The sun barely crested over the jagged peaks when Rain stood before the towering obsidian gate. Etched into its surface were runes that shimmered faintly, pulsing as if in rhythm with his heartbeat. The System's translucent interface hovered at his side.
[Quest Updated: Enter the First Gate of Trials]Difficulty: ★★★☆☆Failure Penalty: -50% EXP, permanent stat reduction
Rain's grip on his newly acquired blade tightened. The weapon was unlike any he'd wielded before—a reward from defeating the Specter of Fallen Roots. It felt alive, almost humming with anticipation.
A voice called from behind."You're actually going through with it?"It was Lian, the healer from yesterday's raid, her robes dusted from travel. She eyed the gate with visible unease. "No one survives the first attempt. Even veterans fail here."
Rain's lips curved into a faint smirk."That's because they're not me."
The gate responded to his approach, the runes flaring in a blinding burst of light. A vortex of wind pulled him inside before Lian could say another word.
Inside the TrialThe world warped into a cavern bathed in crimson light. Jagged crystal pillars rose like teeth from the ground. A deep, guttural growl reverberated through the chamber.
[New Objective: Defeat the Guardian of the Gate]Time Limit: 10 minutes
The Guardian emerged—an armored beast three times Rain's height, its eyes burning with malevolence. It charged, each step making the ground quake.
Rain rolled aside, activating Phantom Step Lv.2. His movement blurred, letting him slice through the beast's flank. Sparks erupted where steel met enchanted armor.
The System chimed:
[Critical Hit! Guardian HP: 92%]
But the Guardian adapted, swinging its massive claws in an arc Rain couldn't fully evade. Pain lanced through his side.
[HP: 41%][Bleed Debuff: 5 seconds]
Rain grit his teeth, activating Overclock, draining his stamina for doubled attack speed. His blade became a whirlwind, striking weak points revealed by the System's predictive targeting overlay.
The Guardian roared, stumbling, its armor fracturing. He had one opening—one chance to end it.
With a final leap, Rain drove his blade through the Guardian's core. The cavern shook violently as the beast collapsed into fragments of crystal.
[Quest Complete: First Gate of Trials]Rewards:
+500 EXP
Skill Upgrade: Phantom Step Lv.3
Item: Guardian's Soul Core
The gate reappeared ahead, glowing warmly. But before Rain could step forward, the System flashed a warning:
[Alert: You are being tracked by an Unknown Entity]
A shadow flickered across the cavern walls—too large to belong to any human.
Teaser Question:What is the entity tracking Rain, and why does it already know his name?