Chapter 3: The Unseen Threat

The ruins stretched on for what felt like miles, and with each passing minute, the sense of foreboding grew stronger. Lucas's instincts screamed at him to turn back, but he forced himself to continue. He wasn't about to let some weird system drag him into this world just to fail.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You are approaching the Guardian's Lair.

Prepare yourself.

The words rang out in his mind just as he reached a massive stone archway, flanked by two towering statues of ancient warriors. The air was thick with magic, and a faint light glowed from within the darkened passage ahead. The ground trembled slightly under his feet, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

Lucas paused, taking a deep breath. There's no turning back now.

He stepped into the archway, and the moment he did, the world around him seemed to shift. The dim glow of the ruins faded, replaced by an overwhelming darkness. The stone beneath his feet felt unstable, as though the very ground was alive. There were no sounds—just the oppressive silence that weighed heavily on him.

Then, the quiet was shattered by a low growl.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have encountered the Guardian of Eternum: The Stone Behemoth (Level 30).

Warning: This enemy is far stronger than you.

Do you wish to continue?

[YES] [NO]

Lucas's mind raced. He had seen the notification. Level 30? He was only level 2. But there was no turning back now. The world had thrust him into this situation. He wasn't going to back out just because the odds were stacked against him.

With gritted teeth, he selected [YES].

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have chosen to face the Guardian of Eternum.

Prepare yourself for battle.

The ground trembled once more, and a massive shape slowly emerged from the shadows. The Stone Behemoth was a colossal creature, nearly twenty feet tall, with jagged stone armor covering its entire body. It was a living fortress, and every step it took caused the ground to crack beneath its feet.

Its eyes—glowing like molten lava—focused on Lucas, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow. The Behemoth's arm swung back, its enormous fist cracking the air as it hurtled toward Lucas.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

New skill unlocked: [Dodge].

Use [Dodge] to avoid incoming attacks.

Lucas's heart raced as the notification flashed across his vision. He had no time to think. He sidestepped at the last possible moment, narrowly avoiding the Behemoth's fist as it crashed into the stone floor, creating a shockwave that sent him tumbling backward.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have successfully dodged the attack!

+10 Experience

HP: 90/100

He barely had time to recover before the Behemoth's massive foot stomped toward him. No way!

Instinctively, he raised his sword. The notification appeared just in time.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have unlocked skill: [Shield Bash].

Use it to block or deflect attacks.

Lucas swung the sword up, using the blunt edge to intercept the incoming blow. The force was nearly enough to knock him off his feet, but the sword held firm. I can't take many more hits like that. I need a plan.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Your Luck stat has activated.

You have a rare chance to land a critical hit.

Lucas saw his opening. The Behemoth's foot was still raised, its weight shifting forward. He focused all his remaining energy into one strike and leapt into the air.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Critical Hit!

You have landed a devastating blow to the Behemoth's weak spot.

The sword pierced deep into the creature's chest, and for a split second, Lucas thought he might actually win this fight. The Behemoth staggered, its massive form beginning to collapse. It let out a final, earth-shattering roar before crumbling to the ground in a cloud of dust and rubble.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

The Guardian of Eternum: Stone Behemoth defeated.

Loot Acquired: [Behemoth Core]

[Stone Shard]

[Guardian's Stone Armor Fragment]

Experience gained: 1000

Level Up!

New Level: 3

Lucas stood, panting heavily, his legs shaking. The ground was littered with the remnants of the Stone Behemoth. He had won. He couldn't believe it.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Congratulations, you have completed the Trial of the Ascendant.

Class choices unlocked: Warrior, Mage, or Rogue.

Lucas's eyes widened as the system offered him his next choice: Class Selection.