Ch. 1846..1850: The Secretly Rich Man Chapter 1846-1850
Chapter 1846
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1846
After thinking about it for a while longer, Gerald declared, “…I choose to let fate decide!”
“…Oh? An unexpected answer! Care to explain why?” asked Torme.
“Well, essentially, not one person can truly decide the life or death of themselves or others. In the end, fate is the final decider. If it truly is a person’s time to meet their end, then there’s simply no stopping it. With that in mind, I have no right to choose the eventual destinies of these people! While it’s true that I’d love to have all the despicable villains die, I believe that they’ll eventually reap what they’ve sown! After all, fate will surely grant them suiting ends when the time is right!” explained Gerald.
After saying all that, applause could instantly be heard as Torme said, “Not bad! You’re different from the others! Congratulations, you’ve passed the first test!”
Following that, the darkness disappeared, and everything appeared the way it had previously been. Torme himself hadn’t budged from the spot, though he was now smiling as he praised, “As you’ve said, nobody can truly decide the life and death of themselves or others. I’m glad to hear that you’re not the kind of person to mercilessly kill others!”
While Gerald was surprised to know that he had passed the first test so easily, he quickly snapped out of it before politely replying, “I appreciate the compliment, sir!”
“Well said! Regardless, are you ready for your second test?” asked Torme.
“I am!”
Upon saying that, Gerald watched as Torme vanished once more and his surroundings began changing again…
In the end, Gerald was enveloped in darkness again… This time, however, there was a screen with quickly alternating scenes playing on it…
From what Gerald could see, the screen was projecting the experiences of a person from the moment he was born till the day he died…
“What you’re watching is a person’s entire life… Fleeting, isn’t it? Now tell me, what do you think about life?” asked Torme’s disembodied voice.
Hearing that, Gerald turned to look at the screen, wondering if he was now being tested on his understanding of life…
‘What do I think about life…? What even is life…?’ Gerald thought to himself.
After a brief pause, Gerald was prompted to ask, “…Have you experienced life as a human before, sir?”
“I have, though I refuse to experience such a life again!” replied Torme in a slightly remorseful tone that Gerald was immediately able to up.
From what Gerald could assume, Torme must have lived an excruciating life for him not to have another shot at it.
With that, Gerald then closed his eyes tightly as multiple scenes began playing in his mind… The scenes themselves were his own experiences from when he was young up till this very day…
While it was true that as a child, he had it pretty rough, he was now living quite a good life. Wasn’t life just a series of joys and sorrows as well as partings and reunions?
It wasn’t long after that thought when Gerald reopened his eyes before saying, “…While everyone’s lives are different, to me, life is essentially just a cycle that one goes through from the day they are born till they die… The cycle itself is essential so that one gains enough experience to better themselves before they enter the afterlife…”
Chapter 1847
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1847
“Pain, happiness, money, and family… all those are just small parts of life. In the end, what really matters are the choices one makes as they slowly proceed through the cycle of life… While I’m not sure what experiences you’ve undergone before, I do know that life isn’t constantly filled with grief and pain. Enjoyable parts of life definitely exist, and once individuals realize that, they’ll surely live better lives instead of constantly complaining about life’s injustices…” explained Gerald.
While Gerald hadn’t really grasped what the test was about in the beginning, after thinking about all this, he was now sure that he was being tested on how well he understood life.
What more, Gerald had noticed that the scenes playing on screen were simply Torme’s experiences when he was still alive. With that in mind, Gerald was sure that the test was also done to help Torme resolve his inner issues.
Whatever the case was, Gerald was now sure that in order to have a good life, one had to experience it to the fullest. In doing so, individuals would be able to go through the most of their grief, joy, partings, and reunions before they eventually passed on…
Regardless, after Gerald stated his answer, Torme reappeared before Gerald again, causing the room to revert to the way it was.
Smiling subtly, Torme then said, “For hundreds of years, I’ve been waiting for a person to help me resolve all my resentment… Thanks to you, I’m no longer burdened by all this! As you’ve said, going through cycles is the only way that humans are able to progress! Congratulations, you’ve passed the second test!”
Hearing that, Gerald couldn’t help but feel happy.
“…However, your life is much more different compared to others. After all, at this rate, you’re going through way more gains and losses than any average joe could ever experience. With that in mind, I hope you’re mentally prepared for the fact that in the end, some of those people will leave you for good…” added Torme.
Upon hearing that, Gerald’s heart skipped a beat. From the looks of it, Torme could see Gerald’s future…
While he now knew that, Gerald chose not to ask for any details. After all, there was no use knowing about the future. In the end, he was the one in control of his own fate, and he refused to deliberately change it just to alter the future that Torme saw.
Besides, it wasn’t as though he was going to be able to alter his future the second Torme told him about it. Every action he made could vastly change his fate, after all.
Whatever the case was, Gerald simply nodded at Torme in response before saying, “Understood, sir!”
