The Endless Void was a realm of chaos and unpredictability.
It devoured countless worlds and universes, merging their fragments into its boundless expanse. Within its depths lurked monsters of every imaginable form, each a remnant of what had once been.
Even during the Rookie Trial, when the Void's rules protected newcomers from overwhelming dangers, Lucian dared not let his guard down.
Inside the small wooden hut that served as his base, Lucian sat at a plain table, polishing his longsword. The room was modestly furnished, a wooden bed, a hard chair, an oil lamp casting flickering light, and a teapot filled with lukewarm tea.
Opposite him, Lin Daiyu sat gracefully, her delicate hands resting lightly on her lap. Her ethereal beauty shone even in the dim light, her slender waist and poised demeanor exuding elegance. Her gaze, calm and thoughtful, seemed to study Lucian as if she could read the turmoil in his mind.
Sharing a room with such a breathtaking woman was a new experience for Lucian.
He couldn't help but feel his thoughts wander. On one hand, the proximity made him inexplicably restless; on the other, it brought an unfamiliar warmth.
"Focus, Lucian," he muttered to himself. "Have a backbone, man!"
Lin Daiyu's lips curved into a soft smile, her gaze steady. "Is something troubling you, Master?"
Her voice was gentle, like the chiming of silver bells, sending a shiver down Lucian's spine. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to answer.
"No, not at all!" he blurted. "I was just wondering… Are you hungry?"
Her smile widened slightly, her tone playful. "Not yet. What about you?"
The teasing note in her voice caught him off guard, leaving him flustered. Before he could respond, Lin Daiyu's expression shifted. Her brows furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly, gazing toward the door.
"Master," she said softly, her tone suddenly serious, "we have uninvited guests."
Lucian sprang to his feet, adrenaline surging. The first wave of the Rookie Trial was here.
He grabbed his longsword and stepped outside, the cool air sharpening his senses. In the faint light surrounding the fence, two creatures emerged from the shadows.
They stood no taller than 1.5 meters, their skin a sickly crimson hue. Each gripped a rusted scimitar, their movements erratic and uncoordinated.
"Sinking demons," Lucian muttered, recognizing their type from his studies. "Clumsy steps, uneven breathing… Weaklings."
He tightened his grip on his sword, his pulse steadying. The first wave was meant to be simple—a test of determination more than skill.
Taking a deep breath, Lucian charged forward.
The nearest demon let out a guttural snarl, raising its weapon. Lucian's sword met the scimitar with a sharp clang, sparks flying as the blades collided. Without hesitation, Lucian sidestepped, his body twisting as he redirected his strike.
The longsword's edge glinted in the dim light before slashing cleanly across the demon's neck.
A spray of dark blood followed, the creature collapsing to the ground with a strangled cry.
Lucian turned to the second demon, its grotesque face contorted with fear. Without a sound, it spun on its heels and bolted toward the shadows.
"Running away?" Lucian smirked. "Not on my watch."
He sprinted after it, his sword gleaming as he thrust forward. The blade pierced the demon's heart, the force of the strike driving the creature to the ground.
Lucian straightened, yanking his sword free and shaking the blood from its blade.
"Two down," he said with a satisfied grin. The first wave was as easy as expected.
Suddenly, he noticed two glowing lights hovering over the fallen demons. As he approached, the lights coalesced into treasure chests.
[Sinking Demon Treasure Chest]
[Sinking Demon Treasure Chest]
"Loot drops," Lucian said, his grin widening. "The Void's reward system never disappoints."
He sheathed his sword and reached for the chests, eager to claim his spoils.
As he opened the first chest, a sudden noise broke the stillness—a distant boom, followed by a wave of heat that washed over the territory.
Lucian's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.
From the shadows, a fiery projectile came hurtling toward him.
"A fireball?" Lucian exclaimed, his heart racing.
In the distance, a faint outline appeared, a larger demon, its hands crackling with flame, stepping into view.
The Rookie Trial's first wave wasn't over yet.