The echoes of Gok's fragmented memories lingered in his mind, each one carving deeper into his resolve. But he had no time to dwell on the past. The Infinite Blade, glowing with its golden aura, now lay at his side as if waiting for his command. The revelation from Rat about Ranker being an alien planet still echoed in his mind, leaving him with more questions than answers.
Gok's focus snapped back to the present as a surge of energy rippled through the air. The tournament arena, now empty of players, quaked as a fissure formed in the ground. A massive clawed hand erupted from the crevice, followed by an earth-shattering roar.
The creature that emerged was unlike anything Gok had seen before. Towering over the landscape, it resembled a twisted fusion of a dragon and an insect, its body covered in black, metallic scales that reflected no light. Its eyes glowed an ominous red, and the symbol of a crest—a single finger pointing upwards—burned on its chest, seared into its flesh as though branded.
"Crest of the Finger," Gok whispered, his hands instinctively gripping the hilt of the Infinite Blade. This wasn't just another boss monster; it was something far more sinister.
---
Elsewhere, in the Hall of Zodiacs
The twelve thrones stood in a perfect circle, their occupants cloaked in darkness. Only the Rat's throne remained dimly lit, now vacant. At the center of the hall was a holographic display of the Ranker world, the massive creature and Gok clearly visible.
The Monkey Zodiac leaned forward, his red, glowing eyes narrowing as he watched the battle unfold.
"Interesting," Monkey muttered, his extra arms twitching with anticipation. "The Crest of the Finger has awakened. If Gok survives this... perhaps he is worthy of being more than just a pawn."
The other Zodiacs murmured among themselves, their voices echoing ominously in the chamber. One figure, draped in a shimmering robe that seemed to ripple like water, spoke with a calm yet commanding voice.
"We cannot let him grow unchecked. If he learns the truth about the Zodiacs' origin, it will spell disaster for us all. Shall we intervene?"
Monkey smirked, his sharp teeth gleaming in the faint light. "No. Let the Finger test him. If he dies, he's unworthy. If he survives..." He trailed off, his eyes narrowing further. "Then the game truly begins."
---
Back in the Arena
Gok barely had time to react as the creature lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. He dodged narrowly, the Infinite Blade humming in his hands as if alive. The ground beneath him cracked from the force of the monster's strike, sending debris flying.
"I can't take this thing head-on," Gok muttered to himself. He leaped backward, putting some distance between him and the beast. He needed a strategy—this wasn't like fighting players or bosses in the game. The Finger-crested monster moved with an intelligence and ferocity that felt unnervingly real.
As Gok tried to formulate a plan, the Infinite Blade pulsed in his hands, almost as if urging him to attack.
"Fine," he growled, raising the blade. "Let's see what you can really do."
With a single swing, a golden arc of energy shot forth, slicing through the air toward the monster. The creature roared in defiance, raising its claw to block the attack, but the energy cut clean through, severing its arm.
For a moment, Gok allowed himself a small smirk. But his confidence was short-lived as the severed arm regenerated instantly, the creature's crest glowing brighter.
"This... this isn't going to be easy," Gok muttered, tightening his grip on the blade.
The battle raged on, each clash shaking the very foundation of the arena. Despite his determination, Gok found himself pushed to his limits, his body aching and his mind racing.
And then, as if in answer to his desperation, the Infinite Blade began to glow brighter, its aura expanding. Images flashed in Gok's mind—visions of his past, of his family, of the Zodiacs, and of a power greater than anything he'd ever imagined.
"Is this... what you wanted to show me?" he whispered, staring at the blade.
With renewed resolve, Gok charged at the monster, the blade's energy crackling around him like lightning. This time, he wouldn't just fight to survive—he would fight to win.
As the chapter closed, the battle reached its climax, the fate of Gok and the Crest of the Finger hanging in the balance. Somewhere in the shadows, the Zodiacs watched, their intentions as mysterious as ever.