The chamber was bathed in an eerie stillness as Lleyn stood before the last remaining guardian, the mighty sentinel golem. The colossal construct, though weakened by Lleyn's tactical disruption of its mechanisms, still exuded an aura of indomitable power. Its massive frame cast a looming shadow over the chamber, a stark reminder of the formidable adversary that stood before him.
The sentinel golem's fury intensified as it grappled with the effects of Lleyn's Gravitational Grasp. Its movements became sluggish and uncoordinated, like a beast ensnared by invisible chains. Every step it took was a laborious struggle against the gravitational forces that held it in check.
Lleyn knew that this was his moment. With the sentinel golem weakened, he pressed his advantage. His sword, gleaming with determination, became a blur of motion as he targeted the guardian's joints and weak points. Each strike was precise, aimed at disrupting the intricate machinery that powered the golem.
The sentinel golem, unable to defend itself effectively, roared in frustration. It swung its massive fists in a desperate attempt to crush its elusive adversary. But Lleyn's agility allowed him to dance around the guardian's attacks, evading them with a grace that defied his human form.
As the battle raged on, the sentinel golem's movements grew more erratic. Its colossal limbs trembled under the relentless assault, and its once-impervious exterior began to show signs of wear and tear. Lleyn's strategy was paying off, but victory was far from assured.
The sentinel golem, recognizing that it was losing ground, unleashed a devastating attack. It reared back, drawing upon its remaining reserves of power, and released a deafening roar that shook the chamber. A beam of energy surged forth from its chest, forming a searing arc of destruction aimed directly at Lleyn.
Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, Lleyn had little time to react. He knew that a direct hit from the guardian's devastating energy beam could spell his doom. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he threw himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly blast. The searing energy scorched the ground where he had stood, leaving a smoldering scar in its wake.
The near miss served as a stark reminder of the perilous nature of his battle. Lleyn's resolve was tested as he fought to overcome the relentless guardian. Every strike, every evasion, was a calculated risk, a step closer to victory or defeat.
Amid the chaos of battle, the disembodied voice that had guided him throughout the labyrinth whispered cryptic guidance. Its enigmatic words urged Lleyn to look beyond the surface, to delve deeper into the golems' true purpose. It hinted at a grand design, an ancient power that lurked in the labyrinth's depths, waiting to be uncovered.
Lleyn, his mind focused and his determination unwavering, continued to exploit the guardian's weaknesses. With each strike, he chipped away at the sentinel golem's defenses, causing it to falter and stumble. Its once-mighty movements became increasingly feeble as its energy waned.
The sentinel golem's final moments drew near. Lleyn could sense its impending defeat, but the voice's cryptic words left him with more questions than answers. As he delivered the decisive blow, shattering the guardian's core, he couldn't help but wonder about the labyrinth's true purpose and the role he played in its grand design.
Victory was his, but the labyrinth's secrets remained shrouded in mystery.
----------------------------------------
Lleyn's footsteps echoed through the corridors as he made his way toward what he believed was the heart of this ancient maze. The air grew denser, almost palpable, as if charged with the weight of centuries-old secrets. When he finally stepped into the grand chamber, he felt as though he had entered another realm altogether.
The chamber was a marvel of architecture and artistry, a testament to the genius of its creator. Intricate frescoes adorned the walls, depicting scenes of alchemical experiments, mythical creatures, and celestial bodies. The ceiling was a mesmerizing tapestry of constellations, each star twinkling as if alive. The floor was laid with tiles of obsidian and quartz, forming complex geometric patterns that seemed to shift as he moved.
At the center of this awe-inspiring space stood a stone tablet, its surface etched with an inscription that caught his eye: "Here lies the work of Orion the Eternal, Seeker of Truth, Master of Alchemy."
Lleyn’s attention was then drawn to a pedestal that stood a few feet away from the tablet. It was an ornate structure, carved from a single block of marble and adorned with gold and gemstones. Upon it were three slots, each glowing faintly in the dim light of the chamber.
The voice, which had guided him through countless trials and tribulations, spoke again. Its timbre, reminiscent of a young girl’s, was clearer now and almost corporeal, as if strengthened by its proximity to this sacred place. "Approach, Lleyn. Your destiny awaits."
Compelled by the voice and his own insatiable curiosity, Lleyn moved toward the pedestal. His eyes were drawn to the first slot, which seemed to beckon him with an invisible force. As he reached out, a ring materialized from the ether, settling gently into his outstretched palm. It was an exquisite piece, its band crafted from an unknown metal that shimmered with an inner light. Intricate runes were engraved on its surface, pulsing softly as if alive.
