Chapter 14: Echoes of the Fallen
The dust of the battlefield settled, leaving Aric and his clones standing amidst the shattered remnants of the Guardian and its minions. Victory was theirs, but the Tower's subtle hum reminded them that this was just the beginning. Aric dismissed his clones to the Nexus System for recuperation and opened his status window.
[System Notification: Trial Completed!]
Rewards:
Experience Points: +120,000 Nexus Energy: +80 Item Acquired: [Guardian's Core Shard] Title Acquired: Breaker of First Chains
The Guardian's Core Shard glimmered faintly in his hand. He could feel its raw power coursing beneath its surface.
[Item: Guardian's Core Shard]
Description: A fragment of a fallen Gate Guardian's power. Absorb it to strengthen yourself or use it as a crafting component for powerful relics.
"Useful for later," Aric murmured as he stored it in his inventory.
A title notification caught his eye next.
[Title: Breaker of First Chains Acquired!]
Description: You've defeated your first Guardian Trial on a new floor of the Tower.
Effects:
+5% Damage to Guardian-class enemies +3% Resistance to area-wide attacks
"Every edge counts," Aric muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He turned his gaze toward the ethereal light of a portal shimmering ahead, signaling the transition to the next phase.
Level Up!
Aric's reward of 120,000 experience triggered a surge of growth, his body and mind sharpening with each level gained.
Aric Valen's Updated Status
Level: 20
(Experience: 0/19,000)
Main Stats:
HP: 5,000 / 5,000 MP: 3,200 / 3,200 SP: 3,000 / 3,000 Strength: 1,000 Defense: 750 Agility: 600 Intelligence: 550 Luck: 250
Extra Stats:
Critical Rate: 35% Accuracy: 95% Healing Efficiency: 60% Resistance: 50%
Special Stats:
Adaptive Learning: 25% Battle Instincts: 35% Dragon's Resilience: 30%
Unique Stats:
Infinite Creation: Probability of Creating Abilities: 40% Probability of Creating Items: 55% Probability of Creating Skills: 45% Talent Creation Rate: 30% Clone Creation: 100% Ability Creation Level: 4
Active Clones: 20
The massive leap in stats left Aric invigorated. With each level gained, he felt more attuned to his powers and the Nexus System.
Intermediate Zone: The Trial Guide
Stepping through the shimmering portal, Aric found himself in a crystalline expanse reflecting the light of countless stars. At its center, the robed figure awaited, offering a trial that would shape his next steps.
After weighing the options, Aric chose the Power Orb, gaining the Ethereal Rift skill. The burst of energy filled his system, and a notification confirmed its addition.
[New Skill Acquired!] Skill Name: Ethereal Rift Description: Create a dimensional rift that temporarily phases you out of reality, avoiding all attacks and allowing you to reposition. Duration: 3 seconds Cooldown: 5 minutes
"Another card for the deck," Aric said, satisfied.
The Glyph Labyrinth
Emerging into the labyrinth, Aric summoned his clones. The glowing glyphs on the walls pulsed ominously, casting strange shadows across the corridors. His clones materialized in flashes of light, their power surging in sync with his own.
Enhanced Clones (Level 20)
Warlord Clone:
New Ability: Legion Summon: Summons a small army of spectral soldiers. Strength and numbers scale with Aric's level (20 soldiers at Level 20). Enhancement: Battle Command now increases attack and defense by 25%.
Mage Clone:
New Ability: Mana Tempest: Releases a storm of raw mana, disrupting all magic within a radius. Enhancement: Frost Nova now reduces enemy resistance by 20%.
Defender Clone:
New Ability: Shield Wall: Creates a massive energy barrier, blocking all damage from the front. Enhancement: Fortress Stance now provides immunity to knockback.
Assassin Clone:
New Ability: Shadow Veil: Temporarily becomes invisible, increasing critical hit chance by 50%. Enhancement: Silent Pursuit now silences the target for 3 seconds.
Archer Clone:
New Ability: Arrow Rain: Launches a volley of arrows, causing area-wide damage. Enhancement: Windshot creates a temporary speed boost upon activation.
Berserker Clone:
New Ability: Berserker's Wrath: Gains 50% increased attack speed and lifesteal for 10 seconds. Enhancement: Rampage now restores a portion of SP with every kill.
Healer Clone:
New Ability: Sanctuary: Creates a healing zone that continuously regenerates HP and removes debuffs. Enhancement: Regenerative Touch now affects all allies within a larger radius.
Summoner Clone:
New Ability: Summon Earth Titan: Summons a durable elemental that protects allies and disrupts enemies. Enhancement: Summon Storm Elemental now increases allies' lightning resistance.
Tank Clone:
New Ability: Unbreakable: Temporarily reduces all damage taken to 10%. Enhancement: Arcane Ward now increases allies' mana regeneration.
Celestial Overlord Clone:
New Ability: Divine Smite: A powerful attack that deals massive holy damage and stuns enemies. Enhancement: Divine Sanctuary now increases allies' resistance by 30%.
Aric spent time strategizing with his clones, analyzing their abilities and how best to utilize them in the labyrinth.
"This glyph labyrinth is more than traps," Aric said, eyeing the glowing runes on the walls. "It's alive. Move carefully, and don't assume the same strategy will work twice."
"Yes, Commander," Warlord Clone replied.
The clones nodded in unison, their confidence in their leader evident.
As the group approached the chamber housing the Glyph Warden, the air grew dense with power. The towering figure emanated an aura of menace, its glowing runes transforming into a swirling arsenal.
Aric drew his weapon, his clones readying themselves. "This one will push us to our limits. Stay sharp."
The Warden raised a hand, and the glyphs exploded into motion. The battle for the labyrinth had begun.
To Be Continued…