To the majority of players in RML, legendary beings were like unreachable gods. They were people or monsters capable of leveling cities, destroying armies, and represented what awaited players who reached the pinnacle of RML—at least, that was the common belief floating around among players.
Of course, this was not to say that players were unaware of the existence of divine beings in RML. In fact, there were many classes, especially among healers and shamans, that required players to fulfill certain obligations if they wanted to acquire more powerful skills. Even among crafting professions beings such as the God of Craft, Mazi was a well-known figure that virtually every Blacksmith was aware of.
It was widely believed that while such beings existed in the lore of RML, they were just there to add a certain mystery and depth to the world's history. After all, it was not uncommon for games to mention an important figure and leave them forever shrouded in mystery.
However, the words that Tal'Nis spoke stuck to Niflheim and the others present. "…perhaps one day, you will gain that opportunity"—this was the first time they received a form of such direct confirmation!
While there was always a possibility that it was merely a means of encouragement for players so that they would continue to strive for more, those present knew more about the world than the average player.
Their general knowledge did not compare to Izroth who had the privilege of completing multiple S-ranked quests, access to the second floor of the Amaharpe Palace Library, and even held a personal conversation with the God of Craft himself! But, they were a competent group of players and understood how to place some of the pieces together. The whole picture was still incomplete; however, it was becoming clearer to them by the second. Though, naturally, there were some doubts.
"Hey, so, you're basically trying to tell us that the most powerful figures we know aren't even participating in the race, but that they just arrived at the starting line of it?" Colorful Nimbus frowned.
"A crude outlook, though I suppose it is somewhat fitting," Tal'Nis said calmly.
"So much for simple." Sacred Blade muttered to himself.
"Then, just for some clarification, if what you're saying is true, does that mean you no longer exist in this world? Have you already reached a realm of strength beyond legendary? And… Will we have to defeat you in order to clear this stage?" Niflheim questioned in a serious tone.
Niflheim asked the questions that were on everyone's mind. If it were the first stage, they may have been able to dismiss Tal'Nis' story as a bluff and a way to deceive them. However, after witnessing her movement from the platform's center and viewing her system information, they knew that the chances of her lying were low. And, even if what she said did turn out to be a form of deception, the fact that she was a Hero Class individual remained unchanged.
"You are partially correct. Countless cycles have passed since that moment. After stepping into the realm above legendary, I no longer exist in your world. Even the me before you right now is but a mere shadow of my true existence—a piece that I have left behind in your world. If you wish to leave here, you must overcome the challenge I have set for which there are two methods of confronting, or… You must die." Tal'Nis revealed.
She then continued, "The challenge itself is simple. While still bound by the restrictions I have placed on this crusade, you may use any means at your disposal to successfully land one blow on me."
What?! All it took to clear the third stage was landing one attack? Wasn't this a little too easy?
"Are you serious? Just one strike and it's our victory?" Colorful Nimbus asked with a hint of skepticism.
"Tell me. Whether the words I speak are the truth or not, does it change your present objective? If what I say is true, will you put forth less effort than if I were uttering to you a falsehood?" Tal'Nis stated indifferently.
"She's right. Enemy or not, it doesn't matter if she's lying or telling us the truth. All we have to do is defeat her and we'll have our answer—that's all." Niflheim commented.
"Well said," Izroth stated with a carefree smile.
He then continued, "You mentioned that there are two methods of confronting this challenge of yours. I'm curious as to what those methods may be."
"Before that, I would like to start by explaining the rules of this challenge. As all of you already know, to pass this challenge, you must land one hit on me. However, it is not my intention to exclusively defend. While it is considered my loss after one hit, each of you will be eliminated after taking five of my strikes." Tal'Nis explained.
"Five strikes…?" Niflheim said to himself as he furrowed his brows. If it were based on the number of strikes, wouldn't that make things like blocking and healing useless?
