The Battle Against the Forsaken Warden
As I walked through the streets of this unfamiliar world, I took in the sights—towering stone structures, glowing lanterns illuminating the cobbled roads, and merchants shouting about their wares. This place was still new to me, but I had no time to waste sightseeing.
"System, activate Quest No. 2!" I commanded.
A familiar ding echoed in my mind as a translucent blue screen appeared before me.
---
[Quest Activated: Slay the Warden of the Forsaken]
Objective: Defeat the Forsaken Warden (Level 180).
Reward: +3 Levels, Warden's Gauntlets.
---
I smirked. This would be a challenge, but I thrived on challenges.
I adjusted my Gauntlets of Abyss, feeling their weight against my fists. These had carried me through countless battles, and today, they would carry me through another.
Turning towards the outskirts of the city, I made my way towards the Forsaken Ruins. The night was creeping in, casting long shadows over the buildings. I could already feel the air growing colder—this world was different, and the Forsaken Lands were dangerous at night.
"I hope this Warden isn't just another mindless undead," I muttered. "I need a fight that actually gets my blood pumping."
As I moved, I noticed people watching me—whispers followed me, some in awe, others in fear. After all, I wasn't just any traveler; I was the Harbinger of Destruction. They must have heard about my previous battles.
I paid them no mind.
Tonight, I had a Warden to slay.
The Battle Against the Forsaken Warden
The Forsaken Lands stretched before me—desolate, ruined, and filled with an eerie silence. The remnants of ancient structures stood like the bones of a long-dead civilization, their darkened silhouettes bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and an unnatural chill ran through my spine.
"System, give me the Warden's location," I commanded.
A translucent map appeared before my eyes, marking a deep underground crypt beneath the ruins. I clenched my fists, my Gauntlets of Abyss pulsing with dark energy.
"Let's see what this so-called Warden is made of."
____
Entering the Crypt
The entrance to the crypt was a massive stone doorway, partially buried beneath rubble. Strange carvings of ancient warriors locked in battle lined the walls. I pushed forward, stepping onto the stone staircase that spiraled downward into darkness.
The further I went, the colder it became. Soon, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the tunnel.
"He knows I'm here," I muttered, smirking. "Good. Let's make this fun."
A massive chamber awaited at the bottom, illuminated only by the dim, blue glow of floating torches. At the center stood a towering figure—The Forsaken Warden.
He was massive, easily over ten feet tall, clad in ancient armor corroded by time. His hollow eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and his tattered black cape swayed as if caught in an unseen wind. He gripped a massive battle-axe, its blade crackling with cursed energy.
A System Notification flashed before me:
---
[Forsaken Warden – Level 180]
HP: 120,000
Status: Undead, Cursed, Guardian of the Ruins
---
"You… shall not pass," the Warden's voice echoed like a thousand whispers merging into one.
"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before," I taunted. "But I'll be taking your title, Warden."
Without another word, he swung his axe at me with terrifying speed.
I barely dodged, feeling the air rip past me as the axe smashed into the ground, shattering the stone floor beneath us.
"Damn, you hit hard!" I grinned as I leaped back.
I dashed forward, throwing a devastating punch with my Gauntlets of Abyss. The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, but the Warden barely staggered. Instead, he backhanded me across the room.
"Urgh!" I crashed into a stone pillar, shattering it on impact. Pain flared across my ribs, and I coughed up blood.
"System, status?" I gasped.
---
[HP: 67,000/85,000]
---
"Tsk, this bastard hits like a damn truck."
The Warden didn't wait—he charged at me, his massive axe raised high. The moment he swung, I activated Shadow Step, blinking behind him and driving a devastating punch into his back.
"TAKE THIS!"
My gauntlets pulsed with energy, and the attack sent him stumbling forward, cracking his ancient armor. But before I could capitalize, his elbow shot back, smashing into my face.
Everything blurred.
I barely registered the moment when his axe cleaved into my shoulder, cutting deep.
"AARGH!" I roared in pain.
Blood gushed from the wound as the cursed energy burned through my flesh. My vision swam, but I gritted my teeth.
"I'm not dying here, old man."
Summoning every ounce of willpower, I activated Abyssal Surge—my strength and speed doubled instantly.
I vanished from his sight, reappearing above him, fists raised.
"DIE, WARDEN!"
My Gauntlets of Abyss crackled with dark energy as I slammed both fists into his skull. The impact created a shockwave, and the Warden was sent crashing into the ground, creating a crater.
For the first time, I heard something new—he groaned.
"Heh, so you can feel pain after all."
But before I could celebrate, the Warden's eyes flared violently, and he rose from the debris. His entire body radiated an ominous aura, and cracks in his armor started glowing with eerie blue flames.
----
[The Forsaken Warden has activated 'Cursed Rebirth'!]
His stats have increased by 30% for 3 minutes!
----
"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me."
The next thing I knew, he was right in front of me.
His axe tore through my side, nearly splitting me in half.
Pain exploded through my body. Blood poured freely, and I could barely stand.
[HP: 12,500/85,000]
"Shit… I can't take another hit like that."
I had to end this NOW.
I clenched my fists, focusing everything into one final attack. My Gauntlets of Abyss pulsed violently as I channeled all my remaining energy into them.
"Let's see if you can survive this!"
The Warden charged again, his axe ready to finish me.
I dashed forward, dodging at the last second, and grabbed his skull with both hands.
With a roar, I channeled the full power of my gauntlets, unleashing a point-blank Abyssal Strike right into his face.
The entire chamber shook violently as dark energy engulfed the Warden.
His armor shattered. His blue flames flickered and died. His body cracked apart like a collapsing statue.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, the Warden collapsed into dust.
A system notification appeared:
---
[Quest Completed: Slay the Warden of the Forsaken]
+3 Levels!
You have obtained: Warden's Gauntlets.
---
I staggered, barely keeping myself upright. My entire body screamed in pain, but I smirked.
"Heh… I won."
I collapsed against the rubble, completely drained. My body was broken, but I had survived.
As I closed my eyes for a moment, I thought to myself…
"Damn, that was one hell of a fight."