The Mansion of Trials and Trials

Sol's Mocking

"Alright......" In my room, I took a deep breath. I had done crying. Levi would not like me to cry for ages. I could always cry later. Perhaps I would leave a Hinabana on his grave, moaning about his self-sacrifice. It was his favorite flower and suited the occasion well.

I breathed in some fresh air again, took my obol bags and walked out of the door. I had to find something to do or else I couldn't stop thinking about Levi. Maybe I should search this Mansion for more clues for the next trial.

Walking, the corridor and wallpaper seemed no different, nothing changed since the first day I came here. I wondered how long this Mansion had been built. It must have been here for ages. It was still beautiful as always, aside from the trials of course. Sometimes, I could sense a mystic atmosphere and aura beneath this Mansion. After all, I wouldn't be surprised if this Mansion could move and transformed like the Residents with extraordinary powers.

"Arrr!" Oddly, a soft squeak emerged from the edges of the turning corner. A small fox hopped out, stood still and stared at me, "Arrr?"

"That fox.......what's that name again.......? Co......yes, it is Coffee," I said and called the fox. The fox didn't move. I remembered Knock warned me about the dangers of this fox. Yet, I could see nothing that linked to the word 'dangerous' by judging from it cute, lovely appearance. The fox scratched its ears and squeaked again.

"Hello, Coffee, what are you doing here?" I asked politely. I doubted myself whether the fox understood me. Although the Residents could transform into humans and were immortal. It didn't mean that every one of them consisted of the same powers. After all, I didn't see the word tattoo 'Resident' on the fox. Is it a Resident or just a pet, after all?

"Arrr!" As if the fox heard my thought, it walked and approached me closer. Cutely, it scratched its big and pointy ears, smiling at me. I could stop myself and decided to pat on the fox's head.

"I suggest you don't touch my fox. It doesn't like to be touch by someone else, apart from me." A voice appeared out from my back. I turned around. A man stood behind me. My eyes went wide.

A short silver hair man with silver hairs stood behind me. His body was full of sewed stitches, on his arms, legs and face. Although I couldn't see clearly, the word 'Resident' was covered by his silver hair.

"Hello, there, my dearest Wanderer," he said.

"Who are you?" I asked and alerted my senses. I took Knock's warning. Some of the Residents might be nice but not all of them.

"Oh....sorry. I apologized. I didn't have the chance to introduce myself. My name is Sol, a Resident of this Mansion. It's a pity though, although some of the Wanderers mistaken me as the Master. I am too cruel to be the master of this Mansion."

"What do you want?" I questioned. I had no idea why he approached me.

"Oh.....come on, don't be so alert. I may not be a good one, but I have no intention of harming you. You have my word. I'm just here to find my lovely fox. Come over here, Coffee." Sol called. Coffee rushed at him and stuck out his tiny tongue and licked at his master's leg. Coffee did love Sol a lot.

"If you don't have anything that you want, I'm leaving. I have no words to say to you." I turned around and left. I didn't know why but my instinct told me I shouldn't stay and talk to him any further. It drove me insane talking to the Residents.

I don't understand them.

They force us to participate in the trials but they will give us clues and show mercy on us. What the heck are they doing? They have killed so many people, even Levi. Even if they are humans, I don't forgive them.