Chapter 159: Denied
The figure slowly stepped out of the darkness.
It was an old Elf. He had all the typical features of his race, including long pointed ears, sharp facial features, and long white hair that reached his shoulders. Although his face clearly showed the signs of age, his blue eyes remained sharp and intelligent, giving him a calm but imposing presence.
Kaiser carefully observed the old Elf.
’So this is the inheritance guardian.’
He was about to ask what kind of trial he would have to complete when the old Elf spoke first.
"You cannot take the trial."
Kaiser paused in surprise, while Alex also looked confused.
"Huh? Why? You said I could bring other people."
The old Elf turned his gaze toward Alex before calmly explaining, "I said you could bring other Elves, not other races."
Alex frowned upon hearing this.
"But what’s the difference? He’s my friend."
The old Elf shook his head.
"The rules are not mine to change. You were only allowed to enter this place and take the inheritance trial because you accidentally stumbled upon it. That was one of the conditions established by the creator of the inheritance."
His gaze then shifted toward Kaiser.
"If he wishes to take the trial, he must discover this place on his own."
Kaiser sighed lightly before asking, "So I can’t take the trial simply because I am human not an elf?"
"Correct."
The old Elf nodded.
"I have nothing against you, but the rules were established by the creator of this inheritance Space. I cannot make an exception for anyone."
Kaiser remained silent for a moment as he considered the situation.
"Is there really no other way?"
The old Elf shook his head.
"Unfortunately, no."
Kaiser shook his head and accepted the situation. He was certainly curious about the inheritance, but he wasn’t particularly disappointed that he couldn’t obtain it. Alex had already received an SSS-Rank Class, an SS-Rank Talent, powerful weapons, equipment, and several other valuable rewards from the inheritance.
More importantly, Kaiser already possessed an extremely powerful Class and Talent of his own.
’It’s a little unfortunate, but it’s not a big loss.’
With that thought, Kaiser turned toward Alex.
"Alright, let’s leave."
Alex nodded, although he still looked somewhat disappointed.
The old Elf then raised one hand, and a powerful spatial force immediately surrounded Kaiser and Alex. Before either of them could react, the space around them distorted, and their surroundings changed in an instant.
Splash!
The two appeared outside the lake.
Kaiser landed safely on the ground and immediately looked back toward the lake. Alex also turned around and stared at the water, still unable to completely hide his disappointment.
"Damn. I really thought you would be able to take the trial."
Kaiser shrugged.
"There’s nothing we can do about it."
Alex sighed before nodding.
"Yeah. Still, at least you got to see the place."
Kaiser nodded in agreement.
"That’s true."
He then glanced at the vast forest surrounding them. Although he had failed to obtain the inheritance, his curiosity about the Mysterious Forest and the Elven Kingdom had only increased. There was clearly much more hidden within this place than he had initially expected.
"Anyway, let’s leave. Let’s use that contract of yours and help me get out of this place," Alex suddenly said.
"What do you mean?" Kaiser asked.
Alex sighed before explaining that he was stuck in the city and couldn’t leave until he fulfilled certain conditions. Only after completing one of those conditions would he be able to leave the Mysterious Forest surrounding the city.
One of the easier methods was to defeat a Rank 3 monster known as the Sin of the Forest, which wasn’t too far from their current location.
"So, unless I kill it, I can’t leave. I’ll be stuck in this city forever, and my limit here will only be the peak of Rank 1," Alex explained.
Kaiser nodded after hearing his explanation.
"Then let’s go and kill this Sin of the Forest."
Alex immediately shook his head.
"It’s not that simple. The Sin of the Forest is extremely powerful because it possesses a Rule."
"Huh? A Rule? How can a Rank 3 monster use a Rule?" Kaiser asked in surprise.
Alex sighed, as even he found his current situation absurd.
Kaiser recalled the information he knew about Rules.
Using a Rule wasn’t as simple as using an ordinary ability. Rules were like fragments of the Supreme Laws that governed reality itself. If someone was able to comprehend a Rule, they could become extremely powerful. Even a Rank 1 expert who possessed a Rule could potentially defeat some Rank 3 opponents. That was how absurdly powerful Rules were.
Rules were divided into three categories: Lesser Rules, Greater Rules, and Supreme Rules.
"What Rule does it possess?" Kaiser asked curiously.
"The Sin of the Forest possesses the Greater Rule of Corruption. Although it has only comprehended around one percent of it, that’s still not something we can casually deal with. Despite being only Rank 3, the power of its Rule allows it to fight at a level comparable to a Rank 5 expert."
Kaiser nodded in understanding.
"No wonder you couldn’t defeat it, even with the power of your inheritance."
Alex nodded.
"Exactly."
He then smiled slightly.
"Though, if I had more time, I might eventually be able to defeat it. My inheritance allows me to comprehend several Rules of different levels related to Life, and there are several other Rules hidden within it as well. I just need enough time to comprehend them."
Kaiser finally felt the loss of the inheritance.
"Fuck. Now I really want that inheritance."
He couldn’t help but sulk.
Alex chuckled.
"It’s okay. Maybe we can find another inheritance."
Kaiser rolled his eyes.
"Getting an inheritance isn’t that easy. It’s about as difficult as an average person trying to fight someone a full rank above them."
Alex scratched his head awkwardly in response.
"Anyway, I still want to fight that bitch," Kaiser said.
"We’ll die in seconds," Alex replied. "I could run away thanks to my escape skill, but I wouldn’t be able to take you with me."
Kaiser shook his head.
"I’ll have unlimited lives, so don’t worry about me."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Alex asked.