There were inscriptions engraved on the stone wall, explaining the imagery that adorned the same section of the wall. Broken read them one by one, deciphering their meaning.
“Moon Goddess, cast out, her journey’s end.”
“Heaven’s wrath had severed her celestial ties.”
“In Yunatea’s embrace, her purpose swayed.” “To bring justice in the moon’s soft shade.” “A reason found, a darkness deep inside.”
“Slay the gods, end suffering’s cruel ride.”
“To the Champion of Sloth, a mission vast.”
“Moon Goddess, fierce, her battle flags unfurled.”
Broken’s pulse quickened as he absorbed the gravity of the verses. This was more than just an old story; it hinted at something profound and significant.
“These engravings tell of the Moon Goddess’s journey and her mission. It matches the lore we’ve been discussing-her exile, her quest for justice, and her resolve to challenge the gods.”
“Precisely the theory that Lily had mentioned earlier, right? This fits perfectly with what she suggested,” he continued, his thoughts racing. “So, the one who gave the Sword of Dissidia to King Elandorr and assigned this mission was the Goddess of the Moon.”
“She did this because she was banished from heaven? No, it’s explained here that the purpose was to end suffering.”
Broken tried to digest the revelation, but it was a lot to take in. He then took photos of the engravings, intending to discuss them further with Freya and Lily.
“This is a story about the Goddess of the Moon,” Broken told Danko.
“Yes, my Lord,” Danko replied. “But I can’t make sense of this writing, kha ha ha.”
“Have you ever heard about her?”
“Yes, My Lord. My family worships her. It’s said she helps the beast-kin live more comfortably in Dissidia.”
“So that’s it.”
“Is there anything important being said here, My Lord?”
Before Broken could respond, a notification appeared.
[Congratulations! For your incredible achievement in uncovering an important part of the history of the Goddess of the Moon!]
[You have revealed her journey to protect the people of Yunatea, her mission to bring peace to all, and her mission to deliver punishment to the gods who had neglected their duties.]
[For this extraordinary accomplishment, you shall now be known as the ‘Moon Revealer’! Your Affinity with the Goddess of The Moon has increased to 23%.]
[You are also rewarded with 20 stat points.]
Broken’s eyes widened as he read the messages. The achievement confirmed everything he had deciphered about the Goddess of the Moon’s mission in Yunatea.
The painting of the Goddess of the Moon on the stone wall appeared to shimmer and distort, as if being pulled inward. The chamber began to tremble, debris slowly falling from above. Broken quickly glanced at Danko, trying to assess his condition. The intricate engravings and text on the stone wall started to fade, becoming less and less visible.
Danko, a bit flustered, lay down on the ground for a moment. When the violent shaking finally subsided, he got back on his feet.
“The paintings have all vanished, My Lord,” Danko observed.
“It seems as if someone wanted to convey a message through this place,” Broken speculated, gazing thoughtfully at the now-empty wall.
He then turned to Danko. “But why did the paintings vanish only after I arrived? Tell me, what happened when you first came here, Danko?”
Danko broke into a wide grin. “Nothing of this sort, my Lord. I was so occupied examining the stone walls that I didn’t notice anything unusual. The paintings didn’t react to my presence.”
Broken remained silent for a moment, digesting the information. The idea of a chosen moment for the visions and their apparent awaiting of his arrival made sense to him.
“Maybe someone needs to understand or at least read the entire text before the event is triggered,” he tried to conclude.
After gaining another 20 stat points and boosting his affinity with the Goddess of the Moon to 23%, his next mission became unmistakable: challenge the Trial Domain. With a surge of determination, he felt an eagerness to dive into this domain without delay. Waiting was no longer an option.
He thrived on challenges, but more than that, he cherished the rewards that Trial Domains often offered. These rewards were typically far superior to those from standard monster
dungeons.
Trudging to the center of the room where the portal stood, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. As he drew nearer, he could make out the writing that had appeared on the portal.
[Elemental Labyrinths Trial Domain Lv. 200]
Danko quietly muttered, “It’s a level 200 trial domain, my Lord. Do you intend to try this domain?”
“Yes, of course,” Broken replied, pausing for a moment to think. He then turned to the beastkin. “Danko, if something happens to me, can you get back out of the cave alone?” he
inquired.
“My Lord, I spend more time in the cave than in the outside world. You don’t need to worry about me,” he said confidently.
“I’ve already informed Toberry to follow up, so you can return safely using the underwater potion.”
“I will wait here, my Lord. It’s alright; I can sleep and wait. It’s very peaceful here, and I like it,” Danko assured him.
“Fine, if that’s what you want. See you,” Broken said, stepping into the portal.
As he did, he heard a voice calling out to him.
[Do you really want to try your luck with these elements? You must be aware of the risks: You might drown in the depths of water, be burned by fire, be crushed by the earth, or be swept
away by a gust of wind.]
[This is no challenge for the faint of heart, and only those with true courage and a desire to reach higher levels in life should consider it. I advise you to leave immediately and retreat
while you still can.]
“Sure!” Broken replied forcefully. “I’m not interested in withdrawing; I have nothing to lose. A Trial Domain level 200? Please, bring it on,” he said as his body faded into the portal door.
After being engulfed by the powerful energy, Broken found himself standing in a grand chamber with walls made of dull gray stone. The air was still and silent, almost as if it was holding its breath in anticipation of what was about to happen. Only a crystal lamp affixed to the walls illuminated the dimly lit room.
“Alright. Here we are,” Broken muttered to himself.
In the center of the room stood four doors, each radiating a distinct light. The blue door emitted a tranquil, soothing glow, while a cozy, earthy warmth radiated from the brown door. The red door pulsated with intense heat, and the green door shimmered with a gust of wind.
“This is my second trial domain, no, it’s my third. And once again, I’m confronted with these doors,” he noted, walking closer to the four doors. Floating writing appeared in front of each
door:
Challenge of Water.
Challenge of Earth.
Challenge of Fire.
Challenge of Wind.
Each door clearly indicated the elemental challenge it represented.
“As the name of this Trial Domain suggests, this is indeed a challenge of elements,” he mused. “Let me check: Is it possible to challenge all the doors, or is only one challenge available per person?”