Chapter 8: The First Test! The Fragment of Eternity Awaits!
🌟 Summary:
Luan begins his journey to find the Fragment of Eternity, a piece of unimaginable power that is said to hold the secrets of the universe. However, the road ahead is fraught with dangers. Luan is tested not only by the forces that wish to claim the Core but also by the alien hunters who are tracking him. Along the way, Luan encounters an ancient guardian entity who challenges his worthiness to claim the Fragment. As Luan faces his first true test, he begins to unlock more of the Celestial Core's abilities, leading him closer to the truth about his role in this cosmic battle.
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🌌 Chapter Begins...
The air was thick with tension as Luan Santana stood at the edge of the dense jungle. The map Lei Xian had shown him had led him here—the first location marked with a red X. According to the Celestial Core, the Fragment of Eternity was nearby, hidden within the heart of the jungle. But something felt off. The energy in the air seemed to hum, as if the jungle itself was alive, waiting for him to step into its depths.
"The map was clear, but why does this feel like a trap?" Luan thought to himself, gripping the Celestial Core tightly in his hand. The device felt warm to the touch, pulsating with strange energy. It had already granted him more power, but he knew the real test had yet to come.
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🔹 The First Encounter: The Guardian of the Fragment
As Luan stepped deeper into the jungle, the trees grew denser, and the air grew thick with humidity. The ground beneath him was soft, with moss covering every stone and root. Despite his growing unease, he pressed forward.
"Just a little further," Luan whispered to himself, trying to steady his nerves. "The Fragment is close. I can feel it."
Suddenly, the Celestial Core in his hand flared brightly. A surge of energy shot through him, and his body stiffened. Before him, an immense figure appeared from the shadows—an ancient guardian.
The creature was towering, with golden eyes that burned with otherworldly fire. It was a humanoid being, dressed in ancient armor etched with symbols that pulsed with energy. Its voice rumbled as it spoke.
"You have come seeking the Fragment of Eternity. But to claim it, you must prove your worth. Many have failed before you. Are you prepared to face your first test, mortal?"
Luan's heart skipped a beat. The guardian was no mere obstacle—it was the first of many trials he would face. But there was no turning back now. He steeled himself.
"I'm ready," Luan said, trying to sound confident despite the overwhelming presence of the creature.
The guardian's eyes narrowed. "Very well, but know this: you will face the test of strength, will, and heart. If you fail, the consequences will be dire."
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🔹 The Trial of Strength: Battle with the Beast
With a mighty roar, the guardian raised its hand, and from the shadows emerged a massive beast—a creature with the body of a lion but the wings of a dragon. Its eyes glowed with an eerie green light, and its claws were sharp enough to tear through stone.
Luan was stunned. The creature lunged toward him with terrifying speed, and Luan barely managed to dodge out of the way. His heart was pounding, and the adrenaline surged through him.
"I can't fight this thing head-on," Luan thought, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The beast was too fast, too powerful. He needed a plan.
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🔹 Unlocking Celestial Power
Luan's Celestial Core pulsed again, and a surge of energy flooded his body. He felt his senses heighten. His muscles tensed, and a voice echoed in his mind.
💠 Ding! Activating Celestial Core Enhancement!
"Celestial Burst Strike" unlocked!
"Battle Stance: Ascendant Form" engaged! 💠
A new fighting technique appeared in his mind, and Luan instinctively took a stance. He focused his energy into his legs, preparing for the incoming attack.
The beast roared again, charging directly at him. Luan dodged to the side, his body moving with precision he had never known before. In one fluid motion, he turned and struck the creature with a Celestial Burst Strike, a devastating blow that sent the beast reeling backward.
The creature snarled in pain, its green eyes blazing with fury. It retaliated, swiping at Luan with its claws. But Luan was faster now. He dodged and countered with a series of powerful strikes, each one more precise than the last.
"I'm doing it!" Luan thought as the creature staggered. The more he fought, the more control he had over his power.
Finally, with one last strike, he landed a blow directly to the beast's chest. The creature collapsed, vanquished by the force of the attack.
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🔹 The Guardian's Judgment
The guardian watched in silence as the beast fell to the ground. It nodded, as if impressed. "You have passed the first trial, mortal. But strength alone is not enough to claim the Fragment."
Luan was panting, sweat dripping from his brow. "What's the next trial?" he asked, still catching his breath.
The guardian stepped forward, its eyes glowing brighter. "The second trial is one of willpower. You must face the darkness within yourself, your deepest fear. Only then will you prove your worthiness."
Luan's heart raced. "My deepest fear?" he repeated. He wasn't sure what the guardian meant, but he was ready to face whatever came next.
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🔹 The Trial of Will: Confronting His Fear
The jungle around them began to shift. The trees twisted and morphed, and the very air seemed to grow thick with malevolent energy. Suddenly, a dark figure appeared before Luan—his own reflection, but twisted, dark, and monstrous.
"You think you're worthy of the Fragment? You're weak. You're nothing!" the reflection hissed, its voice echoing with mockery.
Luan's breath caught in his throat. This was no ordinary enemy. This was the embodiment of his self-doubt—his deepest fear.
He felt a wave of panic rise within him. The reflection seemed to be taunting him, pointing out every flaw, every mistake he had ever made in his life. But then, he remembered the words Lei Xian had spoken to him:
"You are the Chosen One. You must not fear what lies ahead."
Luan clenched his fists. "I am not weak," he muttered to himself. "I am stronger than this."
With that, Luan faced the reflection head-on, not running, not hiding. "I am Luan Santana. I will face my fears." The reflection shrieked as Luan shattered the illusion with the sheer force of his will.
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🔹 Unlocking New Power: Celestial Ascension
The guardian smiled. "You have passed the second trial. Now, you are ready for the final test."
Luan felt an overwhelming surge of energy—the Celestial Core had responded to his growth, unlocking a new level of power. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins, strengthening him beyond anything he had imagined.
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🔹 The Fragment of Eternity
At last, the guardian stepped aside, revealing a shimmering pedestal in the center of a sacred clearing. Upon the pedestal lay a glowing crystal, pulsating with cosmic energy—the Fragment of Eternity.
"You have proven your worth, Luan Santana," the guardian said, bowing respectfully. "Take the Fragment. It is yours now."
Luan stepped forward, his heart racing. As he touched the Fragment, a surge of power flooded him. Memories and visions from across the universe flashed before his eyes—knowledge, power, and a destiny that awaited him.
"This is just the beginning," Luan thought, staring at the Fragment. "The universe has chosen me… but for what purpose?"