The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 623- Gorgon Snake & The Trial Of Truth

Faint golden lines adorned its form, shimmering with ancient might. Its eyes emitted a captivating pink luminescence, and two golden horns swept back from its head like a monarch's crown.

A palpable nobility emanated from the creature with every movement, a feeling that resonated deep within one's very being. This was no ordinary entity; it was a Royal Class, Sacred Tier... the Gorgon Snake.

A beast that surpassed even the High Tier.

The Gorgon Snake lifted its head, its gaze sweeping across the assembled individuals. Those in its vicinity instinctively averted their eyes.

Though the reason remained unclear, an innate sense warned them against direct eye contact.

The sheer presence radiating from the Gorgon Snake was immense, akin to the oppressive aura of an ancient apex predator.

The serpentine behemoth surveyed the knights gathered on the training grounds before finally fixing its gaze upon Reinhardt. It parted its maw and extended its forked tongue.

"Wielder of the Primordial Light... Why have you summoned me?"

The voice that emerged from the snake was feminine and melodious, yet laced with an undercurrent of concealed peril.

While the Gorgon Snake addressed Reinhardt with a show of deference, its tone lacked any trace of fear, only an unwavering dignity and pride.

"I did not summon you." He crossed his arms, nudging his chin towards Silvia, who stood precisely in the center of the summoning array. "The one who called upon you is her."

The serpent's attention slowly pivoted, settling upon Silvia. Its eyes immediately narrowed into a menacing crescent.

"You dare summon me by force, human?" it hissed, its tongue flicking. "I shall devour you... shaa..."

As one of the paramount beasts of the Sacred Tier, the pressure emanating from the Gorgon Snake was easily imagined.

Even the formidable knights of the Temple of Light, seasoned veterans against countless demons and beasts, involuntarily retreated a step.

Silvia, however, remained unmoved in the face of such overwhelming power, confronting the creature with unwavering resolve.

"You are my Divine Beast," she stated with steady conviction. "I shall summon you as many times as it takes to earn your acknowledgment."

Her voice was firm, undisturbed. It bore mention that the entity before them was not a mere projection, as on previous occasions, but a genuine, tangible Royal Class Sacred Tier beast.

Yet, she stood defiantly before it without a flicker of fear. Reinhardt could not help but offer a silent nod of approval at the girl's courage.

"Hmph." The Gorgon Snake let out a low, dismissive snort. "I have not acknowledged you. To aspire to become my master is sheer folly, human. Abandon this pursuit."

Despite the outright rejection and thinly veiled contempt, Silvia's determination did not waver.

"I will not," she responded resolutely. "If I must contend with you to prove myself... then I shall."

"What did you say... shaa?" The Gorgon Snake's eyes ignited with intensity as it flicked its tongue in a clear, menacing gesture.

Observing their tense exchange, Reinhardt chose to intervene. He stepped between the two formidable beings and addressed the snake.

"Gorgon Snake, as the sovereign of serpentine creatures, I understand that your choice of a master is inherently discerning. Yet, Silvia is far from ordinary. She is the most exceptionally talented knight under my command. I request that you afford her a fair opportunity. Failing that, as she has stated... she will engage you in battle."

Having spoken, he locked his gaze directly into the creature's hypnotic eyes.

The Gorgon Snake, unable to maintain direct eye contact with Reinhardt for extended periods, shifted its gaze and re-examined Silvia.

For a prolonged moment, its long, forked tongue darted through the air. Then, it spoke once more.

"Hmph, I do not fear battling a mere human. However... given that the Wielder of the Primordial Light intercedes, I shall grant you consideration. Allow me to ascertain her true capabilities. She must undergo my... Trial of Truth."

As its words concluded, the Gorgon Snake's eyes narrowed with a cunning glint.

Trial of Truth!

The instant Reinhardt heard this declaration, his expression underwent a stark transformation.

"By any measure, this is excessive," he stated firmly. "You must consider your own standing, Gorgon Snake. Imposing such a trial is tantamount to sentencing her to death."

Reinhardt's countenance grew grave. However, before he could elaborate further, Silvia, positioned behind him, stepped forward resolutely.

"It is acceptable, Commander. I shall undertake the trial. I will compel this beast to acknowledge me."

Silvia directly confronted the Gorgon Snake, her voice ringing with unwavering resolve.

"Are you certain, Silvia? Consider this carefully. The Trial of Truth proposed by the Gorgon Snake... is perilous. It takes place upon the Island of Exile."

Others might remain ignorant of the trial's nature, but with his [Heaven’s Memory], he possessed absolute clarity.

