Arion stepped into the hidden chamber, drawn forward by the faint traces of mana glowing softly in the air. The walls were ancient, covered in timeworn runes. They whispered secrets, though their meaning was lost to the ages. But Arion didn’t need to understand them—he was focused on what lay ahead.

In the center, an ornate coffin rested on a stone pedestal. Intricate runes were carved along its surface, glowing faintly in the dim light. Arion’s heart raced. He knew this was the sealed remains of the Fifth Monster Sealer.

He approached slowly. The silence in the room was almost oppressive. His hand hovered just above the coffin, his pulse quickening. Then, as if summoned by his presence, a system prompt appeared before him.

[Do you wish to inherit the abilities of the Fifth Monster Sealer?]

[Warning: Completing the inheritance will bind you to this path irrevocably.]

Arion’s mind spun. His mentor’s voice echoed in his thoughts. “The path of a Sealer is not one for the faint of heart. It demands everything.” His village, destroyed. His mentor, dead. The kingdom still hunted him. The weight of his role pressed down on him. Yet, he knew there was no turning back.

He made his decision.

“I accept.”

The moment the words left his mouth, the runes on the coffin ignited in blinding light. It was overwhelming. A surge of magic, knowledge, and power coursed through him—his body trembled, and for a fleeting moment, he felt as if he might break. Then, just as suddenly, it was done. The light faded.

He stood there, breathing heavily, the power settling deep within him. The system notifications appeared.

[You have inherited the Fifth Sealer’s Legacy. Your class Monster Sealer has advanced into Eclipse Sealer!]

[You have learned Eclipse Rune (Level 1).]

[Eclipse Rune

Active: Temporarily seals the active abilities of a target, rendering them powerless for a short time. It creates a void, a gap where their strength once was, leaving them vulnerable.

Passive: Seals one passive ability permanently. This mark, the shadow of an eclipse, erases part of their power—forever.

Restriction: Once Eclipse Rune: Active is used on someone, Eclipse Rune: Passive cannot be used on the same person that day.]

[Sealing Aura upgraded to Level 4]

[Sealing Rune upgraded to Level 5]

[You have reached the expert class. You have leveled up. You have leveled up. You have reached level 21]

[Name: Arion

Level: 21

Class: Eclipse Sealer

-------------------- Attributes --------------------

Strength: 50

Dexterity: 50

Constitution: 70

Intelligence: 90

Wisdom: 70

Luck: 30

-------------------- Abilities --------------------

1. Sealing Rune - Level 5

2. Mana Pulse - Level 3

3. Mana Sight - Level 2

4. Sealing Aura - Level 4

5. Tempest Wave - Level 1

6. Eclipse Rune - Level 1]

Arion’s breath slowed. He could feel the difference now. The surge of strength, the clarity, the weight of what he had just accepted. He had inherited not only power, but a path he could never leave.

But now, he was ready.

Arion turned to leave, but a sudden pull halted him. A vision overtook his senses, washing over him like a cold wind. When his eyes opened, the world had shifted. The chamber around him remained, yet it was drained of color, replaced by shades of grey.

In the center of the chamber stood a man. His hair was dark, falling in loose waves over his shoulders. He wore a long coat of layered leather and reinforced cloth, marked with faded runes that pulsed faintly. Strapped to his back was a staff much like Arion’s, though its head glimmered with a sealed, contained power. The aura surrounding him was undeniable. He was the Fifth Monster Sealer, Lyram Vael, in his prime.

Lyram's lips curled into a small smile. "So, I finally get to meet the ninth monster sealer. I’ve been waiting for this moment."

Arion hesitated but quickly gathered himself. "I’m Arion," he said, meeting Lyram's gaze.

Lyram nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. "Arion. A good name. You’ve inherited a heavy burden, haven’t you? It’s a burden we all shared. You should know this. Every deceased sealer is connected through the Fourth Sealer’s unique ability. It’s why I can speak to you now. The others—those who came before me—they’re eager to meet you. Eager to see the last of our lines complete what we could not. To erase the greater immortal monsters forever."

Arion's brow furrowed. "You mean… none of the previous sealers could permanently seal the greater immortals?"

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Lyram exhaled, his gaze shifting as though recalling memories long past. "No. The sealers before and after me could only manage temporary containment. In the history of monster sealers, only I had the ability to erase greater immortal monsters forever. When I was active, I had killed six monsters from the Sinister series and eleven monsters from the Disaster series. Of course, I didn't mean my sealing ability is the strongest. Compared to others, mine is not that extraordinary, but mine just happens to have the ability to kill even immortals."

Lyram Vael raised his hand. "Let me show you the power of my sealing magic," he said. In an instant, the air grew dense, and a shadow loomed over them.

A dragon materialized, its massive form coiled with sinister energy. Its black scales shimmered like liquid darkness, and its crimson eyes burned with malice. The very sight of it sent a shiver through Arion. His legs trembled as his grip on his staff tightened.

Lyram turned his head slightly, studying Arion's reaction. "Ah," he said softly. "It seems the Eighth was right. You have a phobia of dragons." His tone was not mocking but filled with understanding. "I’m sorry, my dear successor, but you must face your fear. That," he gestured toward the towering beast, "is one of the Sinister Monsters from the Sinister series. The strongest among them."

Arion’s heart pounded as the dragon let out a road, shaking the chamber. Its presence felt overwhelming.

Lyram stepped forward, unfazed by the creature’s roar. "Watch closely. This is how I deal with immortal monsters."