As if reading Niflheim's thoughts, Tal'Nis spoke out, "Of course, a hit is only deemed a success if it makes direct body contact. Circ.u.mstances such as blocking or protective barriers are permitted and can safeguard you against a strike. And, when it comes to healing… You are welcome to try, but it will make no difference. After five hits, I assure you—you will be eliminated without exception."
Tal'Nis turned around and began to slowly make her way back towards the platform's center.
"We have exchanged enough pleasantries. Now, you must make a choice. All of you can fight me together. Or, you can come up one at a time. Once you decide, your choice cannot be altered. And, once the first person steps onto this platform, a countdown will start." Tal'Nis suddenly halted her steps.
"If you choose to confront me together as one, you will have a total of six minutes to land a blow on me. However, should you decide to face me one at a time, each of you will be permitted two minutes on the platform. Now, choose. You have exactly five minutes or I will make the choice for you." Tal'Nis left the party with those words as she resumed her casual stroll to the platform's center. At the same time, the barrier around the platform vanished.
"Should we really trust-" Colorful Nimbus started; however, he quickly fell silent when Niflheim held the palm of his hand up.
[Party Chat] Niflheim, "We will communicate this way for now. I'm sure even from this distance she can hear us speaking. I get the feeling that she's not lying to us, but we should at least take some minimum precautions."
[Party Chat] Sacred Blade, "Good call. I was just going to suggest we do the same."
[Party Chat] Colorful Nimbus, "Heh, look at these two. Is everyone in a top guild so paranoid? Jk 1lol 2;)"
[Party Chat] Morrighan, "We do not have time to waste. What is our next move?"
[Party Chat] Sacred Blade, "Honestly, is there even any need to think about it? Six versus one puts us at a huge advantage. If all of us were to launch our AOE at the same time, something's sure to get through."
[Party Chat] Izroth, "That approach will not work. Not against her."
[Party Chat] Niflheim, "I agree. It seems too obvious a choice. If she took down something like the Hydra alone, then she probably has a lot of experience dealing with multiple opponents and AOE spells simultaneously. It may even be a specialty of hers and she's hoping for us to take that approach."
[Party Chat] Morrighan, "We should also consider the benefits of the one versus one battle. Overall, we get twice the amount of time. It would also allow us a couple of battles to gauge her skill level and general strength without risking everything on a single confrontation."
[Party Chat] Niflheim, "In the end, there's a risk either way. The question now is—which of the two risks will provide us with the greatest chance of victory."
[Party Chat] Colorful Nimbus, "Guess that's what they call a million-dollar question, huh? So, what are we going to do, party leader? >:)"
[Party Chat] Sacred Blade, "I trust your judgment, Niflheim. Whether it's a team or individual battle, I'll go with whatever you think is best."
[Party Chat] Morrighan, "I suppose it would be easier for one person to come to a swift resolution."
[Party Chat] Gram, "I am fine with whatever. But, I will not be much use in a one-on-one fight."
[Party Chat] Izroth, "It would appear you have a choice to make, party leader."
A deep expression formed on Niflheim's face as he seemed to be weighing every possible option. He remained this way for a couple of minutes before finally sending his decision in party chat.
[Party Chat] Niflheim, "Then, we will…"
…
Tal'Nis stood with her eyes closed at the center of the platform. There was less than a minute remaining until the party's time to pick was up.
Suddenly, Tal'Nis opened her eyes as she heard the sound of footsteps.
"I see your choice has been made. Are you certain?" Tal'Nis asked calmly.
"Certain." Gram's deep voice sounded with certainty as he held his mace with a firm grip.
There was no one else near Gram as he stood face to face with Tal'Nis and the barrier surrounding the platform was resurrected.
With this, the party's choice was clear!
〈System Alert: Countdown will commence in 10 seconds!〉 Jk = A short-hand expression commonly used online over instant messaging that means Just Kidding.lol: A short-hand expression commonly used online over instant messaging that means Laughing Out Loud.
