Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 44.2: A Warrior's Resolve

"Razz?" Hektor frowned as he repeated the familiar word. For some reason, he felt like he should know this name. Furthermore, it was a very important name. But try as he might, he could not recall its origins.

Razznik looked upon Hektor's struggle with a blank expression. "Do not waste your time. You will not be able to recall my name no matter how hard you try."

Hektor's frown deepened as he glared at the man before him. "What did you do to me?"

"I temporarily sealed the portion of your memories pertaining to me," Razznik replied with a flat tone. "Do not worry. They we will be unsealed after the test is over. If you survive that is."

"Why!?" Hektor challenged with a low growl. He hated the idea of having his mind easily infiltrated by this dangerous man who came from gods know where.

"Why? Why did you come here? Why did you endure all the way through this dungeon to reach this very point?" Razznik calmly replied with a question of his own.

Hektor did not know why, but even though he did not want to give the man the satisfaction of a reply, he felt an urge to answer, "To get stronger of course."

"Therein lies your reason," Razznik revealed. "Knowledge is not always good. Right now, your knowledge of my origin will only hinder your path to get stronger. Hence, I temporarily blocked it."

Hektor's brows bunched together in stressed thought. "I don't like it. I want to make the decision myself."

"You seem to be under a misunderstanding," Razznik coolly said as a gargantuan pressure akin to the weight of a mountain suddenly crashed down on Hektor. Razznik's feiry eyes glared at the youth as the latter coughed up blood. "This is not a request. I am merely informing you of the process. You lost the right to negotiate the moment you forced your way down here, and gripped the sword's hilt. You will now undergo my test. Be warned however, that you shall perish if you fail, and join the rest of these fools."

"Fools?" Hektor repeated in a confused stupor.

At the child's word, Razznik snapped his finger. Immediately, space itself seemed to twist and distort, as if it was a fabric being grabbed by a seamstress. With a slight tug, the veil was removed, revealing the interior's true form.

Hektor's eyes narrowed as he gazed upon the numerous hills composed entirely of skeleton bones. Some were fully intact, while others were shattered to the point they might as well be dust. "These are?"

"Yes, these are adventurers who were lucky enough to stumble upon this dungeon, or had backings from great families and countries," Razznik revealed. "They all challenged the test and failed, leaving their little lives behind." His eyes burned with a savage fire as he said, "You will take this test. Whether you prevail or fall like these fools is entirely upon your shoulders alone."

Hektor gritted his teeth and frowned. He could tell there was no way he could escape from these man. However, even as he was faced with this fatal predicament, the youth's eyes slowly began to light up with a defiant flame. Hektor had always been the type to rush headfirst into danger. Now, Razznik's words had provoked that innate, stubborn fighting spirit.

Hektor clenched his fists as he looked at Razznik. "What is the test?"

Razznik nodded. Though his fierce expression did not show it, he was impressed by the boy's spirit at the very least. Over 90% of the challengers lost their wills upon seeing the skeleton hills, but for this child it had the opposite effect. That alone was commendable. "I will test your skills."

"Skills?" Hektor raised a brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"The difference between two equally powerful warriors is determined by their skills," Razznik explained.