 mystery rune>

<Please check your items properly everyone before we start>

Kiel also tried to open his storage space to see the items within. However just as he was about to check his very first storage space… 

"Excuse me… " A cute female voice sounded from the back. "Are we… "

<What is it? The trail is about to begin!> The voice intonation was filled with irritation. As Kiel shifted his neck to the right side, a little girl who seemed to perfectly fit the concept of a spoiled princess stood up after dusting her b.u.t.t.

Hearing the voice full of annoyance akin to chasing away a pesky bug, a certain sense of dissatisfaction formed on the girl's face.

"Are we not getting anything else?" These words seem to be on the mind of most of the kids there. Some of them were nobles and some got to huge lengths to get a trial invitation. After all, it was a life-changing event for young children. And all they got was storage with nothing in it. And although storage magic tools were extremely rare, they were not habituated to be treated on the lower ends of the spectrum.

<...>

However, getting only silence in reply, the little girl became all fl.u.s.tered. 

"L-like those talisman r-runes… " This was obviously intentional. Everyone here was wealthy enough to afford literature and history tutions and knew how precious talisman runes were. They were only a thing of the past as the production machinations of such crafts we're all lost after the Second Great Magic war.

So, even if they didn't perform well in the trials, but did bring a rune, everyone's future would be set already. So how could they miss the chance?

However, only a cynical chuckle followed this time. 

"Hehe… Nope that's it for you"

"But… Why not?" This time another boy stood up and shouted.

<Hmm? It's simple. Your card level is insufficient for the bonus gifts>

"What's the big difference? Aren't they all invitation cards! Why do they get advantages!" This time it was the Khan boy who was overly passionate.

"Hmm… It's simple actually. They are more special than you."

"Huh? What is that? We all went through such great length just to get an invitation, so how come they get treated differently?" 

A muscular kid with a well-developed physique also stood up.

"Ya, that's right! We deserve it too."

"Give us talismans too. Or at least provide us with a better explanation"  a few kids began agreeing followed by others. Soon the hall was filled with noises.

Such a complaint was bound to occur sooner or later. After all, most of them were still kids, and with a  noble status at that. They were always used to being treated differently and with respect by others. But here they were on the receiving end. The Guide appeared, however, paid attention to mostly the left side of the hall, where the coloured cards were.

They were already feeling unsure and anxious because of the trails, and after being treated like a bunch of invisible flies, it was not very strange to see them voice out their dissatisfaction like this. After all, they were just kids.

Unfortunately for them, this wasn't their hometown. Neither the place where they could dish out their anger.

"Hey, you know what? Before the real trials begin why don't we see who's really worthy for the bonus gifts!"

"That's right! Look, some of them seem so arrogant. And the kid with the golden card, I don't see how he could get it without a personal relationship."

<Sigh! That's why I hate kids. They are so noisy! And don't even understand a shred of knowledge They don't even know their place and only know how to shout! Are your dogs?>

"Huh? What did you say? Do you know who my father is?" Some of them were surprised by the sudden words. But mostly it angered the noble lineaged kids. 

'Here it is' Kiel could swear that this was the same cheesy lines a fantasy novel should be filled with. And finally, he heard them!

<Well… well, although I don't know who your father is, or who was the idiot that even sent you an invitation, I think you didn't even research about this place and just jumped in blinded by the riches and power.>

Spot on! Seeing the kids flinch he knew that the guide must have done this too many times already. 

<Now listen properly and quickly. Whatever the case might be, you all are already bound the cards with yourself, haven't you? As long as you are here, you don't have a choice but to follow my guidance. If you want to complain or make noise, then the door is there.>

"So, what should we just sit here quietly and do as you say?"

<Bingo!>

"We don't deserve to know so we better shut up and do as told?"

<Correct. Another right answer. I guess you all are not that dumb huh?>

"You bully of a guide! You think I won't leave?"

Khan shot back at the voice and turned around, shouting out loudly at the others.

"He's telling us to leave, so let's leave then! Come On my friends. If he is like this now, the trial is going to be totally biased. Do you want the holy blood trails which are said to create heroes be guided by this bastard?"

Hearing this, six or seven kids stood up hesitatingly. Ultimately, though, the number of those preparing to move was small. Even the first girl to speak about the injustice wasn't among them.

"What are you all doing? I'm saying, we should leave, now!" Khan was from a family of wealthy merchants and businessmen. And he had seen his parents and other family members apply such tricks to get the upper hand in negotiations. And though his family went to great lengths for this invitation, he knew he was only good at leading others.

