Dominic Eñerforte

"Flash of Merlin."

Arthur blurs into a streak of light, speeding past the smaller golems with impressive agility. I snicker, watching him dash off.

"What a showoff."

NEW QUEST! Quest: Beat the three golems.

Rewards: 70 Stat Points

A new quest pops up on my System interface, and I can't suppress the grin spreading across my face. This is the perfect opportunity to push my 'Basic Gun Arts' to 100% proficiency, advance beyond the beginner level, and finally reach [D+] rank to unlock the new System update.

-Rumble!

The three smaller golems charge at me, their heavy, thunderous steps shaking the ground. Their massive forms might intimidate anyone else, but to me, it's a challenge—one I'm eager to meet.

[Stalwart Advance]

I match their aggression, sprinting forward with determination. Both of 'Galahad's Judgement aim squarely at the advancing threats.

-BANG! BANG! BANG!

-Clank! Clank! Clank!

The golems quickly raise stone shields over their red diamonds, blocking my shots with impressive speed and precision. But I'm not deterred—I keep charging ahead.

The first golem swings a massive fist at me, but I'm ready. I slide between its legs, narrowly evading the crushing blow, and keep moving forward without missing a beat.

The second golem transforms into a stone ball, rolling toward me with terrifying speed. Its sheer momentum could easily flatten anything in its path, but I'm quick on my feet. Aiming 'Galahad's Judgement' downward, I time my leap perfectly.

[Gravity's Gambit]

-BANG! BANG!

Using the recoil, I propel myself high into the air, vaulting over the rolling golem. I land in a smooth roll just as the second golem collides with the first, their massive forms crashing into each other and collapsing into a heap of rubble.

-Rumble!

A looming shadow catches my attention. I spin around to see the third golem, its enormous fist raised high, ready to deliver a crushing blow. Without hesitation, I raise both of 'Galahad's Judgement,' aiming directly at its descending fist.

-Clank!

The clash is intense, my guns meeting the golem's fist with a resounding clang. The force of the impact sends shockwaves through my arms, and I struggle against the overwhelming weight pressing down on me.

-BOOM!

Suddenly, a powerful shockwave erupts, blasting me and the golem across the ground. I tumble uncontrollably, but I manage to regain my footing swiftly, sliding to a stop with both guns still in hand.

-Rumble!

The third golem slowly stands up, its menacing form still towering over me, but my resolve hardened.

I frantically search for the source of the shockwave. It's the largest golem, its massive fist having just slammed into the ground, creating a crater that sends tremors through the chamber.

I scan the area for Arthur, but there's no sign that he exists. Panic claws at my chest. Did he get hit? The thought of him being hurt fills me with dread.

"Arthur!" I call out, my voice echoing anxiously through the vast chamber.

-Rumble!

The ground shakes again, drawing my attention back to the immediate threat. The first and second golems I knocked down earlier are slowly reassembling themselves. Their shattered forms rise from the rubble, their stone bodies reforming with ominous determination.

-Rumble!

The third golem, too, stirs, its massive form pushing itself back to its feet with terrifying resilience.

-Rumble!

But what happens next is beyond anything I could have anticipated. The first two golems, now fully reformed, begin to merge. I watch in disbelief as their bodies meld into a larger, more imposing figure, its new form bearing two glowing red diamonds on its chest—a double threat far more dangerous than before.

-Rumble!

The third golem transforms its own. Its stone limbs and torso twist and reshape, not into another hulking creature but into a massive sword. The red diamond at its center glows ominously, now embedded in the weapon's guard.

The newly fused golem reaches down and picks up the sword with deliberate, almost practiced movements. It takes on a battle stance disturbingly reminiscent of a seasoned warrior, as if this colossal creature of stone is more than just a mindless guardian.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," I mutter, my heart pounding as I watch the golem raise the sword above its head.

Its intent is clear. The strike about to come will be devastating. Sweat trickles down my brow as I brace myself.

"Tch!" I click my tongue in frustration and roll to the side just as the sword comes crashing down.

-BOOM!

The sword's impact on the ground sends a powerful shockwave rippling through the air, obliterating the spot where I stood moments before.

"Activate!"

-Tick-tock!

I activate the 'Chrono Pendant,' and the world around me slows to a crawl as I seize the opportunity, aiming my guns at the red diamond on the sword's guard.

-Bang! Bang! Bang!

The red bullets inch through the air, their path steady and unerring as they move toward their target.

"Deactivate!"

-Chime!