"This is the Ring of Dominion," the voice intoned, its words tinged with a gravity that Lleyn had not heard before. "It grants you the power to see the truth in others, to pierce through the veils of deception and illusion. With this ring, you will hold the keys to the hearts and minds of men."
The voice continued, taking on a solemn tone, "it is an artifact of immense power and complexity. Crafted by Orion himself, it embodies the essence of dominion, of control over one's surroundings and even over the minds of others."
"The ring allows you to force your will into the thoughts and intentions of those you interact with. It grants you the ability to discern truth from falsehood, to see through deceptions and lies, and to manipulate recent memories" the voice continued. "But it is not a tool to be used lightly. The ring also compels the owner as well as the person it is used on to be truthful, stripping away the ability to deceive others."
"The Ring of Dominion is bound by the laws of balance," it added, sensing his apprehension. "It grants you dominion over others, but also imposes dominion upon you, making it a double-edged sword that requires careful handling. The only difference is that you will be able to manipulate their memories and warp anything that happened to them within days of its use."
Lleyn felt a wave of emotion wash over him. This was it—the very reason he had ventured into this perilous labyrinth. The Ring of Dominion was not just an artifact; it was a weapon, one that would give him an unparalleled advantage in the treacherous game of politics and power that awaited him beyond these walls.
"Do you understand, Lleyn?" the voice asked. "The Ring of Dominion is a legacy that comes with great responsibility. It can be a force for good, a tool to uncover truths and forge alliances. But it can also be a weapon of manipulation and control, a means to impose your will upon others. How you choose to wield it will define your path, your destiny."
"I understand," he said, his voice full of resolve. "I will wield the Ring of Dominion with care and responsibility, mindful of the power it grants and the limitations it imposes."
"Very well. You are ready to embrace your destiny, to carry forth Orion's legacy and seek the truths that he pursued in his lifetime."
"Proceed to the second slot," the voice urged. With a sense of anticipation that he could not fully comprehend, he moved his hand to the next slot.
As he touched it, another item materialized before him. It was a vial, its glass surface etched with alchemical symbols, containing a liquid that swirled with colors he had never seen before. It was as if he were holding a piece of the cosmos in his hand.
"This is the Elixir of the Ancients," the voice explained, its words imbued with a reverence that made Lleyn's heart race. "It grants you the ability to use Dragon Tongue, allowing you to communicate with dragons and other reptilian creatures. Moreover, it bestows upon you the ability to learn the words of dragons—ancient incantations that can bend the very laws of causality to your will."
Lleyn felt a surge of power course through his veins as he held the vial. The Elixir of the Ancients was not just a potion; it was a gateway to abilities and knowledge that few men had ever possessed. The implications were enormous, and he found himself both exhilarated and humbled by the gift that had been bestowed upon him.
"Now, the final and by far the most important legacy awaits you," the voice declared, its tone imbued with a sense of finality that sent a shiver down Lleyn's spine. "Are you ready to embrace your destiny?"
Lleyn took a deep breath, his mind racing as he pondered the gravity of the moment. What he remembered about the labyrinth in the past was limited to the Ring of Dominion. At the time, a group of 50 had entered during the second phase of the tutorial, and only 4 of them managed to come out. None of them mentioned the legacy obtained until 10 years went by and one of the major organizations on Eldoria revealed the ring, along with its origins and powers. Did they hide the existence of the other two legacies, or were they no longer there at the time?
What mattered was that they would now be his. He had come so far, braved so many dangers, all for the promise of power and knowledge that lay within this chamber. And now, as he stood on the cusp of revelation, he felt both eager and apprehensive, as if standing at the edge of a precipice, staring into the abyss.
"Yes," he whispered, his voice tinged with a resolve that surprised even him. "I am ready."
The voice let out a sound that resembled a sigh, a mixture of relief and anticipation that resonated through the chamber. "Very well," it said, its words echoing in Lleyn's mind as he prepared to take the final step. "Let us proceed."
Lleyn felt a sense of gravity pulling him toward the third slot on the pedestal. It was as if the very air in the chamber had thickened, charged with an energy that beckoned him forward. With a sense of awe and trepidation, he extended his hand toward the final slot.
As his fingers made contact, a cube-shaped artifact materialized before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, a complex geometric form crafted from a material that seemed to defy the laws of physics. It shimmered with an ethereal light, its facets reflecting the colors of the cosmos.
