Published at 27th of August 2023 10:51 am

Chapter 207 The Trial of the Cursed Village

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Fray, Aslan, Lisa, and Lysander sat in the dimly lit inn, huddled around a small table. The air was thick with unease, each of them grappling with the unsettling reality of their situation. Fray couldn't help but notice the weariness in their eyes, mirroring his sense of confusion and frustration.

"I woke up here just like you did," Lysander admitted, his brow furrowed with uncertainty. "I have no memory of how I got here or where I was before."

Lysander was renowned as one of the most formidable and skilled Archers in the entire continent. As a prominent member of the esteemed Shield Union, he had earned a reputation for his unmatched prowess on the battlefield. However, what set Lyander apart was his remarkable ability to see through illusions and mind games, the thought that he was also affected by this situation surprised the group

Aslan and Lisa nodded in agreement, their expressions tinged with concern. "The same goes for us," Aslan added. "we have up and found ourselves sleeping on the ground in front of the village gate."

Lisa pondered their words, her mind searching for any clues that could shed light on their predicament. "It's as if we were brought here against our will," she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.

"Yes, we can't leave this place," Fray interjected. "I tried multiple times, but every time I tried to cross the village boundary, I found myself back where I started."

Lysander frowned, her mind racing with possibilities. "There must be some reason for all of this," she mused. "Perhaps the villagers know something. We should ask them for help."

Aslan sighed, her shoulders slumping with resignation. "we already tried," she said. "But they seem reluctant to offer any assistance. It's as if they don't want us to leave or discover the truth about this place."

Lisa nodded in agreement with Aslan's observation. "It's true," she said. "The villagers are acting strangely, almost as if they're hiding something from us."

Aslan leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in thought. "And did you notice something else?" she asked. "We all look different than we remember ourselves to be. I feel older, more experienced, and it's not just a feeling; I can see it in the mirror. We've all changed somehow."

The others nodded, recognizing the truth in Elisa's words. Lysander raised his hand to his face, his fingers tracing the lines that seemed more pronounced than before. "You're right," she said. "It's like we've lost time as if several years year of our memories is missing."

Lisa's expression darkened as she recalled their last clear memories. "I remember preparing for the final exam of the shield class in the international academy," she said. "But after that, everything is a blur. I can't recall what happened or how we ended up here."

Fray shared a knowing look with the others, a sense of camaraderie forming among them. "I remember the same," he said. "After the class of Professor Nomar, there's nothing. It's like I woke up in this village with no memory of how I got here."

Aslan leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with possibilities. "Whatever happened to us, it must be connected to this village and the mysterious force that seems to be holding us here," she said.

"But why?" Elisa asked, her eyes filled with frustration. "What could the villagers possibly gain from keeping us trapped here?"

"That's what we need to find out," Lysander replied. "We have to uncover the truth behind this village and why we've lost our memories. Maybe then we can find a way to break free."

"I actually remember something that might be related to what's happening..." Fray began, intending to share the fragment of memory that seemed to be resurfacing. But before he could continue, a deep voice echoed in his mind, causing him to freeze in surprise.

'Sir... Please don't say anything,' the voice cautioned, its tone firm and commanding.

"What!?.." Fray stammered, his mind reeling from the unexpected intrusion.

"Fray! What's the matter?" Aslan's concerned voice brought him back to the present.

Taking a moment to collect himself, Fray replied, "I... I heard a voice in my head. It claimed to be the cemetery army general, my contracting spirit."

(The cemetery army! Since when can you speak, or tell me that you've evolved?!) Fray asked, his mind racing with questions.

'Yes, sir. You have lost a part of your memory, that's why you don't remember me,' the voice responded calmly.

(Four years!? So do you know where we are?) Fray inquired, trying to make sense of the situation.

'No, not exactly, sir. But you were aware you would lose your memory, and you ordered me to give you several pieces of information when the time was right,' the voice explained.

Fray's mind was in turmoil, trying to comprehend the revelation that he had foreseen his memory loss and made preparations for it. (So what are these pieces of information?) he asked, determined to grasp any clues to his current predicament.

'First, you should follow the way of the trials and not use force against the people of the village or other creatures unless it is necessary,' the voice informed him.

(Trials!? )Fray wondered, intrigued yet perplexed.

'Secondly, you told me to tell you that this was the time you died in the original story and that you should move carefully,' the voice continued.

(Original story!? What is that?" Fray's confusion deepened, and he felt as if he had stumbled into a world of riddles.

"Unfortunately, I do not know, sir," the voice replied, leaving Fray with even more unanswered questions.

(Original story!? Trials!? I died... there are a lot of complicated words. But it seems I won't get any answers now), Fray thought, feeling a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

As he looked up from the table, he noticed the concerned expressions of Aslan, Elisa, and the rest of the group.

"Fray! What are you doing?" Elisa asked, her worry evident in her eyes.

"Fray, are you alright?" Aslan added, reaching out to touch his arm.

For a moment, Fray hesitated, unsure of how to explain the strange voice in his head. But then he remembered the message he had received.

'Lastly, you told me to tell you that these are not your friends and to not trust anyone,' the voice announced in his mind before he could respond.

Conflicted and wary, Fray looked at the faces of those he had journeyed with. Were they truly not to be trusted? Were they just part of some elaborate game or test?

The weight of the unknown pressed upon him, and as he struggled to make sense of the cryptic information, he knew that he had to tread carefully.

...

Fray's mind churned with the information he had received from the mysterious voice. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this village than met the eye, and he needed to find a way to break free from its grip. With a newfound determination, he stood up from the table and made his way to the innkeeper.

Approaching the counter, Fray took a deep breath to steady himself. "You didn't attack us yet," he began, his voice surprisingly calm given the circumstances. "It must be a way out of here. Can you just tell me what it takes to leave this place?"

The innkeeper regarded him with a small, knowing smile as if he had anticipated this question. "Ah, you have the spirit of a challenger, I see," he replied cryptically.

"What do you mean?" Fray asked, his curiosity piqued.

The innkeeper leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "You see, to leave this village, you must play a game."

Fray's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the innkeeper's words. "A game? What kind of game?" he inquired.

"The game is known as 'The Trial of the Cursed Village,'" the innkeeper explained. "It is a challenge that has been passed down through generations, a way for outsiders like you to prove their worth."

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