Life is full of surprises.
Prince Shak always believed in that saying.
He took pride in the belief that he could withstand any surprise that life might throw at him.
Even after his brother went missing and possibly went, he bravely lived through the court machinations and faced the mocking eyes of his peers.
After going through what he did, most people would've just broken down and run away from the palace.
But this young man kept going. He might be worried, surprised, or tensed, but Prince Shak always maintained a sense of calmness that he carried even in the worst of situations.
At least, that's what his protector, guardian, and friend, Sovereign Alban always believed.
But when this strange young man stepped out of the space crack and waved at them, Prince Shak's draw dropped and his body stiffened, almost as if he was having paralysis.
Of course, he's still better than the other two princes. Emerald Prince was about to retreat while the Sapphire Prince was about to attack the young man.
Both of these choices were incorrect.
Since the other party could appear here like this, it meant he was stronger than them or at least mastered the means that they didn't even know about.
What about the case that this is a coincidence?
If it was a coincidence, the young man wouldn't be greeting them so confidently. He didn't even put the Sovereigns in his eyes and just greeted the princes as if he knew from the beginning they were the team leaders.
In the fact of such an opponent, retreating would make you seem like a coward, attacking would provoke an uncertain hostility.
The only correct response would be—
"Hello, I am Prince Shak of Jewel Kingdom, Lumen Empire. May I know who your excellency is?" Prince Shak took a step forward and asked in a sincere but polite tone.
"I…" The young man tapped his lips with his index finger as if he was contemplating his identity.
When the space crack appeared, the Sovereigns instinctively released their full aura onto the people that came out.
Even now, the young man was under the full aura of four powerful Sovereigns, some of the strongest from their places.
Yet, he showed no discomfort and acted nonchalantly, as if he couldn't even feel the pressure.
As Prince Shak asked for the young man's identity, the other princes calmed down and stared at the young man and two women with questioning eyes.
Everyone in the Jewel kingdom had different types of skin. Prince Shak had golden skin that occasionally glittered. Sapphire Prince had blue skin while the Emerald Prince had green skin.
But these people were distinct from any of the members of the Jewel Kingdom. Heck, they weren't from any of the prominent places or races that anyone here knew. Moreover, they weren't like the natives here either.
So, who the fuck were these people that suddenly appeared in the central area like it's nothing?
"I am the protector of my civilization, the man who changed the fate of his race, the warrior that taught the meaning of fear to his enemies. I wish to leave this place and for that to be possible, once the trial must be cleared. So, here I am." The young man smiled lightly and spoke in the lingua franca.
Emerald Prince looked at the green ring on his index finger and nodded lightly. "He's not lying."
The ring was a precious treasure that would shine if it detected lies. But it would only work for people within its range of power.
"And I have some authority in this world," Varian continued with a smooth smile, "I will guide you to the trial you seek. You can refer to me as a Guide"
The ring still didn't glow and the Emerald prince nodded again.
'I'm not speaking the truth, but I'm not lying either.' Varian smiled.
He was indeed the protector of the Human race, the one who saved his race from being destroyed multiple times. He also made the Abyssals realize what it's like to fear someone. He did wish to leave this place and it's also possible only once the trial gets cleared.
Moreover, he's recognized by the World Will. And he did have the authority of the Twilight Zone.
So, while he spoke no lies, his omission of crucial information created a completely different presentation to the Princes.
To them, Varian was a strong being imprisoned by this world and was tasked to guide the participants to clear the trial. Only when it could be cleared could he leave this place.
In many legends and tales, it's common for such a strong place to have a strong guardian and for that guardian to have a great background.
And even more common was that if such a guardian was encountered and you pass the trial with flying colors, that guardian would choose to follow you and even become your servant.
'W-Wait, this is something only a hero of the legends would experience. Am I such a hero?' Sapphire Prince gulped his saliva and suppressed his pounding heart.
"Now then, please proceed to the trial area, I believe you don't want to waste your time either," Varian gestured and turned around, clearly intending to lead them forward.
"Wait a minute," Sovereign of the Sapphire Duchy called and the air suddenly grew heavy. "Why should we believe you? You can be an impostor. And even if you're not, you might wish to harm my Prince. It's safer to move ahead after neutralizing you."
Even though he was facing them with his back, the smile on his face didn't fade. With a soft chuckle, he waved his hand. "If I really wanted to harm you, then…"
The space cracked apart and twelve giant mountains appeared on the other side.
When the Sovereigns wondered what it was about, the twelve mountains stood up and showed their true forms.
"This…"
The twelve great turtles unleashed their full aura and due to the pressure, even the Sovereign of Sapphire Duchy took a step back.
And as if it wasn't enough, the young man, who at some point was grabbing the hands of the two women, was giving off a terrible aura.
Even though he didn't release it yet, the Sovereigns and the princes could already feel its terror.
Just one hit and it wouldn't matter if they're a strong Sovereign or weak Sovereign, they'd be killed without resistance.
A man could instantly attack them with such strength…
"Forgive me for my ignorance," The Sovereign of Sapphire Duchy bowed his head.
"If you're really sorry, finish this trial and let me get out of this damn place," Varian smiled freely and looked at the princes with the eyes of an elder. "I wish you little ones good luck. May the best win."
The Princes stiffened at the mention of the trial.
Now that they're not in fear of survival, the competition would take the foremost importance.
As they leisurely but quickly walked forward, they got closer and closer to the wonderful palace.
Sarah maintained her cold face while Enigma put on her mask at some point and looked unapproachable.
Only Varian's smooth smile remained.
'Oh boy,'
