The System's Introduction
Jin stands amidst the ruins of the cavern, the eerie silence broken only by the whispers of shadows and the newly activated system screen floating before him.
The text flickers:
[Erebus System Activated]
Host: Jin Sang
Current Level: 10
Next Level: 500 EXP Required
The voice of Erebus echoes once more, but now with a strange mechanical undertone. "You are my chosen host, Jin Sang. Through the system, I will guide you to power. The labyrinth is but the beginning. Surpass your limits, and I will grant you the strength to crush your enemies."
Jin smirks, adrenaline and rage fueling his determination. "I'll take whatever power you can give me. Let's level up."
System Notification:
New Ability Unlocked: Shadowforge Armor – Create defensive armor using the shadows around you.
Mission: Reach the Core of the Labyrinth (Reward: 200 EXP)
The Changing Labyrinth
Armed with his new abilities, Jin presses forward. The labyrinth feels different now—darker, more oppressive. The walls shift and reform as if guiding him toward something. The shadows respond to his movements, coiling around his feet like loyal servants.
He experiments with his new skill, summoning Shadowforge Armor. Tendrils of darkness wrap around his body, forming sleek, flexible armor that glimmers faintly with violet light. The armor feels like a second skin, enhancing his speed and defense.
"Looks like you're serious about making me stronger," Jin mutters.
The system responds, almost amused. "Only if you survive what lies ahead."
The Ambush
Jin's journey is interrupted when the ground beneath him crumbles, plunging him into a vast chamber filled with towering stone statues. Each statue depicts a Titan, their eyes glowing faintly as if watching him.
A low growl echoes through the chamber, and Jin's instincts scream danger. From the shadows emerge a new type of demon—Shadow Wraiths, humanoid figures shrouded in black mist, their eyes burning with malice.
System Notification:
Enemy Encounter: Shadow Wraiths
Level: 15-20
The wraiths attack in unison, their movements swift and unpredictable. Jin struggles at first, barely blocking their strikes with his blade and armor. But the system provides real-time analysis, guiding his movements.
System Tip: "Use the environment. The statues are imbued with light magic—channel their energy to weaken the wraiths."
Jin darts between the statues, luring the wraiths into beams of light emanating from the carvings. As they weaken, he finishes them off with precise strikes, earning his first batch of system rewards.
System Notification:
Wraith Defeated: 50 EXP Gained
Level Up: Level 11
New Ability Unlocked: Shadow Strike – Unleash a concentrated burst of shadow energy for a powerful, ranged attack.
The Titan's Warning
After defeating the wraiths, Jin examines the statues more closely. As he approaches one depicting a Titan with massive wings, its eyes flash, and a deep voice fills the chamber.
"Mortal... you walk a dangerous path. The Core of the Labyrinth holds the key to power, but it also holds the truth. Are you prepared to face the price of your vengeance?"
Jin glares at the statue. "I didn't ask for your warnings. I'll face whatever I have to."
The statue's voice grows softer, almost pitying. "The shadows may grant you power, but they will also consume you. Remember this, child of vengeance."
The Map's Revelation
Jin consults the map fragment he found earlier. With the system's help, the map expands, revealing hidden paths and shortcuts through the labyrinth. The Core lies at the labyrinth's very center, marked by an ancient rune symbolizing balance—a balance that has long since been broken.
The system chimes in. "The Core is where your journey truly begins. It is where the labyrinth's creator, Erebus, once resided. If you reach it, you may gain full access to my power... or lose yourself entirely."
Jin clenches his fist. "If it means getting stronger, I'll risk it."
The Guardian of the Gate
As Jin approaches the final stretch toward the Core, he encounters a massive gate, its surface etched with glowing runes. Standing before it is another powerful enemy—a Gatekeeper Golem, a hulking construct of stone and shadow.
System Notification:
Enemy Encounter: Gatekeeper Golem
Level: 25
The golem attacks without hesitation, its strikes shaking the ground and creating shockwaves that force Jin to keep moving. Despite his growing strength, the golem's sheer size and durability make it a formidable foe.
Using his new Shadow Strike ability, Jin targets the glowing runes on the golem's body, each hit weakening its defenses. The fight pushes him to his limits, but with a final, well-placed strike to its core, the golem crumbles into rubble.
System Notification:
Gatekeeper Defeated: 300 EXP Gained
Level Up: Level 13
As the gate slowly opens, Jin feels the weight of what lies ahead.
The Core Awaits
The chapter ends with Jin stepping through the gate into a vast, otherworldly chamber. The Core of the Labyrinth glows at its center—a massive, swirling orb of dark and light energy, pulsating with immense power. The shadows seem to celebrate his arrival, their whispers growing louder and more insistent.
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Reach the Core of the Labyrinth
Reward: Unlock Advanced Shadow Manipulation
Jin stands before the Core, a mix of awe and determination on his face. He knows this is only the beginning of his journey, but for the first time, he feels truly prepared.
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