"Welcome to the first floor, my Lord. Would you like something to drink?"
After stepping through the portal, Adonis found himself sitting on a chair at a dining table. For someone that had just traversed realms, he found himself strangely relaxed, and in comfort.
Standing before him was a maidservant, whose beauty could have rivalled Queen Whiteheart herself, and the room... it was lavish beyond comprehension.
He seemed to be sitting in the dining room of a castle. On the high ceiling above him were paintings painted onto the stone, depicting events unfamiliar to his memory. The room was tens of meters wide and long, and everything seemed to be made from white marble with golden etching. Even the table in front of him.
Adonis looked into the Hazel eyes of the maidservant, who stood obediently in her black dress, awaiting his orders.
"Who are you?" He asked.
The maid flashed him a smile.
"My name is unimportant my lord. But I am here to deliver your every need. Might you like a massage or perhaps a meal of your choosing? We have cuts of meat from every animal you could-"
Her words were cut off, as Adonis rose from his chair and began to further take in his surroundings. There was a window on the far side of the room, and as he made his way over, he was given sight of a tremendous view.
A garden lay outside, with a fountain of water, which fell from the hands of a majestic female statue. The hedges and grass of the garden were trimmed and, past its edges, stretched an expansive city with what seemed to be hundreds of buildings similar in design.
Even for a man like Adonis, it was a lot to take in.
The maidservant remained stood behind him, waiting.
"Is this the First Trial?" He asked.
The maidservant smiled again.
"We do not like to call this world a 'trial', but I understand that it might make sense to view it that way."
Not a trial... well it does not seem like one yet.
"So, what would you call this place?"
The maidservant outstretched her arms as if presenting the world to Adonis.
"This," she spoke excitedly, eyes glittering under the chandelier light. "Is Mzdrig's Paradise. The land of all you can imagine."
As Adonis heard the strange name, he felt a sense of familiarity wash over him but did not know why.
As he glanced out of the window once again, he noticed a man and lady walking by holding hands. The smiles on their faces told him that their lives were filled with joy.
Adonis tried his best to piece the puzzle together.
He was certain that he had entered the portal in the academy, which was said to lead to the higher floors. However, that was only speculation made by King Blackheart and many other governors of the world. In truth, since no one had ever returned from the portals after entering, what was said to come afterwards was mere speculation.
This maid, however, seemed to have answers.
He turned towards her, and flashed her a smile of his own, trying his best to come off as friendly. He knew not whether she was an enemy or an ally, but it hardly mattered. If she attacked, he was prepared.
"Am I still within the academy grounds?" He asked her. "And if so, can you tell me what is going on?"
As if his words triggered some sort of dialogue sequence, the maid kept her smile and began to explain to him the information that he truly wished to know.
"This is Mzdrig's Palace. The world where we servants have been granted the power to cater to your every need. Want your palace redesigned to your liking, or perhaps, need access to the finest whores and chefs of the land? We are here to provide your needs so that you enjoy your stay here, which we hope is a long one."
The more the maid spoke, the more cheerful she grew. However, as the topic changed, her face became more serious.
"However, Mzdrig sadly understands that not all visitors wish to stay here... If you would like to leave, then you are welcome to do so. All you must do is go seven days without enjoying the luxuries of our land. Afterwards, you will be brought to Mzdrig, and granted leave."
Adonis scratched at his chin, as he took in the plethora of information. It seemed that the events were starting to make sense to him.
So, this is the first trial, and it is a test of integrity. Mzdrig, who I assume is some sort of ruler, has granted us visitors every luxury that we can imagine, trapping us within his world. If we wish to leave, all we must do is refuse.
...
But that is hardly a trial. There must be more to it.
"What will happen if I refuse your services?"
The maid's face kept its serious expression. It was not an idea she was fond of.
"Not only will you lose all access to the palaces, and the service of the maids, but your life will also be in danger."
There it is.
"How so?"
The maid reached into her pocket and pulled from it a medallion. At its center was ruby which glowed faintly.
"This is the source of the servant's power. Without it, we are unable to use the magic which grants us the ability to bring such luxuries to Mzdrig's world. However, the more people that refuse our blessings, the weaker the source gets."
As she continued to explain, Adonis couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
Now, he understood this trial completely.
"So those that wish to stay in this world see us as hindrances? If they kill or stop us from trying to escape, then it will prolong the time that they are allowed to stay here."
The maid's smile returned once again.
"That's right, my Lord. So, do you wish to accept our services?"
Adonis' laugh grew louder, as he gained control of the concept that he wished to utilise. Then, he made his way over towards the exit of the palace.
"No." He pronounced in a blunt tone. "I do not."