[This is the Soulshard.] the voice announced so clearly into his mind that he confused it with his own thoughts. [Within it resides my essence, my very being. I am Ethyra, an artificial spirit created by Orion the Eternal to guide the individual chosen by the labyrinth.]
The voice that had guided him, that had been his constant companion throughout the last couple of hours, was now before him in physical form, and he found himself at a loss for words.
"Ethyra…" he finally managed to say, his voice tinged with awe and reverence. "What is your purpose? Why have you been leading me through this labyrinth?"
[My purpose is to find someone worthy of inheriting Orion's legacies.] Ethyra explained, her tone imbued with a sense of solemnity. [I have been created to seek out individuals who possess the qualities that Orion valued most: courage, intelligence, and a thirst for power. You, Lleyn, have proven yourself worthy.]
As Ethyra spoke, Lleyn felt a sense of connection, as if the artificial spirit was resonating with his very soul. It was a humbling experience, one that filled him with a sense of awe and wonder.
“How do I communicate with you?" Lleyn asked, his mind racing with questions. "How do we interact now that you are in this form?"
[The Soulshard serves as a conduit between us,] Ethyra explained. [Simply focus your thoughts on the artifact, and I will hear you. In time, I will offer you my guidance and wisdom as you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.]
As if to demonstrate, Lleyn focused his thoughts on the Soulshard. To his amazement, it began to glow brighter, its facets pulsing in time with his heartbeat. He felt a sense of elation, a connection that transcended the boundaries of space and time.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"Can you tell me more about this place? About Orion and his intentions?"
[The labyrinth is a crucible, a testing ground created by Orion to find someone worthy of carrying on his legacy. Many have died within the corridors of the labyrinth, and some have escaped without even receiving this opportunity. You are the third individual I have called here in 200 years, and the only one to succeed.] Ethyra revealed. [Orion was a man of great vision, a seeker of truths that eluded even the most enlightened minds of his time. His work was driven by a desire to unlock the secrets of the universe, to transcend the limitations of mortal existence.]
As Ethyra spoke, Lleyn felt a sense of awe wash over him. He was standing in the inner sanctum of a man who had dared to challenge the gods, to seek answers to questions that few had even dared to ask.
With a sense of finality, Lleyn activated the Soulshard. The cube levitated from his palm and transformed into a pendant, which then materialized around his neck. It felt warm against his skin, as if pulsing with life.
"Ethyra, what responsibilities come with this Soulshard?"
[The Soulshard is not just an artifact; it is a repository of Orion's wisdom and knowledge. With it comes the responsibility to fulfill his will, to seek out the truths that he pursued in his lifetime.]
"And what is his will?" Lleyn pressed on in a hurry, forgetting to communicate directly in his mind.
[That is a question that even I cannot fully answer.] Ethyra replied, with a sense of mystery. [But know this: it is tied to Orion's quest for revenge and the salvation of Eldoria. This labyrinth, this world, is but a piece of a much larger puzzle.]
Lleyn felt a chill run down his spine. The labyrinth was part of Eldoria? This revelation truly shocked him, and he found himself grappling with a dozen of questions.
Lleyn stood in the center of the grand chamber, his mind awash with the revelations and responsibilities that had just been thrust upon him. The legacies of Orion the Eternal—Ring of Dominion, Elixir of the Ancients, and the Soulshard containing Ethyra—were not just artifacts; they were a testament to a life's work, a legacy of wisdom and power that now rested in his hands.
His eyes wandered around the chamber, finally settling on a dusty tome lying on an ornate table. It was bound in leather and looked ancient, its pages yellowed with age. Ethyra's voice resonated in his mind, [That is Orion's personal journal. Perhaps you would find some insights into the man whose legacy you now carry.]
Lleyn approached the table and carefully opened the journal. The first entry was dated several centuries ago. As he skimmed through the pages, he found sketches of the labyrinth, notes on alchemical experiments, and most intriguingly, Orion's philosophical musings on power, dominion, and the nature of truth. It was like peering into the mind of a genius, and Lleyn felt both humbled and inspired.
He read an excerpt out loud, "Dominion is not just the power to control but the wisdom to know when not to." Lleyn pondered the words, thinking about the Ring of Dominion. It was a tool of immense power, but it also required immense responsibility. Orion's words served as a reminder that dominion was as much about restraint as it was about control. As he reached the end of the journal, lights flashed in front of his eyes.
Skill Acquired: Alchemy Lv1
Skill Name: Orion's Alchemic Mastery Lv1
As the system message appeared before Lleyn's eyes, Ethyra's gasp resonated within the Soulshard, tinged with an emotion he hadn't heard before: excitement. As their minds were currently linked, it would seem that she had also seen the messages. Going beyond that, a golden light flew out of the pendant, materializing into an ethereal cube in front of Lleyn.
"Oh my stars, you actually got it! Orion's Alchemic Mastery! How? Alchemy, I can understand, but the mastery…how??" For a moment, Ethyra sounded less like a guiding spirit and more like an excited teenage girl, her words tinged with an enthusiasm that was almost infectious.
Lleyn couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in Ethyra's tone adn actions. "I take it this is a big deal?"
"A big deal? It's monumental! Orion's Alchemic Mastery is a skill that even some of the most advanced alchemists in Eldoria couldn't attain. And you, you just got it like it's nothing!" Ethyra's voice was a mix of awe and excitement with the cube throbbing wildly. For a moment, Lleyn could almost picture her jumping up and down in glee if she had been a human.
The enthusiasm in Ethyra's voice made Lleyn curious. "Why are you so excited about this? What does it mean for you?"
Ethyra seemed to catch herself, her tone reverting back to its usual calm, though a hint of that earlier excitement still lingered. "Oh, forget about me. It's about the potential it unlocks for you. But, speaking of you, who are you really? You're not like anyone I've guided before."
Lleyn hesitated for a moment before responding. "I was summoned from a world called Earth to participate in what's been referred to as a 'tutorial.' Beyond that, I don't know much more."
"A tutorial? From Earth, you say?" Ethyra's voice was contemplative, as if she was piecing together a puzzle. "I see. That explains some things."
"Explains what?" Lleyn pressed, curious about her sudden reticence.
Ethyra seemed to weigh her words carefully before speaking. "Let's just say, your presence here might be more significant than you realize. But for now, let's focus on the tasks at hand. Though you have obtained the skill, it is currently impossible to teach you about alchemy."
And with that, Ethyra's voice returned to its original, guiding tone, leaving Lleyn with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: the acquisition of Orion's Alchemic Mastery had changed something fundamental, not just in him, but perhaps in the very fabric of Eldoria itself.
Closing the journal, Lleyn noticed a hidden latch under the table. Curiosity piqued, he opened it to find a small compartment. Inside were personal effects—a locket, a quill, and a small vial of ink. He picked up the locket and opened it. Inside was a miniature portrait of Orion and a woman who seemed to have been his wife. For the first time, Orion the Eternal seemed more human, a man of emotions and relationships, not just an alchemist of legendary abilities.
He placed the locket back into the compartment and closed it. As he stood up, his eyes met Ethyra's ethereal form, materialized from the Soulshard pendant around his neck. "Orion was a man of many facets, and now you've seen a glimpse of the man behind the legend," she said.
Lleyn nodded, "It adds a layer of complexity to all of this. He wasn't just an alchemist or a philosopher; he was a man who loved, who lived."
"Indeed," Ethyra replied, "and now his legacies are yours to wield, to continue his pursuits and perhaps, to fulfill his unfinished quests."
Lleyn took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the legacies he had inherited. He looked around the chamber one last time, as if saying goodbye to Orion. It was time to leave, to return to a world that was fraught with its own complexities and challenges.
He walked towards the center of the chamber, where Ethyra's form hovered. "I'm ready to go back," he said, "There is nothing else I can take from here?"
Ethyra's form shimmered as she spoke, "There are storage rooms for alchemical materials, but not even I can open them. Perhaps in the future… But don’t be greedy. The legacies you've inherited are powerful enough already. Just remember, power is a means, not an end. Use them wisely, and they will serve you well. Use them recklessly, and they may become your undoing. That also includes Orion's Alchemic Mastery."
Lleyn nodded, absorbing her words. "I understand, Ethyra. I will bear the responsibilities and use these legacies with the caution they deserve."
"Very well," Ethyra said, her voice tinged with a sense of finality. "When you're ready, I will open a portal to lead you out of this labyrinth."
Lleyn took one last look around the chamber, his eyes lingering on Orion's journal and the hidden compartment that had revealed a more human side of the alchemist. Then, with a sense of resolve, he turned to Ethyra, "Let’s return to the others first."