"Should misfortune befall you... you may never return. Your very form could be transmuted into stone... eternally."

He conveyed the full extent of his knowledge to her. Yet, despite his grave warnings, her resolve remained unshaken.

Silvia showed no hesitation. Her decision had been irrevocably made.

"I understand, Commander. Nevertheless, I shall proceed."

The Gorgon Snake observed her with an unreadable expression. Then, for the first time, a subtle smile touched its lips. It found itself remarkably impressed by Silvia's unwavering attitude. Whether this translated to acknowledgment, however, remained to be seen.

"Very well, young one. Step forth."

The eyes of the Gorgon Snake ignited with a fierce glow, and the swirling mist surrounding it intensified dramatically. Crackling arcs of lightning filled the air, coalescing into a radiant teleportation gate within the dense fog.

"Beyond this gate lies the Island of Exile. The moment you pass through, the Trial of Truth will commence," the serpent declared.

Silvia, with a determined nod, verified her gear and moved forward resolutely.

Just as she was poised to enter the portal, a voice urgently called out, "WAIT!"

Silvia turned to see Vangeance sprinting towards the formation.

"Hold on a moment," he requested.

Standing beside her, he took several deep breaths before stating his intention, "I'm coming too."

His declaration momentarily surprised Silvia, before a smile graced her lovely features.

Noticing all eyes on him, Vangeance's face flushed, and he quickly improvised an explanation. "Were you planning to get stronger without me? The Trial of Truth sounds exciting. Let me join!"

Silvia had been an invaluable aid during his own Trial. Without her assistance, his advancement might not have been so swift. It felt only right that he reciprocate the favor. Furthermore... she was his friend.

"That's alright with you, isn't it, Boss?" he added, looking towards Reinhardt.

Reinhardt gave a single nod.

The Gorgon Snake shifted its crimson gaze to Vangeance, scrutinizing him intently. Then, as if detecting something, its eyes sharpened. "You... bear the mark of Burma," it hissed. "I will not permit you to trespass on my domain."

Instantly, it recognized the Divine Beast Vangeance was affiliated with. It seemed their relationship was far from amicable, judging by the serpent’s vehement rejection.

Yet, Vangeance stood his ground.

To complicate matters for the Gorgon Snake, several more figures stepped forward from the group.

They were none other than Kevin, Gwen, Rolan, and Delicia – the familiar faces.

Having heard of the trial’s perils and learning that Elder Sister Silvia intended to face it alone, they had resolved to join her and hurried towards the array.

"If Elder Sister is going, then so are we," Kevin stated.

"Indeed, we won't let her face this perilous trial by herself. We'll assist her in passing it," Gwen added.

The Gorgon Snake observed the group of young knights who had now positioned themselves forward. Whether it was the first boy or the subsequent arrivals, none of them appeared ordinary.

Each individual carried the subtle imprint of a Divine Beast, not just any beasts, but entities whose presence and origins were potent enough to rival its own.

Should these youths perish, the wrath of those Divine Beasts would undoubtedly be incurred.

A flicker of irritation crossed the Gorgon Snake's eyes, and for the first time since its appearance, the regal serpent felt a nascent headache forming.

Its gaze drifted towards Reinhardt, clearly implying that he was the orchestrator of the current predicament.

However, Reinhardt merely offered a shrug, as if suggesting the serpent had brought this upon itself.

The serpent flicked its tongue menacingly, attempting to intimidate the younger individuals, but it seemed ineffective.

Ultimately, the Gorgon Snake was compelled to yield.

"Very well, proceed. All of you. But do not hold me accountable if you meet your end."

Silvia glanced at her companions, offered a smile, and stepped into the portal. Kevin, Gwen, Delicia, and the others followed in her wake.

One by one, they vanished into the luminous gateway, consumed by the swirling mist.

With Silvia and her group gone, the Gorgon Snake didn't linger. It cast a final look at Reinhardt, offered a slight bow, and then disappeared back into the mist.

The Divine Beast having departed, the training grounds gradually resumed their normal tranquility.

Reinhardt maintained his position, his gaze fixed upon the empty space where the group had vanished.

"What unfolds next will depend on their fortune, and their resolve to conquer the challenges that await them," he mused.

Despite the dramatic interlude, the morning training regimen continued. Reinhardt lent his support to those struggling to acquire the two fundamental skills and the [Divine Beast Summoning] ability.

.

Following the morning session, he made his way to his office.

Now the newly appointed Viscount of Snowpoint City, Reinhardt's duties had only increased.