“Very good. Now then, let the final test begin!” replied Torme as he waved his hand, causing the scene to shift again…
While Gerald was surprised that Torme didn’t even ask him if he was ready this time, he was even more astonished when he suddenly saw a figure slowly approaching him…
Squinting his eyes to get a clearer look at the figure, it wasn’t long before the stunned Gerald realized who she was…
It was none other than Juno!
When Juno got close enough, she smiled faintly before calling out, “Gerald!”
Hearing her gentle, familiar voice, Gerald couldn’t help but ask, “…Juno… You… Why are you here…?”
“Say… Why don’t we stay here forever, Gerald…? Just you and me in the most feminine place… together,” replied Juno, completely ignoring Gerald’s question.
“…Huh? Stay… here? Of all places? Why would you even suggest such a thing…?” asked the deeply confused Gerald.
“…Hmm? Could it be that you’re hesitant about staying here with me…?” replied Juno as her cheery expression instantly turned gloomy.
Before Gerald replied, he suddenly remembered that up till this point, everything that Torme had shown him had merely been illusions. With that in mind, he now knew that this ‘Juno’ was nothing more than just another illusion!
“…I refuse! After all, everything here is just an illusion!”
Chapter 1848
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1848
After saying that, Gerald stared hard at the fake Juno… and in the end, his immense willpower was able to break the illusions around him!
Watching as everything returned to normal, the surprised Torme could only stare at Gerald. To think this youth would have such powerful willpower…
“…I’ve yet to meet someone who has willpower as great as yours… You truly are a powerful individual…” praised Torme.
“I appreciate the compliment, sir. Regardless, I assume you were testing me on my willpower?” asked Gerald slightly curiously.
“Indeed, and with how easily you broke the illusion, I’m pleased to say that you passed with flying colors! Your performance up till this point has been well over my expectations!” declared the amazed Torme.
Compared to all the previous others who had taken the test, Gerald was by far the fastest to shatter the illusion… It was incredulous, honestly.
Whatever the case was, Gerald then nodded before asking, “So… that’s test three, correct? How many tests are there in total, sir…?”
Realizing that he hadn’t told Gerald about that, Torme quickly replied, “There are a total of five tests, so only two remain now. Even so, I hope you don’t let your guard down since the final two tests will be the deciding factor on whether or not you get your passing permit! I’ll also say it in advance that those two tests are extremely difficult to pass, so you best prepare yourself mentally!”
“Worry not, sir! I’m ready and I’ll definitely pass the tests!” replied Gerald confidently.
“Very well, then! Let the fourth test begin!” declared Torme with a nod as he changed the scene once more…
Once everything settled down, all that remained was a table that stood before Gerald… On it was a piece of paper, a pen, and three boxes…
Raising a slight brow, Gerald then walked over to the table to have a closer look…
The second he was close enough, Gerald quickly realized that the names ‘Rey’, ‘Juno’, and ‘Yrsa’ had been written on the three respective boxes…
Before Gerald could wonder what this test was about, Torme’s disembodied voice could suddenly be heard saying, “Out of the three names before you, you’ll need to choose one of them to die. Mind you, you’ll only obtain the key to open the large entrance of the Phangrottom Clan’s territory once you make your choice.”
Stunned, Gerald could only mutter, “…That…”
Gerald was naturally unwilling to choose any of his dear friends to die. Unsure how to even proceed with this, he was prompted to ask, “…Is this truly the only way I’ll be able to obtain the key to open the large entrance of the Phangrottom Clan’s territory…?”
“Indeed!” replied Torme without the slightest hesitation.
Upon hearing that, Gerald now realized that Torme wasn’t kidding when he said that the final two tests were exceedingly difficult…
“Just so you know, if you fail to choose anyone by the end of all this, you won’t be able to obtain that key…” added Torme, clearly taunting Gerald.
Feeling at a loss, Gerald then began pondering on his next step… Until suddenly, he realized that he had a fourth option.
“…Sir, I’d like to choose myself!” declared Gerald as he wrote his own name on the paper without any hesitation…
Chapter 1849
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1849
Just as Gerald was bracing for death to hit him, he stared wide-eyed as his surroundings reverted to how they had previously been.
“Congratulations, Gerald! You’ve passed the fourth test!” declared Torme with a smile as he walked toward Gerald.
Surprised, Gerald couldn’t help but mutter, “I… passed the test…?”
“Indeed, you have!” replied Torme with a nod.
“Then… was self-sacrifice the answer to that test…?” asked the confused Gerald.
“Not really. Rather than testing your willingness to sacrifice yourself, it was a test to see whether you’d choose your desires over your friends’ lives. Now that I’ve seen that you’re clearly one who cares greatly for your comrades, I can safely say that you’ve passed this test!” explained Torme.
After hearing that, Gerald realized that had he chosen any other option, he would’ve surely failed the test! However, the even bigger shock came when Torme added, “Also, had you chosen any of your three friends earlier, they would have died for real! With that in mind, you’ve essentially saved their lives!”
