Chapter-239

That respected coach had ignited Sin's ambition through strict but fatherly guidance long ago. His lessons and expectations drove Sin to exceed all limits. This knight now embodied that tireless spirit.

More than a tool, the knight would be an extension of the mentor himself, carrying on his legacy of discipline and determination. Though only hollow wood and bone, a part of his essence now inhabited it.

This fitting tribute stirred pride and bitterness within Sin. All his achievements were thanks to that mentor. Yet they had parted ways bitterly after Sin rejected his warnings against obsessive pursuit of power.

Perhaps in time they would reconcile once Sin's ascendance was complete. For now, he focused on the journey ahead. But this knight would remind him of the patience and wisdom of his former master along the way.

Its visage would be a calm guide even amidst chaos, just as the old coach had been. In shaping this creation in his former teacher's image, Sin again felt the humble student. An echoed voice seemed to say "I am proud, but be prudent as well."

With a resolved sigh, Sin prepared to continue upwards equipped with this unexpected spiritual reinforcement. The path was solitary, but he did not walk alone. Unseen hands yet steered him true when he faltered.

Faithful student and gracious master - their bond outlasted bitter partings. Subconsciously, Sin still sought to make him proud through exceeding expectations and realizing his potential. One day they would reunite again.

But for now, Sin returned his focus to the present. A long road yet lay ahead, and he could not afford distraction or doubt. His mentor's legacy was now embodied in this knight. It was enough to continue onward without looking back.

Eyes bright with renewed purpose, Sin gave the signal to advance. The knight acquiesced, moving in perfect synchrony with his stride. Bonded through wood and bone, they proceeded on the journey together.

The newly forged knight turned to face Sin, awaiting further direction. Though Sin referred to it as an old man, the puppet bore the guise of Sin's former mentor in his virile youth - a stalwart warrior in his prime. 

Kneeling respectfully, the knight spoke: "My liege, if you would be so gracious, please bestow upon me a name to carry into your service."

Sin was momentarily taken aback, having underestimated the autonomous will granted by his undead creation skill. But he recalled the magic allowed them intellects and desires of their own. This wish for identity was an early sign.

Recovering from his surprise, Sin contemplated an appropriate moniker for his subordinate. After a moment's thought, he proclaimed, "You shall be known as Stephen, embodiment of undying loyalty and might." 

The newly christened Stephen repeated the name slowly, as if savoring the sound. "Stephen...a fine name indeed, my lord. I could not be more honored by your divine gift. To receive this name is the pinnacle of happiness."

Sin couldn't help but twitch his face at the effusive praise over such a simple naming. Stephen's skeletonized mind clearly processed emotions differently than the living. Its excessive joy was somewhat comical.

Nonetheless, Sin accepted the devotion as further assurance of the undead warrior's absolute fealty. Stephen would serve unto oblivion if so commanded, never questioning or wavering. Such fidelity was useful.

Deciding to test the limits of Stephen's loyalty, Sin opened a portal to his personal pocket dimension using Kamui. He directed Stephen to step through the vortex alone and await further orders.

Without hesitation, Stephen stood and marched dutifully into the swirling rift between worlds. To be banished eternally to the cold darkness beyond would not make him falter if it was Sin's desire. Unquestioning obedience.

The rift sealed shut behind Stephen, leaving him stranded alone in the lightless void. Yet isolation in the endless nothingness elicited no despair or doubt within the hollow knight. He would remain ever-patient for Sin's return.

Before Sin send him there, he cast a genjutsu which defy laws of time in his mind. For him days turned to weeks as Stephen stood frozen in place, bereft of all sensory input. Neither boredom nor madness could take root in his empty mind. Only silent anticipation of his master's will.

At last, spacetime warped and a portal opened once more. Sin stepped through, his silhouette illuminated against the blinding light. Stephen knelt reverently before his returned lord, unaffected by months of abandonment.

Sin nodded, unsurprised by this display of unwavering loyalty. Through this test, Stephen's absolute fidelity was proven. Sin now held perfect assurance of his servant's obedience unto oblivion.

His point made, Sin bade Stephen rise and follow him back through the portal. More trials and battles lay ahead for master and subordinate. Stephen had passed the first test, but greater challenges awaited.

Sin's quest pushed ever onward, now with faithful Stephen in tow. Whatever the coming tribulations required, he knew Stephen would meet them with unwavering resolve. Such loyalty was power - silent, but indomitable.

After some time navigating the dungeon's dangers together, Sin and Stephen arrived at a bridge spanning an abyss, leading to the next level. Sin glanced at his subordinate. "Cross first alone. I will follow once you signal it is safe."

Without hesitation, Stephen marched forth into the shadows veiling the bridge's far end. Any threat awaiting mattered not, if it was Sin's command. He did not even turn back before vanishing from sight.

Minutes passed until finally a faint whistle sounded from the darkness beyond. Stephen's signal - the way ahead was clear. Stepping boldly forward, Sin crossed the bridge to reunite with his patient sentinel.

Nearing the 64th floor, Sin was certain enemies of far greater power lay ahead. He needed to harden Stephen through exercises in courage and obedience. These trials would forge Stephen into an unbreakable vessel of Sin's will.

In the next chamber, Sin conjured swirling portals on every surface, each leading to an unknown void. He directed Stephen to enter one, then return after finding and passing through the portal leading back. Blind leap of faith. 

Stephen walked into the writhing black surface without hesitation, plunging into absolute nothingness. Brief seconds later, he emerged back into the room through another portal, kneeling in obedience.

Nodding approval, Sin moved on satisfied Stephen would brave any abyss at his command. Through several more challenges, Stephen proved his willingness to endure all peril in Sin's name without question.

Next day, they stood before the gates to the 65th floor. Sin knew threats lurked ahead, requiring perfect synchronization with Stephen to overcome without using his full power. Their bond had been forged through blood and darkness. They were ready.

Sin gave the command to open the towering gates. With a groan of stone, the doors slowly swung inward, revealing a colossal arena sunk into the bedrock. Ghostly light illuminated the barren dirt stretching to the distant stands.

Sin sensed this would be their greatest trial yet. Turning to Stephen, he asked, "Are you prepared to sacrifice everything for victory this day?" Stephen simply knelt in silence. Sin smiled - the perfect answer.

Side by side, master and servant strode into the arena toward whatever awaited them. Stephen's loyalty had been proven absolute through every unflinching ordeal. Together, they now dared the ultimate test. Come what may, their bond would endure.

The gates sealed shut behind them as they reached the arena center. All remained quiet, until finally cavernous doors opposite opened. From the darkness lumbered a behemoth...