Chapter 13: King of the Undead 3: Duel for Power
Axel took a cautious step down the gorge, skidding slightly before stabilizing himself by crouching. His mind was consumed with thoughts of what lay ahead and the strange sensation of being reborn through death. Though he had only limited information about the system guiding him, his confidence was unwavering.
'With the System on my side, I will win this,' Axel reassured himself as he ventured deeper into the shadowy tunnel. The anticipation grew with each step as he approached the source of the light that flickered ahead.
The light became clearer, revealing a mix of torch flames and a mysterious blue glow. Axel's suspicions deepened—torches suggested intelligent beings, likely humans or similar entities. Despite the hope that he might encounter someone with answers, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.
As he neared the tunnel's end, Axel was abruptly halted. His footing slipped on the inclined plane of the platform, forcing him to skid to a stop. A figure materialized from thin air, blocking his path.
The figure was ancient and ominous, cloaked in dark, tattered garments. A scythe was gripped tightly in its skeletal hand—a bone hand, to be precise. The figure's presence evoked a grim reaper-like aura.
'Is this my final opponent? The boss?' Axel pondered as the eerie gurgling of the reaper's breath grew more pronounced.
"I am not the boss, young Lord," the figure rasped, its voice carrying an unsettling gurgle.
Axel gasped, realizing the figure could read his thoughts. 'This is disturbing. Does it know everything I'm thinking, even my private thoughts?' Axel thought, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
"I am Velerium, guardian of the souls who enter hell. I will be your guide during these trials," the reaper continued, its voice crackling with age.
Axel absorbed the information, connecting it with the statue he had chosen years ago. 'So, this is the manifestation of that choice. It's ruined my life in many ways, but now it's taking shape. Why is it manifesting now, and why this way?'
"There's only so much I can reveal now, young Lord," Velerium intoned with a deep, crackling voice. "This ability is unparalleled. You will only grasp its full potential once you become stronger. However, I can assure you this: if you accept all its demands, you will become a being of immense power."
Axel struggled to understand Velerium's cryptic message. 'I barely grasp what it's saying. But…'
"If I survive this, will I be able to return home? Will I see my mother and little sister again?!" Axel's voice trembled with desperation.
Velerium took a moment to consider the question before nodding in a wordless reply.
The answer filled Axel with renewed determination. His heart raced with adrenaline as he tightened his grip and prepared to advance.
"Then I must defeat the boss of hell!" Axel declared with fierce resolve, pushing past Velerium. The reaper's sly smirk was the last thing Axel saw before the figure vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
As Axel stepped into the light, he was greeted by an unexpected sight. He found himself in a grand throne room adorned with towering pillars, flickering torches, and a well-tiled platform.
'This looks like…'
[Welcome to the Throne Room of Doom]
[Throne Master Doom has his sights on you]
The notification flashed before Axel's eyes, and he quickly scanned his surroundings. What he saw next was both shocking and overwhelming.
"Kaiju—"
KRAAACCCCKK!!!
An explosion of dust erupted as a pillar collapsed from the force of a tremendous impact. Axel's legs and hands went numb, especially his hands, which had turned red from blocking the powerful blow.
In a split second, the boss—Throne Master Doom—had leaped from his throne with the force of a rocket, delivering a crushing punch that Axel barely managed to block with both hands. The blow sent him crashing into a pillar, destroying it in the process.
'Compared to me, this creature is at least twice as strong. Is this going to be tougher than I expected?' Axel thought as he assessed the Kaiju before him.
Doom was a monstrous hybrid of lizard and human, with a rocky, spiked body and fiery red eyes. A massive club was attached to its tail, completing its fearsome appearance.
"This is basically an apex monster, but…" Axel thought as he manifested his dagger, gripping it tightly. "I don't care how strong you are. I'm going to kill you!"
[Doom has recognized you as his opponent]
[Battle of life and death has begun]
*REWARDS TYPE: Ultimate*
With the battle officially underway, Axel steeled himself for the fight of his life. The fate of his journey, and perhaps his return home, rested on his ability to overcome this formidable foe.