Jin stood at the massive stone doors, their ancient carvings pulsing faintly with power. Cracks of glowing light traced through the symbols, humming with a resonance that made his chest tighten. The doors groaned as they began to part, releasing a wave of dense, suffocating energy that seemed to press down on his shoulders. His injuries burned under the pressure, but he gritted his teeth and stepped forward.
The chamber beyond was vast-its towering walls lined with relics, weapons, and treasures that shimmered faintly in the dim light. The ceiling was so high it disappeared into shadows, while the flicker of unseen flames cast shifting patterns across the marble floors.
At the center of the chamber stood a colossal statue of a man carved from black stone. Its features were fierce, unyielding, and regal. Armor adorned its form, etched with ancient runes that seemed to pulse faintly, like a heart beating in slumber. A massive double-edged sword rested in its grip, the blade's tip pressed into the floor.
Jin's gaze lingered on the statue's eyes -dark hollows that seemed to peer into his very soul.
Suddenly, the ground trembled.
The statue's eyes flared crimson, and cracks of molten red light traced through its body. Stone groaned and shifted as the figure moved, lifting its sword with a deafening scrape.
Jin's grip tightened on his weapon. "Not again," he muttered while stepping back.
A deep, thunderous voice echoed through the chamber.
"Mortal. You stand before the Guardian of the Monarch's Vault. Prove your worth or perish beneath my blade."
The words resonated through Jin's bones, but instead of fear, determination blazed in his eyes. He had come too far to back down now.
The guardian moved first, faster than Jin expected. The massive sword cleaved through the air, and Jin barely rolled aside as the ground shattered under the force of the strike. The shockwave threw him off balance, sending him skidding across the marble floor.
"Damn it," Jin hissed, pushing himself up just in time to see the guardian advancing again, blade raised high.
The next swing came faster-too fast. Jin barely blocked it with his axe, the impact rattling his arms and driving him to one knee. The guardian pressed down, its strength overwhelming, forcing Jin to grit his teeth and push back with everything he had.
"You are weak," the guardian's voice boomed.
Jin's muscles screamed in protest, but he shoved the blade aside and darted around the guardian's flank, swinging his axe at its knee. Sparks flew as metal met stone, leaving a shallow mark.
The guardian turned swiftly and lashed out with a backhanded strike. Jin ducked, but the force of the wind knocked him back several steps.
Blood trickled down his arm. His wounds from earlier burned, slowing him down, but his eyes never wavered. He circled the guardian, searching for weaknesses.
And then he saw it-a faint crack along the guardian's shoulder where his axe had landed.
"Got you."
Jin lunged forward, pouring his strength into a powerful swing aimed at the crack. The impact widened it, and the guardian roared in anger.
But it didn't retreat. Instead, it retaliated with terrifying speed, forcing Jin to dodge and counter relentlessly. Each strike brought more cracks, but each dodge drained more of his stamina.
His breaths came ragged, and sweat stung his eyes. But Jin refused to fall.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jin saw his opening. With a final, desperate swing, he drove his axe into the guardian's core. The blade pierced through the stone, and the crimson glow in its eyes flickered before vanishing.
The guardian's massive form crumbled, its sword clattering to the ground with a thunderous crash.
Jin collapsed to one knee, panting and drenched in sweat. Blood stained his clothes, and his hands trembled from the effort. But as the dust settled, a faint glow emerged from the rubble.
An orb of light hovered before him, pulsing softly.
Jin's eyes widened as the light took shape, revealing a towering figure clad in ancient armor. The presence radiated authority and power, sending chills down his spine.
The figure's voice boomed, shaking the walls.
"I am one of the generals of the Monarch of Chaos. The second strongest, the slayer of Kronos, and the left hand of His Majesty."
Jin stared, awe and exhaustion battling within him. But his voice remained steady. "Why am I here?"
The general's gaze bore into him. "You have inherited the first fragment of the Monarch's power. It was not by chance that you were guided here."
Jin's fists tightened. "What does that mean?"
"You carry a rare body construction- one capable of harnessing chaos itself. Few beings possess such potential. But power must be earned."
Jin swallowed hard. "And the trials?"
"This was only the beginning. To complete the inheritance, you must survive far greater tests. But for now, you may claim three treasures from this vault."
Jin's gaze swept across the treasures scattered around the chamber.
First, he picked up a level 5 pellet, feeling the dense energy pulsing within it. Its warmth seemed to seep into his bones, rekindling his strength.
Its intricate patterns shimmered faintly as he picked it up.
"What's this?" Jin asked.
"A space storage ring," the general replied. "Once wielded by the Monarch himself. Treat it well, for it can carry far more than it seems."
Jin's heart pounded. A legendary treasure. Something only kings and powerhouses were rumored to own.
Finally, he gripped his Elemental Warrior Axe-the weapon that had carried him through the battle. He could feel its strength resonating with him, as if it, too, had acknowledged him as its master.
The general stepped back, his towering figure fading slightly.
Your journey has only begun. Prepare yourself for what lies ahead, Champion."
Jin stared at the treasures in his hands, his resolve burning brighter than ever.
"Bring it on."