LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 35: Confronting the Past - Asclepius’ Trial
The Path to the Chalice of Life
Masato Matsuda, known as Asclepius, awoke with the gentle morning light filtering through the paper screens of his traditional Japanese home. The soft scent of aged wood filled the air, and the beams of the house, aged by time, exuded a calming presence. When he slid open the shoji door, the garden outside was in full bloom, the vibrant flowers dancing in the morning breeze, accompanied by the sound of birds chirping. Yet, despite the beauty of the scene, it felt distant to him today.
The events of the previous evening weighed heavily on his heart. He had recently treated a patient suffering from severe mental distress. Asclepius had empathized with the patient’s pain but felt powerless, unable to offer a solution.
Stepping into the garden, he took a deep breath, trying to center himself. The fresh air filled his lungs, and slowly, his mind began to settle. But the heavy sensation remained—a lingering burden from his past failures, engraved deeply into his soul.
A Conversation with Eric
At that moment, Eric, the centaur, approached from the far side of the garden. His strong physique radiated power, but his eyes were filled with kindness. With a calm voice, he spoke softly.
“Asclepius-sama, today’s trial will confront you with your past. It’s time to face the lives you couldn’t save.”
Asclepius listened to Eric’s words, realizing once again how much support he had received from his loyal companion. “Thank you, Eric. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to face this trial.”
The Abyssal Sanctuary
As Asclepius walked through the garden, the landscape around him began to distort. The vibrant greenery slowly melted away, and he found himself surrounded by the cold silence of the deep ocean. He felt as though he were being pulled into the abyss, descending deeper into the silent, pressurized world of the deep sea.
The depths of the ocean were shrouded in darkness, and not even a faint light penetrated this desolate place. The water pressure bore down heavily on him, making each breath a struggle. The only presence was the oppressive silence, yet something eerie lurked within it.
Suddenly, a faint light appeared in the distance, gradually taking form. Before Asclepius stood the spectral figures of the patients he had been unable to save. Their faces were expressionless, their gazes cold as they stared at him.
“Why couldn’t you save us?” The question bore down on him like the weight of the ocean itself, pressing heavily on his heart.
Asclepius tried to respond, but the words caught in his throat. Memories of his past failures flooded back, tightening their grip around his heart. The spectral figures before him represented the people he had once treated—those he had operated on and tried to heal. Their suffering faces etched themselves into his mind once more, and the pain overwhelmed him, forcing him to avert his eyes.
Facing the Trial
But escape was not an option. The spirits surrounded Asclepius, their questions growing more insistent. “Why couldn’t you save us?”
Finally, Asclepius resolved to confront his past. He drew a deep breath and looked directly into the eyes of the spirits. “I wasn’t strong enough… That’s the truth. But I’ve continued to work tirelessly so that I never repeat those mistakes.”
Hearing these words, the spirits silently nodded and began to gather around him. Slowly, their forms faded into the darkness, vanishing from sight. Before they disappeared completely, one of them spoke softly. “You’ve grown from your failures. Our deaths were not in vain.”
With those words, the heavy burden weighing on Asclepius’ heart began to lift, little by little. He exhaled deeply and turned his gaze forward once again.
The Abyssal Trial
However, the trial wasn’t over yet. Suddenly, the waters around him began to whirl violently, and Asclepius was caught in a powerful vortex. The water pressure increased, pushing down on his body with crushing force. He struggled to resist, but the overwhelming power of the vortex sapped his strength, and his consciousness began to fade.
At that moment, the “Chalice of Life” within his heart started to glow faintly. Its light spread through the vortex, enveloping his body in a protective aura. Miraculously, the force of the vortex began to subside, and Asclepius descended gently to the ocean floor.
At the bottom, he discovered a temple that resembled ancient ruins. Inside, rows of stone statues stood solemnly, some of which resembled the very patients Asclepius had once failed to save. As he touched each statue, he offered silent prayers, seeking to comfort the souls represented before him.
The Ritual Begins
At the center of the temple, a towering stone pillar stood tall. At its peak rested a radiant chalice—this was the “Chalice of Life.” Yet, before Asclepius could reach it, he knew there were still trials to overcome.
Standing before the pillar, Asclepius took a deep breath and closed his eyes. In his heart, he began to recite ancient words—an invocation he had learned long ago during his time studying in a sacred temple.
As he chanted, the stone pillar began to shift, and a large door slowly opened before him. Beyond it lay another trial, where the figures of his former comrades awaited. They turned to Asclepius and asked, “Are you truly ready to overcome your past?”
With resolve, Asclepius stepped through the door. Internally, he questioned himself, “Can I really overcome my failures?” But he quickly found his answer. “I won’t repeat the same mistakes. I have the strength to face this.”
Confronting the Enemy
However, what greeted him beyond the door was not a guardian of the trial but a monstrous, serpentine creature. Its massive body coiled like a sea serpent, sharp fangs gleaming, and cold eyes fixated on Asclepius.
The serpent charged at him, generating a whirlpool in its wake as it attacked. Though overwhelmed by the sheer force, Asclepius calmly called upon the power of the chalice. The light from the “Chalice of Life” shielded him from the serpent’s strikes while guiding his own counterattacks. But the serpent’s retaliation was fierce, and Asclepius struggled, repeatedly pushed to his limits.
Through the chaos, Eric’s voice echoed in his mind. “Asclepius-sama, trust in your strength. Use the power of the chalice, and you’ll overcome this trial.”
Bolstered by Eric’s words, Asclepius summoned the last of his strength and raised the chalice high. Its light intensified, enveloping the serpent in its glow. The serpent writhed in pain, gradually weakening until it finally dissolved into nothingness.
Obtaining the Sacred Relic
At that moment, the pedestal in the center of the temple began to shine, revealing the radiant chalice—“The Chalice of Life.” Its brilliance drew Asclepius toward it, and as he reached out, the chalice naturally gravitated to his hand. He held it, his heart filled with gratitude, a smile slowly forming on his face.
“Thank you, Eric. I couldn’t have done this without you.” Asclepius wiped away his tears, his resolve stronger than ever.
The Powers of the “Chalice of Life”
The “Chalice of Life” is a sacred relic that symbolizes Asclepius’ power. Its abilities include:
1.Universal Healing: Asclepius can use the “Chalice of Life” to instantly heal any ailment or injury. Its power extends to curing diseases and injuries beyond the reach of conventional medicine, restoring both physical and mental strength.
2.Resurrection: By using the chalice, Asclepius can revive those who have recently passed away, although this ability comes with limitations. The number of people and the time frame within which they can be revived are restricted.
3.Surgical Precision in Combat: Using the chalice, Asclepius can apply his expertise in surgery to combat. This allows him to strike an opponent’s vital points with precision, incapacitating them. He can also use this ability to rapidly heal his allies during battle.
4.Mental Defense: The chalice can shield Asclepius and his companions from mental attacks. This ability nullifies any attempts at psychological manipulation, hallucinations, or mental interference, maintaining their peace of mind.
Returning with Inner Peace
Cradling the newly acquired “Chalice of Life,” Masato Matsuda returned to his home. The proof of the trial he had overcome was etched quietly in his heart, and the chalice now pointed toward the path ahead.
Standing once more in his garden, Asclepius gazed upon the chalice, feeling its light guide him forward on his journey.