Chapter 6: The Clash of Stone and Steel

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the battlefield of fallen monsters. Blood, broken remains, and shattered stones painted the landscape. Raiken sat on the ground, catching his breath, his body drenched in sweat and dirt. He wiped his forehead and let out a deep sigh.

Raiken: "I've defeated so many monsters already…" he muttered, staring at his hands, feeling the surge of strength coursing through his veins. "Seems like I've earned some new armor pieces in my inventory."

A familiar chime echoed in his ears as the System, The Dominion of Ascendancy, responded with its usual playful tone.

System: "Oh? You wanna test them out already? My, my, someone's eager."

Raiken smirked, standing up as he rolled his shoulders. "Of course. What's the point of gaining power if I don't use it?"

But just as he was about to activate his newly acquired armor pieces—

System: "Well, lucky for you, a little welcoming party is on the way. A group of Rocky Golems is heading straight for you."

Raiken's grin widened, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Perfect." He turned his head towards the horizon, where loud, earth-shaking THUDS could be heard.

The ground trembled beneath his feet as massive Rocky Golems—towering creatures made entirely of jagged stone and glowing veins of molten energy—marched toward him. Their red, gem-like eyes locked onto him with hostile intent.

System: "Looks like they're in a bad mood… Maybe you should apologize for existing."

Raiken cracked his knuckles. "Nah, I think I'll introduce myself with my fists instead."

A deep rumbling growl escaped from one of the Rocky Golems, its heavy steps crushing the earth beneath it.

System: "Alright then, big guy, let's see what you got. Time to test your new armor!"

The Battle Begins

With a flick of his wrist, Raiken called out his armor.

"BULL SHIELD—ACTIVATE!"

A flash of golden light erupted from his forearms as the Bull Shield materialized, its black and gold surface gleaming under the sun. Two sharp horns extended from its top, crackling with latent energy.

The first Rocky Golem lunged, swinging a massive stone fist downward.

THOOOOM!

The sheer force sent out a shockwave, shattering the ground beneath it. But Raiken had already moved—his instincts sharper than ever. He dashed to the side with lightning speed, barely dodging the strike.

Raiken: "Close, but not close enough!"

He raised his Bull Shield, bracing for impact as another golem swung its arm horizontally.

BAAANG!

The shield took the hit head-on, but instead of sending Raiken flying—

System: "Oh-ho! That shield isn't just for defense. Watch this!"

The Bull Shield absorbed the impact, glowing a deep red before unleashing a shockwave of energy back at the golem!

BOOOOOOOM!

The massive creature was sent staggering backward, cracks forming along its rocky chest.

Raiken: "Oh, I like this."

The second golem roared, raising both its arms before slamming them into the ground. The earth ruptured, sending jagged rocks hurling toward Raiken.

System: "Oh no, watch out! It's an AOE attack!"

Raiken: "Tch—too slow!"

He jumped high into the air, flipping over the barrage of rock shards. His eyes glowed golden, and in that split second, he activated another armor piece.

"BULL GAUNTLETS—ACTIVATE!"

His arms shined brilliantly, and a new set of gauntlets materialized over his fists—jet-black with golden engravings, pulsing with raw energy. The moment he landed, he clenched his fists, feeling the raw power surging through them.

The golem charged forward, attempting to crush him under its weight.

But Raiken met its attack head-on.

He twisted his torso, planted his foot, and—

"TAKE THIS!"

BAAAAAAAAAAM!

His fist collided with the golem's core, unleashing a devastating shockwave that split the air apart.

The Rocky Golem's chest caved in, cracks spiderwebbing throughout its massive body before—

BOOOOOOM!

—IT EXPLODED INTO PIECES!

System: "Damn! That was brutal! Remind me never to get on your bad side!"

Raiken smirked, breathing heavily, but before he could celebrate—

RUMBLE… RUMBLE…

The remaining three golems roared in fury, their veins glowing brighter, signaling their rage mode!

Raiken: "Oh, come on. Can't you guys stay down?"

System: "Welp, looks like they're mad. You really should stop making enemies, Raiken."

Raiken: "It's not my fault they can't handle a fair fight!"

The golems charged in unison, their fists glowing with molten energy, aiming to crush Raiken from three sides.

System: "Time for a new strategy, champ!"

Raiken took a deep breath, his eyes burning with determination.

"System, give me everything I got!"

"ALL ARMOR PIECES—FULL ACTIVATION!"

A brilliant golden light erupted from his body as every armor piece he had unlocked merged together—his Bull Shield, Bull Gauntlets, and newly activated Bull Greaves forming a full combat set. His body felt lighter, stronger, and faster than ever before.

The three golems struck—

But this time, Raiken was ready.

"BULL RAMPAGE—UNLEASHED!"

With an explosive burst of speed, he dashed forward, his armored fists and feet moving faster than the eye could follow.

BANG! His fist shattered the first golem's knee, sending it crumbling.BOOM! A spinning kick sent the second flying into the air.CRAAACK! A devastating uppercut disintegrated the last one's head into dust.

KA-BOOOOOOOOOM!

The battlefield shook violently as the dust settled, revealing Raiken standing victorious, his golden armor gleaming under the fading sunlight.

He cracked his neck, looking at the wreckage of stone and rubble around him.

Raiken: "Now that... was a workout."

System: "Pfft! You looked like a total badass! Oh wait, let me process this—NEW QUEST COMPLETED! All golems eliminated. Rewards incoming!"

A red gem and a new armor piece materialized before him.

Raiken grinned, his heart racing in excitement.

Raiken: "Heh… Bring on the next challenge!"

System: "I like your attitude! But… maybe drink some water first. You look half-dead."

Raiken: "...Shut up."

With that, he sat back down, laughing as he admired his new strength.