'You idiots what are you all doing? If we all stood up now, the guide has to negotiate to our levels to maintain the trails.'

But even after he urged the crowd, no one else budged. And when the majority didn't move, even those who did stand up, began sitting back down. Ultimately there were only two kids willing to go with him.

Sure, there was the awkward atmosphere to consider, but also, it wasn't as if everyone didn't know the meaning of the Blood Trials. 

"Hah, screw this. What a bunch of dumb cowards. Let's go boys. Let these kids cry when the time comes?"

Seeing the three walk down, others on the right side, even Yebon seemed to have mixed feelings. However, Kiel saw Astrid and the other bronze girls just looked at them like idiots. 

'Maybe these guys know something more?'

.

.

.

"Hey, Boss are you sure this will work?" One of the kids with Khan whispered to him.

"Huh? Obviously yes! Are you a fool? Look, every invitation is bound by our blood. And there is a limited no. of them. To start the trails all the candidates who passed the last trials have to take part. I have done my research on the trials from before. Why do you think I stood up?

 And it is an autonomous puppet. Puppets must follow the rules set by their core. So, even if we can't get the things we want, we can obviously get some leftovers. And this trick was taught to me, my grandpa. So don't fret it. Although we could get a larger piece if we had more people. But these are only idiots."

"Alright, we trust you. And this sounds so cool" Khan and the kids gleefully looked back and walked out from the door which opened automatically.

Surprisingly the kid had thought so much. It would have been great if he showed such wisdom against the other kids, but he chose… 

<Is there anyone else who wishes to leave?>

The voice echoed again, but no one else made a move. This time the door automatically closed.

Everyone thought that now the trial would begin after the sudden chaos. However, the voice didn't appear for a while to indicate the start of the Trials. 

But a silence wait still followed. Some of the kids were still staring at the door. But nothing happened. The atmosphere had turned quite weird.

And so… a minute and two went by like that. And just as the third minute was about to tick by too….

"Open the door! Open the bloody door!!"

Loud voices filled the outside over the doors suddenly frightening many. What followed was the loud and desperate echoes of the door from the outside. And the yanking and pleas grew even louder, terrifying some of the weaker willed kids.

"Open! Please!! Pleeeeease!!! Ah, aaaaaahhhh!!!" 

And silence. The noises- the screams and the yanking of the door suddenly died down. 

*Gulp*

The sound effects and everything was simply something that came out of a horror movie. Everybody's face had become pale. Even Astrid, Leonne and Kiel's faces had turned pale. Now, this was not something you would expect from a fantasy world.

 A tapping sound echoed out, then the voice resounded back.

<Ooops forgot to tell you all that the second trial will begin the moment anyone of you steps outside. That's why I said the rules are important!

Hehe… Well, let's not delay any more. The mission details have already been sent to your badges. You can view it from there. Oh… and seeing that you have such talented individuals, I have kept a little surprise for you.  Enjoy! I wish you good luck. >

This time the voice seemed quite playful. And just as it faded out, Kiel could see his badge glowing.

[Beep… the mission list has been updated.]

<Mission 2: Survive

You have been surrounded by the abominations of a catastrophic world. Beware… any single mistake may even cost you your life. So try your best to survive and escape to the second level of Dungeon Tower. 

Time remaining: O2:59:58

Best of Luck! You may require it.>

Seeing the trial start, everyone stood up from their seats. The earlier experience had already traumatised many. This was too sudden as they didn't have much knowledge about what was happening.

"Guys we should form te… " 

*BANG*

A sudden impact sounded from the front door, which was totally different from the previous noises, instantly silencing the interior again.

*BANG! KWANG! KWANG!*

It was not a one-time thing. The door seemed to be hit by something very heavy again and again. However, none moved a muscle. It was like the sudden noise and the previous trauma had come back with a jolt already immobilising everyone. And within this unknown horror outside, this room and the door were the only safe haven protecting them from the outside horrors.

However, due to the repeated impacts, one of the door's hinges couldn't endure anymore and broke off from the wall, hitting the ground with a sharp metallic clang.

A small crack was now formed on the left corner of the door. However, there was no more sound for the moment. But everyone could still feel goosebumps crawling all over their skin.

None of them knew what to do next. Only the instinctive reaction of the mouths silently bobbing up and down and gulping sounds continued.

The silence that settled was indicating the start of a storm. Kiel could even hear the heartbeat of the kids near him. And unknown to him, even his pupils were flashing red!