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I had to admit that the trial ended rather abruptly. It wouldn't be an understatement to say that I felt both sad and happy I was back home. Sad because I left behind all those new friends I made along the way in such a long trial, but also happy because I am finally back home, to my original friends and also the people I love.
It was a trial afterwards, something I was supposed to do in the middle of this long journey towards saving the Elven Continent, and yet I ended getting too caught up into its world, its people, and the new friends I made within it.
But now, all of that was gone, I learned these people originally died long ago, unable to defeat the Xenoid menace, they were defeated. Braveblitz, Bravelion, Nova, and Aurora never existed either, or were only part of this trial.
And yet, 0-10, or Oten, as she wanted me to call her, said that they weren't forgotten, and that the trial was made through the manipulation of time, creating a parallel timeline I visited.
This meant that somewhere within the endless multiverse and beyond the horizons of reality, perhaps in another timeline, they are alive, somewhere. Perhaps finally colonizing and terraforming that planet they worked so hard to reach and then protect.
I want to think that I was able to help them build a bright future for themselves and their families, for everyone.
And with that, I think I'm happy.
I will miss them, all of them, to the point I might shed another tear.
But in the end, I never belonged there, I was someone from another world.
My powers could have disrupted their balance too much, so I am glad I'm gone, to an extent.
I just want them all to be happy.
Now they'll finally have a planet to live on, they will be able to terraform it, colonize it, and finally, let humanity continue and grow.
Hermes, Patrick, Emilia, Henriette…
I hope you're doing well, wherever you are.
The memories we have together remain within my mind and my heart, and as long as I have such memories, you will never be forgotten.
Oten noticed me smiling silently, as I cleared my tears, and calmed down.
She smiled back at me.
"It seems you grew very attached to these people… Usually, most people that take such large trials, go insane, or simply quit," she explained. "But not only did you excelled at this trial, but you grew so attached to its people, you even shed tears once separated… I suppose I have fulfilled my duty with you, Blake. These trials were made to make those that ascend to greater levels of power understand the value of life, memories, friends, and family. Those that are too selfish and simply cannot understand, will not be allowed to ascend using the powers we've granted to you."
"I see…" I nodded. "So that's why the people that are beyond five stars are so rare. My girlfriend's mother, Erika's mother to be specific, has an Eight-Star Talent, that means she has done three trials, right? Has she experienced similar things herself?"
"Most likely, however, trials are also based on your base strength, you're an incredible strong person, so your trial was equally complicated," she explained. "However, that doesn't mean you need to do five more trials."
"…I don't?" I asked her in confusion.
"No, this trial was designed to be almost impossible, it was to test your personality, your skills, your ability to communicate, to plan, to fight… An incredible trial you passed even against all odds, I am honestly in awe. Even though I might originate from a place outside the universe, I've grown to admire you, a mortal whose soul reincarnated," she said.
"Hah, I never imagined I would receive flattery from you from all beings," I laughed.
"I wouldn't say it's flattery, I am merely saying what's the truth," she said. "Now, what do I mean by not having to do five more trials? Well, it's quite simple. Your results right now have exceeded all calculations. Therefore, it will count as if you passed two trials instead of one."
"T-That's possible?!" I asked in surprise. "Hoh…"
"Indeed! Now, it is time for your congratulations, rewards, and your ascension, Blake. Prepare yourself, you've achieved a never seen before score. You're more than worthy of elevating into even higher heights of power. As a Regulator, I approve it."
Regulators, huh?
Apparently, they were Outer Gods, or perhaps the envoys of a stronger Outer God out there.
Based in the abilities they possess and their almighty power over Time and even this Talent and Class "System" hidden from most people, they probably are much stronger than Sangre.
Or at least whoever is their Boss must be. Oten herself does seem powerful, although I simply cannot fathom her true strength either way, as it must be sealed to be able to exist within this Tower of Trials.
However, the confirmation that they are indeed Outer Gods has made me finally realize just how big the universe might be now, and also, how connected Spiritias is to it, more than I had imagined.
Spiritias not only has caught the attention of demons, but of perhaps even angels, and the outer gods.
Everyone wants a piece of the cake, huh?
"Before I receive anything, I want to ask you something, Oten. What are your intentions with Spiritias?" I asked her, as I grabbed my spear tightly. "What are your kind planning? And what do you want to do with this world?"
"…"
Oten smiled back at me, remaining in silence for a moment, and then looked into my eyes.
"We are not interested in the world like the others. While others might desire this world due to its resources, we don't see Spiritias that way. We see this place as the cradle of new life, a place we must protect. An incredibly precious Eden."
"We Regulators have power over Time, as you must have guessed. We've seen through the past and future, Spiritias' very existence will save the entire Universe one day. This is one of the reasons we decided to cooperate with the older inhabitants and granted them power to fight back."
"The Talents?"
"Indeed."
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