Chapter 96: Secrets of the Forgotten Ruins

The air grew colder as Lin Tian and his party delved deeper into the Forgotten Ruins. The faint hum of energy resonated through the ancient corridors, growing stronger with every step. Murals depicting legendary battles between tamers and beasts adorned the walls, each scene etched with stunning detail.

Lin Tian activated his system interface to record the murals, ensuring no detail was missed.

[System Notification: Historical Data Recorded. Potential Connection to Pre-Awakening Era.]

Elara studied the carvings. "These murals suggest these ruins were built by an advanced tamer civilization. They seem to focus on something... beyond just beasts."

Lin Tian nodded, his gaze scanning a particular mural that depicted a figure holding a radiant artifact. "That artifact… it might be what we're looking for. Let's proceed cautiously."

The Labyrinth of Trials

The group entered a vast chamber where the ground shifted beneath their feet, forming a labyrinth. A disembodied voice echoed:

"Only the worthy who prove their wisdom, strength, and bond with their beasts may claim the treasures within."

Lin Tian analyzed the labyrinth through his system.

[System Notification: Dynamic Labyrinth Detected. Threat Level: Medium-High. Estimated Time to Completion: Variable.]

"Shadow Serpent, scout the paths," Lin Tian ordered. The serpent disappeared into the shadows, its movements silent and swift.

"Phoenix, light up the walls. Yuefeng, maintain a defensive barrier," Lin Tian instructed.

The group advanced cautiously, following Shadow Serpent's guidance. Along the way, they encountered traps that tested their wits and teamwork. At one point, a swarm of ethereal wraiths attacked, drawn to their energy.

"Phoenix, purify them with your flames!" Lin Tian commanded.

The phoenix unleashed a wave of radiant fire, dispelling the wraiths. Yuefeng reinforced their barriers, shielding the team from harm.

[System Notification: Threat Neutralized. Team Experience Gained.]

The Chamber of Bonds

At the heart of the labyrinth, the group entered a circular chamber with six pedestals, each glowing with a different elemental hue. The disembodied voice returned:

"Place your hands on the pedestals and let your bond guide you."

Lin Tian approached a pedestal marked with a fiery symbol. Phoenix joined him, their energies aligning as they activated the pedestal. Similarly, Yuefeng and Shadow Serpent took their places.

A surge of energy filled the room as the pedestals lit up, projecting visions of past battles and shared experiences between Lin Tian and his beasts.

[System Notification: Bond Synchronization Complete. Compatibility Level: 98%.]

The voice spoke again, its tone reverent. "You have proven your bond is true. Proceed to claim your reward."

The Core Artifact

A hidden passage opened, revealing a small chamber bathed in golden light. At the center stood an artifact: a crystalline sphere pulsating with energy.

[System Analysis: Artifact Detected. Classification: Relic of the Eternal Tamer. Function: Enhances Beast Tamer Abilities and Strengthens Beast Bonds.]

Elara's eyes widened. "This is a relic from the ancient tamer era. Its power could reshape the balance of taming across the world!"

Lin Tian approached cautiously, placing his hand on the artifact. The system reacted immediately.

[System Notification: Relic Synchronized. Unique Ability Unlocked: Beast Synergy Amplification.]

As the artifact fused with Lin Tian's system, his beasts let out triumphant roars. Their auras surged, signaling their enhanced strength.

An Ominous Presence

As the group prepared to leave, the chamber trembled. A dark figure emerged from the shadows, its aura suffocating.

"You dare claim what belongs to the Forgotten Ones?" the figure snarled, revealing itself as a corrupted tamer bonded to a shadow beast.

Lin Tian's system flared with warnings.

[System Alert: Hostile Entity Detected. Rank: High Elite. Strategy: Exploit Weakness in Shadow Core.]

"Elara, stand back!" Lin Tian said, summoning all his beasts. "This one's going to be tough."

The battle began, the chamber erupting with flashes of fire, light, and shadow as Lin Tian and his team fought to protect their newfound relic.

End of Chapter 96