Eternal Thief

Chapter 1563: Enter if you dare!

”It isn’t time for everyone to rejoice, and do not mistake this chance for privilege!”

As the Protector Envoy’s voice reverberated throughout the Abyssal Plains, the profound light surrounding the Gate flickered, casting the plains into momentary darkness.

”Entry is permitted... but permission is not acceptance.”

Suddenly, eerie laughter echoed from the three Protector Envoys; dry, metallic, emotionless laughter that chilled blood.

”Although entry without invitation is allowed, it doesn’t mean those who have acquired invitations are worthless. Thus, those who enter without invitation must earn their place through the Evernight Trial!”

The word ’trial’ pulsed with law-power, with a hint of dark wind tearing across the plains, as those who had been rejoicing just a moment ago became somber, feeling chills run down their spines.

But those who had doubts finally showed a faint sneer as they knew this was all too good to be true, and the price for this opportunity was about to be declared!

Nonetheless, for those who considered themselves above others or thought they could overcome any trials and were more talented than all those heirs of high-ranking Evernight Nobles, their will to fight for this opportunity didn’t falter; instead, they felt a tingle of excitement as the abyssal blood in their bodies boiled!

At that moment, the Protector Envoy, with space distorted around it, spoke in a nightmarish tone, ”Furthermore, if you don’t have an Evernight Invitation yet, and dare to vie for it, failure equals death!”

This time, a hush of silence reigned over all corners of the Abyssal Plains, and even those unafflicted experts who were planning to send their disciples narrowed their eyes when they heard that merciless clause without any loophole in the decree.

”To permit the deaths of other geniuses if they failed, hehe, typical Evernight Council. Aren’t they afraid that others would think of it as a purge of other talents? However, this also includes their own Nobles’ heirs, so they are either extremely confident in their own or they are really planning something nefarious.

”Furthermore, this is more like the style of that merciless fiend where no retreat is permitted and only a path paved with corpses is allowed!” An enthralling woman with enchanting features was languidly sitting in her throne as she muttered with a hint of a faint bloodthirsty smile on her black lips, ”Well, I guess it’s also an opportunity for my race to retrieve what was ours from the thieves of Evernight!”

The Protector Envoy continued without knowing about the hidden schemes ensuing after the declaration, or they didn’t care.

”This Evernight Trial is mandatory for those with an invitation and those uninvited, and both sides will undergo it together! It begins the moment those without an Evernight Invitation complete the three prerequisites and enter the Evernight Trial Realm with the Invited Participants!”

Across the Abyss, countless hopefuls suddenly felt cold sweat trace their backs, and some instantly dropped the idea of trying, especially those who cherished their lives, because this trial seemed too cruel not to spare those who failed.

However, no one dared to question the Evernight Council’s decree, not even those hidden Abyssal Kings, who remained silent, for the Evernight Council couldn’t be defied within the Abyssal Plains, especially when the gates of Evernight Sanctuary were opened, as those old monsters knew horrifying secrets related to it.

As for the Evernight Nobles, especially those eligible for an invitation, they were prideful and always looked down on those from lesser lineages and bloodlines.

Not to mention, now this was the question of upholding their dignity, so no one dared to back down, even if they felt something was not entirely right with this trial!

However, just when the nobles thought the worst was over, the Envoy continued, his voice carrying ceremonial gravitas yet a savage undertone: ”And for those holding Evernight Invitations...”

Suddenly, those who had no desire for the invitation and had almost given up on going became alert as they leaned forward, and hope flickered in their eyes as they thought the Council might make things fair.

As for those who know they are eligible for an invitation, their pride swelled as they thought about being accommodated as they should be.

Even Dread Duchess felt slightly better because if they didn’t give any advantage to the Evernight Invitation holders, it would be meaningless. At that time, it would be really equal to provoking the Moonless Wandering King, who had ’helped’ them, no matter what ulterior motives he had while doing so.

However, Ace and Eva were prepared for the worst, especially Ace, who was used to situations going out of hand whenever he was involved, and right now, he had a bad feeling.

”The traditional initiation shall proceed for they are the cream of crops of our Abyssal Plains!”

A sigh of relief swept across the plains, but only for a heartbeat because the envoy continued with another twist, ”However... this cycle introduces an additional test.”

The glow around the Evernight Gate turned bloody as a hush fell.

The envoy’s following words were out of everyone’s expectations, ”The Trial of the Invited is now joined by a new ordeal!

”A hunt befitting the Sanctuary. A test of instincts, cruelty, cunning, and strength!”

At that moment, the Protector Envoy raised its lantern once more. The Second Envoy’s chains rattled softly. The Third Envoy, empty-handed, flexed fingers that twisted space.

Thereafter, all three spoke in unison—as they declared, ”This trial shall be known as...”

The law-seals cracked open, and a roar shook the realm as blood and shadow flared like twin infernos.

”...the Hunter’s Hunt!”

A collective shudder rippled through every witness.

Even Marquises felt their blood congeal because they all understood the implication that the Evernight Council was preparing for slaughter, not a ceremony.

It was more like a culling, and this time...both the invited and the uninvited would bleed.

The envoys tilted their heads as if savoring their horror, or as if someone were watching...

”All details will be revealed only when all participants gather in the Trial Realm.” After a pause, ”...Do try to survive.”

The cruelty was not hidden, nor was it softened.

The three Protector envoys continued to speak as one, their voices merging into a single abyssal command.

”Those who dare... step forward.”

”Those who fear... step aside.”

”The Evernight Sanctuary does not lower its standards.”

”Earn your place or die seeking it.”

”The Gate shall remain open for the duration of the fortnight.”

”Enter... if you dare!”