Chapter 2116: Challenging Time I

“The first challenge is simple. Solve the puzzle that is presented before you. You are given two spells that you can use infinitely for this one. There are no time constraints as that is only for beings that are bound by time itself.” Time stated as a puzzle that has a million pieces suddenly manifested in front of Adrian.

==

Challenge: Time’s First Trial

Mechanics: You are given the Temporal Spells Forward and Reverse. Complete the puzzle before you in order to pass the trial.

Forward: Advances the time of the target.

Reverse: Turns back the time of the target.

Reward: Completing this trial will guarantee you an Epic tier Temporal Skill book

==

[All of your skills and abilities are sealed for the duration of the First trial.]

[You cannot summon your soulbounds for the duration of the First Trial.]

[Connection with your ego weapon is also silenced for the duration of the First Trial.

“Seriously!” Adrian stated as he could not get the assistance of his greatest partner when it comes to puzzles and that is Paradox.

“The cosmos has judged your ego weapon to be a hindrance in assessing your true capability. As such, the ego weapon connected to you is silenced for the time being.” Time stated.

“Objection!” Adrian stated.

“Overruled.” Time replied as if it was natural.

“Worth a shot.” Adrian stated as he looked at the puzzle pieces.

He looked around to see if there was even a hint of what the pieces looked like when formed completely but there was no visual guide given. He had to piece through millions of pieces on his own in order to complete this trial. He had all the time in the world as the entire world is frozen in time and will not restart unless he completes the trial or gives up.

“No guide?” Adrian tried asking.

“There is no guide for this trial. Fix it on your own.” Time stated which made Adrian realize something.

“Thank you for the hint.” Adrian stated which made the Time shudder as it realized it suddenly gave a crucial hint. freewebnvel.com

Time was caught off guard as it did not think that the challenger would ask it a combination of nonsensical and crucial questions. Adrian made sure to do this as soon as he saw the rules of the challenges. A restriction of two spells meant that he could complete the challenge just by using the two and not doing anything else. The challenge itself was already a test of wits and thinking out of the box which is needed when one uses temporal magic.

Temporal Magic is not as straightforward as elemental magic as one would need to be precise but also imaginative at the same time. The puzzle challenge that he is presented is definitely the way to increase both his precision and imagination. This was not just a trial but also a way to train the person doing the trial.

“With the hint that you have given me, I think I have solved it. Reversal!” Adrian stated as he casted Reversal on the entire puzzle.

Adrian could see the millions of pieces suddenly gathering towards one another as the spell continued. He did not feel his mana dwindling as there was no restriction of the usage of the spell since the rules have been set. Adrian made use of the Reversal spell to return the puzzle back to the state where it was complete. He made sure not to go too far back or else the puzzle pieces might turn back to their raw materials instead.

The millions of puzzle pieces swirled around as if a storm of blocks is happening. Adrian could clearly see each puzzle piece coming together bit by bit. He did not lose focus as losing it might make the spell break and all of his progress getting reverted back. All of the puzzle pieces swirled around him, but he did not care as he is just focused on making sure that the puzzle returns to its completed form.

Adrian’s face and even arms could be seen having cuts and bruises as the flying puzzle pieces were not made of plastic. The puzzle pieces were made of a material that could easily cut the skin of even the toughest demon. One hour of pure concentration made Adrian revert the puzzle back to its pristine and completed form. The completed puzzle is none other than a large statue of Time itself and it even looked completely identical to it.

[You have passed Time’s First Trial.]

[You have secured an Epic Tier skill book.]

[Do you wish to continue with the trial or exit it?]

“I wish to continue the trial.” Adrian replied as Time clapped his hands.

“Masterfully done, Equinox. Even if you are a demon that has the ability to manipulate time already, the concentration that you have shown is something noteworthy. Albeit, you may have gotten a hint due to a technicality.” Time stated.

“I completed the trial within the confines of the rules. I did not cheat or get any hint that I was not supposed to.” Adrian stated with a smile which made Time laugh creepily as it looked like it enjoyed itself.

“You are even more mischievous than the previous beings that failed at my trial. Do you wish to proceed to the next trial?” Time stated with a tone of joy, but Adrian did not know this surely as he cannot see the face hidden behind the hood.

“Yes, we can proceed to the next trial.” Adrian replied.

[You will now undergo the next trial.]

[All previously sealed skills and abilities will not be unsealed.]

[Your soulbounds are still unable to be summoned.

[You have also been given the opportunity to still use the Forward and Reverse skill.]

“Time for the second trial!” Time stated as he reached out his hand into the void and ripped it apart. A slime like being crawled out of the ripped space and then started to transform its

body.