As Ethyra's form glowed and returned to the pendent,, a swirling portal appeared before Lleyn. He took a step towards it, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. As he crossed the threshold, he knew that he was stepping into a new chapter of his life, armed with the legacies of Orion the Eternal and guided by the wisdom of Ethyra.
And so, Lleyn stepped through the portal, leaving behind the labyrinth but carrying forth its secrets and legacies, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Lleyn took one final look around the chamber, his eyes lingering on the intricate designs that adorned the walls, the pedestal that had held the legacies, and the hidden compartment that had revealed a more personal side of Orion the Eternal. It felt like saying goodbye to a chapter of his life that had been brief but profoundly transformative.
With a deep breath, he turned away from the chamber, his hand instinctively reaching for the pendant that now hung around his neck. Ethyra's presence was a comforting weight, a constant reminder of the responsibilities and challenges that lay ahead.
Name: Lleyn
Age: 26
Level: 5
Title: Early Awakening Lv1, Recognised by the Gods Lv1
Health: 276/440
Mana: 143/330
Defense: 7
M. Defense: 7
Exp: 386/400
[Attributes:]
* Strength: 35 +3
* Stamina: 30
* Health: 38
* Agility: 40 +5
* Magic Power: 30
* Dexterity: 30
* Perception: 30
* Luck: 3
Unassigned Points: 15
[Innate Skills:]
* Odin's Judgement (Level 2)
* Lightning Infusion (Level 2) - Channels the potent power of Odin's lightning, allowing its user to infuse objects or even themselves with electrifying energy.
* Clarity (Passive) - Increases the acquisition rate of skill experience by 20%.
* Sword Mastery (Level 2) - Enhances swordsmanship skills, improving precision, fluidity, and reaction time in combat. Allows for advanced techniques and mental clarity. Damage with sword weapons increased by 22.5%
* Ley Line Channeling (Passive) (Level 2) - Constantly channels the power coursing through Ley Lines into the body to increase the power of innate skills by 15% (skills from equipment are not included).
* Magic Circuit Level 1 (Passive) (Level 1): Increased Mana Flow: +10% mana pool. Enhanced Spell Precision: -15% spell failure. Magic Affinity: +10% magical damage. Magic Resistance: -10% magical damage received.
* Chain Lightning Lv1: Targets up to 5 enemies within a 10-meter radius, dealing electrical damage and jumping to the next closest enemy.
* Alchemy Lv1
* Orion’s Alchemical Mastery Lv1
[Equipment Skills:]
* Shadow Veil: Activate to become invisible for up to 5 minutes. Cooldown: 20 minutes. Invisibility ends abruptly if the user attacks an enemy.
* Windblast: Allows the user to unleash a focused burst of air with a quick slash of the dagger.
* Gravitational Grasp: By focusing on an object or enemy, the user can increase its gravitational pull, making it heavier and harder to move. As the skill grows, larger objects or multiple targets can be affected simultaneously. When used on enemies, their agility and strength are reduced by 15%.
* Dominion: Upon activation on a target within a 10-meter radius, the ring allows the user to put a single target in a trance state and force them to speak the truth. The user is also forced to speak the truth. The target’s recent memories can also be manipulated. Trance effect lasts 5 minutes or until the target is attacked.
[Quests:]
1. The Strongest (1)
Objective: Come out as the highest ranking challenger in the first phase of the tutorial.
Rewards: 400 Gold, 20 stat points, Eyes of the Strongest Lv1
[Inventory:] Silver Reward Box, Elixir of the Ancients
Gold: 600
*Recognized by the Gods Lv1: Allows the owner to reset the cooldown of any of their skills once. Cooldown: 12 hours.
*Early Awakening Lv1: The user will receive 5 more stat points from every level up.
"Are you ready to leave?" Ethyra's voice echoed softly in his mind.
"Yes," Lleyn replied, his voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and resolve. "Let's go."
"As you wish," Ethyra responded, her tone imbued with a sense of finality.
A shimmering portal materialized before him, its swirling vortex beckoning him towards the exit of the labyrinth. With a final glance back at the chamber that had changed his destiny, Lleyn stepped through the portal.
The transition was instantaneous. One moment he was in the chamber, and the next he found himself in a familiar corridor of the labyrinth. The dank smell of moss and stone filled his nostrils, a stark contrast to the almost sacred air of the chamber he had just left.
He made his way through the winding passages, his steps quickening as he sensed the proximity of his waiting allies. As he turned the final corner and opened the door, he saw them—his comrades, their faces etched with relief and anticipation as they caught sight of him.