CHAPTER 303: CONVINCING!?

"You are going to do it," Eve replied after carefully observing Grey’s expression. She was 99.999% sure of this fact.

"Yeah." Grey’s grin could no longer be contained.

His blue pupils flashed with a fierce gaze. Though a trace of hesitation lingered in his eyes, he couldn’t ignore the old man and the Grimoire. They had worked so hard for this, was he really going to steal their opportunity?

That thought weighed on him. The old man and the Inspect Diamond Grimoire had only this single chance, a lifetime of accumulation brought to this very moment. And with one decision, Grey might destroy it all.

Grey wasn’t a monster who would do such a thing.

"You know, if you manage to accomplish the world’s trial, then you will essentially complete it for them," Eve said, noticing the hesitation in his eyes.

"Eh?" Grey turned toward her, a stunned expression on his face.

"That’s right," she whispered.

"Although you can attempt this, it doesn’t mean it’s possible for you to succeed. The world tailor-made this trial for the old man and his Inspect Grimoire."

"For you, it’s technically impossible. But if, against all odds, you were to accomplish it, then the trial would still be counted as successful, and the Grimoire could advance to the Mythical Rank."

"I see..." Grey muttered, his expression turning thoughtful.

After only a split second of thought, Grey acted on his impulse.

"Hold on, old man." In an instant, the silver dragon carried him forward and set him down between the old man, his Grimoire, and the gate that displayed their trial.

"What is it you want?" the old man asked, a frown creasing his brows.

"Do you trust me?" Grey asked after a pause.

"..." The old man studied him for a moment before replying, "You’re just a stranger. We met only minutes ago. How could I trust you?"

"...Well, that’s true." Grey nodded, a flicker of disappointment showing on his face.

"But even as a stranger, you gave me this opportunity to let my Grimoire ascend. If you can show me that respect, then I can trust you. And if I am able to surpass this trial, I will give you my all."

"What if I told you that you don’t have to go through this trial, and can still ascend your Grimoire to Mythical?" Grey asked, carefully watching the old man’s expression.

The old man remained completely unfazed by Grey’s offer. "Such a shortcut doesn’t exist in life. And even if it does, it never comes without consequences."

He lifted his head toward the sky, his voice tinged with reminiscence. Then, placing his hand firmly on Grey’s shoulder, he said:

"Trust me, you are still young and haven’t seen the world. Every power comes with consequences. For one to gain something, they must lose something in return."

"I don’t believe in such a thing, old man," Grey scoffed.

"It is the law of the universe, young one. To gain something, you must lose something. If you spend all your time training in seclusion, then what you lose is the chance to adventure or the precious moments with the ones you love." The old man’s voice carried a weary note, his expression filled with fatigue.

Grey could feel the weight and emotion behind the old man’s words. The man must have endured countless tragedies, but that wasn’t Grey’s concern. His own goal was clear.

"I’ll be honest with you, old man. I want to enter this trial in your place."

"W-what!?" The old man stuttered, staring at Grey in disbelief.

"That’s right. If I take on the trial and succeed, then your Grimoire will directly ascend to the Mythical Rank." Grey let out a sigh as he spoke.

"H-how...!?" The old man’s eyes widened with his disbelief only deepening.

"She said it, not me." Grey shrugged casually and pointed at Eve with a nonchalant expression.

The old man was about to question her, but his broken Diamond Grimoire drifted to his side and gently nudged him.

"Master, it is true. Another being could enter the gate and help me ascend to the Mythical Rank. However, there is only one chance. If he fails, I will die, and you will likely die as well."

"I..." The old man swallowed hard. This trial was the culmination of his entire life’s work, the very meaning of his existence. And now, he was being asked to entrust it all to another. Even a saint would hesitate, and so too did he.

"Trust me, old man," Grey said firmly, his unwavering gaze locking onto the old man’s.

"This... this..." the old man was still hesitating.

"Let him go, Master," the Diamond Grimoire spoke softly to the old man.

"What!?" The old man’s eyes widened.

"I cannot endure this any longer. If it continues, I will die even without entering the gate. The trials are dangerous, and even if I were fully healed, I do not have the confidence to survive."

"But—"

"Trust me."

The old man paused, then let out a faint smile. "This old fossil almost forgot..." His gaze shifted to Grey. "Alright. You can go."

"Thanks." Grey gave a casual shrug and stepped forward, passing the old man. But, he could feel the weight pressing in the old man’s heart, years of experience and untold emotions buried deep within.

But there was no reason for him to ask. Actions spoke louder than words.

If Grey succeeded in this trial, it would be the greatest favor the old man could ever receive. And Grey wasn’t doing this out of selflessness either, he was no saint.

He wanted a World Fragment and the benefit that came with it.

With that thought, Grey strode toward the gate and entered without a shred of hesitation.

The moment he stepped through, reality shifted and the gate vanished.

"Sigh, what am I doing? Leaving my fate to the younger generation..." the old man muttered, rubbing his scalp and releasing a weary breath with an exhausted sigh.