Chapter 13

Miguel descended the ancient stone staircase, the weight of his new Eclipse Mantle settling comfortably over his shoulders. The flickering torchlight along the walls barely pierced the darkness of the corridor ahead, but he felt his vision sharpening slightly—an unexpected but welcome benefit of his latest reward.

A system prompt flickered before him:

[Third Trial Activated: The Titan's Wrath]

[Objective: Defeat the Titan and claim the third piece of the Legacy Set.]

Miguel exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, back to the fight."

The tunnel opened into a massive underground arena, larger than any chamber he had seen before. Towering pillars lined the edges, some cracked and broken, their debris scattered across the floor. At the far end, a monstrous figure loomed in the shadows.

A low growl echoed through the space as the figure stepped forward, revealing its immense form. The creature stood over twenty feet tall, its rocky, earth-like body covered in jagged crystalline growths that pulsed with an eerie blue energy. In the center of its chest, embedded deep within its core, was a swirling mass of molten light—its lifeforce, pulsating like a beating heart. Its eyes glowed like molten embers beneath a heavy brow, and its fists—each the size of a small boulder—clenched tightly as it let out a deep, guttural roar.

[Boss Encounter: Titan of the Hollow]

A system prompt flashed:

[Warning: The Titan absorbs direct physical attacks and counters with seismic force. Find alternative methods to weaken it.]

Miguel's grip tightened around his spear. "Of course, it can't be simple."

The Titan raised one of its massive arms and slammed it into the ground. A shockwave of energy rippled outward, sending chunks of stone flying. Miguel leaped backward just in time to avoid being flattened, but the force still sent him skidding across the chamber floor.

[Environmental Hazard Detected: Unstable Terrain]

The ground beneath Miguel cracked and shifted, threatening to collapse in certain areas. He needed to stay light on his feet.

The Titan lunged, swinging a massive fist. Miguel activated [Flash Step], vanishing just before impact and reappearing at the Titan's flank. He struck with his spear, this time aiming directly for the glowing core in its chest.

As his weapon neared the core, the Titan reacted instantly, crossing its massive arms in front of its chest to shield the vulnerable spot. Miguel barely pulled back in time before the creature retaliated with a sudden, sweeping backhand that sent him crashing into a broken pillar.

[Analyzing Weakness…]

Miguel shook off the impact, pushing himself to his feet. "So, that's your weak spot. Good to know."

Dodging another strike, he sprinted toward one of the more precarious columns. The Titan roared in pursuit, its heavy steps shaking the chamber. Miguel stopped near the base of the pillar and turned just as the Titan swung again.

[Skill Activated: Thunderflame Spear]

He channeled both fire and lightning into his weapon and drove it into the pillar's weakened base. The stone cracked, then shattered as the Titan's massive blow struck it full force. The column buckled and collapsed, sending tons of rubble crashing onto the creature's shoulders.

The Titan let out a deafening roar, momentarily stunned beneath the weight of the debris. Miguel seized the opportunity.

[Skill Activated: Storm Pierce]

Lightning surged through his spear as he vaulted onto the Titan's back, aiming for a gap in the crystalline armor. He drove the weapon deep into the exposed rock beneath, sending arcs of energy rippling through the creature's core.

The Titan howled, its body convulsing as cracks spread across its crystalline plating. Its strength was waning, but it wasn't finished yet. With a final burst of energy, the Titan flung itself backward, attempting to crush Miguel beneath its bulk.

At the last second, Miguel activated [Flash Step], barely escaping before the massive body crashed into the ground. He landed a few feet away, chest heaving, watching as the Titan struggled to rise. Its movements were sluggish now, its energy flickering unsteadily.

Miguel gritted his teeth. "Time to finish this."

He lifted his spear high, gathering the last remnants of his fire and lightning energy into one final attack.

[Skill Activated: Arc Chain – Overload Variant]

A surge of raw elemental force exploded from his spear, striking the Titan's exposed core directly. The chamber lit up as the energy coursed through the creature's body, igniting every crack in its form. The Titan let out one last bellow before its massive frame shattered into countless fragments, dissolving into motes of shimmering light.

[Boss Defeated: Titan of the Hollow]

[Reward Unlocked: Titan's Greaves – Third Piece of the Legacy Set]

A pedestal rose from the ground, holding a pair of massive greaves forged from darkened stone and lined with intricate glowing veins. Miguel stepped forward, still catching his breath, and equipped them.

[Equipment Effect: Titan's Greaves – Increases Endurance by 15 and unlocks Passive Skill: Earthborn Resilience.]

Miguel rolled his shoulders, already feeling the added strength coursing through him. He glanced toward the next descending passage, knowing the trials ahead would only get harder.

With one final look at the battlefield, he pressed forward, ready for the next challenge.