The Obsidian Warden's roar shook the chamber, dust and debris falling from the high, shadowed ceiling. Its crimson eyes glowed with malice, and the sound of its footsteps reverberated like thunder as it charged at Max.
Max stood his ground, gripping the Divine Blade tightly. The weapon hummed with energy, as if responding to the danger ahead.
"Clara, get back!" he shouted, glancing over his shoulder.
Clara hesitated for a moment before nodding and retreating to the edge of the chamber, her bow still drawn. "Be careful!" she called.
The Warden swung a massive obsidian mace, its spiked head aiming to crush Max in a single blow. Max leapt to the side just in time, the impact of the weapon creating a crater in the stone floor where he had stood moments before.
As Max rolled to his feet, the golden interface appeared in his vision.
Analysis Complete:
Enemy: Obsidian Warden Weakness: Core exposed after parrying heavy attacks. Recommendation: Use Sunlit Slash to target the core.
New Ability Unlocked:
Ethereal Step – Temporarily boost speed and agility to evade attacks.
"Ethereal Step?" Max muttered. The information flowed into his mind instantly, the mechanics of the ability becoming second nature.
The Warden roared again and swung its mace horizontally. This time, Max activated the ability, his movements becoming a blur as he dodged the attack with ease. He felt lighter, faster, as if gravity itself had less of a hold on him.
"Alright," Max muttered, gripping the Divine Blade with both hands. "Let's see how you like this."
The Warden raised its mace high, preparing for another devastating blow. Max waited for the perfect moment, his eyes focused on the creature's core—a faintly glowing red spot beneath its armored chest.
The mace came crashing down, but instead of dodging, Max raised the Divine Blade to meet it. The weapons collided with a deafening clang, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the chamber.
For a moment, it was a contest of strength. Then, as the system had predicted, the Warden's core briefly became exposed.
"Sunlit Slash!" Max shouted, pouring every ounce of his will into the blade.
A blinding wave of golden energy erupted from the sword, striking the core directly. The Warden staggered back, its roar echoing with pain and fury. Cracks spread across its obsidian armor, red light seeping through like magma.
The Warden slammed its mace into the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked Max off his feet. It roared again, the cracks in its armor glowing brighter as it entered a berserk state.
"Max, watch out!" Clara shouted from the edge of the chamber. She loosed an arrow, but it bounced harmlessly off the Warden's thick armor.
Max struggled to his feet, his body aching. The Divine Blade's glow had dimmed slightly, as if the weapon itself was exhausted.
"System, what now?" he muttered.
The golden interface reappeared.
Emergency Mode Activated:
Use Divine Channeling to amplify attack power. Warning: High energy consumption. Prolonged use may cause physical strain.
Max gritted his teeth. "I don't have a choice."
He raised the Divine Blade, and a surge of energy coursed through him. The weapon's glow intensified, the golden light filling the entire chamber.
The Warden charged again, its mace swinging wildly. Max met the creature head-on, his enhanced speed and strength allowing him to parry the blows. Each clash sent sparks flying, the sound of metal on metal ringing in his ears.
Finally, he saw his opening. The Warden raised its mace for a final, desperate strike. Max dashed forward, sliding under the creature's guard.
With all his strength, he drove the Divine Blade into the Warden's exposed core.
"Now!" he shouted.
The sword pierced through, and the golden energy within it erupted like a volcanic explosion. The Warden froze, its body trembling as cracks spread across its entire form.
Then, with a deafening roar, it shattered into shards of obsidian and light.
Max fell to his knees, gasping for breath. The Divine Blade dimmed, its once-vibrant glow reduced to a faint shimmer.
Clara rushed to his side, her eyes wide with concern. "Max, are you okay?"
"Yeah," he said, though his voice was hoarse. "That... was tougher than I expected."
As the dust settled, a small pedestal rose from the center of the chamber. On it rested a glowing crystal, its light pulsating gently.
System Notification:
You have defeated the Obsidian Warden.
Reward: Divine Core Fragment. Additional Rewards: Hidden Dungeon Loot Chest.
Max stood shakily and approached the pedestal. He picked up the crystal, feeling its warmth radiate through his hand.
"What is it?" Clara asked, peering over his shoulder.
"I'm not sure," Max admitted. "But I think it's important."
As he pocketed the crystal, the system's golden interface appeared again.
Congratulations. Progress toward Divine Awakening: 25%.
Max stared at the notification, his mind racing. This wasn't just about surviving anymore. Something far greater was unfolding, and he was at the center of it.
"We should go," Clara said, glancing nervously at the fading dungeon walls.
Max nodded. "Yeah. Let's get out of here."
As they exited the hidden dungeon, Max couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The power of the Divine System had changed his life, but it was clear that it came with a price.
And somewhere, in the shadows of the world, something—or someone—had taken notice of his growing strength.