As time returns to normal, the bullets accelerate and strike the diamond precisely.

-Crack!

The impact shatters the diamond, and the sword, now devoid of its magical core, crumbles into a pile of inert rocks, neutralizing its threat.

But the battle isn't over yet. The fused golem, now without its weapon, stands tall and defiant. Its twin red diamonds gleam with renewed intensity as it assesses the situation, ready for the next round.

Without its weapon, the fused golem hesitates, its massive form looming ominously in the dim light of the chamber. The momentary pause makes it seem almost unsure, but uncertainty quickly gives way to rage.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Rahh!"

The golem bellows, charging toward me with unexpected speed and agility.

[Rapid Retaliation]

I instinctively roll to the side, narrowly avoiding its powerful advance. I aim both guns at their heads and fire in one fluid motion.

-Bang! Bang!

-Clank! Clank!

The bullets ricochet off its stone skull harmlessly, barely leaving a scratch on its surface.

-BOOM!

Another shockwave erupts through the chamber. The force of the blast sends me skidding across the floor, my teeth gritted against the pain as I fight to stay upright.

I quickly scan the room and see the massive golem still embedded in the stone floor, its arm lodged deep in the ground. But what draws my attention more is Arthur, slumped against a wall, his body battered, blood trickling down his forehead.

"Arthur!" I shout, my heart pounding with fear as I see him in such a state.

-Rumble!

From the corner of my eye, I see the fused golem charging toward me, its massive form leaping into the air, poised to crush me with its weight.

"Activate!"

Tick-tock!

I trigger 'Chrono Pendant', and the world around me slows to a halt. The golem's leap becomes a slow-motion descent, its trajectory terrifyingly clear.

Seizing the moment, I dart forward, sliding beneath the golem's massive bulk, and aim both guns at the twin red diamonds on its chest.

-Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The bullets spiral through the air in slow motion, their paths precise and unwavering as they zero in on the golem's weak points.

I slide past the golem and spring to my feet, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Deactivate!"

-Chime!

Time returns to normal, and the golem lands heavily on the ground as two sharp cracks echo through the chamber.

-Crack! Crack!

The sound of shattering stones fills the air as my bullets strike home, obliterating the red diamonds embedded in the golem's chest.

For a moment, the golem stands still, its body quivering as the last remnants of its power drain away. Then, with a final, earth-shaking rumble, the creature crumbles to the ground, its once-mighty form reduced to a pile of lifeless rubble.

The fused golem crashes to the ground, sending dust and debris into the air. The sound reverberates through the chamber, marking the end of the battle. I take a moment to steady myself, adrenaline still pumping through my veins as I survey the pile of rubble that once was three formidable golems.

QUEST COMPLETED! You have successfully beaten the three golems!

You have received 70 Stat Points!

A grin spreads across my face as I read the System notification. I feel overwhelmed with accomplishment, knowing I've advanced to the intermediate level in my Basic Gun Arts.

UPGRADE NOTICE You are now intermediate in 'Basic Gun Arts.'

Satisfaction fills me, knowing I've reached a new milestone. Now, all that remains is distributing my newly earned Stat Points into Agility, and I'll finally reach [D+] rank in my physical stats.

WARNING! Overusing ‘Chrono Pendant’ will result in self-destruction!

The System's message startled me. How was it almost depleted of Mana already? I hadn’t used it that much today, right?

Master, the Chrono Pendant still has not fully recovered from your training with Maurice.

It still hasn’t fully recovered? But that was a while ago!

-Bling!

Suddenly, the chamber is flooded with a blinding beam of light. The harsh white glow is so intense that I instinctively raise my hand to shield my eyes.

"W-What's happening?"

!

Before I could piece things together, a chill ran down my spine—a gut feeling. I needed to move.

Without thinking, I leap to the side just as a massive stone spear shoots through the air, large enough to impale me. The force of it slices the air where I had been moments before.

Mid-leap, I watch in horror as the spear’s tip glows bright red, locking onto me like a predator zeroing in on its prey.

The spear curved unnaturally, following me mid-air.

This can’t be happening! It was too fast.

"Doms!" Arthur's voice cuts through the chaos, filled with urgency and fear.

But it's too late.

The stone spear slams into my chest with brutal force, and a sickening crunch echoes through the chamber. The pain is immediate and excruciating, like fire and ice ripping through my flesh. Blood sprays from the wound, splattering the cold stone floor around me.

"Gah!"

