The trial : rabbits on steroids

Chapter 4 The trial : rabbits on steroids

Lucian was still curious but he had to wait a bit longer before he could find out the secret behind his dream, the entity and his job classes

System: "Would the host like to test their new abilities with a trial, or would you prefer to view the bonuses that have been granted to you?"

Lucian, still in awe of the information he'd received so far, tilted his head in thought. "Bonuses first. Let's see what I've got."

Ding…

Bonuses Granted to Host:

~ Infinite Inventory: A spatial storage system with unlimited capacity for items, weapons, and materials. Accessible anytime.

~ Celestial Grade Weapon: A divine weapon imbued with holy power, adaptable to the host's preferred combat style.

~ Celestial Grade Mask: A mystical mask that enhances perception, grants partial immunity to curses, and conceals the wearer's identity

50 Faith Points (already added to total).

~ One Summon Hatchling: A spirit hatchling of the host's chosen element (selectable).

Lucian's jaw dropped as he reviewed the list. "Wow… that's awesome!"

As the ring and mask materialized before him, Lucian's heart raced. He instinctively activated his Eyes of Truth, and the glowing golden screen revealed the hidden details of the artifacts.

Eden – The Celestial Mask

Description: A divine artifact of celestial origin, forged by an ancient entity beyond time and space. The mask's intricate carvings of celestial beings glowed faintly, its alternating gold and black color scheme radiating an otherworldly power.

Properties:

Null Effects: Immune to all powers and skills, regardless of rank or origin.

Bonded Artifact: Permanently bonded to Lucian; can only be removed by his will.

Constant Divine Energy: Amplifies strength, stamina, and abilities with an endless flow of divine energy.

Identity Shield: Conceals Lucian's identity from all forms of detection, even divine or omniscient ones.

Unbreakable: Cannot be damaged by any means.

Celestial Fear: Feared by the Celestial God of Eternity, marking it as an artifact of supreme power.

Blessings of Multiplicity: Grants enhanced vitality, divine protection, and unmatched perception.

Shapeshifting: Adapts its appearance to suit Lucian's will or situation.

Additional Skill:

Ethereal Barrier: Generates an invisible, indestructible barrier in times of danger, nullifying all attacks in a wide radius.

Mediodis – The Living Celestial Weapon

Description: A sentient artifact capable of transforming into a tattoo, ring, or any celestial weapon. Mediodis radiated an ominous yet majestic aura, with flowing black, red, and gold patterns pulsing like a heartbeat.

Properties:

Shapeshifting: Can transform into any celestial weapon, tailored for offense or defense.

Dynamic Power Adjustment: Amplifies or reduces power at will, ensuring Lucian's control over its destructive capabilities.

Cursed Death Skills:

Final Eclipse: A one-time, devastating attack that obliterates everything within a vast radius.

Eternal Chains: Binds enemies' souls, preventing resurrection or reincarnation.

Bonded Artifact: Only usable by Lucian, unless willingly passed on, which comes at great risk.

Living Entity: Mediodis communicates telepathically and influences decisions during combat.

Boost: Increases Lucian's overall abilities by 70%, including strength, speed, and energy manipulation.

Additional Skill:

Celestial Rebirth: Sacrifices part of its essence to resurrect Lucian once, at the cost of permanently losing a death skill.

Lucian was speechless, his hands trembling as he reached for the mask and ring. "These… these are beyond anything I could've imagined."

The system chimed in. "Host, you now wield artifacts of celestial legend. They will aid you on your divine path. But to fully harness their potential, you must test your newfound abilities in combat."

Lucian hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Fine. Let's see what I'm capable of now."

Ding…

Transporting Host to Trial Grounds.

In an instant, Lucian was engulfed by a golden light, finding himself in the middle of a dense, mystical forest. The air was thick with the scent of nature, and faint growls echoed in the distance.

"Welcome to the " Trial Grounds, host," the system announced. "Survive, conquer, and prove your worth."

Lucian smirked, his nervousness fading as adrenaline took over. "Let's do this."

Lucian walked cautiously through the forest, his eyes scanning for danger. Soon, his gaze fell upon a small, horned rabbit hopping innocently in the distance. He couldn't help but chuckle at its harmless appearance.

"Well, I guess not everything here is dangerous," he muttered, stepping closer.

But the moment the rabbit noticed him, its innocent face twisted into a grotesque snarl.

"What the—?" Lucian barely managed to react as the rabbit began to grow, its tiny body swelling to the size of a 12-year-old child. Its muscles bulged like a bodybuilder on steroids, veins pulsing visibly beneath its fur.

Lucian's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me…"

Before he could process the absurdity, the rabbit let out a high-pitched screech, summoning others of its kind. Within seconds, Lucian was surrounded by a horde of muscle-bound horned rabbits, each hopping into a circle around him with menacing glares.

The system chimed in.

Ding…

Quest Issued!

Defeat the Low-Level Horned Demon Rabbits (0/10)

Reward:

Bloodline Cleansing Pill

100 Faith Points per rabbit

100 EXP Points per rabbit

Penalty:

Reduction in Stats by -5

Lucian snapped out of his daze, the stakes sinking in. "A penalty? Oh, great… Guess I'm doing this."

