Yue Lian's expression flickered between amusement and something deeper, an emotion ancient and burdened. "Then come, Asura. Let us see if your ambition matches your destiny."
The cliff they stood upon overlooked the vast expanse of the Endless Forest. The sky was drenched in crimson, clouds swirling ominously around the full blood moon. Below, the forest stretched like a living sea of shadows, it secrets buried in tangled canopies and whispering winds.
Li Tianchen took a deep breath, the air crisp and strangely sweet. "So... what now?"
Yue Lian gestured to a path leading down the cliff's edge, partially hidden by thick moss and ancient stone. "There is a place below, a forgotten shrine. The Asura Platform lies hidden there. It will awaken what sleeps within you."
"More ancient shrine? You people and your hidden platforms..."
[Quit whining. You are lucky it is not a volcano that is in there.]
As they descended, the air grew warmer. Birds scattered from tree branches as they passed, and strange glowing insects buzzed lazily nearby. The thick foliage parted near the base of the cliff to reveal a stone archway overrun with vines.
"There it is," Yue Lian said, brushing aside the foliage. "The shrine of the Blood Pledge."
Inside, the air was thick with age and power. The walls on the chamber were engraved with faded mutals. Asura warrior locked in battle, divine women wrapped in flames, and one figure seated on a throne, surrounded by kneeling beauties.
"This looks... kinky," Tianchen muttered.
Yue Lian gave him a side glance. "It is history. Not a brothel."
[Depends on how you use it. Heh.]
At the center of the shrine stood a flat, circular stone dais, glowing faintly with a red hue. It pulsed like a heartbeat.
"Step unto the platform," Yue Lian instructed. "Let it read your soul."
"Are you sure this will not kill me?"
"Eight five percent sure."
"Why isn't it minty percent?"
"Well, the platform's is a little bit older than I thought."
[Do not be a coward. Step up, strip down, power up.]
Grumbling, Tianchen stepped forward and unto the dais. As his foot touched it, runes ignited beneath him, and a surge of raw energy slammed into his body. His vision flashed red. His veins lit up. Pains laced with exhilaration tore through him.
[System Sync: Initiating Asura Awakening...]
He gritted his teeth and screamed every muscles in his body tensing, tearing, and rebuilding.
Yue Lian knelt beside him as he collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
"You survived. Good."
He looked up at her, eyes now glowing faint crimson. "I feel like I swallowed lightning."
[Correction: You swallowed 23% divine grade Asura qi. Also, your robe is gone. Again.]
Tianchen groaned. "Why do I always lose my damn clothes?"
Yue Lian laughed, sharp and melodic. "Perhaps the system has a sense of humor."
He scowled. "I am going to end up shirtless for half this story, aren't I?"
[Shirtless and surrounded by beauties. Complaining already?]
Yue Lian stepped back, expression sobering. "This shrine marks the start of your path. But the moment you awakened, the world felt it. Others will come. Some to worship. Many to kill."
Tianchen stood slowly, a new strength thrumming in his limbs. "Let them come. I have already died once. I'm not afraid to fight."
[Quest Alert: Survive the next three days. Reward: System Upgrade, Summon Token ×1, Hidden Memory Fragment.]
He nodded. "Three days? I will manage."
Yue Lian arched a brow. "That is what the last Asura said before he got stabbed by a lust demon and married six times in one week."
"Wait... What?!"
[That was a wild week.]
As they exited the shrine, moonlight forest spread before them like a slumbering beast. Somewhere, distant howls echoed. Something had stirred. The hunt had begun.
And the Asura had returned.
--To Be Continued--