Nameless King

Wain and the others landed near one of the Great Tree's roots. Immediately several Spirits with pink wings headed toward them. They were quite powerful Spirits and could bring them many treasures and difficult challenges.

"Great. Now that's what I call the core of the Forgotten Forest!" Ern exclaimed, "We just got here, but we've already encountered more powerful spirits than before.

The spirits surrounded them, but nothing was happening yet. It was as if they were waiting for something.

Whoooooosh.

Several Spirits with red wings flew up to them. Everyone was shocked as they had only encountered one such Spirit before, in the temple, but here such Spirits were just flying around.

"It's been a long time since anyone has been here... What's more, only one of them is Elf, that's unexpected." One of the Spirits said.

"Anyway, it's not a big deal. You managed to get here, so you are worthy to pass our test." The other Spirit muttered.

"Then let's get started already." Ern smirked, "Whatever you have in store for us, we can handle! I'll be sure to take your treasures! I won't leave a single coin in this forest! Everything will be mine! Aahahahahahaha!"

"Demon... You have always coveted treasure more than anyone else, so this challenge is perfect for you." The Spirit said quietly.

Whoooooooooosh.

Spirits with purple wings swirled around them. They turned into a stream of light, and space began to change.

They found themselves in some kind of dark dungeon. It was lit only by a few dim torches, as no sunlight could reach it.

In the center was a large round table, prepared as if for a banquet. On the white tablecloth were plates, various cutlery, and neatly folded napkins. In the center was a huge empty platter and several red candles.

"Is that what I think it is?" Alas asked.

"Yes. This is definitely it. This looks like it will be the best challenge of my life!" Ern exclaimed as he sat down behind a chair.

They took their seats, and a Spirit with red wings appeared in the air.

"I think you've already guessed what kind of test awaits you, but I don't think you understand its seriousness." The Spirit said, "Let me show you."

Tremble.

The Spirit's aura intensified as his wings changed. They became much larger and changed their color to orange. It was the Legendary Spirit.

"Looks like we're in for something heavy..." Erza was wary.

"Yes. Obviously, you came here to get the Royal Spirit. Since you are here, I will tell you a little about it. You will easily find the Royal Spirit in the center of the Great Tree, but to get there, you must open a gate. As you understand, it's not that easy to do. To do that, you have to go through seven trials, and this is one of them. This is the test of Gluttony." The Spirit proclaimed as a portal opened over it.

"If you fail this trial, you will be banished from the Forgotten Forest, so your only option is to hold on until the end. This is the only way to the Royal Spirit. Now let us begin. Your task is to eat, eat and eat again. When the food runs out, then you win." The Spirit flapped its wings as it disappeared.

Bam.

Something appeared on the plates. It was a simple red apple.

"What is this shit?" Ern frowned, "I thought we were going to be fed, but instead, I'm being offered some pathetic fruit?"

"Don't complain. Just start eating." Erza said as he took a bite.

Alas, Wain and Erza quickly ate the apple. Since they hadn't eaten in a while, they enjoyed the sweet and slightly sour taste, but Ern didn't even touch it.

"Hmm... Maybe it's even good that you're so picky. We can check something out." Wain said as he took Ern's apple.

Even though it wasn't meant for him, Wain was able to eat it.

"So we can help each other in case of anything. That's good." Alas nodded.

"Huh, I'd like to see how this ordeal would have gone for the four Demons. They'd probably start fighting over who gets to eat the fruits and vegetables. Ahahahahahaha." Erza laughed.

"Pfft. Is it my fault that I don't like eating fruit? The best food is meat! Remember that!" Ern exclaimed.

Tremble.

The portal shuddered, and the next dish appeared on the plates, this made Ern smile broadly as it was four huge steaks.

"As ordered." Wain smiled as he picked up his knife and fork.

A minute later, Ern was finished with his steak. His plate was shiny, but the others had problems with it, especially Alas. Elves were the opposite of Demons in many things, food for sure. Fruits and vegetables were easy for Alas, but meat... he couldn't handle it. He had only eaten a quarter of it all that time, and it was already quite a feat.

"Give it to me. You Elves never understood how good meat is." Ern took Alas' steak.

The next step was dessert, and the sizes got a lot bigger. They started with a simple apple, but now everyone had a quarter of a chocolate cake with strawberry filling on their plate.

"I hope there's a sweet tooth among us?" Wain muttered.

"I am." Erza licked her lips, "If you don't want any, you don't have to eat it. I can handle these cakes myself."

Everything happened just about, as Erza said. Alas, Wain and Ern ate as much as they could. The cake was too sweet for them, so their maximum was half. Erza managed the rest easily and was even unhappy that she got so little.

The food got bigger and tastier in the next few stages, but the rules gradually began to change. The food got smaller, but the taste got worse. Wain and the others had to eat even if they didn't like it, they had no other choice.

"Shit! I can't take it anymore." Alas said, "I don't usually eat as much in a week as I did today."

"We need to keep going." Wain said as he shoved a piece of meat into his mouth, "Otherwise, you might forget about the Royal Spirit."