He activated Eyes of Truth, scanning the closest rabbit.

Horned Demon Rabbit

Rank: Low-Level Demon (F Rank)

Description: A cute little bunny—NOT. Its deceptive appearance hides immense strength and cunning. This rabbit is a ruthless predator, capable of overwhelming foes with sheer muscle and demonic agility.

Skills:

Demon Rabbit Slash: A clawed slash capable of tearing through flesh.

Mega Grow: Temporarily enlarges its muscles and strength.

Boxing: Delivers quick, precise punches.

Demon Shot: Fires a concentrated energy blast.

Lucian gulped, taking a shaky fighting stance.

The first rabbit stepped forward, bouncing side to side in a perfect boxing stance, its little fists raised like a pro.

Lucian stared, dumbfounded. "Are you seriously trying to box me?"

Without warning, the rabbit lunged, its right paw swinging in a jab. Lucian barely dodged, stumbling backward. The rabbit followed with a flurry of punches, one landing square in Lucian's stomach and knocking the wind out of him.

"Ugh!" he groaned, clutching his torso. "You little monster!"

He retaliated with a wild punch, but the rabbit ducked and countered with an uppercut, sending Lucian staggering.

Lucian wiped the blood from his lip, his frustration mounting. "Okay, no more playing around."

He focused, summoning the white flames of divine energy into his fists. The flames roared to life, swirling like miniature vortexes.

The rabbit paused, its beady eyes narrowing as it seemed to reconsider its next move.

"Not so tough now, are you?" Lucian taunted, charging forward.

He swung a flaming fist, narrowly missing as the rabbit dodged with a nimble leap. But Lucian anticipated the move, spinning around and delivering a flaming backhand to the creature's side. The rabbit let out a guttural screech as it was sent flying into a tree, its body bursting into a puff of demonic smoke upon impact.

Ding…

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (1/10)

The other rabbits growled, their muscles bulging even further as they activated Mega Grow.

"Oh, come on!" Lucian groaned, bracing himself as three rabbits charged simultaneously.

The first leaped high, aiming a Demon Rabbit Slash at his face. Lucian ducked and retaliated with an upward punch, his flaming fist connecting with the rabbit's chin and sending it skyward.

The second rabbit lunged low, throwing a flurry of punches at Lucian's legs. He hopped back, countering with a sweeping kick wreathed in flames, sending the rabbit sprawling.

The third rabbit fired a Demon Shot, a fiery red orb of energy. Lucian barely dodged, feeling the heat singe his hair. He quickly closed the distance, delivering a devastating right hook that reduced the rabbit to ash.

Ding…

Horned Demon Rabbits Defeated! (3/10)

Breathing heavily, Lucian adjusted his stance, wiping sweat from his brow. His movements were sloppy, his strikes imprecise, but he was learning—adapting to the rabbits' unpredictable fighting style.

As the remaining rabbits circled him, Lucian grinned. "Alright, who's next?"

The rabbits attacked in unison, a whirlwind of claws, fists, and leaping bodies. Lucian ducked, weaved, and countered as best he could, his flames flaring with each strike.

One rabbit swung at him from the left, it's claws aiming for his ribs . Lucian stepped inside it's reach and drove his flaming fist into it's stomach , sending it flying into another rabbit. The two collieded in midair, exploring in a burst of white fire.

Ding..

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (5/10)

Another rabbit leapt onto his back, it's claw digging into his shoulders. Lucian grunted in pain but twisted Sharply, slamming the creature into the ground. He stomped down, his flames engulfing it.

Ding …

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (6/10)

"Six down," he muttered through gritted teeth ,his breath coming in short gasps

The last three rabbits seemed to hesitate, their glowing eyes flickering as they sized him up.

On of them screech growled and activated Mega Grow , it's body swelling until it was nearly Lucian size .

"Why am I not surprised of course"

Lucian groaned

"They get bigger."

The massive rabbit roared and charged, thunderous steps shaking the ground Lucian planted his feet, his fist glowing brighter

When the rabbit swung a tree-truck- like-arm, Lucian ducked under it and countered with a fiery uppercut to its jaw. The force of the blow staggered the creature,but quickly recovered, throwing a flurry of punches.

Lucian dodged and blocked, his arms trembling with each impact. "Okay, you hit like a freight train. Noted "

He waited for an opening, then slipped past the rabbit's guard and drove both fists into its chest . The flames erupted in a massive burst, consuming the creature in an instant.

Ding..

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (7/10).

The remaining two rabbits tried to flee, but Lucian wasn't about to let them go. He dashed forward, flames trailing behind him, And delivered a devastating kick to one rabbit's back. It exploded into ash before it hit the ground.

Ding..

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (8/10)

The last rabbit turned to face him, snarling defiantly. Lucian smirked. " You're brave. I'll give you that."

He raised his hand, a ball of white fire formed in his palm, and hurled it at the creature. The rabbit screeched as the flames engulfed it, leaving nothing but a scorch mark on the forest floor.

Ding…

Horned Demon Rabbit Defeated! (9/10)

Lucian straightened, panting heavily. "Nine down… One to go, where is it anyway.'