The dragon lunged, its maw wide and ready to devour. Lyram traced intricate patterns in the air. "[Eclipse Rune]," he muttered, his voice resonating with power. A glowing symbol formed in the air, its lines pulsating with energy.

The dragon’s jaws snapped shut inches from Lyram as he thrust the rune forward. It struck the beast’s chest, and the creature recoiled, a deep growl of pain rumbling through the chamber.

"You see," Lyram began, turning to glance at Arion, "[Eclipse Rune] has two abilities. One of them is to seal a passive ability permanently." He gestured toward the dragon as it writhed. "With this rune, I have sealed its immortality—its ability to endlessly regenerate."

The dragon roared again, its body convulsing as black ichor oozed from its wounds. It lunged once more, but Lyram was ready. He raised his staff, its head glowing with immense mana. A powerful blast erupted from its tip, engulfing the dragon in radiant light.

When the light faded, the dragon lay still. Its massive form remained motionless, its wounds unmended. Arion stared, wide-eyed, as realization dawned.

"That’s how you kill immortals with sealing magic," Lyram said, lowering his staff. He turned to Arion.

Arion nodded, his fear still present but tempered by an understanding. The Fifth Sealer's demonstration etched itself deeply into his mind, a lesson he would carry forward.

Lyram Vael lowered his staff. "The other ability of the Eclipse Rune," he began, "you’ll need to experiment with it on your own. It’s a tool that will become clearer with practice."

He stepped closer, his tone softening. "Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Arion hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Why didn’t you let the Sixth Sealer inherit your legacy? Why does it have to be me, the Ninth Sealer?"

A faint smile crossed Lyram’s face. "The inheritance can only be passed once, thanks to the Fourth Sealer's ability. My knowledge, my power—they were reserved for you, the Ninth. And as for why," he paused, his voice growing more serious, "it’s because your role is unique. You must fuse the sealing abilities of all nine generations into the ultimate sealing magic. Only this combined power can deal with the strongest immortal monster—the Hundred Heads Immortal Origin Eldritch Dragon."

The name sent a chill through Arion. He stiffened, his hands trembling as the memory of dragons flooded his mind. The thought of confronting the strongest of them all made his voice waver. "I... I understand," he finally said, swallowing hard. "I will do it. Even if I have to face dragons."

Lyram’s smile returned, warmer this time. "I know about the tragedy of your past, O Ninth. Your courage is admirable, Arion. Facing one’s greatest fear is no small feat." He stepped back slightly, observing Arion’s reaction. "Do you have any other questions?"

Arion clasped his hands together and bowed his head. "No, thank you for everything."

The Fifth Sealer nodded. "Then let me offer you some advice." His tone carried the weight of his years of experience. "You must learn to defend yourself against humans. On your journey, some will stand in your way—not monsters, but people. Their motives may vary, but their actions will test you."

At those words, Arion’s mind turned to the kingdom that hunted him. He looked at Lyram, his gaze filled with pity. He had seen of how the Fifth Sealer was betrayed by someone he trusted.

Lyram noticed the look and shook his head firmly. "Don’t pity me," he said. "Instead, don't let my mistakes close your heart. Open your heart to humans. Build allies you can trust. Alone, it’s impossible to defeat all the immortal monsters scattered across the continent. You’ll need people by your side—loyal, capable allies."

Arion nodded, though uncertainty clouded his thoughts. "I... I don’t know how to find people I can trust."

"You’ll learn," Lyram said, his tone reassuring. "But remember this. Allies are crucial. Befriend someone with a Dragon Slayer class. The top five series of immortal monsters always have dragons. You’ll need their strength. Find a powerful healer, someone who can keep you alive when the odds are against you. And lastly, seek out someone whose class specializes in combating humans. They’ll be invaluable in the battles ahead."

Arion absorbed the words, the weight of their importance pressing on him. "I promise. I’ll do that."

Lyram smiled again, satisfied. The grey world around them began to dissolve, the light dimming. "Good luck, Arion. The path ahead is treacherous, but you should not be alone."

The vision faded, and Arion found himself back in the chamber, the echoes of Lyram’s voice lingering in his mind.

The tremors began as soon as the last of the runes dimmed. Arion staggered, bracing himself against the crumbling walls as the cave shuddered. Dust and debris rained down, the once-silent chamber now roaring with the sound of collapsing stone.

Through the chaos, his enhanced [Mana Sight] pulsed with clarity, revealing a faint glimmer of a hidden exit—a narrow passage masked by the shifting stone. He gritted his teeth, forcing his body to move. He squeezed through the passage, the collapsing cave threatening to entomb him with every breath.

Finally, he burst into the open air, collapsing to his knees. The crisp breeze hit his face, sharp and refreshing after the suffocating weight of the cave. His staff glowed faintly, its light flickering like his own waning energy. Arion took a moment to steady himself, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Not far away, Lorien stood on the first entrance with Selva at his side, both watching. The tremors reached them. Lorien folded his arms. “It seems he escaped through another entrance,” he muttered.

Selva glanced at him. “What’s our next move?” she asked, her voice low.

Lorien’s eyes narrowed. “There must be another entrance. Everyone, search for this entrance! I won’t allow him yo escape me again.”

At the base of the hill, Arion straightened. He tightened his grip on his staff, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

“One tomb down,” he muttered, his voice quiet but resolute. “Six to go.”

With a final glance at the distant peaks, Arion set off.