The First Dragon God-Chapter 84: Mictlan (II), The Trial Of The Black Water

The air shifted the moment Tatiana and Elda stepped into Mictlan. The temperature dropped sharply, and a biting cold seeped into their bones.

The Black River stretched before them, winding through the dark, barren landscape like an obsidian serpent. Its surface was unnaturally still, reflecting faint ripples of silvery light that seemed to originate from nowhere and everywhere at once.

The sky above was a vast expanse of muted grays, swirling with wisps of shadow and faint glimmers of light, like dying stars struggling against the void.

The faint sound of whispers carried on the wind, soft and unintelligible, as if the air itself held the echoes of the souls that once roamed here.

Tatiana took a cautious step forward, her heels crunching against the dry, cracked ground.

The land surrounding the river was barren, devoid of vegetation or life. Jagged rocks jutted out like the bones of some ancient, long-dead creature.

In the distance, faint, ghostly outlines of massive, crumbling structures loomed, shrouded in an eternal fog that seems to beat with an eerie life of its own.

Elda walked close behind her, her stance rigid, her eyes scanning the surroundings carefulky for any signs of danger.

Though her power had been sealed the moment they stepped into Mictlan, it doesn’t mean that she won’t do what she can to protect Tatiana if the need arises.

"Stay close, Princess. This place is the domain of two people that have authority over death. It’s not a place to be taken lightly—for us to take lightly," Elda murmured, as she continued looking around.

Tatiana glanced back at her Elda, offering a small, reassuring smile.

"I have no intention of wandering off. But I appreciate your vigilance."

Even though Tatiana said that, the two of them knew that things weren’t exactly as simple as it is.

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Their gaze were fixed on the Black River. It wasn’t the physical chill of the place that unnerved them, it was the oppressive weight of something far greater.

The moment they had stepped into Mictlan, the both of them had felt it: the overwhelming presence of a realm that was alive, watching, and utterly indifferent.

Elda’s suspicions were also confirmed when she felt her power leave her, drained away the instant her feet touched the cracked earth.

It wasn’t painful—more like a heavy door slamming shut, cutting her—them—off from their strength, rendering them powerless and making them feel like a "mortal".

"It’s just as I thought. Our powers are sealed," Elda muttered to herself.

"It’s just as you said. We are in their domain," Tatiana muttered in reply.

Even so, the vulnerability felt alien and unsettling. For beings as powerful as they were, to suddenly feel like mortals was a stark reminder of the forces they were dealing with.

The next moment, a low, resonating hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing second.

Both women turned their attention toward the Black River, their gazes snapping toward its surface. From the depths of its inky blackness, a figure began to rise.

The emissary.

Its form was ethereal and yet solid, a shifting amalgamation of black smoke and silver light. Its face was featureless, save for two glowing orbs that burned like miniature suns where its eyes should have been.

It towered over them, its presence suffocating, as if the air around it bowed under the weight of its existence.

"Mortals," the emissary intoned, its voice resonating like a choir of echoes. "You stand upon the threshold of Mictlan. State your purpose."

Elda stepped forward before Tatiana could respond, her gaze burning burning into the Emissary.

"We are no ordinary mortals. We come with purpose and with respect for your rulers. Choose your words carefully, emissary," she said with her voice, calm.

The emissary’s glowing eyes shifted toward Elda, and the weight of its gaze pressed down on her like a tidal wave, almost causing her to fall to her knees.

"Mortal, your arrogance is misplaced. Power and status matters not here. You stand in the domain of gods."

Before Elda could say anything else, Tatiana stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her arm.

"Enough, Elda," she said softly. "We are guests here, and we must behave accordingly

Elda hesitated but nodded, her jaw tightening slightly as she decided to back down a little. But she didn’t step back, as she stood protectively beside Tatiana.

Tatiana met the emissary’s glowing gaze. Even though she’s in the domain of a god, that doesn’t mean that she’s to scared to speak.

"We seek an audience with the rulers of this realm," she said. "We come prepared to offer something of great value in exchange for a favor."

The emissary tilted its head slightly, the gesture almost curious. "Few dare to tread this path. Fewer still survive it. Why should your request be granted?"

Elda stepped forward, unable to contain herself. "We came prepared—"

Tatiana raised a hand, silencing her companion with a glance. She met the emissary’s gaze—if it could be called that—with unwavering resolve.

"Because what we offer will strengthen their domain. And what we seek will only enhance the balance they maintain," Tatiana said with an unwavering voice.

The emissary’s glowing eyes narrowed, and the air seemed to grow heavier. It leaned closer, its towering form seemingly casting a long shadow over them.

"And why should the Lords of Mictlan entertain the whims of mortals?" it asked, the edge of mockery in its tone cutting through the stillness.

Tatiana’s hands remained at her sides, but her fingers twitched slightly, betraying the tension she kept hidden.

"Because what I seek will only enhance their domain. And what I offer in return will strengthen their claim in the Multiverse."

The emissary straightened, its form shifting like smoke caught in a breeze. It regarded her in silence for a long moment, the weight of its gaze pressing down on her.

Finally, it spoke again, its voice tinged with something akin to amusement.

"You speak with conviction. But words alone are insufficient."

It extended a hand, its elongated fingers pointing toward the Black River.

"To meet the rulers of Mictlan, you must first prove your worth. The Black River Trail awaits you."

Tatiana’s heart skipped a beat. She had heard of the trail—a gauntlet that tested not strength or skill, but the very essence of a soul. No one who had walked it came out unchanged.

"And what of me?" Elda asked sharply, motioning to herself.

The emissary turned its glowing gaze on her, and Elda felt a cold chill seep into her very core.

"You will remain. The trail is not for you."

Elda clenched her fists, her expression darkening.

"And what if I refuse?"

The emissary’s form seemed to grow larger, its presence more oppressive.

"Refusal is not an option. Interference will lead to annihilation."

Elda hesitated, her worry plain, but she nodded reluctantly.

"Be careful," she whispered.

Tatiana nodded and stepped toward the river, the jagged rocks beneath her feet crunching with each step.

The emissary raised its hand, and the waters of the Black River began to shift and churn.

The surface, once still, rippled with an unnatural energy, glowing faintly as if it held the secrets of the universe within its depths.

As Tatiana approached, the emissary’s voice rang out once more.

"The Black River Trail will strip away all pretense. It will show you what lies at the core of your being. Only by facing the truth within yourself can you hope to proceed."

Tatiana didn’t falter. She stepped into the river, the icy water biting into her skin like shards of glass.

The current was deceptively strong, pulling at her legs, but she pushed forward, her gaze fixed ahead.

The emissary watched silently as she disappeared into the fog that now swirled over the river’s surface.

Elda stood at the edge, her fists clenched tightly, her gaze filled with worry and defiance.

And then, the trail began.