Kian couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He had always been a prince, but he felt like a stranger to his own world. His mind began to churn with a mix of confusion and determination. He wasn't going to let this strange power control him. He needed answers.
As he wandered deeper into the ruins of the city, the system's voice echoed once more.
[ You must complete your first trial. Your path is set. ]
The ground shook as a portal appeared before Kian, a swirling vortex of starry light. Without thinking, Kian stepped through the portal, only to find himself standing in a vast, cavernous arena filled with strange creatures and unknown dangers.
"Welcome to the Arena of Celestial Trials," the system announced. "Defeat the challengers within and unlock your path to the next stage."
Before Kian could comprehend what was happening, a monstrous creature emerged from the shadows—Varkor, a massive golem forged from stone and molten lava, its eyes glowing with malice.
The system chimed again.
[ New Quest: Defeat Varkor, the Stone Colossus. Reward: Experience, Starborn Artifact. ]
---
[Quest Activated: Defeat Varkor]
Objective: Defeat the Stone Colossus.
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Reward: 200 XP, Starborn Gauntlets, New Skill
Failure: The loss of health and potential for further trials to be locked.
---
Kian gritted his teeth. His body ached, and the strange energies of the world felt foreign, but he knew he had no choice. He raised his hand, activating his Starflare ability. A burst of celestial flame shot out toward Varkor, but the golem's rocky body absorbed the blast with little damage.
"Your strength is too weak," the system noted. "Increase your stats to stand a chance."
Kian took a deep breath, focusing on the System. He could feel something deep within, an ancient power waiting to be tapped into. He focused on the Starborn Shield, creating a barrier around himself just as Varkor swung its massive fists toward him.
"Activate Starflare, again!" Kian roared, pushing himself to his limit. The flame surged brighter than before, tearing through Varkor's defenses.
Slowly, but surely, Varkor's form began to crumble, its power weakening. In the final moments of the battle, Kian gathered all of his remaining mana and unleashed a devastating blast. The golem shattered, collapsing into dust.
---
[Quest Complete: Defeat Varkor]
Experience Earned: 200 XP
Reward: Starborn Gauntlets, New Skill: Celestial Flame (Advanced)
Starborn Progress: Level 2
---
Kian took a breath, feeling the weight of the battle settle into his bones. His body felt stronger now, more attuned to the world around him. The gauntlets he received pulsed with celestial energy, glowing faintly.
But there was no time to relax. The next trial awaited. The path ahead was long, but Kian was no longer just a prince in a forgotten city—he was the last hope of the Celestial Kingdom.
The System would guide him, but he would be the one to choose how to use its power.
---