Chapter 8: Elysium Awaits

Lin Mu stood at the edge of the now-calm forest, watching as the dark clouds of the Shadow Sovereign's defeat began to clear from the horizon. His breath was steady, his body still aching from the relentless battles that had led him here, but his mind was sharp, focused. The system had unlocked a new world for him—Elysium—and with it, a new challenge: the Trial of the Gods.

The name alone sent a shiver down his spine. Gods? Up until now, Lin Mu had faced beasts, corrupted creatures, and shadow-born entities, but gods were something entirely different. His hands clenched into fists, the weight of his new task settling in. He had come a long way, evolving from a confused, weak wanderer to someone capable of defeating dark forces, but Elysium sounded like a world on an entirely new level.

System Notification:

New World Unlocked: Elysium - High-tier Fantasy Realm.

Mission: Prepare for the Trial of the Gods.

Objective: Defeat the Trials and ascend to Godhood.

Lin Mu had to force a bitter chuckle. Ascend to Godhood? He wasn't sure if the system was pushing him too far, too fast, or if it had plans beyond his understanding, but he couldn't deny the surge of excitement that came with the challenge. Every step of his journey had made him stronger—both physically and mentally. Maybe… just maybe, this was another step toward realizing his full potential.

He swiped the air to pull up his system screen.

Host: Lin Mu

Level: 6

Strength: 10, Agility: 10, Endurance: 10, Intelligence: 7

Evolution Points: 30

Skills: Minor Regeneration, Bone Armor (Active), Abyssal Strike (Active), Shadow Resistance (Passive), Abyssal Healing (Passive)

With 30 Evolution Points now at his disposal, Lin Mu could make several key enhancements. He needed to be fully prepared before setting foot in Elysium. If the challenges in the lower-tier worlds had been this intense, a high-tier realm like Elysium would demand much more.

His eyes scrolled over the available evolutions, trying to weigh his options carefully.

Available Evolutions:

• Advanced Strength Enhancement – Cost: 10 EP

• Enhanced Speed Burst (Active) – Cost: 15 EP

• Divine Senses (Passive) – Cost: 20 EP

• Holy Resistance (Passive) – Cost: 15 EP

• Light Manipulation (Active) – Cost: 25 EP

Lin Mu paused on Divine Senses. It was a steep cost, but the description mentioned that it would enhance his awareness of supernatural and godly entities, allowing him to detect traps, ambushes, and the presence of divine beings. Given that Elysium's trials would revolve around the gods, that sounded like a crucial advantage.

He selected Divine Senses.

Divine Senses acquired. Your awareness of supernatural forces and divine beings has been greatly enhanced. You can now sense godly presences within a 100-meter radius.

A strange tingling sensation spread through Lin Mu's body as the new ability took hold. His senses sharpened, and for a moment, the world around him seemed brighter, clearer. He could feel the faint remnants of the Shadow Sovereign's dark energy fading from the forest and the distant pulse of power from the still-glowing trees. It was as if the very fabric of the world had become more tangible, more real to him.

Satisfied with his first upgrade, Lin Mu still had 10 Evolution Points remaining. He needed something to complement his physical prowess, especially if he was going up against divine entities. Holy Resistance seemed like a natural choice, particularly if he was going to face beings that wielded light or celestial power.

Without hesitation, he selected Holy Resistance.

Holy Resistance acquired. You are now 50% more resistant to light-based and divine attacks.

With his upgrades complete, Lin Mu felt a new sense of power and readiness flow through him. He was stronger than ever, but more importantly, he was prepared for whatever lay ahead in Elysium.

Taking a deep breath, he focused on the system, bringing up the notification for the world transition. The familiar feeling of the world around him beginning to dissolve took hold, and within moments, he was pulled into the void—leaving the forest and the remnants of the Shadow Sovereign behind.

When Lin Mu opened his eyes, the first thing that struck him was the sky. It was a brilliant blue, not the dull, overcast gray he had grown accustomed to in the previous realms. The air was fresher, purer, and the landscape before him was breathtaking. Vast golden plains stretched out in all directions, dotted with towering marble pillars and statues of long-forgotten deities. In the distance, colossal mountains with gleaming temples perched on their peaks loomed over the land, their snowy summits shimmering in the sunlight.

Elysium.

This world was unlike any he had seen before. There was no sense of foreboding or darkness here—at least, not on the surface. Everything appeared almost peaceful, divine in its beauty. But Lin Mu knew better. The system wouldn't send him here without a reason. Beneath the beauty of this realm, danger awaited.

System Notification:

Mission: Trial of the Gods - First Challenge Unlocked.

Objective: Prove your worth in the Garden of Immortals.

Lin Mu took a deep breath, squinting as he examined the path before him. The Garden of Immortals. That didn't sound too bad, but if it was a trial set by the gods, he had no doubt it would be anything but easy.

He began walking toward the mountains in the distance, his senses alert for any signs of danger. With his Divine Senses active, he could feel the faint presence of something powerful in the direction of the garden. It wasn't hostile—not yet, at least—but it was strong.

The journey through the golden plains was deceptively peaceful. There was no immediate threat, no dark creatures stalking him from the shadows. Yet, the sense of unease grew stronger with every step he took. The gods would not make this easy for him.

As Lin Mu approached the entrance to the Garden of Immortals, he felt it—a surge of power. The ground beneath him trembled, and the marble archway that led into the garden shimmered with divine energy.

Suddenly, a voice boomed from the archway, resonating through the air like a thunderclap.

"Mortal, you dare to enter the realm of the gods?"

Lin Mu froze, his heart pounding. The voice was ancient, commanding, filled with a power that made his bones vibrate. This was it. The trial had begun.

"Only those worthy of immortality may walk these sacred grounds. Prove yourself, or be cast into the abyss of oblivion."

Before Lin Mu could respond, the archway glowed with blinding light, and the garden beyond it shifted. Where once there had been serene beauty, now stood towering figures—statues of ancient gods that seemed to pulse with life. Each one radiated power, their eyes glowing with divine light as they turned their gaze upon Lin Mu.

The trial had begun.

System Notification:

Trial of the Gods: First Challenge - Defeat the Guardians of the Garden.

Objective: Defeat the three guardians and claim the blessing of immortality.

Lin Mu took a deep breath, his muscles tensing as he prepared for battle. The statues of the gods began to move, their massive forms stepping down from their pedestals, each one wielding a weapon forged from divine energy. They were slow but deliberate, their presence suffocating.

He had faced powerful enemies before—creatures of shadow and darkness—but these were gods. Or at least, fragments of their power. This was a fight unlike any other.

The first guardian, a towering figure wielding a spear of golden light, charged toward Lin Mu, its every step shaking the ground. Lin Mu gritted his teeth, activating Bone Armor and summoning the dark energy of Abyssal Strike into his weapon.

This fight would push him to his limits, but he would not back down.

Not here. Not now.

The first strike came, and Lin Mu leaped into the fray, determined to prove his worth.