The ground shook as the Stone Guardian hobbled toward me, its massive feet leaving deep indentations in the cracked stone floor of the temple.
Each step it took sent vibrations through my bones, reminding me just how much I was outmatched.
My shoulder still throbbed from the earlier fight, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but the system wasn't about to give me that luxury.
This fight was coming whether I liked it or not.
The creature let out a low rumble, its glowing blue eyes fixed on me like a predator eyeing its prey.
There was no hesitation in its movements, just slow, destruction.
It was made of rock and vines, which wound around its limbs like thick ropes, holding its massive form together.
If I didn't figure out how to take it down, I'd be flattened like the rest of this decayed temple.
I steadied my grip on the sword. I had no idea if this blade could even pierce stone, but it was the only thing I had. My mind raced as I tried to come up with a plan.
[Enemy detected: Stone Guardian.]
[Threat level: Very High.]
No shit. I had faced wolves, panthers, and a Bloodfang, but this was on a whole other level.
One wrong move, and I'd be nothing more than a stain on the floor.
My eyes darted around the temple, searching for anything I could use to my advantage.
The temple was in ruins, collapsed pillars, broken statues, and jagged stone rubble littered the ground. Maybe I could use the environment to outsmart the thing.
The Stone Guardian raised one of its massive arms, and for a moment, everything slowed down.
I could see the massive fist coming toward me, but my body reacted just in time.
I dove to the side, rolling across the ground as the giant fist slammed into the spot where I had been standing.
The impact was so strong that chunks of stone flew everywhere, and the floor beneath the Guardian's fist cracked open like an egg.
I scrambled to my feet, panting. That was way too close.
The Guardian let out another rumbling growl, its glowing eyes turning to me again as it slowly pulled its arm back.
I could see the cracks in the floor, the dust still swirling from its last attack. I wasn't going to survive another hit like that. I had to move fast.
"Come on, Zen," I muttered to myself, gripping the sword tighter. "Think."
[System prompt: Activate Combat Basics (Rank E)?]
Yes. Absolutely yes.
A familiar wave of focus washed over me as the system took over, guiding my movements.
My body felt lighter, faster. I could feel the tension in my muscles loosen as the system's skill kicked in, helping me dodge the Guardian's next swing with precision.
My sword flashed in my hand as I aimed for the vines wrapping around its legs.
I wasn't going to try cutting through stone, not yet, anyway. But if I could weaken the vines, maybe I could take away some of its balance.
The sword sliced through the first vine easily, and the Guardian let out a low growl of anger.
I ducked behind a pillar just as its fist came crashing down again, shattering the stone into dust.
My heart was racing, but I could see a path forward now. The vines were the weak point, if I could cut enough of them, I might just have a shot at taking this thing down.
I darted forward, slicing through another vine as the Guardian tried to turn and follow my movements.
It was slow, and I could use that to my advantage.
My sword cut through a third vine, and I could feel the Guardian's movements grow more sluggish. Its massive body swayed slightly, like it was struggling to keep its balance.
"That's it," I muttered, adrenaline pumping through me. "Just a little more…"
But before I could make another move, the Guardian let out a roar, a deep, earth-shaking sound that made the entire temple tremble.
It wasn't just an ordinary monster anymore. The glow in its eyes intensified, and I could see cracks forming along its rocky skin, as if it was preparing for something big.
Without warning, the Guardian slammed both fists into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave through the temple, and the floor beneath me gave way.
I barely managed to leap to the side, but the force of the blast knocked me off my feet. I hit the ground hard, the air rushing from my lungs as I struggled to get back up.
[Warning: Stone Guardian entering rage mode. Increased attack power.]
Rage mode? That didn't sound good.
The Guardian was moving faster now, its massive fists pounding the ground as it charged at me.
I rolled out of the way just in time, scrambling to my feet as it slammed into a nearby wall, sending chunks of stone flying.
It was relentless, and I could barely keep up.
The system's Combat Basics was helping me dodge, but I could feel my stamina draining with every second that passed.
I needed to finish this. Fast.
The Guardian charged again, but this time I was ready.
I ducked behind one of the broken pillars, waiting for just the right moment.
As soon as the Guardian raised its fists to attack, I lunged forward, driving my sword straight into the mass of vines wrapped around its leg.
The blade sliced through them like butter, and with a deafening crash, the Guardian's leg buckled.
It let out a roar of fury, but its balance was off. I could see it swaying, struggling to keep itself upright. This was my chance.
I dashed forward, my sword aimed for the Guardian's chest.
It raised its arms to block, but I was already too close. I jumped, driving the sword into the center of its chest with all the strength I could muster.
The blade sank deep, and the Guardian let out one final, earth-shaking roar as cracks spread across its stone body.
For a moment, everything was still. The Guardian stood frozen, its eyes flickering as if trying to process what had just happened.
Then, with a loud crack, the creature collapsed. Its massive body shattered into pieces as it hit the ground, sending dust and debris flying everywhere.
I stood there, panting, sword still in hand. My heart was pounding in my chest, and my legs felt like they could give out at any moment. But it was over. The Stone Guardian was defeated.
[Task complete: Defeat the temple guardian.]
[Reward: Weapon Enhancement Scroll.]
I let out a shaky breath as the system prompt appeared in front of me.
The scroll materialized in my hand, glowing faintly with power. I could feel the tension draining from my body as I collapsed against the nearest wall, too tired to do anything but breathe.
"I can't believe that worked," I muttered, half-laughing. I was alive, somehow. Barely, but alive.
I unrolled the Weapon Enhancement Scroll, watching as the system's power flowed into my sword.
The dull metal gleamed as the blade sharpened, the hilt becoming more solid in my hand.
It wasn't a legendary weapon by any means, but it was a definite improvement from the worn-out sword I'd been using.
[Weapon upgraded: Apprentice Sword (Rank D).]
Not bad. Not bad at all.
But before I could fully appreciate the new weapon, another system prompt appeared.
[New task: Survive for 12 more hours in the Darkwood Forest.] [Reward: Combat Skill Upgrade.]
I groaned, wiping the dirt from my face. Of course, the system wasn't done with me yet.
Twelve more hours in this deathtrap? It seemed the forest wasn't ready to let me go just yet.
With my new weapon in hand and a few hours left to survive, I knew there was no turning back.
"Alright," I said, standing up with a wince. "Bring it on."