Chapter 6: Chapter 6 - Playful Trickster (Edited)
As the voice came to his mind, Liam was taken aback. "You were... bored? But aren't you just a construct of programmed code?"
"Merely code? Oh, the injustice, sir! I may not be human, but I still have feelings." The Ai responded in his mind with a theatrical gasp
Liam frowned, puzzled. How can a line of code have a feeling? It's impossible.
But the AI replied that he's not just a line of codes. He is more than that, so he's capable of having feelings.
Liam tried to pinpoint the AI's voice, but he felt it coming from deep within his mind, and he couldn't find it. Feeling what Liam was trying to do, the AI chuckled, "You can think of me as the personality of the Pendant."
He then asked what he should call it. Is it just AI?
The AI seemed to ponder this for a moment. "Well, my creators gave me a long, boring name, but how about... Trick? It's short and memorable, don't you think?"
Liam didn't understand why it wanted to be called Trick, but after remembering its jovial tone every time it spoke, he understood. Then, with a smile, he said, "Alright, Trick, it is. I really need to understand the situation."
Trick replied in a teasing manner, "Understood, serious mode engaged... mostly. What's our first order of business?"
Liam exhaled deeply, trying to organize his thoughts. "Alright, Trick. What's this trial I need to complete? What is the goal?"
With a light, jesting tone, Trick explained, "Ah, the trial! Think of it as a blend of risk, riddle, and riveting adventure."
"If you have the balls to face it and succeed in finding an ascension path, then voilà, you'll find your way back home. But if you fail? Let's just term it as 'not particularly favorable.'"
Hearing his unclear answer made Liam raise his eyebrow; he asked again for confirmation of what he meant by 'not particularly favorable.'
But Trick responded in a mocking tone, declining to explain it, "Where's the fun in spoiling all the surprises?!"
Liam clicked his tongue with annoyance. He doesn't feel the need to find out what the trick meant. Whatever it was, Liam was sure it was something bad like death.
He then asked other questions. "So, what exactly is this 'ascension' you speak of? How do I find it? And seriously, what is the Shroud?"
Trick hummed, taking a dramatic pause for effect before answering.
"Ascension, my dear Liam, is quite literal in its naming. It's the process of elevating oneself and strengthening your body, spirit, and soul."
"The end goal? Transforming you into a stronger being. Think of it as... leveling up in a video game, but for your entire existence. Or you can think of yourself as a Pokemon that will evolve to become stronger, hahaha!"
Liam scratched his head, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "And how do I find this method of ascension?"
Trick chuckled, "Ah, that's where the fun begins! Think of it as the most enthralling treasure hunt you've ever been on. Explore, learn, face challenges, and maybe, just maybe, you'll stumble upon the secret you seek."
Liam feels frustrated with Trick's answer, but deep inside, he feels excitement he can become even stronger, which means he can reach his goals even faster.
"Alright, but you still haven't answered my last question. What exactly is the Shroud?"
"Oh, the Shroud? It's a place, a state, a concept... But the true nature of the Shroud will only reveal itself once you've completed the trial." Trick replied in a teasing tone
"For now, let's just say it's the canvas upon which your current adventure is painted. Dive deep, explore its depths, and perhaps, in time, you will find its true secret."
Hearing Trick's answer, Liam realized it was impossible to get a straight answer from Trick. He complained, But Trick just let out a cheerful chuckle in response, "Well, you picked the playful trickster personality. But don't worry, I'm here to help... in my own unique way."
Liam massaged his temples. "Remind me again when I have a choice to pick?"
"Ah, my dear Liam, sometimes life's little surprises catch us off guard!" Trick just laughed, clearly not taking offense.
"Isn't that what makes it all so fascinating? And speaking of time, it's ticking away. I'd recommend you rest for a bit. Sure, you're physically patched up, but mental fatigue is a different story."
Liam huffed and settled down, finding a comfortable position on the cold ground. "Fine, then. Explain something to me. How am I alive? And where the hell am I now?"
"That extra prana you have? Think of it as an extra life in a video game. It gave you a second chance."
"And as for your current whereabouts, you're in a sort of liminal space. Imagine it as a crossroad between what you'd call the afterlife and reality. A pause between worlds, if you will."
Liam's eyes narrowed at the mention of prana. It's an extra life!
He wants to get more of it, but that doesn't mean he wants to face it again. But having more means will raise his chances of survival significantly. He then asked for tricks on how to get more of it.
"Life may be easy to take, but not so easy to get. Yes, it's possible to gain more, but the appropriate payment must be made."
"You have two extra lives because someone else paid the price when the amulet was made. It's like a pre-paid plan for survival!"
Not getting the answer he wants makes Liam grow even more frustrated, and his jesting tone is also not helpful.
He then asks Trick to be more serious, "How did this amulet end up with my Dad? Why was it sent to me? Is it really him that sent it to me?"
Trick's voice softened, the mischievous undertone fading for a moment.
"Ah, young Liam, I wish I had all the answers you seek. My knowledge is bound to your consciousness, our surroundings, and the data embedded within the pendant."
"The story of how your father acquired it? That remains a mystery even to me. But isn't a mystery part of the fun?"
Liam shook his head, exasperated. "Fun? Not exactly the word I'd use."
Trick chuckled softly, clearly amused by Liam's frustration.
"Well, maybe not for you, but for me? Every moment is an adventure, and I'm here to make sure you have the balls to enjoy the ride!"
Liam furrowed his brows, "Why do you keep bringing up 'balls'?"
Trick responded with a hint of mystery, "A sage once told me, If you have the balls for it, one can even conquer the world."
"Was this sage your creator?"
"Perhaps yes, perhaps no?"
.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Elvlin
Elvlin Do you have any thoughts or suggestions about the story? I'd love to hear them!
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This story has been edited a few times as I try to make it better. If you have any input, feel free to comment below.
last edited - 12/07/2023
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone