Chapter 1
"Hmnn." I stirred awake, disoriented. The cold, hard surface beneath me sent shivers through my bare skin. My senses sharpened, and I realized I was lying on the floor of a vast, circular chamber. The room was illuminated by an ethereal glow, and the air thrummed with a palpable energy, thick with magic. I blinked, trying to make sense of it all.
Where am I?
My name is Tristan Trevor—half Asian, half French. I once walked the Earth, but life had not been kind to me. At 25, I had faced down the horrors of stage 2 cancer. Years of treatments, painful chemotherapy sessions, and sterile hospital rooms became my entire existence. My body wasted away, my spirit dimmed, and eventually, I died.
But death wasn't the end.
Now, I found myself here, in this strange place. My body wasn't my own; I was a translucent, ghostly figure—a shadow of my former self. As I sat up, I saw him—a towering figure dressed in a flowing white robe, seated upon a massive throne that seemed to stretch endlessly upwards.
"Hohoho! Fret not, child," the figure boomed, his voice echoing off the chamber walls. "You are in the realm of the gods, and yes, you are dead."
I stared at him, my mind racing to process his words.
"I am the God of Space and Reincarnation," he continued, his eyes gleaming as he studied me. "Your life on Earth has ended, but your soul has potential beyond death. And so, you have been brought here."
A part of me felt disbelief. Another part—perhaps the part that had read too many fantasy novels—felt a strange sense of recognition, as though I had stepped into the pages of a familiar story. There was no panic, no fear—just an odd acceptance.
"So, this is how it ends," I muttered quietly, more to myself than to the god before me. My voice was steady despite the surreal circumstances.
A mixture of emotions flooded through me—grief over my death, relief that my suffering was over, and, strangely, hope. I had a chance to live again, to start anew.
"You seem oddly content for someone who has just died," the god mused, leaning forward slightly.
I managed a small smile. "I'm just relieved my long years of suffering are over."
The god chuckled, his laughter deep and resonant. "The world you are about to enter is not an easy one. It is a savage land where only the strong survive. But fret not—I will grant you power to aid in your journey."
With a wave of his hand, a massive, shimmering screen appeared before me, filled with rows of glowing symbols. It was like something out of a game—a list of abilities, all pulsing with potential.
"These are S-rank skills," the god explained. "You may choose five."
"Five?" I frowned. "Isn't that a bit excessive?"
"Hohoho!" The god's laughter filled the chamber. "You are not greedy, child. Consider this a gift, for you will need all the strength you can muster in the world you are going to. It is merciless."
I nodded, focusing on the screen before me. The list of skills was overwhelming, each one more tempting than the last. After careful consideration, I made my choices.
"I'll take Creation, Great Wizard, Weapon Master, Plunder, and Cultivation," I said, my voice firm with decision.
The god's eyes twinkled with intrigue. "Interesting choices," he murmured. "You show both ambition and balance. Very well, these skills are yours."
But before I could react, he waved his hand once more. "One more gift," he added with a smirk. "Superman. You'll need this."
I blinked. "Superman? Why?"
The god's smile widened, but he offered no explanation. "Now, go," he commanded, his voice suddenly booming with authority.
"Wait!" I called out, sensing that this might be my last chance to ask. "Are there others like me? Others who have been reincarnated into this world?"
"Yes," the god answered simply. "But they are not your concern."
Before I could ask more, a brilliant light enveloped me, and I felt my consciousness splinter, dissolving into a thousand fragments of light.
---
"Such potential in one so young," the god mused, watching as my soul faded into the unknown. His eyes glinted with something darker, something far more sinister. "Hohoho, it's been too long since I've seen such ambition."
Behind him, another figure appeared—a god draped in robes of deep indigo, his face hidden beneath a hood. The God of Magic.
"You've given that soul far more power than is customary," the God of Magic observed, his tone edged with caution. "Typically, a reincarnated soul from Earth is given only one S-rank skill, not six."
The God of Reincarnation waved a dismissive hand. "It matters not. The world he is entering will temper him. If he survives, so be it. If he does not, we will have lost nothing."
The God of Magic frowned. "And if he thrives? What then?"
"Hohoho, then perhaps we'll harvest him ourselves," the God of Reincarnation replied with a dark grin. "The stronger he becomes, the more energy we can extract. After all, Elgra Greas is a crucible that forges gods—and destroys them."
The God of Magic's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more. He knew better than to argue with the Great God of Reincarnation. But deep down, he harbored his own doubts—and perhaps, his own plans.
---
Far below, in the realm of Elgra Greas, the skies parted as a new soul descended. Light cascaded down from the heavens, illuminating the darkened land beneath. On the floating continent of ARVEL, a great goddess watched from her palace in the clouds.
"A new lamb has arrived," she murmured, sipping from a glass of wine as she gazed into the distance. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's see how long this one lasts."
---
I awoke once more, my body solid and whole again. I was no longer a translucent spirit but something far more real. I found myself in an opulent chamber, the walls lined with intricate carvings and ancient symbols.
I glanced around, and my reflection caught my eye. A large mirror stood at the far side of the room, and I hesitated for a moment before walking over to it. What I saw took my breath away.
I was tall—taller than I had been in my previous life. My skin was pale and flawless, my hair a deep, inky black. My eyes were dark and piercing, a stark contrast to the blue eyes and blonde hair I once had. I looked like a completely different person, and yet… it felt right.
I smiled. "I look good," I said, admiring my new appearance.
I raised my hand. "Status."
A glowing screen appeared before me.
---
Status:
Name: Tristan Trevor
Race: Lord
Level: 1
HP: 100,000
MP: 200,000
Skills:
Superman (S)
Weapon Master (S)
Creation (S)
Plunder (S)
Cultivation (S)
Great Wizard (S)
Unique Skills:
Domain (???)
Gate (?)
Extraction (?)
---
I blinked in awe. My race was listed as Lord, and my HP and MP were astronomical. But it was the unique skill, Domain, that caught my attention.
"Domain?" I muttered, my curiosity piqued. "I'll have to figure that one out later."
The room I was in appeared to be at the heart of something much larger. At the center of the chamber, there was an altar with eight large, glowing orbs, each one radiating a different color. In the middle of them all was a larger orb, shimmering with every hue imaginable.
I approached cautiously. "Appraise."
---
Dungeon Cores:
The heart of a dungeon, imbued with immense magic. Destroying the cores results in clearing the dungeon.
Status: Dormant
Owner: None
Grade: ???
Origin: Labyrinth Core
Labyrinth Core:
The mother core, from which all other dungeon cores are born. It is typically ruled by a Demon King or Emperor.
Status: Dormant
Owner: None
Grade: ???
Origin: Unknown
---
A dungeon core room? But it was dormant—long abandoned, perhaps.
"Well, if it's abandoned, then there's no rush," I said, stepping back from the altar. I turned my attention to the massive stone doors that led out of the chamber. Beyond them lay the rest of the world—one I had yet to explore.
The echoes of my past life began to fade, replaced by a burning desire for adventure and power. In this new world, I would not simply survive—I would thrive, and carve my name into the annals of this realm.
Returning to the core room, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The air crackled with latent energy, and I could feel the remnants of ancient magic swirling around me. "This labyrinth, once filled with life and power, now lies dormant," I murmured to myself. "But I will awaken it."
I focused on the Domain skill, feeling its presence within me—a latent power waiting to be unleashed. Raising my hand, I concentrated, envisioning a space that would reflect my will. The room shimmered with a pulse of energy, and suddenly, a circular portal materialized before me, leading to my own dimension.
"Domain: Activate!" I declared, feeling the energy surge through me. The portal expanded, revealing a piece of floating land—500 square meters of space existing solely for me. A sanctuary, a place where I could hone my skills, craft weapons, and plan for the future.
The power of creation hummed through my veins. This domain was more than a retreat; it was an extension of my will. I could shape it as I wished. But now wasn't the time to delve too deep into its potential. First, I needed to gather the necessary resources.
Stepping back into the labyrinth, I began to strategize. "I need to acquire those magic stones for the teleportation array," I said, recalling the Teleportation Magic Array I had appraised earlier. Without them, there was no leaving this place.
I ventured deeper into the ruins, the ancient labyrinth whispering its secrets to me. It was a place filled with memories of battles long past. The faded murals, the artifacts, and the echoes of demons once roaming these halls told a story of power, struggle, and loss. This place had once been alive with magic. Now, it felt abandoned—a forgotten relic of a bygone era.
But not entirely abandoned.
Suddenly, the air grew cold, a faint dark energy resonating through the stone walls. My instincts kicked in, and I activated Appraisal.
Entity: Shadow Wraith
Level: 5
HP: 30,000
Abilities: Shadow Cloak, Ethereal Strike, Life Drain
Status: Hostile
"A low-level demon," I muttered, but a cautious smile crept across my face. "Perfect for testing my strength."
The wraith slithered out from the darkness, its form a swirling mass of shadows, shrieking as it lunged toward me. My body moved instinctively. I dodged its attack, summoning my sword through the Weapon Master skill, a blade of pure energy forming in my hand.
But the wraith was fast—much faster than I expected. It reappeared behind me, its ethereal claws grazing my side as I twisted away. The sting of pain was a stark reminder that this wasn't going to be a simple battle.
I swung my blade, and the sword cut through the wraith, its form splitting apart briefly before reforming. It screeched, seemingly unphased. My strikes weren't enough to destroy it outright. "Damn," I cursed under my breath. This wasn't going to be as easy as I thought.
The wraith disappeared into the shadows again, leaving me momentarily disoriented. I spun around, trying to sense its movements, but it reemerged from the darkness, striking me across the chest with a fierce swipe. I felt my strength wane as it drained my life force.
Life Drain. Of course. If I wasn't careful, this thing would sap me dry before I could land a finishing blow.
I summoned a burst of mana through Cultivation, reinforcing my body, my senses sharpening. The wraith shrieked and lunged again, but this time, I was ready. I ducked beneath its strike, then drove my sword upward in a sweeping arc, cutting through its smoky form.
But again, it reformed—its body nothing but a swirling mass of shadows. I needed more power, something to weaken it.
As the wraith gathered itself for another attack, I concentrated, channeling my mana into my sword. If its form was ethereal, then I needed an ethereal strike to match it. I activated Great Wizard, weaving magic into the blade, transforming it into a weapon capable of striking down spirits.
This time, when the wraith lunged, I met it head-on. My sword cut through its form, and the magic within the blade tore at its essence. The wraith shrieked, its body dissipating momentarily before reforming once more—but weaker now. Its movements slowed.
"I've got you now," I growled, charging forward.
The wraith, sensing the danger, attempted to retreat into the shadows, but I wouldn't let it escape. I activated Plunder, drawing on its life force as it tried to flee. The energy surged into me, weakening the wraith further.
With one final strike, I plunged my sword into the heart of its form, the blade glowing with ethereal power. The wraith let out a high-pitched scream before disintegrating completely, its shadowy essence spiraling into the air before fading into nothingness.
You have defeated Shadow Wraith!
Experience gained: 500
Level Up!
You are now Level 2.
I gasped for breath, my heart still pounding from the intense fight. This was no ordinary world—every encounter, every step forward, was a test of my limits. But I was learning, growing stronger with each battle.
I inspected the area where the wraith had fallen, searching for anything it might have left behind. Sure enough, a small, glowing fragment lay on the ground—a piece of the wraith's essence.
Item: Shadow Essence
Description: A fragment of the Shadow Wraith's power. Can be used to enhance abilities or craft powerful items.
I smirked, tucking the essence into my inventory. "I'll find a use for you soon."
But there was little time to rest. I still needed the magic stones, and who knew what other dangers lay ahead? I could sense more presences lurking in the darkness, their energies faint but unmistakable.
"This place is a treasure trove," I muttered, "but it's also a death trap."
With a deep breath, I continued deeper into the labyrinth, ready for whatever lay ahead.
Fueled by the thrill of my victory against the Shadow Wraith, I ventured further into the labyrinth, each step feeding my growing hunger for power. Every room I passed through felt like a promise—a treasure or secret waiting to be unearthed. And then, I found it.
I entered a vast chamber filled with ancient tomes, the air thick with arcane energy. My heart skipped a beat. "Books on magic!" I muttered, barely able to contain my excitement.
I approached the towering shelves, running my fingers over the leather-bound spines. One title caught my eye: Grimoire of Urous. My pulse quickened as I appraised it.
Item: Grimoire of Urous
Description: Contains powerful spells and knowledge of the magical arts. Can be studied to enhance your Great Wizard skill.
With trembling hands, I pulled the grimoire from the shelf. A surge of energy coursed through me as I opened its pages, the ancient symbols and spells shimmering with power. I felt as though the book itself was alive, feeding me knowledge. The thrill was intoxicating. I plundered all I could—the books, tomes, scrolls, and magical devices that littered the chamber.
Hours passed as I devoured the contents of the grimoire. Each spell I read sharpened my understanding of magic, bending the very fabric of reality to my will. I practiced over and over, pushing the limits of my newfound power, feeling the labyrinth itself pulse in response.
Then, a tremor. The ground shuddered beneath me, dust cascading from the ceiling. "What's happening?" I muttered, my heart racing as the walls quaked.
Suddenly, the wall to my left exploded, sending chunks of stone across the room. From the gaping hole emerged a massive stone golem, its eyes glowing with ancient magic. The very air seemed to bow to its presence.
Entity: Ancient Golem
Level: 10
HP: 100,000
Abilities: Earthquake, Stone Shield, Crushing Blow
Status: Hostile
"Just what I needed," I grumbled, unsheathing my sword and preparing for battle. This was not going to be easy. The sheer size of the creature was overwhelming, and its stone body looked impervious to regular attacks.
With a roar, the golem charged, the ground trembling beneath its massive feet. I barely had time to react, dodging just as its enormous fist crashed into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber. The force of the blow nearly knocked me off balance.
"Too slow!" I taunted, but I felt a sliver of doubt creeping in. This thing was far stronger than anything I'd faced before.
I activated Plunder, hoping to siphon some of its strength. I felt the familiar pull of energy as I swung my sword, landing a blow on its rocky surface. But the damage was minimal, barely a scratch. The golem's magical core pulsed with power, reinforcing its stone body with every second.
Before I could strike again, the golem retaliated. Its fist came down like a hammer, and I only managed to sidestep in time to avoid being crushed. The impact cracked the stone floor beneath me, and the force of it sent me skidding back.
"Dammit, this thing hits hard," I muttered, feeling a surge of adrenaline. My sword wasn't enough; I needed something stronger, something that could pierce its magical defenses.
The golem roared again, its eyes glowing brighter as it raised both fists for another attack. This time, I wasn't fast enough. The ground shook violently as it slammed down, knocking me off my feet. Pain shot through my body as I hit the stone floor hard, the wind knocked out of me.
I scrambled to get up, but the golem was relentless, advancing toward me with terrifying speed for something its size. I rolled out of the way just as it brought its foot down where I had been lying seconds before. Dust and debris filled the air, choking me as I tried to catch my breath.
I activated Cultivation, focusing my mana into reinforcing my body, dulling the pain coursing through me. But as I looked at the golem, I knew brute strength wasn't enough. I needed a strategy.
"Appraisal!" I shouted, desperate for any insight into its weaknesses.
Entity: Ancient Golem
Weakness: Energy-based attacks
Vulnerabilities: Disruption of magical core
There it was—the glowing orb embedded in its chest, the source of its power. But getting to it was another story.
The golem swung again, and I barely managed to block the blow with my sword, the force of the impact rattling my bones. I could feel the tremors beneath my feet, each attack threatening to bring the entire chamber down.
Gritting my teeth, I focused on my next move. I had to get close to that core. But the golem wasn't giving me any openings—it was too fast, too powerful. Every time I dodged one attack, another came crashing down, keeping me on the defensive.
"Come on!" I growled, pushing myself harder. I activated Ethereal Strike, channeling energy into my sword, hoping it would be enough to pierce through the golem's tough exterior. I dashed forward, ducking under a massive swing and slashed at its chest.
The strike hit true, sending a surge of energy into the golem's core. For a moment, I thought I had it. But the golem retaliated with terrifying speed, smashing its stone fist into my side. The force of the blow sent me flying across the room, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.
Pain exploded through my body, and I gasped for breath. This was bad. Really bad.
The golem lumbered toward me, its glowing eyes locked onto mine, relentless in its pursuit. I struggled to my feet, every muscle screaming in protest. My sword felt heavy in my hand, and I could taste blood in my mouth. One more hit like that and I wouldn't be able to continue.
I needed a plan, and fast. But as the golem loomed over me, preparing to strike, I realized I might not have the time to come up with one.
"Think, Tristan, think!" I told myself, my mind racing as I searched for a way out of this.
The golem's core—it was the only chance I had. But I had to weaken it first. Something to disrupt its flow of magic.
I summoned every ounce of energy I had left, readying myself for one last, desperate attack. Arcane Disruption—it was risky, but if I could destabilize the core, I might just stand a chance.
The golem raised its fists again, preparing for a final, crushing blow. This was it. Do or die.
I clenched my teeth and poured my remaining mana into the spell, feeling the raw power surge through me as I shouted, "Arcane Disruption!"
A brilliant beam of energy shot from my hands, aimed directly at the golem's core. The impact was immediate—the golem staggered, its core flickering as cracks began to spread across its surface.
But it wasn't enough. Not yet.
I had managed to disrupt the golem's core, but it wasn't enough to take it down. Not yet. The cracks in the core shimmered faintly, but the golem was still moving, and with every step it took, I felt the walls of the labyrinth tremble.
I gripped my sword tighter, my breath ragged and labored. My entire body ached from the relentless assault, and my mana reserves were dangerously low. But there was no time to rest—one wrong move, and I'd be flattened beneath the golem's massive fists.
The golem roared again, its eyes flaring as if fueled by some ancient rage. Its movements were slower now, more deliberate, but no less deadly. Every step it took cracked the floor beneath it, the weight of its enormous body making the ground quake.
I needed time. Time to recover, to strategize. But the golem wasn't going to give me any. It charged again, faster than I expected, swinging its arm wide in a crushing arc. I barely managed to roll out of the way, feeling the gust of wind as its stone fist passed dangerously close to my head.
"Dammit," I hissed, pulling myself to my feet. My mana reserves were low, and even my enhanced physical abilities were starting to wane. I needed to be smarter, not stronger.
I glanced around the chamber, searching for anything that could give me an advantage. The remnants of the ancient books and scrolls I had plundered earlier littered the floor, but there was nothing of immediate use. The stone walls of the labyrinth felt oppressive, as if the place itself was watching me struggle.
Then I remembered—Earth Manipulation. I had unlocked the skill when I defeated the golem's predecessor, the Shadow Wraith. I hadn't fully explored its potential yet, but now was the perfect time to find out what it could do.
I focused, calling upon the newly acquired power, feeling the energy pulse through my veins. The ground beneath me responded to my will, the stone shifting as I concentrated. I could feel the labyrinth itself, every rock and piece of earth vibrating with latent energy. The golem's elemental affinity to earth would be its undoing.
As the golem lumbered toward me, I raised my hands and willed the stone floor to rise. A jagged pillar of rock shot up from the ground, slamming into the golem's side. It staggered, the impact throwing it off balance, but only for a moment. The golem quickly regained its footing, its glowing eyes now locked onto me with newfound fury.
But I wasn't done.
I manipulated the stone again, this time creating a series of spikes that erupted from the ground beneath the golem's feet. The massive creature roared in frustration as it was forced to step back, the sharp stone spears slowing its movements.
I could feel the strain of using the skill—Earth Manipulation wasn't easy, and my mana reserves were running dry. But I needed to keep the pressure on.
"I've got to get to that core," I muttered, eyeing the cracks in the golem's chest. The disruption I had caused earlier was still there, faint but persistent. If I could just destabilize it further, I'd have a shot at taking this thing down.
The golem, enraged by my attacks, raised both fists high into the air. I barely had time to react before it slammed them into the ground, triggering a massive Earthquake. The entire chamber shook violently, the force of the tremor sending me stumbling backward. Cracks spread across the stone walls, and chunks of the ceiling began to rain down, adding to the chaos.
I grit my teeth, using my sword to steady myself. The earthquake was intense, and I knew if the ceiling collapsed, it would bury us both. I couldn't let that happen. I had to finish this fight before the entire chamber came down on top of me.
"Enough of this!" I growled, summoning the last of my strength.
The golem's core was flickering weakly now, but it was still intact. I knew I had to strike fast and hard, or I'd lose my chance.
I charged forward, weaving between the golem's sluggish swings as it tried to crush me. My movements were slower now, my muscles aching from the constant exertion, but I couldn't stop. Not now. Not when victory was within reach.
The golem swung its arm in a wide arc, but I ducked under it, using the momentum to propel myself forward. I was close now—close enough to see the faint glow of the magical core buried deep within the golem's chest.
With a roar of determination, I raised my sword and activated Ethereal Strike again, channeling every last bit of energy I had into the blade. The sword shimmered with a brilliant, ethereal glow as I plunged it deep into the cracks of the golem's core.
The effect was immediate.
The golem let out a deafening roar as the core shattered beneath the force of my attack. A surge of energy erupted from the broken core, sending a shockwave that knocked me off my feet and threw me across the chamber.
I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of me. For a moment, everything went black. I could hear the golem collapsing in a cacophony of stone and magic, but I couldn't move. Pain radiated through my body, my limbs feeling like they were weighed down by lead.
When I finally opened my eyes, the golem was crumbling, its once-mighty form reduced to a pile of rubble. The core was gone, shattered into pieces, its magic dissipating into the air.
I had done it.
But the victory felt hollow. I lay there on the cold stone floor, staring up at the cracked ceiling, too exhausted to even celebrate. My body ached, my mana reserves were completely drained, and I could barely move.
"Not... easy," I muttered weakly, managing a small, pained smile.
But it wasn't over yet. The labyrinth wasn't done with me, and I knew that this battle—this exhausting, grueling fight—was only the beginning.
As I slowly forced myself to sit up, the faint glow of the golem's core fragments caught my eye. They shimmered in the dim light of the chamber, radiating with residual power.
There was still more to gain here.
The fight wasn't over, but for now, I had to regroup. The labyrinth had more challenges in store, and I wasn't going to be caught off guard again.
With trembling hands, I reached for the core fragments, already thinking about how I could use them. There was power here, waiting to be tapped into.
And I was just getting started.
The chamber was eerily silent, the only sound the faint crackling of magic dissipating from the shattered remains of the golem's core. For a moment, I allowed myself to believe it was over, that I had finally triumphed.
But then, the air grew heavy with energy—dark, oppressive energy.
The fragments of the Ancient Golem's core, which lay scattered across the floor, began to glow again. I watched, frozen in disbelief, as the shattered pieces started to pulse, slowly reassembling into a new form. The energy in the room shifted violently, and a deep, guttural roar echoed through the labyrinth.
"No… You've got to be kidding me," I gasped, pushing myself to my feet, my limbs screaming in protest.
The Ancient Golem wasn't done. Far from it. Its core, though broken, still clung to life, and now it was drawing upon the remaining magic of the labyrinth. The rubble that had once been its body began to shift, reassembling into a more chaotic, jagged form. The golem's glowing eyes flared to life, brighter and more menacing than before.
The golem had gone berserk.
I could feel the difference immediately. Its movements were erratic, less calculated, but the raw power it now possessed was terrifying. The ground trembled as the golem let out a furious bellow, its stone limbs thrashing about with reckless abandon.
And then, as if things couldn't get worse, two smaller forms began to emerge from the shadows of the chamber. Lesser golems, summoned by the berserk creature's desperate need for reinforcements. Their forms were crude, hastily constructed from the stone and debris scattered across the floor, but they were no less dangerous.
Entity: Lesser Golem (x2)
Level: 5
HP: 25,000
Abilities: Stone Strike, Harden, Earthquake (minor)
"Great," I muttered through gritted teeth, barely able to stand. "Because one wasn't enough."
The berserk Ancient Golem roared again, and this time, it charged at me with blinding speed, its massive fists swinging wildly. I dodged, but barely—my body moving on instinct more than skill. I could feel the heat of the golem's rage, its attacks so ferocious that even the air around it seemed to burn.
The two lesser golems moved in tandem with their master, their movements more precise, but just as deadly. One of them lunged at me, its stone fist aimed at my chest. I managed to block it with my sword, but the impact sent a jarring shockwave through my arms, nearly knocking the weapon from my grip.
"I can't keep this up…" I whispered, my vision blurring. My mana reserves were almost entirely depleted, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest. But there was no time to stop. No time to breathe.
I needed a plan.
Summoning what little energy I had left, I activated Earth Manipulation again, forcing the stone floor to rise and create a barrier between me and the lesser golems. It wouldn't hold them for long, but it would buy me a few precious seconds.
The berserk golem was my real target. If I could just destroy it, the others would likely crumble with it. But I had to strike fast and with everything I had.
I glanced at the fragments of the golem's core still scattered on the floor, glowing faintly. That was my only shot. If I could disrupt the core once more, maybe I could sever the golem's connection to the labyrinth's magic.
The lesser golems were already breaking through my stone barrier, and the berserk golem was charging at me again. I had no choice but to take a risk.
I rushed forward, dodging the berserk golem's wild swings as best I could, using every ounce of speed and agility I had left. My vision was narrowing, my body screaming for rest, but I pushed through. This was it—my last chance.
With a burst of desperation, I activated Ethereal Strike, channeling the remnants of my energy into my sword. The blade shimmered with an intense, ghostly light, cutting through the air as I aimed for the core fragments still embedded in the golem's chest.
The golem swung its massive arm at me, and I barely managed to duck under it. I was so close now, I could feel the heat of the magic radiating from its core.
"Time to end this!" I roared, driving my blade straight into the fractured core.
For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. The berserk golem let out a deafening roar, its body shuddering violently as the core pulsed and flickered. The energy within it was unstable, chaotic, and now, completely out of control.
The core exploded in a burst of light and sound, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber. The two lesser golems, still trying to claw their way through my barrier, crumbled instantly, their connection to the Ancient Golem severed.
As for the berserk golem, its body began to crack and crumble, pieces of stone falling away as its magic finally gave out. With one final, earth-shaking roar, the massive creature collapsed into a pile of rubble, its glowing eyes fading into darkness.
You have defeated Ancient Golem!
Experience gained: 2,000
Level Up!
You are now Level 4.
HP and MP increased.
I stood there, panting heavily, my body on the verge of collapse. The chamber was silent now, the air thick with dust and the lingering scent of magic. The Ancient Golem was gone, and I had won. But it had taken everything I had.
I dropped to my knees, exhausted beyond belief. My mana reserves were completely depleted, and every muscle in my body felt like it had been torn apart. I could barely keep my eyes open, the adrenaline that had fueled me throughout the battle now fading, leaving only bone-deep fatigue.
"I… I did it," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.
The victory felt hollow, though. I had survived, but just barely. The labyrinth had tested me in ways I hadn't anticipated, and I knew this was only the beginning. There would be more battles, more challenges, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep going like this.
But for now, I had survived. And that was enough.
As I lay there on the cold stone floor, staring up at the cracked ceiling, I allowed myself a moment of rest. The Ancient Golem was defeated, the labyrinth quiet once more. But I knew deep down that the true dangers of this world had yet to reveal themselves.
And I had no choice but to face them head-on.
For now, though, I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion wash over me.