CHAPTER 23 — Lucien's Hidden Trial
The festival had settled, and most students had returned to classes or the dormitories. The courtyard was quiet, but Lucien's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Alone time," he muttered. "Perfect. Time to see what hidden treasures I can dig up before anyone else notices."
Kael frowned when he noticed Lucien creeping toward the cliff edge.
"You're going alone? Again?"
Lucien winked.
"Solo trials are faster and… more fun."
Brom chuckled.
"Don't get eaten by some trap monster, human."
Elarion just sighed.
"…He's impossible."
Lucien smirked and disappeared down the cliffside path, blue flames dancing faintly in his hands.
THE HIDDEN TRIAL ENTRANCE
Lucien reached a moss-covered stone door he had discovered earlier during festival prep.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Hidden Trial Detected
Rank: D+
Floors: 1 (Trial Focused)
Monsters: None Detected
Treasure: Unknown (High Probability)
Special Rule: Requires solo completion; future knowledge may enhance efficiency
Lucien grinned.
"Future knowledge? Oh, yes. Let's make this a walkthrough."
He pressed a rune on the door exactly as he remembered from a faint vision in his previous life. The door slid open silently.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Hidden Trial Activated
TRIAL — OBSERVATION AND TRAPS
Inside, the floor was polished black stone, faintly reflective. Ancient runes glowed faintly along the walls, forming a pattern only someone with careful observation could decipher.
Lucien squinted.
"Ah… classic mana logic puzzle. Trap floors with rune sequencing."
He traced a pattern on the wall with his finger, recalling from future knowledge which paths were safe. Blue flames flickered along his fingertips, illuminating pressure plates and hidden rune traps.
System Notice:
Solo Trial Mode Active
Affinity Bonus: +5%
Talent Bonus: +5%
Lucien chuckled.
"Exactly like a dungeon puzzle in those old games… except now it's real."
He stepped lightly, triggering mana sensors that would have activated traps if handled incorrectly. Blue flames danced over the plates, neutralizing the traps safely.
HIDDEN TREASURE PUZZLE
At the center of the room sat three pedestals, each glowing faintly. A large rune in the wall indicated a patterned sequence.
Lucien's eyes narrowed.
"Classic. The sequence isn't just random… it's elemental-based. Fire first, then water, then earth. That's where they hid the treasure in the simulation I memorized."
He raised his hand, blue flames spiraling into a precise orb, touching the first pedestal. It hummed approvingly.
The second pedestal required a delicate touch—he split his flames into two, one holding heat while the other cooled slightly to match the rune signature.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Pedestal Sequence Correct: Step 2 Complete
Bonded Talent: Activated (self-bonding increases efficiency)
Finally, he touched the third pedestal, sending a wave of blue fire in a spiral. The room trembled lightly, and a hidden compartment opened.
Inside lay:
Azure Core Crystal (enhances elemental affinity and allows minor talent manipulation)
Scroll of Hidden Rune Mapping (perm. bonus to trap detection)
Mini Artifact: Flame Talisman (+5% elemental damage in solo trials)
Lucien grinned.
"Jackpot. All the bonuses I could ask for… and nobody else will know for weeks."
STRATEGY AND FUTURE KNOWLEDGE
Lucien carefully studied the artifacts, then sat cross-legged in the center of the room.
If I optimize these treasures with my blue flame mastery… and link them to my bond system later… the multiplication effect will be insane.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Hidden Trial Completed
Affinity Awakened: Fire (Blue Flame Control +2%)
Talent Enhanced: Solo Efficiency +3%
Treasure Acquired: Azure Core Crystal, Flame Talisman, Hidden Rune Scroll
Lucien laughed softly.
"Even small hidden trials have huge benefits if you plan carefully. Strategy and foresight, baby."
RETURN TO THE SURFACE
Lucien climbed back up, careful not to alert any wandering students. As he emerged, the festival lights twinkled in the dusk.
Kael was waiting.
"…Don't even ask. I know you did something ridiculous."
Lucien waved the crystal casually.
"Just a little solo trial. Nothing big. And maybe a treasure for… team bonding later."
Brom laughed loudly.
"You found treasure? Already?"
Elarion narrowed his eyes.
"Of course he did."
Lucien winked.
"Next time, maybe you guys will be fast enough to keep up."