Chapter 18: Let’s do it.
Chapter 18: Let’s do it.
If he failed 3 times, then his chances of ever obtaining that sword were as good as gone.
" Or do I only have 3 chances to end this trial?" Thinking about it like that made him feel even more uncertain.
Would a god really create a trial like that?
The probability was still there but all he could do was remain doubtful.
Nevertheless, Osborne had a strong feeling that this trial held more meaning than to simply just feed a homeless man.
" I’d like to continue with the trial please." He said.
There was a moment of silence as if the owner of the voice was surprised, or perhaps it was just his wishful thinking.
The next moment, time began moving once more.
" Can you please spare me some food, my lord." The begged said once more.
But Osborne was busy focusing on something else.
" If I was a kind and just deity, giving him just a piece of food wouldn’t do well in my favour."
Indeed, to pass this trial, Osborne decided to try and think from the perspective of Ariel himself, not that it was possible to think like a god, but it was worth a try.
" If I wanted his devotion and constant loyalty, I’d need to do something that would guarantee he wouldn’t stray from me so as not to lose it." Osborne said as a strange light reached his eyes. " And what better thing would that be than a life..." A grin reached his lips at the end.
Thinking from a former corporate workers perspective, he believed he was at least a bit right since even though he knew that no matter how hard his work got, he never truly quit out of fear of suffering a faith far worse. Being unemployed.
’ Rather than giving him fish, let’s create a more sustainable alternative.’ he said to himself and he looked around the area.
His gaze ultimately ended up stopping on the grass below him.
’ I think this could work.’ Osborne said as he got down on the floor.
" My lord? Might I ask what you’re doing?" The begger said something completely different.
Osborne raised his head to see the man staring at him curiously.
’ Hahaha, looks like I was right on the money.’ Osborne said to himself, rejoicing inwardly.
" I’m trying to create a fishing net. Care to join me?"
" Can I truly, my lord? Isn’t this information extremely valuable." The begged said, equal parts fear and joy on his face.
" Hey don’t fret over it, if you can learn how to make this, then you won’t have to worry about going hungry in your life." Osborne said.
" I’m eternally grateful to you, My lord." The begger bowed a few times to Osborne before sitting down next to him.
" Now watch carefully how I do it." Osborne said as he began slowly weaving the grass. " first you need to twist or braid the grass into strong string, these are called corsages, by doing this, you make the net far more durable and likely to last longer."
" Alright my lord." The begger nodded.
He watched on earnestly, as if afraid he’d miss a single thing.
In the end, with some diligent guidance, Osborne and the begger were both able to complete one fishing net completely weaved from grass.
******
" Heave, Hoo!" Osborne with the aid of the begger tossed the fishing net into the river.
After waiting for a bit, they both reeled it in.
Out came several fishes pulled from the river all the way onto the dry shore.
Seeing the countless fishes flopping about earnestly, the begger couldn’t contain his excitement and began leaping for joy.
"...." But the begger suddenly froze mid leap along with the rest of the world again.
[Do you wish to end the trail?] Like before, the same autonomous voice asked again.
" I see what you’re trying to do... But I’m afraid I’m not ending this yet." Osborne said.
The world then returned to normal again, the begger continuing to jump up and down.
’ Teaching him how to feed himself and create stuff is nice but there’s still one thing I haven’t done yet.’ Osborne let out a sigh.
" Hey, don’t get so happy yet, we still need to cook it."
" Oh..." The begger paused in his step. " Of course of course...umm but my lord, I’m afraid I don’t know how to do that exactly."
" Just leave it to me." Osborne said as he walked off before returning with two sticks and some dry leaves.
" Now watch closely. This is the most important part." He said as he placed the dried leaves on the ground, then stabbed one stick in the middle of them and used the other to rub vigorously on the stabbed one.
The begger watched in silence.
Osborne continued to rub both sticks together as fast as he could, even as his wrists began to ache, he didn’t stop until.
Spark~ Spark~
His eyes lit up with joy when sparks emerged, which fell down and slowly lit up the dried leaves, creating.
Fire.
" Incredible! My lord is this some kind of sorcery?" The begger asked.
Osborne waved him off. " Of course not, it’s just basic science. Now go get me two fish from the net."
" As you wish my lord." The begger said before leaving and returning with what he asked for.
Osborne then skewered them both on two sticks before roasting them over the fire.
Once the fishes smelt deletable and we’re a nice golden brown, dripping with oil.
" Here, have a bit." He handed one to the begger.
" Thank you my lord." The begger said. He collected it and took a bite.
" My lord this is marvelous." The beggers eyes instantly lit up, he couldn’t hold himself back and began munching down with absolute gosto.
Once more, the world came to a stop again.
[Do you wish to end the trail?]
" Yes." This time Osborne agreed, as he took a bite of the fish.
Right after, a blinding light filled his vision.
Once the light began to recede, he saw himself back in the huge lobby, only this time, he was directly in front of the stone gates.