Pain erupted through Kain’s body as he stumbled forward, his hands hitting cold, rough stone. His breath came in ragged gasps as the oppressive darkness around him pulsed with malice. A mechanical voice echoed in his head, chilling and emotionless.
[System Initialization Complete.]
[Welcome to the Trial of Ascendancy.]
[Survive or perish.]
Kain’s eyes darted around the cavernous room. Jagged obsidian walls reflected the dim glow of ethereal blue crystals embedded in the stone. Chains hung loosely from the ceiling, creaking as an unseen breeze disturbed them.
“What… the hell is this?” Kain muttered, trying to steady his breath. He rubbed his temples, but the searing headache didn’t fade.
[Initializing Status Screen…]
A glowing screen flickered into existence before him:
---
Name: Kain Valtorin
Level: 1
Class: Unawakened
Health: 120/120
Mana: 0/0
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 11
Agility: 10
Skills: None
---
“I’ve been… isekai’d?” Kain hissed, his mind racing. The last thing he remembered was walking home from his night shift—then the blinding light and the overwhelming sensation of falling.
Suddenly, the ground beneath him trembled.
[Trial Begins in 30 Seconds.]
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
[Enemies Incoming.]
“Shit!” Kain forced himself to his feet. His body still felt sore, but the adrenaline rushing through his veins sharpened his focus. He stumbled toward a rusted sword lying near the edge of the room. As his hand closed around the hilt, a new message appeared.
[Rusty Iron Sword Equipped.]
[+2 Strength, -5 Attack Speed.]
A low growl reverberated through the room. From the shadows, a pair of crimson eyes opened. A quadrupedal creature slunk forward, its body rippling with muscle beneath matted black fur. Its mouth opened wide, revealing rows of jagged teeth dripping with saliva.
[Dire Fang - Level 3]
“Great. I’m already outclassed,” Kain muttered. But instead of despair, a cold calm settled over him. His fingers tightened on the sword. “Let’s see how this works.”
The beast lunged. Kain ducked beneath the swing of its massive claws, feeling the sharp wind of its attack cut past his ear. He rolled to the side and swung the sword. Metal met fur and flesh with a sickening crunch.
[-24 HP]
The creature howled, twisting toward him with terrifying speed. Claws raked across Kain’s side, and pain flared through his ribs.
[-15 HP]
Kain’s mind blurred with pain and rage.
[Skill Acquired: Combat Instinct (Passive) - Level 1]
Suddenly, everything slowed. The creature’s movements became clear—telegraphed. Kain sidestepped the next strike and drove his sword into its throat.
[Critical Hit! -56 HP]
[Dire Fang Slain!]
Kain stumbled back, breathing hard as the beast dissolved into black mist. A golden glow surrounded him as a new message appeared.
[Level Up!]
[Strength +2 | Agility +2 | Constitution +1]
Before he could process it, footsteps echoed from the hallway beyond. A figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with long, violet hair and piercing golden eyes. She wore a form-fitting set of black leather armor, two daggers gleaming at her hips.
She smiled, slow and dangerous. “Not bad for a rookie.”
Kain’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”
She stepped closer, eyes glinting. “Call me Lysara. And if you want to survive the next trial…” Her gaze roamed over him with a predatory gleam. “You’ll need more than just that sword.”
[Quest Updated: Join Lysara’s Guild.]
Kain’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “Looks like things are about to get interesting.”