Chapter 6: The Final Hours of the Trial
Chapter 6: The Final Hours of the Trial
Jin and Aerin stood amidst the bloodstained forest, the massive corpse of the Bloodclaw Tyrant cooling under the moonlight. The battle had been intense, but there was no time to rest.
> [Trial Time Remaining: 9 Hours 45 Minutes]
The glowing message faded, but its meaning was clear—the Trial of Survival wasn't over. They had only completed one battle. Many more awaited.
Jin exhaled slowly. His body ached, his breath was heavy, but his Glitched System was working wonders. A faint energy coursed through his muscles, remnants of his latest power gain.
> [Predator's Instinct Obtained]
Your senses sharpen, allowing you to detect danger before it strikes.
Jin flexed his fingers, adjusting to the strange sensation. He could feel something—a presence watching them.
Aerin wiped the sweat from her brow, still catching her breath. Though she tried to hide it, her hands were trembling slightly.
She's exhausted.
Before he could say anything, a sound shattered the silence. Heavy footsteps. Low growls. The rustling of branches.
They weren't alone.
---
The Real Hunt Begins
Aerin tensed. "More of them?"
Jin turned in the direction of the sound, body instinctively shifting into a battle stance. His new Predator's Instinct flared to life, alerting him to an incoming threat.
The figures stepped into view.
> [Ironhide Troll – Lv. 12]
[Crimson Fang Lizard – Lv. 10]
[Two-Headed Serpent – Lv. 13]
Three monsters, each stronger than anything they had fought before.
Aerin's grip tightened around her daggers. "Why are they working together?"
Jin had the same question—until the system provided an answer.
> [Phase 2 of the Trial Begins]
The remaining players are now primary targets. All creatures will actively hunt them.
Jin exhaled sharply. The rules had changed. Before, monsters had only attacked when provoked. Now? They were the ones hunting.
Aerin clicked her tongue. "So what's the plan?"
Jin smirked. "We fight."
The monsters charged.
---
Three Battles, One Goal: Survival
1st Opponent: The Ironhide Troll
The Ironhide Troll moved first. Its massive frame, nearly three meters tall, crashed through the trees like a living battering ram. Its rock-hard skin shimmered under the moonlight.
Jin dashed forward, activating his skill. His fist burned red with pulsing energy as he swung—
BOOM!
The impact echoed through the forest, sending shockwaves across the ground.
But the troll didn't even flinch.
Its defense is insane.
The beast swung its massive fist toward Jin. He barely managed to sidestep, feeling the wind roar past his face.
> [Skill Copied: Hardened Flesh]
Your body temporarily becomes as strong as reinforced stone, reducing incoming damage.
Jin activated it instantly. His skin hardened, absorbing the troll's next hit. The force still knocked him backward—but it didn't break him.
Now we're talking.
Using Phantom Stride, he disappeared and reappeared behind the troll, delivering a powerful kick to its spine. The beast stumbled forward—right into Aerin's attack.
She leaped high, her daggers glowing faintly.
> [Skill Activated: Piercing Thrust]
Her blades sank deep into the troll's exposed neck. It groaned, staggered, then collapsed.
> [Ironhide Troll Defeated!]
[Experience Gained: 400]
---
2nd Opponent: The Crimson Fang Lizard
Before they could regroup, the Crimson Fang Lizard lunged at Aerin with terrifying speed.
She twisted mid-air, barely dodging its strike, but its whiplike tail lashed out—
THWACK!
Aerin crashed into the ground.
Jin moved without thinking. He grabbed the lizard's tail just before it struck again, muscles straining against its thrashing movements.
> [Skill Upgraded: Hardened Flesh → Titan's Endurance]
Your durability increases further. Damage taken enhances your strength.
Jin swung the lizard, slamming it against a boulder. The impact sent cracks through the stone.
The creature hissed, momentarily stunned.
> [Skill Copied: Shadow Fang]
A strike infused with dark energy, paralyzing the enemy on impact.
Jin dashed forward, his fist radiating a dark aura. His strike landed squarely on the lizard's neck—
The creature screeched, convulsing.
Aerin recovered, flipping back onto her feet. She wasted no time, her daggers flashing under the moonlight as she delivered the final blow.
> [Crimson Fang Lizard Defeated!]
[Experience Gained: 350]
---
3rd Opponent: The Two-Headed Serpent
The final beast remained—the Two-Headed Serpent. Its twin heads weaved hypnotically, their yellow eyes flashing.
Jin felt his new Predator's Instinct scream a warning.
> [Ability Detected: Mind Lock]
A gaze-based ability that weakens the willpower of prey, making them easier to strike.
Aerin suddenly froze. Her body stiffened, daggers slipping from her hands.
Damn it. She had fallen under its influence.
The serpent struck.
Jin moved instantly, stepping in front of Aerin. The creature's fangs barely grazed his shoulder, but he grabbed both of its heads before it could bite down fully.
> [Skill Copied: Mind Lock]
A strange sensation filled his mind. His vision sharpened, and when he met the serpent's gaze—
It froze.
For the first time, its own ability was being used against it.
Jin didn't waste the chance. With a powerful motion, he slammed the serpent into the ground. The impact shook the earth.
The creature twitched once, then fell still.
> [Two-Headed Serpent Defeated!]
[Experience Gained: 500]
[Skill Upgraded: Mind Lock → King's Gaze]
Jin exhaled, sweat dripping down his forehead. That had been close.
Aerin slowly regained control of her body, blinking in confusion. She looked at him, her eyes filled with something new.
Respect.
"…You're insane."
Jin chuckled. "Maybe."
The system interrupted them.
> [Trial Time Remaining: 8 Hours]
Eight hours left. And the tower wasn't done testing them yet.
---
End of Chapter 6