"...What? Another challenger? How? I don't see anyone. Wait, how are they even able to clear these god-forsaken trials? No, in the first place, how did they even access the trials?
Who are they, how can-"
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Xavier took a deep breath to calm his mind which was in turmoil. The idea that there was somebody else taking trials of this difficulty seemed downright ridiculous. He, an Archon in his previous life, was struggling so much, yet there was someone else who could do the same.
'Right, I need to calm down. The trials work in mysterious ways, and I hardly know anything about them, so there is a definite possibility that there is someone else out there.'
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"...That is a lot to digest. I wonder just who that new challenger is... It could even be a regressor just like me. This is interesting, very interesting."
Xavier smiled with anticipation when thinking about this mysterious character. He wished to meet them as soon as possible.
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"Why would I be? A little twist like this would make life much more interesting. And did you forget who I am?"
Xavier pointed at himself with overflowing confidence and an arrogant smile.
"I'm the Demon King! If anything, the one who should be distraught is them. If they wish to become my enemy, they shall face my wrath, like the million others who did in my prime."
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Xavier's towering arrogance took a few hits with that statement. The reason why he could be like this was because he didn't need future knowledge much in the first place.
"...You know, you know too much, mysterious god-like being."
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Xavier gave a helpless sigh and went towards the final gate. Even though the mysterious dude who just popped up suddenly revealed stuff personal to him, he didn't feel that alarmed.
'I wonder why. I just have a gut feeling that this guy is fine. He doesn't trigger any dangerous flags for me, despite the keen eye I've got for people. He is powerful beyond imagination, no doubt about that, but he feels... just like some regular guy. He isn't some mastermind with hidden agendas, like those with his power tend to be.'
"So... have you been talking to that person too?" Xavier casually asked this question even though he had already guessed the answer.
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"I knew it, there's no way you weren't bothering them too... Then, they are also aware of my existence, huh? I just hope that I'm not gathering unnecessary hostility, that can be annoying to deal with."
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"Because it'll ruin the fun, right?"
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Xavier laughed and stood in front of the gate. It had been so long since he had interacted with somebody, so he appreciated the company he had in what very well might be his last moments. The trial ahead was guaranteed to be difficult, and it could be anything. He knew there was the risk of death involved.
Once again, the blue screen popped up, showing the details of the trial.
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Trial: Fateless
Information: [Redacted]
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"Fateless, huh... Nothing much to go on about, is there... You here?"
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"Follow my heart, huh... Well, let's just get on with it." Xavier said as he jumped into the blue portal, entering a trial that very well might be a turning point in his life.
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"So, there's another trial taker?"
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"Did he... also know about these trials beforehand?"
'If that's true, then there's another regressor in the world with me...'
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"Well, that means he isn't a regressor, but how is he here then? From what I remember, nobody discovered these trials, because I would've known about them. The only reason I can think of is that someone must've been influenced by the actions I've taken since regressing... It could be literally anybody since I have done some very impactful things by now...
This could get very troublesome, especially if they mean harm to me or get in the way of my plans... I can't just ignore this, unknown variables are never welcome... Hey, are you listening? Can you tell me anything about them?"
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"Alright, fine. These trials don't tell me anything except the name before entering anyway...
.
.
.
Fateless? What an enigmatic name. I can't even guess what sort of trial it would be."
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"Yeah, whatever. I can't be excited about something that will most likely kill me, you know?"
Saying that, the mysterious challenger walked into the blue gate, also unaware that this trial might very well be a turning point in their life.