Conrad opened his eyes and looked around, a wide smile forming on his face.
The reason for his grin was obvious—his mind had never felt this clear.
It was the first time in a long while that he could think without the fog of confusion or doubt.
He had made the right decision. And now, his thoughts flowed like a steady river.
He stood up slowly and began to think out loud.
"Truly… everything feels like magic," he murmured. "I never imagined my mind could open up this much with just a single command."
"A few more good ideas never hurt," he added with a faint chuckle.
Taking a deep breath, Conrad embraced the rush of fresh thoughts filling his head.
New strategies, clearer visions, better instincts. All of it made him feel grounded.
"I like where I'm at right now," he whispered to himself before turning toward the admin.
"Admin, use another 100 Mystic Points to increase my Strength," he said. "And if possible, put me to sleep until the day of the second trial."
The admin responded with its usual cold, impersonal tone.
"Understood."
"Confirm," it added, waiting for his decision.
Conrad didn't hesitate.
He had already made up his mind.
There was no point in overthinking anymore.
He understood what needed to be done—and that understanding wasn't going to change, no matter how long he thought about it.
"I confirm," he said.
And once again, his consciousness faded into the void.
Exactly twelve days later, five hours before the second trial was scheduled to begin, Conrad awoke.
He stood up, flexed his arms, and threw a few punches into the air.
Then he paused, surprised by how different his body felt.
"My strength… it's seriously improved," he thought, his eyes wide with amazement.
"It's a good feeling."
After a moment of quiet satisfaction, he turned to the admin and asked:
"How much time is left?"
The admin replied without delay.
"You will be transferred to the area of the second trial in five hours."
Conrad didn't say anything back. Instead, he closed his eyes.
"I need to focus," he whispered to himself—and waited.
When Conrad opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in the middle of a forest.
He looked around, observing the thick greenery, the rustling leaves, and the scattered sunlight streaming through the branches above.
"Back in the forest again…" he thought, exhaling lightly.
Right then, a stream of information flowed into his mind from The Mystery.
Trial – KingmakerThe land and continent you stand on belong to the Silverleaf Empire.
Emperor Leonard Silverleaf IV lies on his deathbed and will pass away within five days.Upon his death, a power struggle will begin between three princes and three princesses.The goal of the Trial-Taker is to form a relationship with one of the princes and, within one year, ensure that your chosen prince officially ascends to the throne.You have three days to make your choice.Reward – 500 Mystery Points, a Bronze-Grade Weapon Chest, and a Bronze-Grade Unique Item
Penalty – Death
Conrad swallowed hard and took a slow breath.
"Seriously..."
"I wasn't expecting a trial that would last an entire year."
But he couldn't say he was completely surprised either. After all, neither the Admin nor the Mystery had given any specific information about how long each trial could last.
Still, it was a lot to take in.
He held his forehead and let out another deep breath.
He could understand trials about survival, monster hunting, or combat.
But now?
To be thrown into a succession war… and to make sure a prince became emperor?
That was not something he had ever imagined himself doing.
-
Conrad, after taking it all in, didn't hesitate and began to move.
"First things first, I need to find my way into a civilization and start from there."
"One year is a long time. First, I'll need to learn everything about the princes and then choose one."
He paused for a moment, his eyes sharpening as a more serious thought crossed his mind.
"I can expect that The Mystery might have ordered—or at least allowed—the Admin to send other Trial-Takers and Conceptors here as well."
"If they choose different princes, then not only will I have to contend with the forces of this world, but I'll also need to fight against other Trial-Takers and Conceptors…"
Things didn't look great at the moment, but Conrad hadn't forgotten one critical fact: he still hadn't chosen a concept.
If he made the right choice, he might gain a serious advantage over the others.
"I'll move forward based on what I need. And to understand my needs… I need experience."
With that, Conrad muttered quietly to himself and continued walking forward.