"Grand Arts are extremely rare," Mike said to himself.
In his own world, only three major organizations even had something close to it. And who knows if they are complete or not, yet it allowed them to rise to the strongest organisation back on his world.
The Death Knight nodded.
"Yes. And the Imperial Family distributed different layers of the Grand Art across the nobles."
He lifted one gauntleted hand, pointing at the six banners carved into the wall behind him.
"Six Dukedoms. Each one was entrusted with one layer of the Grand Art. Layer One… up to Layer Six."
Mike's eyes widened a little.
"So you…?"
"I mastered it to Layer Six," the Death Knight said. "As every Duke was required to."
"And I," he continued, "was the Duke of the Western Mirage Province."
Mike nodded slowly, trying to digest that.
"So… my trial here is to learn your layer? The first part of the Grand Art?"
"Yes," the Death Knight replied. "The Dukedoms' combined trials form the first major trial of the Mirage Empire—the Trial of Talent."
"And I have to complete six layers of this Grand Art within five years," Mike repeated quietly.
"Yes."
Mike shook his head slightly, but he didn't reject the idea.
Five years was not short.
Five years was enough for him to get multiple strong talents, maybe even SSS rank ones.
Enough to strengthen his foundation.
Enough to grow.
"If I do it," Mike said slowly, "then I can move on to the second major trial, right?"
"The Arch Dukedoms," the Death Knight confirmed. "They hold Layers Seven to Ten. Their trials will not test your talent… but your will."
He paused.
"That part will be far, far worse than anything in this place."
Mike didn't doubt it. Not even a little.
"And after that," Mike muttered, "the final trial at the capital… which nobody knows."
"Yes."
Mike rubbed his forehead.
"So basically, the entire Empire is just a giant exam."
The Death Knight didn't deny it.
"The Mirage Empire did not allow weaklings to touch its throne," he said. "Every emperor had to rise through trials that shaped them into beings capable of commanding the power of an entire civilization."
He leaned forward slightly.
"You… have a chance. A small one. But a chance."
Mike stared at him.
He didn't know whether he should feel honored or terrified.
Maybe both.
"So," Mike asked again, clearing his throat, "my trial… the one I have to start with… is mastering Layer One of your Grand Art?"
"Yes."
"And you will teach me?"
The Death Knight shook his head.
"No. I cannot teach you."
Mike blinked.
"Uh… what? Why?"
"I am dead. My teachings cannot be passed directly. The Mirage Empire made sure that after a Duke dies, the Grand Art cannot be transmitted from memory. Only through the trial can you obtain it."
Mike's shoulders dropped.
"So I can't cheat."
"No."
Mike sighed.
"…Figures."
"But," the Death Knight added, "I can guide you to the trial."
He raised his hand toward a massive stone door on the far wall.
The one Mike hadn't dared to open.
"That door leads to the Hall of Echoes," the Death Knight said. "Inside is the first layer of the Grand Art. If you enter… the trial will begin immediately."
Mike stared at the door.
A deep, uneasy feeling grew in his chest.
"Is it dangerous?" he asked.
The Death Knight tilted his head slightly.
"For someone at your level?"
"Yes."
He paused.
"But not impossible."
Mike exhaled.
"…Yeah. That's comforting."
The Death Knight didn't react.
Mike stood up slowly, gripping his sword.
"Alright then," he murmured. "I guess this is where it starts."
He took a step forward.
But the Death Knight spoke again—calmer than ever.
"Human."
Mike stopped.
"If you enter that trial," the Death Knight said, "you will no longer be an ordinary awakener. You will be walking toward a destiny most beings in your world could not imagine."
Mike swallowed.
"I understand."
"And I'm not sure I want it," he added.
"I will not help you," the Death Knight said. "Not until you learn the first layer. After that, you will have five years to locate the other Dukedoms and inherit the layers from the next five Dukedoms."
"Honestly, I was in charge of the sixth layer," the Death Knight continued. "But by fate, you found my Dukedom first. Therefore, the Hall of Echoes has to adapt and present the first layer instead."
Mike nodded. "So… at least I don't have to find a specific Dukedom. They will adapt?"
"Yes," the Death Knight confirmed with a slow nod.
"So… any tips on what I might meet inside?"
The Death Knight's helm tilted slightly, the hollow eye sockets dimming.
"Inside," he said, "you will find a Royal Knight—one forged entirely from the Grand Art itself. He will dodge your attacks, block your strikes, and counter you relentlessly."
Mike stiffened.
"The Grand Art—called the Empire of Mirage Grand Art—our founder discovered this technique within ancient ruins. With it, he created his kingdom, then his empire, and named the empire after it in honor."
The Death Knight continued, voice echoing softly in the vast chamber.
"All magical engravings, circles, and constructs tied to the Art will manifest in the form of that knight. He will stand before you, embodying the technique."
Mike exhaled slowly. "So… I just have to fight him?"
"You must survive him," the Death Knight corrected. "Dodge him. Learn from him. Understand the rhythm and essence of the first layer. Only then can you strike him."
"And until I learn the first layer?" Mike asked.
The Death Knight's cloak rustled like shifting ash.
"He will be immune. No blade, no magic, no force you wield can harm him… unless you strike using the first layer of the Grand Art itself."
Silence followed.
"I really wonder who came up with this," Mike muttered, cracking his neck as he prepared himself.
"The ancient ruins did," the Death Knight replied. "Our founder merely kept the tradition alive."