Unlucky?Player

"Alright then, putting aside the fact that you're a Grandmaster, I'm going to make an exception, only this once. You will have a total of three attempts only," Taka held up three fingers, "I am aware that you ascenders can't really die but you should know that the penalty for death is much worse in this case. However, it's not as if you can't escape death, you can but that doesn't necessarily mean you can complete the trials,"

"As for what they consist of.....well nobody can tell you that. But the trials are said to be unique and something that reflects the one undergoing them. So you can expect to see something you're weak to. I'm quite curious as well, there weren't any weaknesses you exposed, at least none that could be easily exposed, so let us see,"

"The reward for completing the trials? I'm not sure. It's not as if I've managed to complete them kukuku. Don't fret, it doesn't matter how strong you are, the trials do not care for it. It's not as if you can break through the Phantom Trials, actually, you can try doing that, it's going to be amusing," Taka laughed while a dagger floated around him, a blue trail followed it from the hilt. "But know this, if you manage to complete the Phantom Trials, then you will definitely gain power that could be crucial for your future," Taka continued as he noticed Night's eyes.

After carefully processing and considering whatever was explained to him, Night finally looked up and stared at Taka, "I see, thank you for the information, as a token of appreciation and gratitude, I'll tell you what I faced in the trials, besides, I'm confident I won't require three attempts, but regardless, I am grateful."

"Hoh? I was going to ask if you were willing to bet on that, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. How's about this, putting aside the fact that you claimed to complete the most sacred of our trials, if you do manage to do so within two attempts then I'll make sure to give you a reward,"

'Putting aside the fact that he claimed to complete the Phantom Trials?? How is it that easy to put aside....' Sketch looked back and forth, confused as to the casual conversation the two of them were having. Every now and then he would sneak glances at Shade only to see the Guardian nodding in agreement with everything that Night said.

"Then it's decided! When can I start?" Night asked as stretched his arms and back. It was a small room so he couldn't move however he wanted to. He looked at Sketch who seemed to have been sweating, "is it that hot in here? I don't particularly feel it, hmmm"

"....Haha yes yes..." Sketch replied as he used the back of his hand to wipe his forehead. He was in no mood to sit and explain to Night, the importance of the figure he so casually spoke to. However, just when he was about to turn and leave the room, Night suddenly turned around once again.

"Actually, instead of a gift, can I just request something?" Night asked as his mind wandered into a potential future.

"As long as it's within my power, I guess that's fine," Taka replied as he took the dagger into his hands, the second the hilt touched his pal, the entire weapon collapsed into a burst of blue powder.

"Thank you, I'll see you in a bit," Night replied as he waved to the Grand Elder of the Assassins Den, he walked out of the building and continued looking around as he waited for Sketch to come out. He understood that it would be best to leave those two alone, they probably had a lot to discuss and Night didn't want to intrude.

"Sit down for a little Sketch," Taka said as he gestured for the man to sit down in front of him. He then proceeded to take out two cups that looked to be quite old. With a large spoon, he took out some liquid from a pot and poured it into the cups until both of them were nearly filled to the brim.

"Speak your mind. You know it's better," Taka said as he took a sip from his cup. "Haah, I think I'm getting better at brewing..."

"Great Senior.....do you think he has it in him? Does he have the ability to clear the trials?" Sketch asked as he looked at Taka. There was a light flickering in his eyes, it seemed as if Night completing the Trials was more important to him than Night.

"Everyone has it within them. Whether they actually manage to do it or not, is what makes a few individuals stand out. We can only wait and see," Taka replied as he let out another satisfied sigh. "It's about your Great Grandfather, isn't it?"

"......"

"Voss Howler.....Your Great Grandfather, was the greatest of our kind, and it truly was an honor to be given the opportunity to watch him grow....it's unfortunate that we lost such a great being...."

"He's not dead!!" Sketch corrected immediately, the liquid from the cup slightly spilled because of his sudden movement, however, as soon as he realized what he had done, he immediately lowered his head to the ground and apologized, "Please forgive me! I will accept any punishment!"

"Calm down, I understand how you feel...." Taka said as he pulled out a rag and placed it over the spilt liquid on the floor. "I do not know what to tell you, but let's just hope the trials can somehow answer a few questions for us,"

".....Great Senior....so you have faith that the kid is going to clear it?? Wouldn't it be better to put your hopes in JetSky?? He's already managed to clear the first two trials of who knows how many..."

"Didn't they spar?"

"Ye-yes but-"

"And the winner was?"

"Night....."

"There you have it. Both of them are capable but as mentioned before, your physical strength doesn't amount to much."

"I-i see...." Sketch said as he looked down at his cup, he couldn't argue, especially because of the topic, and even if he could, Taka was a Grand Elder, going against them meant severe punishment. "This is truly calming," he continued after taking a sip from the cup.

"I told you," Taka smiled underneath the cloth that covered his face.

(A/N: Here's the promised chapter for today, I wrote this, bit by bit, over the past few days and I'm happy to say I finally have a few days off, that means I'm going to be speedrunning chapters hehe, but I don't think I'll publish more than 1 chapter a day so that I can maintain the update schedule and not collapse again. Hopefully, you guys understand (^_^) If there are any issues you can reach me on mail or my discord. Oh right, on that note, the server is nearly done? I'll put up the link once I release chapter 200!)