NOVEL WEB Chapter 9 - Trial (1)
Scene 009: Trial (1)
In Another World Online, each NPC is defined by their “personality”—a unique combination of traits and abilities that forms their core attributes and basic skill set. However, only characters from the original story are granted a personality. The more exceptional the personality, the closer the character tends to align with the main cast.
The seven contrary virtues—humility, charity, kindness, patience, chastity, temperance, and diligence—are special traits possessed by only a chosen few. Characters such as Bella, Jackel, and other righteous figures belong to this category.
In contrast, Tristan was a discarded character.
___
Character Profile:
Name: Tristan Ruelberta
Age: 20
Occupation: Count of Ruelberta
Traits: Wealthy, Calculating, Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath.
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Tristan carried traits associated with the seven deadly sins: pride, greed, envy, and wrath. In short, he was a villain who embodied these extreme characteristics.
“This is beyond what I can handle on my own.”
Personality not only affects the character but also impacts those around them. Characters with good personalities attract positivity. Blessed with luck and fortune, talented people are drawn to them. On the other hand, characters with bad personalities face harsh futures. Self-serving villains gather, distrust festers, and betrayal follows. In the end, all are punished accordingly.
It is as if the world conspires to turn a person into a villain. That is the fate of those who are evil.
Tristan wasn’t given 526 miserable endings for no reason. His downfall was inevitable, sealed by the evil traits he carried.
“No matter what I do, Tristan’s fate is sealed. His doom is inevitable.”
That is why I chose the trial.
According to lore, trials are divine challenges meant to test and strengthen individuals. A trial is so grueling, it can even change someone’s personality. That’s exactly what I was aiming for.
As a dazzling light flashed, a voice echoed.
[You have entered the trial space!]
I found myself in an all-white area, probably a waiting room of some kind. I didn’t know much about trials, except that they were usually given to heroes. If I could pass this trial, I might even become as strong as one.
No, even if I couldn’t reach that level, I just wanted to be… normal.
[The trial will recreate moments from Tristan Ruelberta’s life.]
[A forgotten story will now be revealed.]
Ah, now I get it. From the explanation, it’s clear this is some sort of hidden backstory for the character.Normally, discovering a secret story would be thrilling for me as a longtime fan of the game.
But this is Tristan. I’m not the least bit excited.
I have a sinking feeling that this trial will be miserable.
“Sigh… Well, no turning back now.”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.
Then, another message appeared.
[The trial is starting!]
[Trial difficulty: Class A or higher]
“Class A…”
“Correct.”
“…Huh?”
I opened my eyes at the unexpected response. The once-empty white space had transformed into a room filled with antique furniture, and I was sitting at a dining table.
“It is impressive that you could appraise its value without even tasting the meat.”
In front of me was a beautifully grilled steak.
“So, do you know it’s worth?”
I glanced at the appraisal result that popped up.
—–
Name: Premium Tenderloin Steak
Description: A steak made from a premium cow raised in the southern region of Mekhael.
Appraised Value: About 170,000 Kael.
——
“About 170,000 Kael…”
“Correct.”
I looked across the table. Sitting opposite me was a handsome young man with long hair tied back.
“Tristan.”
“Yes.”
I replied instinctively. Deep down, I knew I couldn’t defy this man.
“Appraise everything.”
An overwhelming sense of fear washed over me. This was Tristan’s fear, and, compelled by it, I answered.
“Yes, Father.”
Count William Ruelberta, Tristan’s father, smiled, seemingly satisfied.
“Now, eat.”
Ding.
The old clock chimed exactly at noon. At the same time, a sinister message echoed in my mind.
[Personality Corruption is beginning.]
[Your current corruption level is at 5%.]
—
As Michaela’s trial unfolded, I found myself diving deeper into Tristan’s past. Each revelation left me more shocked than the last.
“…Wow.”
The mirror revealed a striking child of about ten—ethereally pale skin contrasted with flowing jet-black hair that reached his shoulders. His delicate features could easily be mistaken for a girl’s.
The reflection in the mirror showed a beautiful boy.
“So, even you had your prime…”
If not for his distinctively gloomy eyes, I wouldn’t have recognized him. Who would’ve thought that young Tristan was once an incredibly handsome boy?
“”If he just lost some weight and took better care of himself, he’d be pretty decent…”
He had good features—worth a try.
When this trial is over, I’ll start with a diet. After all, even a trash character can become great, depending on how you develop them.
“Now, the real problem is…”
I found myself transported back to Tristan’s childhood. Here, I needed to figure out how to clear the trial. The time limit seemed to be until my sense of self was completely consumed. If that happened, it would be game over.
“It is all or nothing,” I muttered to myself.
But Tristan’s childhood… it wasn’t something I knew. Since it didn’t appear in the original story, this was an untold chapter. Even though I had no interest in learning about that despicable count, I had no choice but to face it. There was no way around it.
Knock, knock.
“Young master, the hour approaches. Might you require any assistance?” The servant’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I quickly dressed. “No need. We depart now.”
When I opened the door, the servant looked startled. “Sir?”
“What is it?”
“Oh, nothing. We should head down quickly. The Count is waiting.”
The servant hurried ahead, clearly flustered. Outside, William was standing in front of the carriage, holding a silver watch.
“You’re 24 seconds late.”
“I-I’m sorry,” the servant stammered, bowing deeply. But William, apparently considering it too trivial to address, ignored her and climbed into the carriage.
“Get in. It’s still within acceptable limits,” he said coolly.
I followed him inside. As expected of the Ruelberta family, the carriage was luxurious and spacious. On top of that, the ride was remarkably smooth—truly a masterpiece crafted by the Empire’s finest artisans.
As I marveled at the carriage, I noticed the servant beside me glancing nervously in my direction. Was she still worried about the earlier delay? Before the silence could grow more uncomfortable, William spoke up.
“Tristan.”
“Yes?”
“What is wrong with your hair?”
Ah… it was my first time dealing with long hair, and I must’ve tied it poorly. I caught a glimpse of my awkwardly tied ponytail in the window’s reflection. So that’s what the servant had been trying to point out earlier… How embarrassing.
Sensing that giving William the wrong answer would be a mistake, I replied vaguely, “It is more practical this way. It also saves time.”
William’s brow furrowed. Did I say something wrong? I felt a trickle of cold sweat on my back. Not knowing what he was thinking made the tension unbearable. But his response was unexpected.
“That’s true.”
He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. Absentmindedly playing with his long hair, he said, “Butler, starting tomorrow, I’ll tie my hair like that too.”
“Pardon? But—”
“It’s more efficient.”
“U-understood…”
William pulled out a small watch from his pocket and checked the time. Even in such a simple gesture, he showed no hint of carelessness. Indeed, there was nothing superfluous about him at all. He was a man unlike any other—handsome, yet with a strangely weary expression.
This was William Ruelberta, Tristan’s father and the former head of the family. I only knew that Count William had died young. Every head of the Ruelberta family had died young, passing the title on early. Tristan, too, had inherited the position when he was still quite young.
‘But it’s hard to believe…’ William’s death had been recorded as a suicide. Yet, as I looked at him now, he didn’t seem like someone who would take his own life.
‘What happened?’ The hidden past of the Ruelberta family—if I could uncover it, it might be the key to clearing this trial.
Cautiously, I asked, “By the way, where are we going today?”
William tilted his head slightly. “You’re asking strange questions. Didn’t I already tell you? We’re visiting the Duke Isaachel family.”
He added, “It’s the young lady’s birthday today. You did bring a gift, didn’t you?”
…Did I?