Kairos' heart pounded in his chest as the massive wolf's growl echoed through the trees. The beast was easily twice his height, with crimson fur that shimmered like fire under the moonlight. Its eyes gleamed with intelligence, and there was no mistaking the malice behind its intent. This was no ordinary creature—this was a Guardian Beast, likely sent by the heavens to protect whatever power the Fallen Star held.
Kairos swallowed hard, his fists trembling. He could barely hold his ground against his fellow disciples back at the Skyfire Sect, let alone a creature like this. Yet, the system had thrown him into this battle. There was no running—no turning back.
[Quest Update: Survive and Defeat the Guardian Beast]
Reward: Fallen Star Access
Penalty: Death
Kairos wiped the sweat from his brow and tightened his grip on the dagger at his side—a low-grade weapon he had salvaged during his time as an outer disciple. It was hardly fit for this battle, but it was all he had.
The beast let out a thunderous snarl and lunged forward, its claws digging into the earth as it charged.
Kairos had only moments to react.
[Lunar Void Steps]
Cooldown: 5 seconds
"Now!" he shouted to himself. His body shimmered once more, and he disappeared into the shadows just as the wolf's claws sliced through the space where he had stood. The creature howled in frustration, its red eyes darting around, searching for its prey.
Kairos reappeared several feet away, gasping for breath. Using the Lunar Void Steps was exhilarating, but it took a toll on his still-weak cultivation. His spiritual energy reserves were limited, and he couldn't afford to waste any movements.
The wolf turned, locking onto him once more. It crouched low, ready to strike again, but this time, Kairos was ready.
[System Notification: New Skill Unlocked]
Name: Shadow Flame Palm
Type: Offensive
Description: A basic martial technique combining fire and darkness, burning enemies with a palm strike that harnesses both elements.
The system's cold voice echoed in his mind, and he instinctively raised his right hand. Black flames flickered into existence, wrapping around his palm like living shadows. Kairos could feel the power surging through him, unstable and raw, but potent.
He braced himself as the wolf lunged again, jaws wide, aiming to tear him apart. But this time, he stood his ground. Just as the beast was about to reach him, Kairos thrust his palm forward.
[Shadow Flame Palm]!
The black flames shot forward, spiraling into the wolf's chest. The beast howled in pain as the dark fire scorched its fur and flesh, sending it crashing back into the trees with a thunderous boom. The force of the blow knocked Kairos off balance, and he stumbled backward, nearly falling to the ground. His chest heaved with the effort, and his vision blurred from the strain of expending so much energy at once.
"Did… did that work?" he muttered, barely able to believe what he had just done. His hands still tingled with the residual energy of the Shadow Flame Palm, and he stared at them in disbelief.
But his moment of triumph was short-lived.
The wolf rose from the shattered trees, its body smoking from the burns. Though injured, it was far from dead. Its eyes blazed with fury now, and it moved faster, angrier, as if the pain only fueled its rage.
Kairos' heart sank. He had given it everything, and the beast was still standing.
System Notification:
Danger Level: Critical
Recommendation: Use environment to your advantage
Kairos' mind raced. He couldn't overpower the beast head-on, not yet. But the system had given him a hint—the environment. He quickly scanned the area, noting the thick trees surrounding them and the uneven terrain of the forest.
A plan began to form. It was risky, but it was his only shot.
He moved, using the Lunar Void Steps to dart into the nearby trees, weaving through the thick foliage. The beast growled and gave chase, crashing through the forest with raw power, smashing trees aside as it barreled after him.
Kairos leaped over a fallen log and reached a narrow ravine. It was deep—too deep to survive a fall—but it gave him an idea. He stood at the edge, his back to the abyss, and waited. The beast burst through the trees moments later, its bloodshot eyes locking onto him.
"Come on," Kairos muttered, his heart thundering in his chest. "Just a little closer..."
The wolf roared and lunged again, jaws wide and claws extended.
At the last possible moment, Kairos activated Lunar Void Steps and disappeared into the shadows once more. The wolf's momentum carried it forward—too fast to stop. Its claws dug into the loose soil, but the ground crumbled beneath its weight. With a furious howl, the Guardian Beast plummeted into the ravine, disappearing into the darkness below.
Kairos reappeared on the other side, his legs nearly giving out beneath him from exhaustion. He collapsed to the ground, breathing hard as he stared at the ravine where the beast had fallen. Silence filled the forest. He had done it.
[Quest Complete: Survive and Defeat the Guardian Beast]
Reward: Fallen Star Access Granted
Bonus Reward: Skill Point +1
Kairos barely registered the system's notifications. His body ached, his spiritual energy nearly depleted, but he had survived. Slowly, he rose to his feet and looked toward the valley ahead. The pillar of light from the Fallen Star still shone brightly, beckoning him forward.
He couldn't rest now. Whatever power awaited him in that valley was too important to ignore. If he could claim it, his journey to rebuild the Lin Clan would truly begin.
As he limped toward the valley, his mind wandered to the system itself. What was the Eclipse System, really? And why had it chosen him? The questions gnawed at him, but for now, he pushed them aside. Power came first.
Unbeknownst to Kairos, shadows were moving in the distance. Others had sensed the Fallen Star's descent. Powerful cultivators from rival sects were closing in, each driven by their own ambitions.
Among them, Xia Muren watched from a ridge above, her silver eyes locked on the valley below. The cold beauty of the Silent Moon Sect had arrived, and she wasn't alone.
But more than that, something darker stirred in the depths of the ravine where the Guardian Beast had fallen. Its roar had awoken something far more dangerous.
Kairos' trial had only just begun.