The Trial
“A trial, you say?” I asked in return. “What kind of trial is this?” The man in the robe pointed to the crystal on the altar. “That crystal reflects the truth hidden deep within a person’s heart. I’m going to test whether your heart truly desires to use the ‘Word of Creation’ correctly.” I stared at the crystal. It wasn’t just any crystal. It was pulsating, as if it were alive. Its light seemed to see right through to the depths of my heart. “If your heart harbors even the slightest impure thought, the crystal will expose it,” the man in the robe warned. “And you will never be able to leave this sanctuary again.” I steeled myself. There were no impure thoughts in my heart. I simply wanted to use the power of the ‘Word of Creation’ correctly and guide the world toward a better future. “I understand,” I say. “I will accept the trial.” The robed man nods and approaches the altar. He holds his hand over the crystal and begins to chant. The crystal’s light grows even brighter, enveloping me. I close my eyes and try to maintain my inner calm. Then, various images begin to flood into my consciousness. They are memories from the past. Events from my childhood, my encounter with the librarian, my adventures at the Adventurers’ Guild, and memories of the people I’ve met so far. These memories stirred emotions deep within my heart: joy, sadness, anger, and love. I faced those emotions head-on and reexamined the truth of my own heart. Then, one memory shook me to my core. It was an event that took place in the Mirror World. My encounter with the Shadow of Atlantis, and the danger posed by the power of the “Word of Creation.” At that moment, I felt fear—the fear that if I couldn’t control the power of the “Word of Creation,” I might destroy the world. That fear still lurks deep within my heart. And that fear is eating away at my heart, trying to lead me astray. I must overcome that fear. I must not fear the power of the “Words of Creation.” I must believe in that power. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Then, facing the fear deep within my heart, I shout, “I am not afraid. I believe in the power of the ‘Words of Creation.’ I will use that power correctly and guide the world toward a better future.” At that moment, the light from the crystal grows even brighter. Then, a black shadow slips out of my body. It is the shadow of the fear that had been lurking deep within my heart. Bathed in the light of the crystal, the shadow fades away. And my heart regains its calm once more. I open my eyes. The light of the crystal has grown gentler than before. The man in the robe looks at me and nods. “Your heart has reflected the truth. You wish to use the ‘Words of Creation’ correctly. You have passed the trial.” I let out a sigh of relief. I had managed to overcome the trial. Then, I ask the man in the robe once more. “Please tell me about this ruin. And about the power of the ‘Word of Creation.’” He nods and invites me to the altar. “Come this way. We will tell you the truth about these ruins.” I head toward the altar with the old hunter. There, the man in the robe tells me about the history of the ancient civilization and the power of the “Word of Creation.”
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