I gasp, blood bubbling up from my throat and spilling from my lips. My vision blurs as my strength rapidly drains away, leaving me weak and trembling. The world around me begins to spin, the once solid ground shifting and unstable beneath me.

The spear's impact drives me to my knees. The pain is unlike anything I've ever experienced—sharp, searing, and relentless. My hands instinctively grasp at the spear embedded in my chest, but the rough stone tears at my flesh with every movement.

"Is this... it?"

Despair floods through me, overwhelming and cold. I can't die now. Not here, not like this. I've been given a second chance at life, and it can't end here, in this dark, unforgiving temple.

Images of André and Celine flash through my mind—memories of how they welcomed me into their lives, treating me like their own, despite not knowing the truth: that I'm not the real Dominic. The guilt of pretending to be someone I'm not claws at me, but I can’t help the deep connection I feel to them, a bond that goes beyond my deceit.

And then there's Clark. The thought of leaving him alone in this world to never to see his parents again crushes me. I can't bear the thought of him growing up without ever seeing his real parents.

"I don't want to die... not yet..."

My strength fades, and my vision continues to darken. I slump to the ground, unable to hold myself up any longer.

"D-Doms!"

Through the encroaching darkness, I see Arthur forcing himself to his feet, his face etched with terror and desperation. He runs toward me, drops to his knees beside me, and shakes my shoulder.

"Doms, stay with me!" His voice is filled with panic, a fear I've never seen in him before.

Arthur... what a great friend he's been.

In just a week, he's shown me nothing but kindness and loyalty, things I never expected to find in this world. I don't want to lose that—I don't want to leave him behind. But guilt gnaws at me, a cold, relentless ache in my heart. I'm not Dominic. Arthur deserves to know the truth. He doesn’t deserve to mourn for someone who isn’t truly gone.

"Arthur..." I struggle to speak, my voice weak and trembling. "I've only known you for a week... and you've been a great friend."

"W-What are you trying to say, Doms?" Arthur's voice is a mixture of confusion and worry, his eyes searching mine for answers.

"T-Thank you, Arthur, for the... one week of friendship." My eyelids grow heavy, and I feel them closing despite my efforts to keep them open.

"H-Hey, Doms! Stay with me! I'll carry us out of here!" Arthur pleads, his voice breaking with emotion.

"...You don't... have to..." I whisper, my voice barely audible.

A bitter realization claws at me—maybe none of this would have happened if I had just stayed away from this temple, accepted my fate as a Manaless, and sought refuge in Aurelior...

...

...

...

Refuge... in Aurelior, huh?

In the future, according to the web novel, Umbrascourge would unleash chaos upon Sylvestria. The capital cities, like Aurelior, boast the strongest magical defenses, comparable to [SS] rank Magicians. If I had gone there, maybe I wouldn’t be in this mess.

...

...

Ahh... what a fool I've been. Why did I focus so much on becoming stronger when I could have relied on others to protect me? I was so obsessed with gaining power that I forgot there were other ways to survive—ways that didn’t involve putting myself in mortal danger.

But now, it’s too late.

WARNING! BODY IS SEVERELY DAMAGED.

COMMENCING HEALING THE BODY…

TEMPORARILY TRANSFERRING MIND AND SOUL…

The System's notification flashes before my eyes as the darkness creeps in, but I can’t focus on it. My vision continues to dim, the edges fading into blackness until there's nothing left.

Finally, the pain becomes too much to bear, and my world goes dark.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

I slowly open my eyes, blinking against the dim light seeping through a familiar leaky ceiling. The sight jolts me, and I abruptly sit up from the worn futon where I lay.

Glancing around, I recognize the shabby contours of the old apartment from my previous life. The faded wallpaper, the creaking floorboards—it's all unmistakably real and achingly familiar.

"Don't tell me it was… a dream?" I murmur to myself, a mix of confusion and disbelief settling in.

If it was a dream, it was undeniably the most vivid and detailed I've ever experienced. Every moment in Sylvestria, every emotion, felt as real as the air I'm breathing now. The warmth of André and Celine's home, the friendship with Arthur and Lumi, and even the fear of that final battle all echoed in my mind as if I lived it.

Shaking slightly, I swing my legs off the futon and stand up. My movements feel automatic as I walk to a dusty mirror propped against the wall. The reflection that stares back is unmistakably Clark Williams—my former self, not Dominic, the persona I had come to know in what now seems to be an unbelievable dream.

I reach up and pinch my cheeks, wincing at the sharp pain that confirms I'm indeed awake and not dreaming at that moment.

"So, everything in Sylvestria was a dream…"