Kael pressed on through the forest, the echoes of his encounter with the spectral guardian still fresh in his mind. The Grimoire's power had saved him, but it was clear now that the path ahead was fraught with even greater dangers. As he drew closer to the ruins, the atmosphere around him grew darker and heavier. The air turned colder, and the sounds of the forest—chirping birds and rustling leaves—vanished, leaving only Kael's footsteps and the occasional crack of a distant branch.
---
[Quest Update: Path of Discovery]
- Objective: Reach the Ruins of Artheon.
- Progress: 50%.
- Details: Continue toward the ruins to uncover the Grimoire's origins.
---
Kael took a deep breath, focusing on his steps. He couldn't afford to dwell on the dangers. After what felt like hours, he saw something through the dense trees—crumbling pillars and broken statues, their forms barely visible in the fading light. These marked the outer boundaries of the ruins.
As Kael stepped closer, the Grimoire glowed faintly, and the system panel appeared once more:
---
[New Trial Initiated: The Guardian of the Ruins]
- Objective: Defeat the ancient guardian protecting the ruins.
- Details: Passage into the ruins is only possible by overcoming the guardian.
- Reward: +10% synchronization and a new skill: "Seal of Light."
---
Kael's pulse quickened. Exhausted as he was, he knew he had no choice but to face the trial. Clutching the Grimoire tightly, he moved forward. A deep rumble echoed through the air as he approached the ruins. Kael looked up to see a massive stone figure begin to move.
"Who dares disturb my slumber?" the guardian bellowed, hefting a gigantic stone axe. The figure stood nearly three meters tall, its every movement causing the ground to tremble.
Kael stepped back, flipping open the Grimoire as the system panel updated:
---
[Combat Scenario Detected]
- Opponent: Stone Guardian of the Ruins
- Level: 8
- Recommended Skills: Light Shield and Mana Burst.
---
"Level 8?!" Kael muttered, his breath catching in his throat. He had never faced an opponent this powerful. But there was no time for hesitation. He turned to the glowing pages and shouted, "Light Shield!"
A barrier of radiant energy enveloped him just as the guardian swung its massive axe. The weapon collided with the shield, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Kael braced himself, trying not to lose his footing. The system chimed in:
---
[Skill Active: Light Shield]
- Damage Reduction: 70%
- Mana Cost: 6
- Remaining Mana: 6
---
The guardian was slowed, but not stopped. Kael needed to act fast. Another page of the Grimoire glowed brightly, revealing a new skill:
---
[New Skill Unlocked: Seal of Light]
- Description: Release an energy burst that immobilizes enemies.
- Mana Cost: 6
---
Kael gritted his teeth and focused on the glowing page. "Seal of Light!" he shouted. A surge of energy radiated from his hands, and brilliant chains of light shot forth, wrapping around the guardian. The stone figure froze in place, its movements completely halted.
For a moment, the ruins were silent. Then, the guardian's form cracked and crumbled, collapsing into a pile of rubble.
Kael dropped to his knees, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The system's voice returned, calm and precise:
---
[Trial Complete]
- Reward: +10% Synchronization, "Seal of Light" skill permanently unlocked.
- Bonus: +2 Strength, +3 Mana.
---
Kael stood shakily, his eyes turning toward the entrance to the ruins. The path was now clear, and he was ready to press forward. Clutching the Grimoire tightly, he took a deep breath. This was only the beginning—the true answers lay ahead.
The system panel reappeared, displaying Kael's updated stats:
---
[Character Status]
- Name: Kael Morwyn
- Level: 2
- Synchronization: 60%
- Attributes:
- Strength: 9
- Intelligence: 14
- Mana: 12
- Skills:
- Mana Burst
- Adaptive Shield
- Binding Chains
- Seal of Light
---
Kael dismissed the panel and stepped through the crumbling gates of the ruins. A new trial awaited him in the shadows.