Chapter 6: The Final Fragment

The wisp floated just ahead, its pulsating light illuminating the forest path. Despite his victory over the Forest Guardian, the protagonist remained tense. Each step into the labyrinth brought new sounds—whispers, rustling leaves, and faint growls from unseen creatures.

A system notification appeared:

[Zone Status: Core Beacon Map Completion - 2/3 Fragments Collected]

[Reminder: Completing the Core Beacon Map will unlock the location of Zone 2's Core Beacon.]

> "If the final fragment is guarded as fiercely as the last one, I'll need to be prepared."

His new Energy Blade felt more balanced in his hand compared to the Bronze Dagger, its faint hum reassuring.

The forest eventually opened into a serene clearing with a massive lake at its centre. The water glowed faintly, mirroring the stars overhead despite it being daytime. The wisp floated above the lake, then disappeared, leaving a ripple in its wake.

A notification flashed:

[Lake of Reflection Detected]

Objective: Cross the lake to locate the final fragment.

Warning: Hostile entities detected within the water

The surface was calm, but beneath it, shadows writhed. He crouched near the shore, watching as serpentine figures glided just beneath the surface.

He opened his inventory, examining his items. Among his loot from the Forest Guardian was the Guardian's Core, a crafting material glowing faintly with energy.

A system prompt appeared:

[New Crafting Recipe Unlocked: Energy Bridge Core.]

Requirements: Guardian's Core, 2x Stalker Claw, 50 Credits.

He quickly crafted the item, a small orb that pulsed with light. Holding it out, he activated it, and a glowing bridge began to form across the lake.

> "That's one problem solved. Now, let's hope this holds."

The bridge shimmered beneath his feet as he stepped onto it. The lake remained still for the first few meters, but then the shadows below began to stir.

[Enemy Alert: Abyssal Serpents Lv.5]

Three massive serpents burst from the water, their metallic scales glinting in the light. Their red eyes locked onto him, and one lunged forward, its jaws wide.

He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and swung his Energy Blade. The weapon hissed as it cut through the serpent's scales, sending sparks flying.

The battle was chaotic. The bridge was narrow, forcing him to balance offence and defense carefully. Each serpent had unique attacks—one spat streams of acid, another whipped its tail, and the third tried to drag him into the water.

Using Enhanced Evasion Lv.1, he danced around their attacks, delivering precise strikes when openings appeared. After a gruelling exchange, he managed to sever the head of the first serpent, its body crashing into the lake below.

[Abyssal Serpent Defeated. XP Gained: 50.]

The remaining two became more aggressive, but he exploited their movements, leading one to crash into the other. With a well-timed leap, he drove his blade into the second serpent's core, destroying it.

The final serpent lunged at him, but he used the last of his stamina to counter, slashing it in half mid-air.

[Abyssal Serpent Defeated. XP Gained: 100.]

[Level Up! Player Status: Lv.4 → Lv.5]

Exhausted but victorious, he crossed the rest of the bridge and reached the far shore. At the centre of a small altar lay the final map fragment, glowing faintly.

[Core Beacon Map Fragment (3/3) Collected.]

[Map Complete: The Core Beacon is located in the Verdant Heart]

The completed map appeared on his interface, marking a location deep within the forest.

As he turned to leave, the wisp reappeared, circling him rapidly before transforming into a humanoid figure. The figure was ethereal, its body composed of glowing light.

"I am the Echo of the Labyrinth," it said in a melodic voice. "You have proven yourself worthy of my guidance. The Verdant Heart is a dangerous place, even for you. But I can aid you if you accept my pact."

A notification appeared:

[New Companion Available: Echo of the Labyrinth]

Abilities: Area Scanning, Energy Shield, Minor Healing.

He hesitated briefly before selecting "Accept." The Echo nodded, its form shrinking into a small orb of light that hovered beside him.

> "Alright, Echo. Let's finish this."

With the map completed and his new companion at his side, he set off toward the Verdant Heart. The forest grew darker and more foreboding with every step, but determination burned in his eyes.

The Core Beacon—and the secrets it held—awaited him.