Seven Ring: First Stage Vol. 2
Chapter 15 – "The Curse and the Awakening"
Our story begins exactly where it ended last time.
Scene inside the novel –
Outside the Gate
The Tiger Guild Leader and the Sky Guild Leader are sitting together inside a hut.
Sky Guild Leader says:
"Now tell me… what did that monster say to you?"
Tiger Guild Leader:
"He demanded the Dragon Core from us."
Sky Guild Leader:
"You mean the same Dragon Core because of which half the country was destroyed?
And your Tiger Guild's first leader claimed he destroyed that core."
Tiger Guild Leader:
"No… that core cannot be destroyed.
I still remember that day clearly.
So many people died, there was destruction everywhere, and countless people became homeless—all because of that Dragon Core."
Sky Guild Leader:
"So the core is really in your possession? You told the world it was destroyed."
Tiger Guild Leader:
"That was only to fool the world.
But how did the monster find out after so many years that the core is with me?
No one knows except me… not even my own son."
Sky Guild Leader:
"The real problem is not how it found out…
The real problem is what will happen if the whole world finds out.
Our internal wars will start again.
Will you give them the core?"
Tiger Guild Leader:
"Never.
I don't want to see that nightmare again.
Even now, when I think about it, my hands and legs start shaking.
The entire country is already afraid… and people here are selfish."
Inside the Gate
Navi
Navi reaches a massive gate.
It is strange that such a huge palace is guarded by only two Goblin soldiers.
Navi:
"What can they possibly do to me? Let's go."
When the Goblin soldiers see Navi—
Goblin Soldier:
"Our Lord is waiting for you inside. You may enter."
The gate opens.
Navi walks straight in.
Inside, he sees the Monster Lord sitting on a throne.
Beside him, several humans are kneeling on the floor.
Their condition is terrible.
Monster Lord:
"Aren't you afraid of dying?
You came straight to me without hesitation.
I can feel great power inside you."
Navi:
"Why should I be afraid?
The one who will die today is you, not me.
Tell me… how would you like to die?
You came alone without your support. I have no problem with that."
Monster Lord (angrily):
"So much arrogance… it will be shattered today.
No one will interfere between us.
Let me see how powerful a human really is."
The Monster Lord jumps forward and punches Navi with both hands.
A massive explosion shakes the hall and dust fills the air.
When the dust clears, the smaller monsters stare in shock—
Navi has stopped the punch with both hands.
It is difficult for him, but the impact is so strong that the ground cracks beneath them.
Hunters (shocked):
"He… he stopped the Monster Lord's punch!"
Navi tries to kick back, but suddenly his leg becomes paralyzed.
Navi (thinking):
"Why can't I move my body?"
The Monster Lord kicks him violently.
Navi is thrown far away and blood spills from his mouth.
Monster Lord:
"What happened?
Weren't you going to kill me?
Just one kick and you're already broken."
He looks at the hunters.
Monster Lord:
"Watch closely as I crush your hope."
He walks forward slowly.
Navi:
"System, where are you?
Why can't I move my body?!"
System Window:
"You cannot use your true power in front of humans.
I already told you this, Master."
Navi:
"Damn it… I forgot such an important rule."
Monster Lord:
"Let me tell you something amusing.
I know your weakness.
You cannot use your power in front of humans.
You are under a curse."
Navi (in a weak voice):
"So that's why you are so confident…"
The Monster Lord grabs Navi by the head and throws him away.
Walls shatter as Navi crashes into them.
Monster Lord (laughing):
"Any last wish?
Don't tell me… I won't fulfill it."
With a devilish laugh, he raises his fist.
Monster Lord:
"Now prepare for my final attack.
I'm bored of you."
He launches Navi into the air and activates his skill—
Gravity Punch.
Navi is slammed into the ground at terrifying speed.
A huge crater forms.
The Monster Lord believes Navi is dead—
his breathing has stopped, and his heartbeat is gone.
The hunters stare in horror.
They also believe Navi is dead.
Inside Navi's Mind
Navi is badly wounded.
A black shadow stands before him.
Shadow:
"Did you see? I told you to let me come out once."
Navi:
"I admit my mistake.
I want revenge… and I don't want to die."
Seven black shadows appear around him.
Navi looks at the last shadow.
Navi:
"You can come out…
I give you full control."
Shadow (laughing):
"Think carefully.
If I come out… there will be only destruction."
Navi:
"…I'm ready."
Outside
Black aura begins to rise from Navi's body.
His eyes turn completely black.
Suddenly—
He opens his eyes.
Chapter ends here.