So… If he had chosen any of his friends, they would have perished just like that…? The thought of it alone sent shivers down his spine…
“Regardless, you truly are the kindest and most powerful person I’ve met to date… Now, for the final test… Are you ready?” asked Torme.
Taking a deep breath, Gerald then replied, “Bring it on!”
Nodding in response, Torme then waved his hand… and in the blink of an eye, Gerald found himself standing within a bamboo forest.
Confused, Gerald was prompted to ask, “…And… This is…?”
“The bamboos in this forest are known as soul bamboo. You’ll pass the final test if you manage to break a few of them,” explained Torme.
Upon hearing that, Gerald couldn’t help but raise a brow. After all, bamboo in general was pretty easy to snap.
“Isn’t… the fifth test a little too easy…?” asked Gerald in a confident tone.
Chuckling in response, Torme then calmly replied, “Go ahead and do so, then!”
Hearing that, Gerald then stood before a soul bamboo… and after taking in a deep breath, he swung the side of his hand toward the bamboo in one fluid but powerful motion!
Though a loud collision sound was heard due to the immense force Gerald had applied, the soul bamboo barely moved an inch.
Naturally, this stunned Gerald. To think that he would be unable to snap the soul bamboo… No wonder Torme had been so calm!
“Hmm? Didn’t you say it was going to be easy…? All jokes aside, do understand that each soul bamboo hosts different meanings. Only after you understand the bamboo’s meaning and principles will you be able to break it. In a way, fortune plays a rather large part in this,” added Torme as he looked at Gerald with an interested gaze…
Quickly catching onto the hint that Torme had just given him, Gerald then replied, “Then… How should I access the meaning behind this soul bamboo?”
Chapter 1850
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1850
Hearing Gerald’s question, Torme then explained, “You simply need to place your hand on the soul bamboo. Once you do, it’ll transmit its meaning into your mind. However, please remember to use your heart to feel it! Don’t ever be led astray!”
Immediately doing as Torme said, Gerald then placed his hand onto the bamboo… and all of a sudden, the soul bamboo began glowing in a light blue hue!
Gerald watched as the glow slowly enveloped his hand… and a split second later, the youth found himself standing within a white space.
Looking around, Gerald saw that aside from an old man—who was sitting cross-legged on the ground —and a Go board before that man, there was nothing else in this empty dimension…
While he was slightly stunned, Gerald quickly snapped out of it before walking over to the old man…
“Ah, here you are, mister! Come, have a seat!” invited the old man before Gerald could even say a word.
Upon hearing that, Gerald simply did as he was told.
Watching as Gerald sat opposite of him, the old man then said, “Since you’re already here, why not play a game with me?”
Nodding in response, Gerald simply replied, “It would be an honor to play with you, sir!”
Smiling, the old man chose not to say anything as he slowly waved his hand… and just like that, the Go board was cleared.
Seeing that, Gerald respectfully said, “After you, sir!”
Still choosing to remain silent, the old man simply grinned as a stone hovered out from the Go bowl and placed itself on the board!
While the magical scene definitely surprised Gerald, he quickly snapped out of it, knowing that it was now his turn.
Taking a black stone out from the Go bowl, Gerald then placed it on the board as well.
While it was true that Gerald had some experience with Go, it wasn’t a lot by any means. With that in mind, he wasn’t particularly good at the game. Even so, the game was an immersive one, and the duo continued putting stone after stone on the board… until eventually, Gerald’s defeat was sealed.
“Try not to get overly impatient or anxious, mister. You have to learn to understand the profound meaning of the game…,” said the old man.
Upon hearing that, Gerald could immediately tell that there was some underlying meaning behind those words. If what he had managed to gather was correct, in order to fully grasp the bamboo’s meaning, he first needed to understand the game inside out…
With that in mind, the second game soon commenced.
While Gerald was certainly no expert yet, he had improved considerably compared to the first game.
Gerald had realized that he had merely been on the defense throughout the first game. Due to that, he lacked the strength to counterattack at the last moment and was promptly defeated. In Torme’s words, he had been ‘led astray’.
Regardless, now that he knew where his mistake was, Gerald no longer remained on the defensive. Instead, he launched attack after attack! After a vigorous battle with the old man, however, Gerald still ended up losing.
“You’ve greatly improved from the last game, mister! Your success is near! I can feel it!” said the man before clearing the board again.
The second the third game began, Gerald took the initiative to attack. He wasn’t about to get led astray by the old man anymore. Instead, he was going to be the dominant one this time!
Since his Go game skills had greatly improved by this point, it honestly surprised even Gerald himself that the old man wasn’t able to launch any counterattacks.
Either way, after an even more vigorous battle than before, Gerald finally attained victory.
“Congratulations on gaining a complete understanding, mister! You may leave now!” said the old man after losing the game.
Surprised to hear that, Gerald was about to ask something when he realized that the old man and the go board had vanished!