Chapter 5: The First Guardian
The morning came swiftly, bringing with it a sense of urgency. Aric stood at the edge of the Guardian's domain, a vast clearing surrounded by towering stone pillars. The air felt heavier here, crackling with unseen energy. His clones flanked him, their expressions as serious as his own. Today would be the true test of everything they'd prepared for.
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Final Preparations
Before stepping into the arena, Aric opened his status window to ensure every detail was in order.
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Aric Valen's Status
Level: 6
HP: 850 / 850
MP: 550 / 550
SP: 650 / 650
ATK: 140
DEF: 100
AGI: 75
LCK: 30
XP Progress: 200 / 800
Skills:
Crimson Slash (Lv. 3)
Phantom Dash (Lv. 2)
Iron Aegis (Lv. 2)
Blade Storm (Lv. 2)
Precision Strike (Lv. 1)
Frost Ward (Lv. 1)
Guild: The Infinite Guild
Guild Members: 6 (Including Aric)
Guild Level: 2
Guild Rank: Normal
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Satisfied, Aric turned to his clones. They had all been resummoned, their powers refreshed and ready. He had also tested the limits of Infinite Creation and found that the maximum number of clones he could summon had increased to six—equal to his current level.
"Defender, you'll hold the frontline. Warrior, you'll flank the Guardian. Strategist, coordinate our attacks. Scout, keep an eye on the environment for traps or reinforcements. Support me as needed," Aric ordered. The clones nodded in unison, their resolve unwavering.
Aric then checked his inventory. He had stocked up on health potions, mana elixirs, and stamina restoratives during his missions. The Nexus System had even provided a rare item as a reward for completing the Wolf Den Raid.
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Item Gained: Arcane Wardstone
Effect: Creates a temporary barrier that absorbs 500 damage.
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"This might save us," Aric muttered, securing it to his belt.
With everything in place, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the Guardian's domain.
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The Guardian's Domain
> [You have entered the Guardian's Domain.]
[Mission: Defeat the First Floor Guardian.]
[Difficulty: Brutal]
[Time Remaining: 364 Days, 10 Hours, 22 Minutes]
A massive figure emerged from the shadows, its form both menacing and awe-inspiring. The Guardian was a stone golem, towering over twenty feet tall, its body glowing with molten cracks that pulsed like a heartbeat. Its eyes, two burning coals, locked onto Aric and his clones.
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Guardian of the First Floor
Name: Sentinel of the Rift
HP: ???
ATK: ???
DEF: ???
Skills: Unknown
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Aric tightened his grip on his sword. "Stay focused. This isn't just about power—it's about strategy."
The Sentinel roared, the ground shaking beneath their feet. Massive boulders dislodged from the surrounding pillars, crashing to the ground. The Guardian's movements were slow but deliberate, each step leaving a trail of molten earth.
"Move!" Aric shouted.
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The Battle Begins
The clones sprang into action. The Defender charged forward, raising his shield to intercept the Sentinel's first attack—a sweeping strike from its colossal arm. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, but the Defender held firm, absorbing the brunt of the damage.
"Now!" the Strategist barked.
The Warrior darted to the side, slashing at the Guardian's legs. Sparks flew as his blade met the golem's hardened stone, but the strikes chipped away at its defenses. Aric followed up with Crimson Slash, the energy-infused attack creating a visible crack in the Sentinel's armor.
The Guardian retaliated, raising its fist and slamming it into the ground. A shockwave of molten energy erupted outward, forcing the group to scatter.
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Mid-Battle Status
Defender: HP: 620 / 800
Warrior: HP: 520 / 700
Scout: HP: 700 / 700
Strategist: HP: 720 / 720
Aric: HP: 720 / 850
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The Guardian's Intelligence
The Sentinel wasn't just a mindless brute. It began to adapt, targeting the Scout as he tried to reposition. The Guardian hurled a boulder with terrifying precision, barely missing its mark. The Scout retaliated with ranged attacks, drawing its attention away from the others.
"Switch tactics!" Aric commanded. "Keep it off balance!"
The clones adjusted their movements, alternating between offense and defense. Aric activated Blade Storm, unleashing a flurry of strikes that created more cracks in the Guardian's armor. The Strategist coordinated the attacks, ensuring no one stayed in the same place for too long.
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A Desperate Maneuver
Despite their efforts, the Sentinel's attacks grew more relentless. The Defender's shield was beginning to crack, and the Warrior was struggling to keep up. Aric knew they needed a decisive move.
"Arcane Wardstone, now!" he shouted.
The Strategist activated the item, creating a shimmering barrier around the group. The Guardian's next attack collided with the barrier, shattering it but leaving the team unharmed.
"This is it!" Aric yelled. He activated Precision Strike, aiming for the Guardian's core—the glowing center of its chest. The attack pierced through, sending a cascade of molten energy spilling out.
The Sentinel staggered, its movements slowing. The clones pressed the advantage, their coordinated strikes overwhelming the weakened Guardian. With one final blow, Aric unleashed a powered-up Crimson Slash, severing the core completely.
The Guardian let out a deafening roar before collapsing into a pile of rubble. The ground shook one last time before falling silent.
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Victory
> [You have defeated the Guardian of the First Floor.]
[Mission Complete: Ascend to the Second Floor.]
[Rewards: 2,000 XP, Rare Skill Scroll, Guardian's Core (Crafting Material)]
Aric fell to his knees, exhaustion washing over him. His clones gathered around, their expressions a mix of relief and satisfaction.
"We did it," he murmured, a faint smile breaking through. "The first step is complete."
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The Path Ahead
As the rubble cleared, a portal appeared in the center of the arena, its swirling light beckoning him to the next floor. But Aric wasn't ready to ascend just yet.
"We're not rushing," he said to his clones. "There's still more to learn here—and more to prepar
e for."
The Infinite Guild wasn't just about surviving. It was about thriving. And as Aric stared into the portal, he knew their journey was only beginning.
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End of Chapter 5