"Welco to the deepest depths of the Ocean of Crystallized Truths," said the man, giving both Valyr and Ataraxia a slightly toothy grin. "I presu the journey down here wasn’t harsh on you two?"
Briefly feeling a bit of incongruence from seeing the voice they’ve co to know co out of the middle-aged man’s mouth, the two looked at each other for a bit before shifting their gazes back towards the man before them.
"I’d say it’s a mix of both," replied Valyr as he gave the man a slightly wry smile. "Though, if I may ask, why did diving deeper beco easier after getting past a depth of 2,000 ters?"
Seeing the looks of curiosity on the duo’s faces after the question was asked, the man let out a bit of laughter as he replied, "Quite an interesting first question to ask."
"Fortunately for you, I have knowledge on the matter."
Closing his eyes for a bit as the gears in his mind turned, the man eventually looked at them with a slight smile. "Well, the exact reason why diving past a depth of 2,000 ters becos easier is because it was designed by the creator to be that way."
"However, considering the current circumstances, it would be more accurate to say that the specific depth you swam past is what I’d call the final test of the Trial of Crystallized Truths."
"Though, if I were to be more specific, it’s more of a formality of sorts rather than an actual test," continued the man with a slight shrug. By passing through it, you’ve more or less inford that you have the strength to complete the entire trial."
"The final test?" Raising their eyebrow in response, both Valyr and Ataraxia briefly looked at each other as they went over the two other tests in their minds.
Thinking about what they had to endure while going through those respective tests, the two felt that the ’final test’ of the Trial of Crystallized Truths was a bit lackluster in comparison.
Then again, the man did ntion that the ’test’ was more of a formality, which more or less aligned with what they thought of the matter.
After all, if they were to choose between the challenge they faced while swimming at that depth or the second test of the trial, they would undoubtedly choose to do the forr in a heartbeat.
With their question regarding the ocean’s oddity out of the way, the two then proceeded to ask the man questions they felt were more appropriate for the current situation.
"What... is the Trial of Crystallized Truths?" asked Ataraxia, eliciting a smile to appear on the man’s face.
"Also, where are we? Who are you?"
"I’ll answer your questions one by one." The man smiled in response, only to then beco silent as he pondered over each question. "Let’s start with the easiest one."
Pointing at the island they were on, the man told them, "This island we’re currently on is also known as the Sanctum of Crystallized Truths."
"Alongside the Ocean of Crystallized Truths you’ve gone through, the entire place is considered the testing ground for those taking the Trial of Crystallized Truths."
"Of course, only those who fulfill at least one of the requirents are eligible to take the trial," the man added. "Aside from that, this place is considered a haven for those wishing to improve their comprehension of concepts in a short ti."
"Naturally, with the two of you experiencing the effects of the ocean themselves, you know how true such a statent is."
The two faintly nodded in agreent, committing so of the man’s earlier words to mind.
Giving the two a bit of ti to process what they said, the man soon continued where he left off. "As for the Trial of Crystallized Truths itself, it’s a trial specifically designed to find a person that could inherit a certain legacy."
Hearing that the trial’s reward was the inheritance of a legacy, both Valyr and Ataraxia’s eyes widened in surprise, their expressions soon turning into excitent as they looked at the man with anticipation.
Understanding the ssage behind the look they were giving him, the man returned their expressions with a slightly wry smile. "Though I say legacy, it’s more accurate to say that it’s a culmination of experiences, a set of techniques, and the sorts."
"Though, judging by the looks you’re giving , you thought I was talking about the Legacy necessary for one to ascend to a Myth, no?"
Feeling as if they were caught red-handed by the man’s words, the two remained silent although their expressions had already given the forr his answer.
"Well, it’s not like it would be impossible to inherit that kind of legacy here," said the man after that, letting out a slight chuckle. "If anything, obtaining such an opportunity would be entirely up to your abilities."
"And with that out of the way, let introduce myself."
Giving both Valyr and Ataraxia a slight bow, the middle-aged man gave them a toothy smile. "My na is Quentin Protos. I am the Guardian of the Sanctum of Crystallized Truths..."
"...And the owner of the legacy that the two of you shall be inheriting."
Whoosh!
Just as those words had left the man’s mouth, the two imdiately felt their surroundings undergo a massive transformation.
Within seconds, the barren land they were on took on a familiar shade of green, only for small plants and shrubs to pop out of the ground not long after.
Then, as if given so sort of miraculous fertilizer, these plants and shrubs swiftly grew to unimaginable heights, turning what was previously a barren land into the depths of a large forest of sorts.
Swoosh!
Retracting the aura he let out the mont the transformation comnced, the man looked at the two with a smile, who looked back at him with a mix of surprise and disbelief.
"..." Taking a long while to get over the shock they felt from the man’s showcase of might, the two eventually regained their bearings, allowing their conversation to return where it left off.
"Sir Quentin..." said Valyr as he inwardly took in a deep breath. "What kind of legacy shall we be inheriting from you, exactly?"
"Naturally, it is one that warrants such stringent requirents," replied the man, letting out a peal of laughter. "Though, if you want to be more specific..."
"...You two shall inherit my legacy as the First Myth."
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