Into the Heart of the Trials
Chapter 7: Into the Heart of the Trials
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Kai stood still for a moment, gazing at the Beast Core he had just harvested from the Midnight Direwolf. The energy it pulsed with felt intoxicating, like a key to unlocking even greater potential. He carefully stored the core in his storage ring, knowing it would be useful for further upgrades or even sold to those in need. But something nagged at the back of his mind. The realm was far from over, and the real challenges were only just beginning.
"Master," Selene spoke, her voice cutting through his thoughts, "we've defeated the Midnight Direwolf. But this is just one trial. There are many more in this realm, and each one will be even more dangerous."
Kai nodded. He could feel the weight of Selene's words. The Realm of Trials was a place where strength was tested, not just by beasts but by everything within. His senses heightened as he felt the ominous pulse of energy filling the air. This was no ordinary realm—it was a place of tests, traps, and unimaginable challenges.
"Let's keep moving," Kai said, gripping his sword tighter. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
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System Notification:
Entering New Area: The Labyrinth of Trials
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As Kai and Selene moved deeper into the realm, the environment around them began to change. The once-barren land gave way to a twisting, labyrinthine structure of stone walls and dark corridors. The air was thick with dust, and the floor was cracked and uneven. Strange sounds echoed from every direction—scraping noises, faint growls, and the occasional crash.
"This labyrinth... it's not just a physical trial," Selene murmured. "It's designed to test your mind and will. Keep your wits about you, Master."
Kai took a deep breath. He had been through physical trials before, but mental ones? Those were another story entirely. He gripped his sword tightly, ready for anything, but the oppressive atmosphere made his every step feel heavier.
As they ventured deeper, the walls began to pulse with a strange energy, and the shadows seemed to grow darker, as if they were alive. Kai's eyes darted around, but there was nothing visible. The labyrinth felt alive, constantly shifting, changing its layout, twisting and turning.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled. A low, guttural growl echoed through the labyrinth, sending a chill down Kai's spine.
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System Notification:
Beast Encounter: Cursed Golem (S-Rank)
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Before Kai could react, a massive form emerged from the shadows—a towering golem, its stone body covered in dark, jagged runes that glowed with an eerie, unnatural light. Its eyes were burning red, and it let out a terrifying roar, causing the walls of the labyrinth to shake.
Kai's heart skipped a beat. An S-Rank beast—here, in the labyrinth? He hadn't expected such a powerful creature this deep into the trial.
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Beast Encounter Display:
Name: Cursed Golem
Rank: S-Rank
Type: Elemental, Earth
Abilities:
Stoneform: Turns into solid stone, becoming invulnerable to physical attacks for a short period.
Earthquake Slam: Slams the ground, causing a shockwave that can knock enemies off balance.
Rune Curse: Applies a curse to nearby enemies, weakening them over time.
Behavior: Aggressive, relentless. Uses the environment to its advantage.
Chances of Encounter: Extremely rare in the Realm of Trials.
Potential Use: Valuable for its elemental abilities, can be broken down for its magical stones or used to enhance other beasts.
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"This... this is bad," Kai muttered, stepping back. He could feel the ground beneath him starting to rumble, the golem's immense weight causing cracks to form in the stone beneath his feet. The very air around them seemed to pulse with dark magic.
"Master," Selene said, her voice unwavering, "this beast is no match for us. Stay back."
Kai turned to her, his eyes wide. "But—"
Before he could finish, Selene stepped forward, her aura flaring to life. Her form shimmered, transforming into something far more terrifying—like a divine being, her power now fully unleashed. With a single wave of her hand, the labyrinth itself seemed to tremble.
"Get ready, Master," she said, her voice calm and deadly. "This will be over in an instant."
Kai watched in awe as Selene raised her hand toward the golem. The air crackled with power, and in the blink of an eye, a blast of pure energy shot from her palm, crashing into the golem's chest. The golem staggered back, but its massive form remained standing, its red eyes glaring in defiance.
Selene's eyes narrowed, and with a sudden movement, she disappeared. In an instant, she reappeared above the golem, her sword drawn. A single strike was all it took.
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System Notification:
Beast Defeated: Cursed Golem (S-Rank)
Reward: 500 Experience Points, Elemental Rune, Golem's Heartstone, Golem's Core.
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Kai blinked in disbelief. The golem was shattered, its stone body crumbling to the ground in a heap of rubble. A dark energy began to dissipate from the golem's core, as if it were releasing its last breath.
"That was... too easy," Kai said, his voice tinged with awe.
Selene landed gracefully beside him, her expression as calm as ever. "You've underestimated me, Master. I am not just strong—I am perfection. But remember, this realm is filled with more than just physical threats."
Just as the last remnants of the golem's body crumbled to dust, the walls of the labyrinth began to tremble once again. A low rumble echoed through the corridors, this time much stronger.
Kai's eyes widened. "What now?"
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System Notification:
Warning: Labyrinth Core Awakening. New Trial: The Maze of Shadows is now active.
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The ground beneath their feet cracked open, and dark tendrils of shadow shot upward, twisting and writhing like serpents. The walls seemed to warp, and the light in the labyrinth dimmed to almost nothing. The air grew thick with malice.
Kai looked at Selene, who was now glowing brighter, her aura flaring up. "Selene, what's going on?"
Selene's expression was serious for the first time. "The true trial is beginning. We've disrupted the Labyrinth's core by defeating the golem. Now we must face the Maze of Shadows—a test of both strength and spirit."
Kai's grip on his sword tightened. "We don't have much time, do we?"
Selene shook her head. "No. The shadows are alive, and they won't stop until they've consumed everything. We must survive, or we will be lost."
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To Be Continued...
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