Chapter 5: Into the Lion’s Den
The Drayven Estate was unusually quiet that morning. Too quiet.
Kael stepped into the courtyard, the chill in the air pressing against his skin. Rows of stone pillars surrounded the open space, each carved with ancient markings—symbols of the Drayven lineage. At the far end stood Lord Verrian, his piercing golden eyes locked onto Kael.
Beside him, Seraphina stood with her arms crossed, her usual smirk gone. She looked… uneasy.
Elara had been right.
This trial wasn't just about proving his worth—it was a trap.
The Gathering of the Bloodline
Kael's sharp gaze swept across the courtyard. More figures had gathered.
Elders. Warriors. Heirs.
The most powerful members of the Drayven family, all here for one reason—to witness his trial.
Kael's fingers twitched. They really want to see me bleed, huh?
A deep voice broke the silence.
"Step forward, Kael Drayven."
Verrian's command left no room for hesitation.
Kael moved.
As he walked, his System notifications flickered in the corner of his vision.
[New Event: Bloodline Trial Initiated]
[Warning: Unknown Factors Detected]
Kael smirked inwardly. No kidding.
He stopped a few feet from Verrian. The head of the family studied him with something unreadable in his gaze.
Then, Verrian raised a hand. The ground trembled.
The Descent
A circle of glowing red runes spread beneath Kael's feet. Before he could react, the stone floor collapsed.
Kael plummeted into darkness.
Wind howled past his ears. He twisted midair, adjusting his posture just as he hit the ground—
CRACK.
Stone shattered beneath his feet. Dust and debris clouded the air.
Kael exhaled slowly. He was still alive.
Then—torches flared to life.
A long corridor stretched ahead, lined with carved walls covered in strange symbols. The air smelled of iron and decay.
[System Alert: High-Risk Area Detected]
[Multiple Hostile Entities Nearby]
Kael flexed his fingers. Of course.
The Bloodline Trial had begun.
The Beasts in the Dark
A low growl echoed through the corridor.
Kael's senses sharpened. He wasn't alone.
Then—movement.
From the shadows, twisted creatures emerged. Their bodies were a mix of bone and blackened flesh, their eyes glowing with unnatural light.
[Abyssal Bloodspawn – Rank: C+]
[Ability: Life Drain, Shadow Meld]
Kael's smirk widened. Finally, something to hit.
The first Bloodspawn lunged.
Kael sidestepped, his footwork fluid. His dagger flashed—one clean strike.
SHNK!
The creature's head rolled. But before it even hit the ground, another rushed from the side.
Kael twisted his wrist.
[Phantom Step – Activated]
His body flickered—gone in an instant.
The Bloodspawn lunged at empty air.
Kael reappeared behind it, blade flashing—two rapid slashes.
SHNK! SHNK!
The beast collapsed.
[System Alert: Experience Gained]
[New Skill Acquired: Shadow Veil]
Kael's grin sharpened. Now we're talking.
But the System wasn't done.
[WARNING: High-Rank Entity Approaching]
Kael's body tensed.
A shadow moved in the far end of the corridor. Slow. Deliberate. Massive.
Then—a pair of glowing red eyes snapped open.
A deep, guttural growl vibrated through the stone walls.
Kael exhaled.
"Here we go."
The Blood Guardian
The beast stepped into the light.
A towering wolf-like creature, its fur like black fire, its fangs gleaming like polished obsidian. The air around it shimmered with pure killing intent.
[Blood Guardian – Rank: A-]
[Ability: Crimson Hunger, Regeneration, Blood Domain]
Kael's grip tightened on his dagger. A-rank? They really want me dead.
The Blood Guardian charged.
Kael moved.
He dashed left—but the beast was fast.
Too fast.
Claws slashed toward him—he barely ducked, feeling the wind tear past his cheek.
Not good.
Kael twisted his body—but the wolf was already on him.
[Phantom Step – Activated]
Flicker. Vanish. Reappear.
Kael landed a few feet away, but the Guardian had already turned, its red eyes locked onto him.
It wasn't just a beast. It was smart.
Kael's heartbeat steadied. He couldn't beat it head-on.
But… he didn't have to.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"Alright, big guy. Let's play."
The Strategy
Kael ran.
The Guardian chased.
Its massive claws tore through stone, each strike shattering the floor. But Kael was faster.
He wasn't trying to escape—he was leading it.
His eyes flicked to the runes on the walls. The strange symbols… they weren't just decoration.
They were seals.
Kael's smirk widened.
The Blood Guardian lunged again—he dodged at the last second, pivoting toward the far wall.
And then—he slashed his dagger across the runes.
The symbols flared.
A sudden, powerful shockwave burst from the walls.
The Blood Guardian howled—its body frozen mid-attack.
[System Alert: Ancient Binding Rune Activated]
Kael's breathing steadied.
He stepped forward, blade gleaming.
"Checkmate."
With a single motion—he drove the dagger into the Guardian's skull.
CRACK.
The beast collapsed.
[Blood Guardian Defeated – Massive Experience Gained]
[New Ability Acquired: Crimson Hunger]
Kael exhaled, wiping the sweat from his brow.
He wasn't sure if Verrian had expected him to survive this far.
But if they wanted him dead, they'd have to try harder.
The Watchers in the Dark
Unbeknownst to Kael, hidden eyes watched from the shadows.
Figures stood beyond the walls, their presence masked. Observing. Judging.
One of them—a man with **silver hair and golden eyes—**chuckled softly.
"He's even better than I expected."
Another voice, cold and sharp, replied.
"The real test begins now."